The essence of Chettinad in three days
€1390
per person
For three days, let yourself be captivated by the charm Chettinad, a region where time seems to stand still. We invite you on an intimate exploration of its treasures: sumptuous palaces, surprising temples, delicious gastronomy, and ancestral crafts.
Welcome to Chettinad, a hidden gem of southern India. Far from the crowds and the beaten track, this exceptional land invites you on a timeless journey. For three days, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Chettiar merchants, a once-prosperous community of traders who displayed their success by building the famous “palaces” of Chettinad.
Stay in one of their magnificently restored palaces, which tell a story of wealth and refinement. As you explore, you’ll discover the soul of Chettinad through its treasures: majestic architecture, intensely flavored cuisine, the delicate art of Athangudi tiles and traditional weavers, not to mention the serenity of the Ayyanar temples.
This trip is an ode to the architecture, culture, and traditions of a region of singular beauty.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is for history, architecture, and Hinduism enthusiasts.
When is the best time to travel to Tamil Nadu?
From October to March
As each trip is tailor-made, the price indicated is an estimate. Your final quote will depend on your choices, such as hotel category, number of participants, vehicle type, and time of year. We will provide you with a personalized (and free) quote after discussing your preferences in detail.
THIS STAY INCLUDES (for 2 people):
- Stay in a double room in a heritage 4* hotel
- All breakfasts
- 1 lunch and dinner featuring Chettinad cuisine
- 1 introduction to Chettinad cuisine
- 1 guided cycle ride
- 1 Baratha Nathyam dance recital
- All transportation by Toyota Innova Crysta with private driver (all expenses included)
- Local English-speaking guide for 3 days
- 24/7 concierge service, we are in constant contact with you you.
THE TRIP PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Monument entrance fees
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Any arrangements not included in the initial program
- Any personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Anything not mentioned in “included”
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For three days, let yourself be enchanted by the discreet charm of Chettinad, a region where time seems to have stood still. An invitation to an intimate exploration of its treasures: sumptuous palaces, surprising temples, spicy gastronomy and ancestral crafts
3 days
Day 1
Arrival in Kothamangalam > Installation > Kanadukathan Village
Vanakkam, welcome to Chettinad!
Check-in at your heritage 4-star hotel in Kothamangalam.
Lunch at the hotel, enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine.
*
In the afternoon, visit Kanadukathan, 4 km away:- The Chettiar Mansions: Kanadukathan's main attraction is its streets lined with sumptuous mansions. Stroll around and admire the facades, which blend local, Indian, and European architectural influences (particularly Art Deco and Neoclassical). Some houses are open for tours or have been converted into hotels, allowing visitors to discover their luxurious interiors, with their inner courtyards, teak pillars, and imported tiles.
- Traditional weaving, especially its brightly colored Chettinad cotton saris.
- Walk through the village: Kanadukathan's urban planning, with its wide, organized streets, is an experience in itself. A simple stroll will allow you to discover the peaceful and unique atmosphere of the place.
*
Special dinner in the eveningDay 2
Cycle ride > Cooking workshop > Athangudi village
Today, start your day with a peaceful one-hour bike ride around the hotel. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and interact with the locals.
*
Then around 11:00 a.m., a Chettinad cooking class awaits you at the hotel to introduce you to the aromas and techniques for which the region is renowned.*
In the afternoon, explore the village of Athangudi: you will visit Athangudi Palace, a magnificent historic residence that combines Chettinad architecture with European influences. Afterward, watch artisans making the famous colorful Athangudi tiles, handcrafted in a local workshop.Day 3
Mystical Chettinad: Ayyannar Shrines and Dravidian Temples
Beyond its architecture and cuisine, Chettinad reveals a fascinating mystical side. It is also a land of deep faith, where spirituality manifests itself in two distinct and captivating ways:
- Ayyanar Temples: These rustic shrines are dedicated to the village's patron deity and are famous for the terracotta statues of horses and other animals that surround them. These colorful figures, donated by the villagers, create a mystical and fascinating atmosphere, witnessing ancestral rituals.
- Dravidian Temples: Chettinad is also home to remarkable Dravidian temples, testimonies to the sacred art of Tamil Nadu. Among them, the Kundrakudi Temple, dedicated to Murugan, is a magnificent example of rock-cut architecture. Built on a hill, it not only offers panoramic views of the region, but also features intricately carved sculptures and rock-cut shrines.
*
Your day will conclude with a private Bharatanatyam recital, an opportunity to discover the precise movements and profound expressions of this classical Indian dance in complete privacy.