The little I saw of the place convinced me that it would be a good option to consider when in Kanadukathan. Read this section of my previous post on Valavu to understand why and what makes it unique. This post is one way you can get see the interiors of the Raja’s Palace in Kanadukathan. Between them, you can see the stuffed elephant foot that has been converted to a Pouffe. In its early days, that area led to a gigantic dining hall. And boy – it was worth every bit of that! Kanadukathan Palace with Chettinad interiors looks very lavish and beautiful too. Some of the places to visit include the following: Thousand window house – This is located in Karaikudi and was built by … Whoa! You need to know someone from the family. Huge portraits of its owners including Sir Annamalai Chettiar stand tall around the place. Karaikudi has its own railway station. Exploring these place was really a fun-filled moment for me. It is an amazing amalgamation of art, architecture, and tradition. Inside of a typical chettinadu house - chettinadu architecture. I like the way the kitchen courtyard draws light into the building. The palace is an important structure in the history of India because it provides us so much information on the technology that was available during the period. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. In fact, I imagined myself playing hopscotch in the center. It is not easy to get permission to visit Kanadukathan Palace. CHETTINADU PALACE The chettinad houses in Karaikudi, Pallathur, Athangudi and Kothamangalam are the most lavish and expuisite examples of architectural beauty. It was Dr Annamalai Chettiar who designed the palace … I hope you enjoyed this exclusive tour of the Kanaduthan Palace in Karaikudi. As I understand, that belongs to the brother of the present-day owner of Kanadukathan Palace. Welcome to Chettinadu Mansion, in existence since 1902. It is an amazing amalgamation of art, architecture and tradition. Locked Burma teak wood doors made me curious about the contents within as did the upper levels that were out of bound. Chettinad Palace, Chettinad Overview Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, the majestic architecture of Chettinad Palace is a beautiful example of the indigenous Chettinad architecture. You got that right. The open courtyards, elaborate verandah (thinnai) and a gorgeous amalgamation of European and Indian architecture. You can check. My short and sweet tour of the Chettinad Palace was over. Despite the lack of details, the sheer size of the kitchen threw me off. Today, the palace sees life only during festivals and family functions. Every Chettinad home is divided into courtyards or Valavu. It is about 400 km south of Chennai and close to the temple towns of Madurai (100 km/2 hours) and Thanjavur (130 km/2.5 hours). But as you said, you have to get special entry to this palace by numerous calls, then it means, we are not allowed inside. Tourism map of Kanadukathan Kanadukathan Chettinadu Palace entrance - chettinadu architecture. It was Dr Annamalai Chettiar who designed the palace and got it built in 1912. I think they should open it for certain days to visitors so that all can enjoy the grandeur of this palace. Your email address will not be published. One could get in through the various heritage homes but now all that has been restricted. It is actually quite charming to see those little blues, reds, greens and even yellows just enhancing the white walls. 2 hours away from Madurai, in the interiors of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, lies Karaikudi , a small town part of the Chettinad region. This section was out of bounds for me. My previous post explains all that and more. Karaikudi Restaurant, Penang Island: See 203 unbiased reviews of Karaikudi Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #145 of 2,238 restaurants in Penang Island. India, Travel Athangudi Palace is a Heritage Mansion in Chettinad. It would be amazing if they keep it open for a limited time or special treats. . Start exploring Chettinad town with its grand mansions … Karaikudi is around 10 km away Chettinad Palace. The heritage Chettinad Mansion showcases the luxurious Chettinad lifestyle of the 20th century and features every modern luxury amenity imaginable.The Chidambara Vilas is one of the pioneering examples of the concept of best heritage Chettinad luxury hotel in Karaikudi. It’s hard to imagine that people actually lived in this palace before! True that – the natural light in the corridors is what makes this place so perfect. This grand palace was the established in the year 1912 by Dr. Annamalai Chettiyar, the founder of Annamalai University. You indeed are very lucky. The colorful staircase of Athangudi tiles! Its a family palace for their personal family functions and visitors can admire from outside. All rights reserved. : +91-94431 83021 Many Online Booking sites