Chettinad Cuisine

Karaikudi is the main city in the Chettinad region. This tourist destination in Tamil Nadu is one of the lesser-known and unexplored regions of the state that hold great significance in the history of the Chettiar people. One can easily find themselves lost in the tranquility of the Chettinad region while witnessing the divine aura lingering in and around this place.

Ideal for a 2 days trip from Bangalore this offbeat place is a perfect destination to escape the chaos and enter a realm of tranquility. Due to its unpopularity, you can find this place uncommercialized and welcoming. Get ready to witness the unscathed beauty of the rich cultural heritage and originality of this place while you savor some of the most sought-after Chettinad delicacies that are popular globally.

This offbeat destination comes with an interesting history having forged its history with ancient kingdoms, calamities, and divinity. Allow us to walk you through the origin story of the Chettinad region. 

Chettiars were a wealthy community that existed in the Chola empire. They were scattered by a deadly tsunami which made them relocate to a much drier land. What is now called the Shivganga and Pudukottai districts of Tamil Nadu. 78 villages make up these two districts out of which Karaikudi is where you want to be.

What to do in Karaikudi?

The Mansions of Chettinad

After going through hardships better days awaited the Chettiars. Thanks to their street smartness and profound business intelligence, they were able to establish trade links with countries like Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. By the early 20th century, chettiars got super rich by trading in gemstones, textiles, spices, and lending money.

These opulent mansions spread across Karaikudi are a direct reflection of their wealth at that time. Some of them were made with premium material imported from Burma, Italy, and Germany. The architecture of these mansions defines the affluent lifestyle and social status of the chettiars. These mansions come with courtyards and intricate design elements such as beautifully carved wooden doors and fabulous tile works.

The good news is that some of these mansions have been converted into heritage hotels with top-notch hospitality where one can book a suite to witness the grandeur personally.  

While you are here, you may want to check out these fabulous heritage hotels that give a truly Chettinad experience. These resorts offer great Chettinad food and benevolent hospitality. The Bangala, Chettinadu Mansion, Chidambara Vilas, Chola Heritage, and Sarath Vilas are some of the luxurious options if you decide to stay here.

Savour Chettinad Cuisine

Chicken Chettinad is a globally renowned dish known for its fiery heat and bold flavors. You can get a first-hand experience of the original Chettinad taste, this place is a foodie’s delight. Visit some famous food joints to savor the OG Chettinad Cuisine.

Athangudi Palace

Athangudi is a village 13 Km from Karaikudi. This village is special for two reasons. First, the world-famous handmade terracotta tiles and the Athangudi Palace. The tiles are quite popular for their superior craftsmanship, intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and sheer durability. No wonder you will find them quite commonly in palaces and grand mansions to beautify them. A part of Athangudi Palace is open for public entry. Do visit this palace while you are here, to witness the Chettinad experience in all its glory.

Revisit your Spirituality

The chettiars were a spiritually sound community. This is evident by the existence of hundreds of temples across the region. These temples are also a testament to the chettiars’ architectural prowess. Ginormous temples designed in a Chettinad-y style are something you don’t want to miss.

Here are some of the popular spiritual tourist attractions in Chettinad - Pillayar Kovil, Nagara Sivan Kovil, Pillayarpatti Temple, Kannathal Temple, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Vairavan Kovil, KundraKudi Murugan Temple, Krishnamurthy Perumal Kovil

The above-listed spots are some popular destinations in and around Karaikudi. Based on the duration of your stay at Karaikudi you can check out some more tourist spots like the Alagappa Chettiar Museum, Chettinad Vintage Museum, Thirumayam Fort, and go antiques and saree shopping. 

Let's plan your trip to Karaikudi from Bangalore

Distance from Bangalore: 430 Km

You can choose to travel by road or rail as this region is well connected and makes for a good road trip for people traveling from Bangalore. Exist Bangalore from the Electronic City end crossing Hosur and Krishnagiri and continuing onto NH44.

If you are not a motorhead and prefer to travel effortlessly you may choose from private as well as government transportation services or you can make your Karaikudi trip memorable by renting a cab or minibus from Tejas Tours and Travels.

Rent a chauffeur-driven vehicle Tejas Tours and Travels offers a wide range of transportation options on rent. If luxury cars are your taste, we can have them at your doorstep in no time. Looking for a more practical option like an SUV, we have them too.

You don’t have to worry even if you are traveling with a bigger group. Bus RentalBus booking for trip will be taken care of by Tejas Tours and Travels. With an active fleet of both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses of various sizes. All are driven by professional, experienced, and friendly chauffeurs. We can assure you one of the Bus Rentalbest bus tour packages.

You can ask for a chauffeur with a specific language skill set. We believe in providing quality in every sense at a pocket-friendly price. With Tejas Tours and Travels, you can travel safely and comfortably to Karaikudi without breaking the bank.   

Embark on a memorable trip to Karaikudi, where history, cuisine, and spirituality intertwine for a cultural adventure like no other. Witness the grandeur of the Chettiar community in person while you go mansion-hopping in the streets of Karaikudi. Don’t forget to take your tastebuds for a fiery ride, visit the local Chettinad restaurants. Karaikudi also tells a tale of craftsmanship that is highly sought-after across the country and the presence of divinity deeply rooted in the culture of Chettinad.

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