Chettinad: Explore The “Land Of Chettiars”!

Chettinad Situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad is one of the best holiday destinations for explorers. Around the state, it is one of the prime tourist locations for several kinds of outings. Chettinad tourism will enable you to discover the rich heritage, grand architecture, and striking art.

Being the kind of place full of rich cultural backdrop, spicy and exotic cuisine, and memorable specimens of Dravidian architecture evident everywhere across, Chettinad has always been great among visitors since ever recorded. 

In addition, Chettinad entails a cluster of 96 surrounding villages with Karaikudi as the foremost town. The region is registered by the prosperous Nattukotai Chettiar community of businessmen and bankers who stay during the 19^th and early 20^th century mansions.

Chettinad is a foodies’ paradise, and at the same period, a fascination for every visitor who wants to discover ancient India, its traditions, simple lifestyle, and culture preserved conceitedly within the families. Below we have listed a few best places to visit in Chettinad.

Best Places To Visit In Chettinad

The magnificent days of the Chettiar community are the attraction of visiting Chettinad. The traditional bungalows are appealing tourist attractions that assist to understand the simple, yet classy life of the wealthy trading community. 

Museums in Chettinad – The Kamban Mani Mandapam and the Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandapam, constructed in honor of late poet-laureates have an astonishing assortment. Artifacts, clothing, traditional jewelry, huge copper vats, and grain bins take you to the olden days. 

Chettinadu Mansion

The most imperative tourist attractions of Chettinad are its mansions. The complex design, elaborately decorated, and exclusive feature of the Chettinad mansions makes them a class distinct. In addition, the snuggled in Kanadukathan, Chettinadu Mansion is a great heritage resort in Tamil Nadu.

The well-preserved heritage resort is the best place to witness the lifestyle of the residuals of Chettinad. The Chettinadu mansion has old-age charisma and architecture intact. The mansion proposes an unforgettable and comfortable stay for visitors. 

Pillaiyarpatti

Also denotes as Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar Temple is an ancient rock-cut cave temple, devoted to Lord Ganesha in Tamil Nadu. On the basis of Agama texts on stone inscriptions, the beautiful temple dates back between 1091 and 1238 B.C.

Moreover, the divinity of Karpaka Vinayakar, the temple also has pictures of Shiva and other gods. In Tamil Nadu, it is the only temple that has a 6 feet rock-cut picture of Vinayaka. Vinayaka Chaturthi is the major festival hosted at the temple. 

Vairavanpatti

Also named Vadukanthapuram and Vairavanpatti Temple, Arulmigu Sri Vairavar Swamy Temple is a 500-year-old temple in Tamil Nadu. Devoted to Lord Shiva in the form of Bairava Sthalams, the beautiful temple is carried owing to importance by the Chettiar community.

Reckoned amongst Ashta Bairava Sthalams, the temple features astonishing sculptures, cravings, and paintings.

The beautiful temple has Swayambu Lingam better known as Valarolinidhar and Goddess Vadivudai Ammai. In all, the beautiful temple is a great specimen of Tamil architecture. 

Chettinad Palace

In the Sivaganga region of Tamil Nadu, the Chettinad Palace can be found, as a stunning illustration of the traditional building of the Chettinad individuals. In 1912, this imposing structure was built, and it is embellished with decorative elements that have been sourced from all across the world.

Besides checking out its palatial homes and opulent palaces, the city has a lot to propose. have a look at some of the best tourist attractions in Chettinad that will carry you a glimpse into its vibrant culture and heritage. 

Chettinad Palace also known as chettiar mansion is located at Kanadukathan in chettinad region.There can be no better way to experience the rich culture and history of the Chettiyars than to visit the palace.
#tamilnadutourism #tourismmonth2018 #chettinadpalace #travellife pic.twitter.com/Hu8IVyouC4

— Tamil Nadu Tourism (@tntourismoffcl) September 4, 2018

Mathur Temple

This location of worship is dedicated to the god Lord Periyanayaki. Based on the different historical documents, the beautiful temple probably dates back nearly 1500 years. Due to its one-of-a-kind structure and fine craftsmanship, this astonishing temple has become a better-known destination for those looking to link with the supernatural. 

