Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
Ilayathangudi
Pillaiyarpatti
Chettinad Palace
Chettinad Museum

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Murugan Temple
Kanadukathan Chettinadu Palace entrance - chettinadu architecture.
Inside of a typical chettinadu house - chettinadu architecture.
Rooftop of a typical chettinadu house - chettinadu architecture.
Dining hall inside a chettinadu house - chettinadu architecture.
Chettinad cuisine.

Chettinad

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Tamil Nadu India
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25 out of 55 Places to visit in Tamil Nadu
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Chettinad Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: November to March Read More

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"Palaces, Places of Worship and Palates"

Chettinad Tourism

Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad Showcases the rich heritage, striking art and grand architecture of the state. Apart from being known as a temple town, the Chettinad Cuisine is the most renowned in the repertoire of Tamil Nadu. The word "Chetti" is a Sanskrit term meaning wealth. It is derived from the original traders of the region who dealt in salt and spices for marbles and other decorative items used in the construction of their properties. It has an elaborately vibrant culture and an over the top extortionate township comprising of ridiculously opulent mansions, palatial homes, magnificent temples and fascinating museums.

Chettinad comprises mainly a town known as Karaikudi and a cluster of 96 surrounding villages. The city has, perhaps, the most elaborate and rich culture and some truly fascinating traditions. The place is very much in India, but it dances to its tunes. There are temples, palaces, museums, fantastic food and everything else you will wish for in a vacation. This place will still stay in your memory for its incredible history and the truly memorable experience.

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Places To Visit In Chettinad

Chettinad Palace

Chettinad Palace
Chettinad Museum

Chettinad Museum
Chettinadu Mansion

Chettinadu Mansion
Vairavanpatti

Vairavanpatti
Ilayathangudi

Ilayathangudi
Karpaka Vinayakar Temple

Karpaka Vinayakar Temple
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Chettinad Travel Packages

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9 Days / 8 Nights

South India Delight Package

Chennai(0N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Kumbakonam(1N) → Chettinad(2N) → Madurai(1N) → Chennai(1N)

$ 481
7% off
$444/person
16 Days / 15 Nights

South India Heritage and Nature Tour: Chennai t...

Chennai(2N) → Pondicherry(2N) → Tanjore(2N) → Chettinad(1N) → Madurai(2N) → Thekkady(3N) → Alleppey(1N) → Kochi(2N)

$2,395/person
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History

The tiny tinsel town of Chettinad is a reflection of its glorious ancient past. The origin began in the early 13th century when the tribe called Nattukotai Chettiars settled in the region due to a massive flood in their original settlement. This land came to be known as Chettinad (Land of Chettiars) in 1947 which was just a cluster of 96 villages, 74 of which still exist today. The Chettiars are considered to be banking legends who were flourishing traders. They traded salt and spices for construction materials and furnishing items which explain its elaborate architecture. These mansions can still be seen till date, some of which have been converted into luxury hotels.

Restaurants and Local Food in Chettinad

Unlike a lot of other places that offer indulgence to your eyes, Chettinad also teases your palate. Some of South India's most celebrated and rare dishes come from this region. The chief among them are Ukkarai, Kandarappam, Karupatti Paniyaram, Kavanarisi, Pal Paniyaram, Thenkuzhal and Seepu seedai among many others. Another very popular dish of the region is the 'Chicked Chettinad'.
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Suggested Itinerary for Chettinad

Day 1: Start your day with some spirituality. Explore the temples of Chettinad. First, go to Vairavan Kovil Temple. Then visit Karpaga Vinayakar temple. You can also head towards Kundrakudi Murugan temple.
Day 2: Visit the grand Chettinad Palace which was constructed in 1912. Karaikudi is around 10 km away Chettinad Palace.
Day 3: Go on an eating spree in Chettinad. Visit a few restaurants and taste the authentic Chettinad cuisine. As Chettinad's chicken is quite famous, go to a non-vegetarian restaurant to get your fix.
Day 4: Shop at the local market of Chettinad and buy some souvenirs. Get ready to bid farewell to the lovely town of Chettinad.

Best Time to Visit Chettinad

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How to Reach Chettinad

How to Reach Overview

Chettinad is well-connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu. Located in a beautiful district called Sivaganga, Chettinad can be reached easily. It doesn't have any airport. The nearest airport to Chettinad is at Tiruchirappalli. From Tiruchirappalli airport, you can get a taxi up to Chettinad. You can also board a train and reach Chettinad.

