Places To Visit In Chettinad

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  • Filter (13)
  • Temple (8)
  • Forts & Palaces (3)
  • Historical Site (1)
  • Museum (1)

1. Chettinad Palace

Chettinad Palace
Top Attraction 4.1 /5

14 km
from city center
1 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, the majestic architecture of Chettinad Palace is a beautiful example of the indigenous Chettinad architecture. Adorned with embellishments from all over the world, this mighty edifice dates back to the year 1912. The construction style of the palace also reflects some European influence, which only adds to the regal beauty of the palace.

2. Chettinad Museum

Chettinad Museum
Top Attraction 3.4 /5

21 km
from city center
2 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

The Chettinad Museum offers a captivating journey into the Chettiar way of life. Housed within a traditional Chettiar home, the museum spans multiple floors and features captivating displays capturing the essence of Chettinad's bygone era. Situated a short drive from the charming town of Kanadukathan, the Chettinad Museum offers an uncluttered layout, allowing visitors to stroll through the exhibits with ease.

3. Chettinadu Mansion

Chettinadu Mansion

14 km
from city center
3 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Highlights: Recreational Activities, Taste the Chettinad (Read More)Cuisine, Explore Kanadukathan Village

Chettinadu Mansion is a heritage resort located in Kanadukathan which is over 100 years old and has been opened to the public as a resort for quite some years now. It is still a very well maintained heritage resort and is a perfect place for the ones who wish to experience the bygone times of Chettinad.

4. Vairavanpatti

Vairavanpatti
Top Attraction 3.5 /5

15 km
from city center
4 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Highlights: Vairavanswamy Temple, The Majestic Horse Stat (Read More)ue, Kannappa Nainar's Tale, Musical Pillars of Dakshniamurthy, Ceiling Paintings

Vairavanpatti, nestled in Tamil Nadu's Sivagangai district, is a quaint town renowned for the Vairavanswamy temple, the third-largest Shiva temple maintained by the Nagarathar Chettiars. With origins dating back to the 8th century, the temple boasts a transition from a mud structure to a splendid stone edifice in the 18th century, adorned with captivating sculptures and paintings depicting Puranic tales.

5. Ilayathangudi

Ilayathangudi
Top Attraction 3.5 /5

8 km
from city center
5 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Nestled near Tirupathur in the picturesque Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Ilayathangudi stands as a cultural gem, celebrated for its spiritual significance and historical charm. At the heart of this village lies the Kailasanathar Nithyakalyani Temple, a revered sanctuary that holds a special place among the nine temples esteemed by the Chettinad Nagarathar community.

6. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple

Karpaka Vinayakar Temple
Top Attraction 4.1 /5

69 km
from city center
6 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Highlights: Pillaiyarpaati Festivals

Named after the Lord Ganesha, the small town of Pillaiyarpatti is famous for the Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayakar Temple dedicated to the Hindu deity of knowledge and wisdom. In Tamil, Pillaiyar refers to Ganesha. The ancient rock-cut temple is a majestic testament to early Pandyan architecture, and the temple is said to have undergone three stages of growth throughout its history.

7. Soorakudi

Soorakudi
3.1 /5

15 km
from city center
7 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

The Soorakudi temple is on the outskirts of the city, about 10 km from Karaikudi on the road to Kanadukathaan and the Chettinad railway station. The beautiful temple gets its name from the Soorai shrub, a medicinal plant that grows here.

8. Athmanathaswamy Temple

Athmanathaswamy Temple
3.1 /5

77 km
from city center
8 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Athmanathaswamy Temple, which was built during the 10th century, is a popular tourist attraction. The deity worshipped here is Lord Shiva. The temple interiors, that have been kept intact for all these years are beautiful.

9. Iraniyur

Iraniyur
3.1 /5

9 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Highlights: Rajagopuram, Lakshmi Mandapam, Vahanams

Located approximately 25 km from Karaikudi on the Pillaiyarpatti road near Keelasivalpatti, Iraniyur stands as a testament to the rich historical and religious tapestry of Tamil Nadu. The Iraniyur temple, adorned with stone inscriptions dating back to the 16th century, unfolds a story of kings, devotion, and familial bonds.

10. Mathur

Mathur
3.6 /5

111 km
from city center
10 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

The Mathur Temple is one of the nine clan temples of the Chettinad Nagarathar community. This temple is dedicated to the Ainootheswarar and Lord Periyanayaki. Ancient records suggest that the temple is around 1500 years old. With its unique and intricate construction, the Mathur temple is a popular tourist spot among seekers of the divine. 

11. Velangudi

Velangudi
3.1 /5

79 km
from city center
11 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

The Velangudi temple, another clan temple, is located about 10 km from Karaikudi. This temple too is named after the 'Vela' tress that grow in this region. The temple clan that worships this temple has only 200 people and a very fascinating thing about them is that, there number has stayed at around 200, for the past 100 years.

12. Thirumayam Fort

Thirumayam Fort
Top Attraction

7 km
from city center
12 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Thirumayam Fort, situated 18 km from Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu, is a historical gem that stands as a testament to the region's rich past. Constructed in 1687 A.D. by Sethupathy Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar of Ramanathapuram, the fort served the dual purpose of protecting the subjects and providing a residence for the royal family.

13. Athangudi Palace

Athangudi Palace
Top Attraction

12 km
from city center
13 out of 13
Places To Visit in Chettinad

Athangudi Palace, nestled in Attangudi, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, India, stands as a beacon of Chettinad heritage. Situated approximately 24 km from Karaikkudi, Attangudi is renowned for its palace and distinctive tiles. Chettinad houses, resembling palaces, are scattered across Tamil Nadu, including Karaikkudi, Pallatthur, Attangudi, and Kothamangalam.

FAQs on Chettinad

Can you suggest an 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.

How can I commute within 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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What are the top sightseeing places in Chettinad?

The top sightseeing places in Chettinad are Chettinad Palace, Chettinad Museum, Chettinadu Mansion, Vairavanpatti, Ilayathangudi, Pillaiyarpatti.

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