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Chettinadu region is
known to be home of the Chettiar families, one of the richest business
communities of South India and now having spread wings all over India
and South East Asia.
Old Chettiar Families built large homes known as Nattukottai means
home/local fort which have an amazing array of antique furniture,
traditional feel and exquisite architecture.
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Chettinad,
homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business
community, seems to live and breathe history.
Visalam is a 72 yr old Chettinad mansion restored to its
original state with woodworks and masonry.
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The exterior is
wonderfully made with a mix of Art decor, South Indian and Colonial
styles. Interiors are designed with ethnic look with artistic woodwork
furniture, doors etc and old carvings.
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Visalam has 15
heritage rooms
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The famed Chettinad cuisine
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Since early 2000 Chettinad region has come to be known for few homestays
that were converted out of Nattukottai.
These formed a very interesting luncheon stopovers
(Where Chettinad Meals are served in traditional fashion) on the
Thanjavur-Madurai Route and also a good stay option for those who want
to savour the experience for a little longer.
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Experience
the Chettiar lifestyle. Excursions around the historic town with its
temples and artisans' workshops.
Southern Tamil Nadu is a place where one can see
people living in cultural rhythms, masterworks of Tamil literature and
great temples of Madurai.
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Karaikudi is visited as a part of a
Heritage Tamil Nadu Itinerary.
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Seasons:
Jan - Mar: These months are cool (well, 28-34 C) and dry.
Apr - May: Peak summer.
June - Aug: These are the Monsoon (rainy) months. In ayurveda, this is
considered a specially good time for healing.
Sept - Dec: A pleasant and dry period, usually the main tourist season.
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Sight Seeing
Activities: All places of interest are within 35 km of Karaikudi.
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Visit village market
at Chandor (Mondays in Karaikudi) for palmyra leaf, basket weaving
cotton weaves and see & taste fresh and dried produce from farms and
sea.
Raja Chettined mansion.
9 major Saivite Temples.
Pandye-era general Veerapandyan
kottabomman’s fort.
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Firestones and
Statues at the rock cut caves of Siddannavasal - (about 25-30 km from
karaikudi).
Azhagu mess on mayappan ambalam street for traditional chettinad food.
Karaikudi’s Muniswaran kovil street has several antique shops selling
stuff; from local home furniture, lots of bric-a-brac, glass objects,
art works.
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