How to reach Chettinad by flight

Since Chettinad has no airport of its own, you have to rely on the nearby cities to reach Chettinad through airways. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli airport, and it is around 20 km away from Chettinad. Another close airport to Chettinad is Madurai International Airport. Direct taxis to Chettinad are available from both the cities.

How to reach Chettinad by road

Chettinad is connected to various cities of Tamil Nadu through roadways. Chettinad's roads are well-maintained, so you can drive there easily. Taxi service to Chettinad is available from the major cities of Tamil Nadu. Buses are also available from cities like Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. You can reach to Chettinad through bus within a few hours.

How to reach Chettinad by train

Chettinad has a good system of railways. Chettinad Railway station is connected to railway stations of various other cities. The nearest railway station is Tiruchirapalli Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi to reach Chettinad. Bus and train services are also available from Tiruchirappalli.

Local transport in Chettinad

Travelling around the area is not a problem. Though Chettinad is a small town, cabs and buses are easy to find. Regular buses run to and from the city. As for intra city commuting, taxis are easy to find. If you don’t find one at your hotel, a lot of taxis, autos or rickshaws can be hired outside any of the temples.

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Nearby Destinations for Packages

Madurai

Thanjavur

Kodaikanal

Munnar

Ooty

Pondicherry

Trichy

Alleppey

Rameshwaram

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Chettinad Photos

Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
Ilayathangudi
Pillaiyarpatti
Chettinad Palace

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FAQs on Chettinad

What is famous about Chettinad?

Reflects the heritage of South India through ancient palaces. Gorgeous architecture and structure of the buildings. Has beautiful temples for the spiritual retreat. Authentic Chettinad cuisine to satisfy your taste buds. Good connectivity with the major cities of Tamil Nadu.

What is not so good about Chettinad?

Chettinad has no airport. Limited options are available in terms of food items. Small town with a few options for sightseeing. Not an all-weather tourist spot.

Who should visit Chettinad?

Chettinad is for those people who like to explore the ancient side of India. If you are interested in visiting the palaces of the bygone era and learn about the heritage and architectural style of South India, you must visit Chettinad. It is also a good place for religious people, as Chettinad has some beautiful temples with great significance.

What is the best time to visit Chettinad?

Chettinad attracts a lot of tourists because of its spellbinding palaces, wide stretches of greenery and beautiful temples. The best season to visit Chettinad is winters. The temperature is cool during this month, and you get to explore Chettinad in all its magnificence. During the summers, the temperature gets high. Due to sweating and dehydration, you might feel nauseous. The season of monsoon is high on humidity, so it is very difficult to stay fresh and active in this season.
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What is the local food in Chettinad?

Unlike a lot of other places that offer indulgence to your eyes, Chettinad also teases your palate. Some of South India's most celebrated and rare dishes come from this region. The chief among them are Ukkarai, Kandarappam, Karupatti Paniyaram, Kavanarisi, Pal Paniyaram, Thenkuzhal and Seepu seedai among many others. Another very popular dish of the region is the 'Chicked Chettinad'.
Read More

What is the best way to reach Chettinad?

Chettinad is well-connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu. Located in a beautiful district called Sivaganga, Chettinad can be reached easily. It doesn't have any airport. The nearest airport to Chettinad is at Tiruchirappalli. From Tiruchirappalli airport, you can get a taxi up to Chettinad. You can also board a train and reach Chettinad.
Read More

What are the things to do in Chettinad?

The top things to do in Chettinad are Chettinad Palace, Chettinad Museum, Chettinadu Mansion, Vairavanpatti, Ilayathangudi, Pillaiyarpatti. You can see all the places to visit in Chettinad here

What are the places near Chettinad?

The top places near to Chettinad are Pondicherry which is 128 km from Chettinad, Velankanni which is located 8 km from Chettinad, Mayiladuthurai which is located 44 km from Chettinad, Thanjevur which is located 78 km from Chettinad, Tranquebar which is located 29 km from Chettinad

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Chettinad Reviews

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Pallavi Siddhanta

6 years ago
- There is a very unique history of each temple in Chettinad. So on your visit, be sure to talk to the priest or a caretaker. Their tales will surely fascinate you.

Unni Krish

on Pillaiyarpatti 6 years ago
One of the special temples should visit at least once in our lifetime.
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