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Karaikudi is the centrepoint of Chettinad, 82 km from Madurai. The early migration of Chettiar families to Burma, Singapore, Malaysia and the Gulf instilled in them a desire to create- sprawling mansions, which are signposts to the architectural heritage of historic Chettinad. But equally, there are temples, water harvesting structures such as tanks for irrigation. There are related activities for which conservationists have energised restoration, using traditional skills, such as Athangudi floor tiles and Chettinad egg plaster, all of which will engage the visitor…eExtending to folk art and festivals like Kavadiattam and Karakattam and the traditional Jallikattu bullfight, where the animal is not killed. Handloom cotton Kandangi sarees are popular, as is the traditional 'Kottan' or Chettinad basket. Chettinad chicken, peppered with the spicy condiments must not be missed…just visit any mansion!

Name and address of site: Karaikudi HQ and District: Sivaganga State: Tamilnadu Community: Nearly 70,000 people live in Karaikudi. But the community is spread across a 20-km radius from Karaikudi. The host communities are Mukkolothur, Thevar, Nedar and Chettiar. 

How to reach -

Karaikudi is 40 km from Sivaganga and 60 Km from the famous temple town of Madurai, which is connected by air to Bangalore, and by air and rail with Chennai. A railway line between Rameshwaram and Chennai serves Kariakudi. cBy air: Madurai is the airport closest to the Chettinad region (9Okm/2.5hrs). Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways fly Chennai-Madurai daily. By train: The Rameshwaram Express from Chennai's Egmore station to Karaikudi Junction is a comfortable overnight option. By road: Karaikudi is approximately 480km from Chennai. Drive via Trichy on NH45 and NH21O .

Tourist Interest : Located just 40 km away from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, Karaikudi is the seat of Chettinad culture. The Chettinad way of life, observed among the Chettiar families, is an experience that you cannot miss. It offers an insight into a phenomenal aspect of India's heritage and the distinct Chettinad way of life. Karaikudi will enchant you with its refined wood carving, Silver embellishment, woven saris, jewellery and the exotic Chettinad cuisine. There are 75 Chettiar mensions in the Chettinad region spread over Sivaganga and Pudukottai districts. You can have a great time exploring the exquisite Chettinad woodcarving, silver embellishment, woven saris, palm-leaf baskets, gold jewellery, handmade tiles, architectural styling, and egg plastering. You can also taste the unique Chettinad

Located just 40 km away from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, Karaikudi is the seat of Chettinad culture. The Chettinad way of life, observed among the Chettiar families, is an experience that you cannot miss. It offers an insight into a phenomenal aspect of India's heritage and the distinct Chettinad way of life. Karaikudi will enchant you with its refined wood carving, Silver embellishment, woven saris, jewellery and the exotic Chettinad cuisine. There are 75 Chettiar mensions in the Chettinad region spread over Sivaganga and Pudukottai districts. You can have a great time exploring the exquisite Chettinad woodcarving, silver embellishment, woven saris, palm-leaf baskets, gold jewellery, handmade tiles, architectural styling, and egg plastering. You can also taste the unique Chettinad.

Chettinadu (15km): The Raja's palace of Chettinad is its pride. At Kanadukaathan, the Chettinad Mansion, museum next door to the Raja's palace is yet another attraction. No one should miss the railway station, which has the Raja's special waiting room.

Art & Craft                                   

Athangudi tiles: Athangudi tiles, named after their place of manufacture in Chettinad, come in myriad colors and patterns and are made by a unique process using local soil. These tiles are a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community, who effectively adapted many influences to their own brand of local craftsmanship. The designs and colors used in Athangudi tiles are still those of a bygone era. The artisans say the charisma of those tiles is due to sand, which is of just the right composition. Cement, baby jelly and sand along with synthetic oxides make the composition of the tile. The art of making these tiles is a traditional activity at Chettinad. Kandanki sarees: Kandanki sarees or the Chettinad cotton saris are thick, coarse cotton capable of withstanding the roughest washes.

Checks and Temple borders are the favored patterns and earthly reds, oranges, chromes and browns are the most popular colors. Those encouraging the revival now offer the weaves new designs but the traditional weaving families still produce the patterns most favoured in the villages around. Wood carving: Karaikudi and the neighbouring towns hold excellent examples of Chettinadu architecture. The people of Chettinadu were traders and financiers who valued high living and maintained old traditions. They built all-embracing houses, which today stand testimony to their taste and love for beautiful things. They brought back Burmese teak and European tiles for their mansions, as well as the inspiration

from ceremonial and palace architecture. They incorporated the wealth of wood sculpting and craftsmanship from local craftsmen in their homes, which now stands with pride, even when it has not been properly cared. The minute carvings on the doors; carvings of idols on a wooden blocks, placed above the doors, named as Surya Pallakai, is the first greeting to any visitor, who enters in to any chettinad house. The artistic value of these products has no measure, for it is a treasure. Brass metal work: It is a common practice in Tamilnadu, even now, to send the Bride with the 'Kuthu Villakku', to her in-law's house, stating indirectly that she brings prosperity.Owing to the demand in the market and competition, the simple 'Agal villakku' has changed its form in to 'Paavai Villakku' (A girl with a lamp), 'Yaanai villakku' (An elephant carrying a lamp); 'Thavalum pillai' (Crawling Krishna) and so on. Demands for these lamps have also increased in foreign countries, where many Indians have migrated.

Local Culture

Cuisine: Add to the magnificent history, art and craft of this region, Karaikudi also holds the secrets of the exotic Chettinad cuisine. Although the Chettiars are well known for their delicious vegetarian preparations, their repertoire of food items is famous, as well as delicate - it includes noodle-like dishes, carefully preserved sun-dried legumes and berries that the Chettiar ladies make into curries. Oil and spices are liberally used in cooking. The non-vegetarian fare predominantly has an array of meat items, ranging from the ubiquitous chicken, and mutton to rather exotic forest food such as dove, quail, gowthari and duck. Rice is the mainstay of every meal. Some Chettinad specialties that you should try: Pallatur mutton masala, Madurai malli chicken, Appu karuvattu thokku (made from dry fish), Viral fish fry and Nattu kozhi milagu varuval. The best way to enjoy Chettinad food is by visiting the heritage guesthouses or the local eateries.