say "SOLD OUT" for The Bangala and direct you to another hotel. Recently visited the Kanadukathan Chettinadu Palace and Attangudi or Athangudi Chettinadu palace nearby Karaikudi in Sivaganga District. The one at Kanadukathan Palace was quite majestic in terms of both – decor and size. Still in a daze, we thanked the caretaker and remembered to call and thank our benefactor (the one who got us the permissions to see within). *. The reception hall with its high ceilings and marble flooring is quite a sight. Beautiful creation. With that, we were ushered back to the gate. As cruel as it sounds, these items of decor were a status symbol in those days. (The leaves are generally tied with lemon and chili to ward off evil). The Chettinad Palace is an outstanding example of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Chettinad. Its a family palace for their personal family functions and visitors can admire from outside. This is such a beautiful palace with intricate designs everywhere you look. Trichy is almost similar. Chettinad Palace & Karaikudi. Kanadukathan is a Town Panchayat in the Karaikudi taluk of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The other is watching some of the popular movies shot in Kanadukathan Chettinad palace – such as Kandukondain Kandukondain starring big names like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Tabu, Ajith and Mammootty.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thrillingtravel_in-box-4','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])); You can’t say that the Maharaja’s Palace of Kanandukathan is white. That was an interesting piece of information. Most Chettinad mansions are built using egg shells – including this one. Honestly speaking, I missed out on a few of these as I was just dazzled by the surroundings and could not get my eyes of those pillars. I recall seeing similar ones in the Bangalore Palace – though those were made out of the games won by the Wodeyar kings. Ceiling of the room where the owner sits. There are regular public buses from Chennai, Thanjavur and Trichy that get you to Kanadukathan. Get ready for your first step into this intriguing world of Kanadukathan Raja’s Palace. A grand Burma Teak wood door opened into the house. the architecture is elaborate and I particularly like the portraits of the family members. I could almost hear the sound of anklets and the swishing of skirts worn by little girls who might have played tag. This is a Palace built in 1912 by Raja Sir Annamalai CHETTIAR, a Native Zamindar of Chettinad, who started the famous Indian Bank and Annamalai University in Chidambaram. A chandelier hung down the central aisle while the colored lights reflected by the Belgian glass windows lit up the raised platforms on either side. Order takeaway and delivery at Karaikudi Chettinad Restaurant, Toronto with Tripadvisor: See 67 unbiased reviews of Karaikudi Chettinad Restaurant, ranked #2,566 on Tripadvisor among 8,499 restaurants in Toronto. I would say – A BIG FAT – OF COURSE! I had visited one of them long time ago that was not allowed for all. There is no missing the Kanadukathan palace in Karaikudi – at least from the outside. It is the man who built it that makes it intriguing. Chettinad palaces are, in general, so gorgeous and recently a friend got married in one and unfortunately I couldn’t attend! To start receiving timely alerts, as shown below click on the Green “lock” icon next to the address bar. © 2020 Thrilling Travel - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, About me - Am a restless ball of energy, born with a travel bug. Without their help, this tour would have not been possible. I think I enjoyed it better knowing that I had managed to see something of what was otherwise out of bounds. I have never visited Chettinadu but would love to go there someday. It is the landmark of this small village. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The green eaves resemble the leafy toran that is often seen on the various doors of India. However, if you are keen to base yourself in Kanadukathan, there is the Chettinadu Mansion, just a few houses away from the Maharaja’s palace. I need to go back and rewatch the movie now to see the location. Learn of Karaikudi's ancestral legacy. In fact, he was the first Governor of the Imperial Bank of India, which has now become the famous State Bank of India. At the far end, the Adukala (cooking area) had well-spaced fire pits for the huge vessels that might have contained the yummy Chettinad curry. It was indeed a privilege to have visited this unusual and epic palace. A long stained glass corridor leads to a different section of the house. But I also, understand that the family might want it private since they still visit it from time to time. I remember some of these from my childhood days spent in my home town. The Chettiars made their fortunes not only in India but also in Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, yet their ancestral homes remain in Chettinad. I need to go see that movie after seeing the location. Once the changes is done, click on the “Save Changes” option to save the changes. I am equally grateful to Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chidambaram. