Chettiar Mansions, Tamil Nadu, India is a perfect place for you if you are a lover of architecture. These wonderful mansions were built by members of a caste of merchants in the state of Tamil Nadu, in southern India.
Things to do
Tamil Nadu
Its beautiful Dravidian temples give this place fame, in addition, if you are a lover of architecture, certainly, the Havelis of the rich Nattukottai Chettiaruna community will offer you an intriguing alternative. On the other hand, these wonderful hiking houses date mainly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. also, they have scattered around 75 villages around the city of Karaikudi, in the south of Tamil Nadu.
Architecture
In order to enter these beautiful mansions, you must do it through heavy wooden doors. Also, they were family homes and commercial premises, so you can appreciate the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Certainly, she adorns the entrance doors to many of them. In addition, inside, you will find yourself in a large maze of courtyards and shaded areas that take refuge under ceilings supported by teak or rosewood pillars.
Raja Palace
This imposing mansion is located in Kanadukathan, 8 kilometers from Karaikudi. In addition, it is still magnificent and in perfect condition. On the other hand, The building, certainly, completed in 1912, has 126 rooms and covers an area of 40,000 square feet (3,716 square meters). A wonderful place.
How to get there
The closest airport to Tamil Nadu is Madras Airport (MAA), a 20-minute drive away, and you can take a train to Chennai Fort in just 32 minutes.
When to go
The mild months after the monsoon of January and February are the best for traveling south of Tamil Nadu. Daytime temperatures vary from 70 ° to 90 ° F (21 ° to 32 ° C).
How long
To enjoy your entire trip as it should be, you can stay approximately 4 days and visit the beautiful mansions and be ecstatic with its architecture as well as its culture.
Opening and closing hours
The most advisable thing is that you take advantage of all your day, so leave early from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon you can enjoy all the shops and architectural museums.
Planning
It is very important that you do not forget to pack some comfortable shoes since you will have to walk a lot to be able to appreciate the different mansions. Also, don’t forget to book your flight in advance, as well as your stay. On the other hand, if you want to visit the most beautiful places in Tamil Nadu, get a guide and marvel at the history of these beautiful buildings.
Inside information
If you want to stay in the area in one of the most welcoming places, certainly, the Bangala Karaikudi hotel is perfect as it is a heritage of the area. On the other hand, it is an extremely quiet place, where you can enjoy walking for about an hour or two. Also, there is a Hindu temple with an artificial lake. In addition, you can walk in the main mansion and appreciate the beautiful bougainvillea flowers, certainly, these flowers add color to the dusty streets.
History
Long ago this place used to be a group of more than 90 villages whose mansions were the example of the prosperous greatness of their owners, who had accumulated their wealth through doing business with the Asian world and beyond. In addition, some of these mansions retain the charm of their greatness. On the other hand, some of these mansions still have caretakers whose owners now live outside India. Also, the huge columns of teak wood despite the years will show you a resistance that stands the test of time.
Websites
Other nearby attractions
Mahabalipuram
This is known for its exceptional historical specimens, in addition, an incredible architectural invention. Certainly, you cannot miss the great temples and shrines that adorn the city. Also, visit the city of Kanchipuram, a sanctified place with several Hindu temples that represent Hindu culture and tradition. On the other hand, this excursion will show you the stone carving temples, including the Seer Shankaracharya, the Mahishasurmardini Caves, the Shore Temple, the Mandapam Krishna, the Penance of Arjun and the Panch Rathas.
Vanakkam Madurai
This is a great walking tour that is specially made for tourists to start exploring the city of Madurai since dawn, accompanied by a guide so you can know and appreciate the different sites that preserve tradition and portray modernity. In addition, you can enjoy traditional snacks and breakfasts prepared in a hygienic and healthy way.
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