The elaborate inscriptions and carvings on the exterior of the temple are breathtaking. Hence, the entryway to the beautiful temple is humbling, and fascinating, representing themes from the lives of Gods and humans.

In addition, the interiors of the temple are just as astonishing as their exterior. The temple is festooned with intricate colorful sculptures that are probably to take your breath away. 

Ilayathangudi

Chettinad is popular for its 7 magnificent festivals. It is one of them. This is a common and beautiful temple among 9 villages situated across Karaikudi. Situated 25 km from the village, it is the initial clan temple of the area.

The temple ground is supposed to be the resting ground of the Lords. When the Lords traveled through this location several centuries ago, it is thought that the beautiful temple premises served as a location for them to stop and relax while they were there. It is a popular Karaikudi tourist location. 

Velangudi

Nearly 10 km south of Karaikudi is another ancestral temple better known as the Velangudi Temple. The “Vela” trees native to this location inspired the naming of this beautiful temple as well.

Worshipers of this temple number just nearly 200 individuals, and it is astonishing that their numbers have remained stable at that level for the last century. 

Soorakudi

On the outskirts of the city, the Soorakudi temple is nearly 10 km from Karaikudi on the road to Kanadukathaan and the Chettinad railway station. The astonishing temple gets its title from the Soorai Shrub, a medicinal plant that rises here.

The astonishing temple takes stimulation from the Soorai shrubs, a species that rises here for its therapeutic properties. In this temple, there are 10 vimanas and 2 gopurams. The sculptures, specifically the statues of the divinity, are exquisitely ornamented and carefully carved with complex details.

With high respect, the individuals around here hold these sculptures, and they think the sculptures possess mystical abilities. 

Iraniyur Temple

On the road leading to Pillaiyarapatti, Iraniyur Temple can be found and is nearly 25 kilometers from Karaikudi, is home to one of the most astonishing statues of Nataraja, also better known as the dancing Shiva, which dates back to the 12^th century.

The beautiful temple is filled with astonishing paintings, presented in 2 distinct segments inside the building throughout its 2 reconstructions. 

Athmanathaswamy Temple

During the 10^th century, the Athmanathaswamy temple is built and popular tourist lure. The divinity worshipped here is Lord Shiva. The walls of this astonishing temple are heavily decorated with paintings and inscriptions.

The interiors of the temple, which have been kept intact for all these years are astonishing. The roof of this temple is made of granite. 

Best Time To Visit Chettinad

The place has a number of antique temples and palaces which allure individuals from all over. Chettinad experiences an enormously hot climate throughout summers and a cool climate throughout winters. However, to visit this place, the best time is from October to March.

How To Reach Chettinad? 

Chettinad is well-linked to different parts of Tamil Nadu. Situated in an attractive district named Sivaganga, Chettinad can be reached conveniently. It doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport to Chettinad is Tiruchirappalli. From Tiruchirappalli airport, you can rent a taxi up to Chettinad. One can also board a train and arrive at Chettinad.

By air: All the domestic flights aid the Madurai airport. There are regular flights to and from the city from all of India’s major cities, making air travel an expedient and quick choice for getting there. In order to go to Chettinad from Madurai, you may utilize either a road or a rail. 

By train: The city’s prime connection to the rest of India’s widespread rail network is the Chettinad Railway Station. To get to your space from the train station, you may either take a private taxi, cab, or bus.

By road: Chettinad is easily linked to other foremost Indian cities and states by well-maintained state and national roadways. The city’s road network is outstanding, providing quick admittance to other foremost centers in Tamil Nadu and beyond. 

Conclusion 

Situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad vitrines the rich art and cultural inheritance of Tamil Nadu. A Tour to Chettinad will be an enormously enriching experience for the explorers as the place is full of rich cultural heritage, interesting food, and extraordinary specimens of Dravidian architecture. Chettinad is better known for its mansions, temples, and gastronomic delicacies. 

In addition, the place is very much around India, but it dances to its tunes. There are several temples, palaces, museums, eccentric food, and everything else you will wish for in a vacation. This location will still stay in your memory for its unbelievable history and truly unforgettable experience.

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