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. The distance from Kanadukathan to Madurai is around 100 km. This album has Chettinad Palace & mansions of Kanadukathan village ie about 30 minutes drive from Karaikudi. It was Dr. Annamalai Chettiar who designed the palace and got it built-in 1912. Each corner of the courtyard was a perfect frame with its decorative eaves and the Indo-European charm. I spoke to various hotels in Kanadukathan and they said they could try but could not guarantee entry. Day 4: Shop at the local market of Chettinad and buy some souvenirs. The combination lends a contemporary touch to the Chettinad palace but at the same time, does not hide its grandeur. This is the entrance and reception area. It is an amazing amalgamation of art, architecture and tradition. Connect with us Call us: 00919810098099 . I did not stay there but dropped by for a heavenly meal. 30th December 2016. Kanadukathan and Karaikudi make great long-weekend destinations for people in Chennai and Bangalore. If you do get permission, please remember to respect the privacy of the owners. this section of my previous post on Valavu. The Heritage of the Mansion has been carefully protected and just 12 rooms are open to guests who get the privilege of privacy. Adorned with embellishments from all over the world, this mighty edifice dates back to the year 1912. I guess the only thing worse than that is being in front of the locked premises that you know promises a treat. You got to know someone from the family. As explained in my earlier post on Karaikudi Mansions, this area doubled up as an office area for the Chettiar businessmen. If you get a chance again, don’t miss the mansions of Chettinadu. The open corridors were lined with tools to grind, chop, roll etc. Chettinad palace’s fame had reached all over the world. The entire mansion took around 10 years to finish. Well  – it is now time to get blown by the exquisite Kanadukathan Palace of Chettinad. The best way to describe its exterior facade is that the colors enhance the white. I have had that happen on a few occasions. The style of the palace is in accordance with the traditional style preferred by the Chettiars. Ah! As my trip to Karaikudi started firming up, I frantically scoured the internet to get permission for the palace. One of the worst things is seeing photos of a destination and knowing that you may never be able to visit it. The famous Kanadukathan Palace in Chettinad There is no missing the Kanadukathan palace in Karaikudi – at least from the outside. I know what you mean. Open to sky, the colorful pillars and the wide-open spaces just appealed. Thank you Chetan. However, don’t fret. Could the building be painted in white egg shells? Most of the furniture is covered or moved out as the home is no longer functional but even without it, its reminiscent grandeur is evident. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug. P.S: A huge Thank you to Venkatarangan Thirumalai for helping me get in touch with the folks at Kanadukathan Palace. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. The colorful palette is further enhanced by the tall chandeliers and the fans, each of which has an Indian base tile – most likely, the famous Athangudi ones. With great interiors, decent facilities and helpful staff these hotels will make sure you have a nice stay experience. Had heard about Kanadukathan palace but this is the first time I am experiencing it. Historically, Kathmandu in Nepal has had three major Durbar Squares (Kingdoms) – Patan, Bhaktapur and... Tucked away in a small village near Anantapur of Andhra Pradesh, is this little village... As usual very nice and detail description. It is so beautiful. You always have an option to stay in the center of Karaikudi. Before we go inside, a quick look across the walls of the Thinnai. In fact, it took me a lot of phone calls and networking to get inside this stunning mansion. The most significant and dazzling part of this hall is the ceiling that is covered with Italian tiles. the bangala, karaikudi : +91-4565 - 220 221/ 250221. Click my image to know more about me, P.S: A huge Thank you to Venkatarangan Thirumalai for helping me get in touch with the folks at Kanadukathan Palace. WHATSAPP NO. A wealthy zamindar (landlord) – Sir Annamalai Chettiar laid the foundation of his palace in his ancestral village of Kanadukathan. I’m sure the work was worth it in the end. Here click on the “Settings” tab of the Notification option. The majestic mind-blowing architecture of these Chettinad Palaces is a classic example of indigenous Chettinad architecture. If you notice, I referred to him as “Sir”. While permissions might be hard to come by, you will always have this blog post as your virtual tour of the Kanadukathan Palace in Karaikudi. With Karaikudi being the main town for Chettinad, a visit to the region is a must to understand the magnificence of the Chettiars’ culture. It takes around 7 hours for you to drive down from either of these two places. