CHETTINAD

Chettinad is a region of the Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu state. Karaikudi is known as the cultural capital of Chettinad which includes Karaikudi and other villages nearby. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a prosperous banking and business community.

Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture. It is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions.

Originally built by early Tamil dynasties like the Cholas, the temples of Chettinad stand testimony to the spiritual beliefs of its denizens. Scattered over the whole place, each temple has its own tank called oorani where water lilies are grown and used for holy rituals. Even today much of Chettinad's daily tidings are centered around the festivities of the temple. Among the many famous temples are Vairavan Kovil temple, Karpaga Vinayakar temple, Kundrakudi Murugan temple, Kottaiyur Sivan temple and Kandanur Sivan temple.

The palatial mansions, makes Chettinad a place of rare charm, and a must visit destination. The major towns in Chettinad are Karaikudi, Pallathur, Athangudi, and Kothamangalam.The largest town in the Chettinad area is Karaikudi.
 

How to reach Chettinad?
 

How to Reach Chettinad by Air?
The nearest airport is Madurai airport, 85 kilometers away.

How to Reach Chettinad by Rail?
Trains that run from Chennai to Rameshwaram stop at Karaikudi.

How to Reach Chettinad by Road?
There are frequent and direct bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla, Chamba and Manali. Taxis for Dharamshala are available at both places from Pathankot the drive takes about three hours. Drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur takes about 8 hours.
 

Distance from Karaikudi (Chettinad)
 

Karaikudi to Bangalore - 475 km      Karaikudi to Chennai - 415 km

Road Route map to Karaikudi

From Bangalore (475 km)
From Bangalore, take the Hosur road and proceed to Salem (via Hosur – Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri). From Salem, there are two options:
 

a) Via Namakkal - Kulithalai – Lalgudi – Karimangalam – Thottiyam – Musiri – Trichy - towards Thanjavur - Pudukottai- Thirumayam - Karaikudi.

b) Via Karur – Dindigul – Natham – Tirupattur and Karaikudi.
 

From Chennai (415 km)

From Chennai one has to drive towards Trichy via Chengalpattu – Tindivanam. From Trichy, take the road to Pudukottai – Thirumayam - Karaikudi

Must See in Chettinad

Karaikudi - Karaikudi is located in Sivagangai district between Thiruchirapalli - Rameswaram High road The famous temple Pillaiyar Patti is 12 kms away from Karaikudi. The city is known for Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, also known as Shiva temple which has 108 statues of Ganapathi. In the North-east of Karaikudi is Muthu Pattinam which is known for Muthu Mariamman Temple. At the centre is Kallukatti where the famous temple Koppudaiamman is located.

Chettinad Palace - The Chettinad Palace located at Kanadukathaan, built in 1912 is open to visitors. It symbolises the exquisiteness of architectural marvels with Burma teak, granite pillars, stained glass and imported Italian tiles used. It also has “Vittam', or the inner pillared courtyard.

Koviloor - At a distance of 4 km is the ancient Shiva Temple.

Kundrakudi - At a distance of 9 km lies the Arulmigu Murugan Temple.

Pillaiyar patti - At a distance of 12 km lies the Karpaga Vinayagar Temple.

Tamil Nadu Holiday Packages

Royal Tamil Nadu(14 days)	Tamil Nadu with Kerala (21 days)
Tamil Nadu with Karnataka (16 days)	Tamil Nadu Temple Tour (16 days)
Tamil Nadu Cultural Tour (19 days)	Six Abodes of Lord Muruga Tour (7 days)