1. Chettinad Palace
Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, the majestic architecture of Chettinad Palace is a beautiful example of 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. The establishment was built under the guidance of Dr. Annamalai Chettiyar, founder of the Indian Bank and Annamalai University.
The august grandeur of the Chettinad Palace is only enhanced by the vast expanses of lush greens surrounding it. Perched within the bounds of a carefully cultivated garden area, the palace is a sight to sore eyes. Once you recover from the breathtaking beauty of the natural surroundings, the ravishing architecture of the palace will enchant you with its charm. Carved with careful intricacy, the palace is a combination of detailing and opulence. The palace also houses a number of figurines, which will effortlessly transport you back to the pages of history. A marvellous edifice, the palace is a sumptuous experience for all.
2. Chettinadu Mansion
Chettinadu Mansion is a heritage resort located in Kanadukathan that is over 100 years old and has been open 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 those who wish to experience the bygone times of Chettinad. The old-age charm and the architecture are still intact. There are about 12 rooms that are rented out to tourists who wish to stay in the mansion. They offer complete privacy, a comfortable stay, and serve delicious Chettinad cuisine to all their guests. Although traditional, the Chettinadu Mansion maintains an informal vibe for the guests to make them feel comfortable and welcome.
The opulent mansion has rooms with traditional Chettinad architecture that draw architecture enthusiasts from all over the world. Right from the entrance to the innermost room, it is a majestic structure with expansive courtyards, corridors, and living and recreational areas. They also arrange for activities that tourists can enjoy while they are miles away from their chaotic and stressful lifestyles. Many are awestruck by its simplicity and unique charm. Several Bollywood and Tollywood movies have been shot here. One can also explore the little museum they maintain here and also give demonstrations to introduce tourists to the cooking styles and ingredients of Chettinad.
3. Pillaiyarpatti
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. The town is situated 70 kilometres north-east of Madurai, close to the heritage town of Karaikudi on state highway 35. The temple building is mainly known for its masterful sculpture work, elegant temple complex, and well-adorned shrine, which have fascinated hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims for centuries. With detailed carvings adorning the exterior of the structure, the Pillaiyarpatti Temple makes for an enchanting view.
The approximately 15 historical inscriptions found in the temple haven't been able to establish a definitive age although approximations date it back more than 1500 years since the erection of the first component in the vast structure. The chief deity in the temple is a bas-relief (a relief sculpture in which the figures project slightly from the backgcarved out of a hillock in an excavated cave in the temple premises, an image of Karpaka Vinayagar (Lord Ganesh), which is a colossal 6 feet tall. Festivities and grand celebrations take place during Ganesh Chaturthi, which is an amazing sight. The original temple is a Shiva temple and only became famous as a Ganesha temple over the course of time. Another unique feature of this shrine is that here, Lord Vinayaga appears with two hands, unlike other places where He appears with four hands. Being one of the oldest rock-cut temples in the state of Tamil Nadu, it is the proof of brilliant craftsmanship and engineering of a bygone era.
4. Soorakudi
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.
The temple has ten vimanams and two gopurams. The sculptures, including the idols of the diety, are beautifully decorated and intricately carved. The local people here have very high regard for these sculptors, and they believe that they have supernatural powers.