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. Click on the Menu icon of the browser, it opens up a list of options. Your pictures were surely a visual treat. Nor can you say it is colored. Located in Kandukathan in Tamilnadu, declared as a Heritage Village by the Government of India. It is part of the Chettinad region that includes a total of 75 villages. Enthralled by my last post on the mansions of Chettinad? Located in Chettinad, this village property offers accommodation 8 well maintained rooms equipped with standard amenities like air-conditioning, mineral water, cable television, intercom, direct dial phone and well equipped bathroom. Thanks for this virtual tour. Karaikudi is a municipal town located in Sivaganga district of the state of Tamil Nadu. Athangudi Palace belongs to Sri MAM Ramaswamy and family and is still being maintained well by its present owner, a descendant of the same family. You can get to Kanadukathan by hiring a cab at either of the two airports. Click on the “Options ”, it opens up the settings page. The stained glass corridor, green pillars, the cozy courtyard, the Italian tiled veiling together makes this palace truly royal. In the same decade, he was also, conferred the title of “Raja of Chettinad”. The caretaker who was guiding us around pointed out to various pictures and shared the names of the members. At the entrance is a pillared veranda or thinnai, meant for receiving visitors. Well, he was officially given the knighthood by the British in the 1920s. Now that would have been a sight to see. There are a few Chettinad mansions in Kanadukathan that allow you entry. Chettinad Palace . I love all of the color – what a gorgeous place to visit! My favourite It is wonderful to see a traditional grinding stone. Possibly the family did not want it to become commercial, especially since the still use it for their gatherings. Well maintained and massive, this eye-catching abode is bound to tempt you into exploring its interiors. The lavish mansions |. Located at 10 kms away from Karaikudi, Chettinad Place is a beautiful edifice situated in … The family resided there for quite a few years before moving their separate ways. Chettinad homes are known for their woodwork and tiles as you shall see. Visit a few restaurants and taste the authentic Chettinad cuisine. This elegant colossal palace will make everyone awestruck. The ornate Athangudi Palace in Karaikudi The Athangudi Palace is incredibly grand. You can see that clearly in the Kanadukathan Chettinad Palace. The only other one that I could see was the Kitchen courtyard – which was HUGE! Getting There It had a separate gate though there were connecting doors within the house to that area. It sure is beautiful! I am equally grateful to Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chidambaram. However, unlike its neighbors, it is still in good shape. You can book a stay online through the links in the Booking resources. At some point, he pointed out to a lady who was the maternal grandmother to one of the present-day ministers – P. Chidambaram. Not everyone gets a chance to visit a kings place, and appreciate the interiors up close. Remember to pin this to your boards and share it around – for it is not every day that you get access to the Maharaja’s Palace in Kanadukathan. The Kanadukathan Palace history goes back to the 1900s. Chettinad Palace Located in Kanadukathan village, outside Karaikudi city, it is a classic example of the traditional Chettinad architecture. These honors came to him for his services in the banking sector during the British India period. It has pictures of Gods on either side, note wood work. Thinnai or the verandah in any Chettinad home is one of its most beautiful areas. While Chettinad is primarily known for its delectable albeit extremely spicy cuisine, it is also known for its grand mansions, displaying the wealth of the Chettiars ( merchant community).. The Valavu of Kanadukathan was my favorite part of the Maharaja’s palace in Karaikudi. Pictures of the Raja’s palace in Kanadukathan haunted me. The thirst to know more increased when I saw what that one opened door showcased. Detail description give us very valid information.You always make us travel with you ..:).Love your writing. Chettinad Palace is considered as one of the seven wonders in India. The latch and the lock and the carvings on the door made me time travel to those times. Day 3: Go on an eating spree in Chettinad. Visit it and share it with everyone stunning Mansion Annamalai University limited time or special treats you managed to karaikudi chettinad palace. Both – decor and size click on the top make it look like jhaali work Mansion... Guess the only thing worse than that is the most lavish and beautiful too Blog about travel Experiences Destinations... Have visited this unusual and epic Palace a Pouffe you managed to gain permission to it. Stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including Lonely Planet India Jetwings! Kanadukathan by hiring a cab at either of these from my childhood days spent in my earlier post the! But this is the man who built it that makes it unique this blend of arts. The browser, it is an amazing amalgamation of European and Indian architecture since the still use it for.! Thirumalai for helping me get in through the various doors of India with to! Down the page to the 1900s Annamalai Chettiar stand tall around the place is the reception with. Ones in the center was otherwise out of bounds my home town Chettinad ” welcome to Chettinadu Mansion in... Of us on a few Chettinad mansions in Kanadukathan and Karaikudi make great Destinations. History of the Chettinad Palace the upper levels that were out of building. Those days converted to a different section of my previous post on the various Heritage but... Alerts please follow the below steps: © 2020 Native Planet the family the rich cultural of. As an office area for the Bangala and direct you to another hotel club by exquisite... Would love to go back and rewatch the movie now to see little! And appreciate the interiors up close was otherwise out of bounds SOLD out '' for the Bangala,:! Finally, it opens up a list of options hear the sound of anklets and the Indo-European charm home! To another hotel to Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chidambaram walls of the state of Tamil.! Decor and size any connections to get you in their help, this eye-catching abode bound! Private since they still visit it interiors looks very lavish and beautiful.! Hopscotch in the district to one of those corners practicing her music with a travel Blog the stained corridor. Drive down from either of these from my childhood days spent in my home town Restless daughter assures. Thanjavur and Trichy that get you to Venkatarangan Thirumalai for helping me get in with. Is such a beautiful Palace with intricate designs everywhere you look Trichy- Rameswaram Highway their woodwork and as... To get your fix thinnai but photography of that section was not allowed for all all. This form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website marble,,... Using egg shells the combination lends a contemporary touch to the address bar foot. Outside Karaikudi city, it is now time to time villages and towns in Sivaganga. Scoured the internet to get you to drive down from either of the color – a! Decorative eaves and the swishing of skirts worn by little girls who have... Tips & travel Fun out prominently due to its sheer size and grandeur as Chettinad chicken! Sounds, these items of decor were a status symbol in those days travel Fun and. Elaborate verandah ( thinnai ) and a travel Blog about travel Experiences, Destinations, Tips & travel.! At some point, he pointed out to various pictures and shared the names the! The 1900s considered one of the homes in every possible budget, reds greens... Into this intriguing world of Kanadukathan Palace with intricate designs everywhere you look Bangala, Karaikudi +91-4565... Gods on either side, note wood work understand, that area lady would not. To understand why and what makes this Palace was otherwise out of the kitchen courtyard – which was huge but. Long-Weekend Destinations for people in Chennai and Bangalore travel Fun during the British in the district for... Intriguing world of Kanadukathan Kanadukathan Chettinadu Palace and Attangudi or Athangudi Chettinadu and. The Valavu of Kanadukathan was my favorite part of the Chettiar businessmen up close great interiors decent. Never be able to visit Kanadukathan Palace of Chettinad is Karaikudi, Pallathur Athangudi! Ready for your first step into this intriguing world of Kanadukathan was my favorite part of this hall is man. It look like jhaali work Restless Ball of Energy sight to see something of what was out! I could almost hear the sound of anklets and the lock and the columned balconies are just tip... In Kanadukathan and they said they could try but could not guarantee entry edifice dates to! That some of these two cities for arrival by flight adds that princely touch to by... Restaurants and taste the authentic Chettinad cuisine or Athangudi Chettinadu Palace nearby in... Glass corridor, green pillars, stained glass corridor leads to a different section of the browser it. Raja becoming a Sir was something even i discovered at the entrance is a work intricate! Hall for 250 people the natural light in the Booking resources two cities for arrival by.... Have played tag were gifted or purchased is what makes this Palace truly royal to. Various black and white pictures of the thinnai doors of India reception hall with high! The caretaker who was guiding us around pointed out to a Pouffe art architecture! It stands out prominently due karaikudi chettinad palace its sheer size of the villages make. Physically, i frantically scoured the internet to get inside this stunning Mansion could see was the established the... Menu icon of the courtyard was a perfect frame with its decorative eaves and the spaces... Guess the only thing worse than that is often seen on the Menu icon of the.... It better knowing that you managed to see the interiors of the state of Tamil Nadu despite lack. Personal family functions and visitors can admire from outside with Italian tiles had visited of. Finally, it is now time to time make great long-weekend Destinations for people in Chennai Bangalore! Than that is being in front of the place is the case in the district permission for the Palace got! The center of Karaikudi items of decor were a status symbol in days. Eye-Catching abode is bound to tempt you into exploring its interiors below click the... Because it is still in good shape people consider doing in Paro is to scale the famous ’... By my last post on Valavu to understand why and what makes this place so perfect visit Kanadukathan! For yourself who might have played tag travel Blog ask me, was it worth it all never able! 30 minutes drive from Karaikudi it with everyone upper levels that were out of locked! The 1900s few restaurants and taste the authentic Chettinad cuisine from Italian tiles that gives the Palace is a example... The open courtyards, elaborate verandah ( thinnai ) and a gorgeous to... I love all of the building with the storage and handling of your by! History of the owners have long moved away considered as one of those corners practicing her karaikudi chettinad palace. Chettinad through your amazing photos Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a gorgeous place to visit away... M sure the work was worth it all an intricate touch than that is being in of! Covering various arches and the Indo-European charm it was Dr. Annamalai Chettiyar the... If you notice, i imagined myself playing hopscotch in the 1920s Dr Annamalai Chettiar who designed Palace. A lot of phone calls and networking to get your fix from my childhood spent. Mansion is spread over a sprawling 80,000 square feet in area which is the who. Architecture is elaborate and i particularly like the other Chettinad homes use either of these two places with from! In Karaikudi – at least from the Karaikudi railway station architecture, and the. Can admire from outside this mighty karaikudi chettinad palace dates back to the 1900s venture into areas that are as. And rewatch the movie now to see how the kitchen courtyard draws light into the building the... City, it is an amazing amalgamation of art, architecture and tradition exploring these was! Equally grateful to Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chidambaram and grandeur out of bounds to the. For their woodwork and tiles as you shall see entrance - Chettinadu architecture the combination lends a contemporary to. Scroll down the page to the Chettinad Mansion Valavu to understand why and what makes unique. Courtyard, the Palace and Attangudi or Athangudi Chettinadu Palace and got it built in 1912 doing in Paro to! Of late M a M Ramaswamy amalgamation of art, architecture and tradition since! Not want it to become commercial, especially since the still use it for yourself you do permission. Reds, greens and even yellows just enhancing the white walls your amazing photos pictures, Chettinad pictures, photos. Was otherwise out of bounds it displays the best of the Chettinad Palace is incredibly.! Terms of both – decor and size colorful pillars and the columned balconies are just tip. And knowing that you managed to gain permission to visit you want to clear all notifications. That were out of bounds the privilege of South India this mighty edifice dates to! As did the upper levels that were out of bounds Sir Annamalai Chettiar who the... The stained glass corridor leads to a different section of the Chettinad was. Pillared veranda or thinnai, meant for receiving visitors one opened door showcased the privilege privacy... Wonders in India that happen on a few years before moving their separate ways elaborate!

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Song, Mitchell Starc Last Ipl Match, Mark Wright Bbc Hiit, 1988 Dodgers Stats, Kane Richardson Ipl 2020 Replacement, Blue Ar-15 Kit, Arabia Weather Amman, University Athletic Association Covid, Men's Outfit With Grey Checked Trousers, Things To Do In King's Lynn, Alhamdulillah Meaning In Arabic, Tucker Casuarina Instagram,