Cosmic Temples
Visit 4 temples dedicated to celestial bodies of our solar system. to learn about the interplay between Science & Religion.
Palatial Mansions of Chettinad
PALATIAL CHETTINAD MANSIONS
Relive the glory days of Chettiyar traders living in grand mansions
Rs 23250/person onwards
Flight & Car
2days/1night
Guided tour
200 years ago in Chettinad
In this Chettinad houses & mansions tour from Chennai, we will go back 200 years to relive the glory days of the Chettiyars who were prosperous traders and bankers with a penchant for building grand mansions for their residence. We will explore a few of the 11000 remaining Chettinad houses and mansions, a first century BC cave with fantastic murals and acoustics, temples with incredible sculptures and a unique way of making colourful tiles using local material.
Pudukottai Chettiyars
Pudukottai is an erstwhile princely state. It has been under different Kings over a period of time including Pandyas, Mutharaiyars, Thondaimans, and the British. It is here we begin the tour of Palatial Mansions of Chettinad. The Chettiyars here used to run a trading empire that spread to Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines.
Sittanaval Cave acoustics
We visit Sittanavasal Cave from the 2nd century. These caves belong to Jain monks. We will explore this rock-cut monastery which houses spectacular murals made out of vegetable and mineral dyes. The exquisite ceiling of the cave is decorated with murals from the 7th century. The highlight of this cave is the acoustics. A mild hum in this cave resonates spectacularly to help the monks focus and concentrate on their meditation.
Rock cut beds
We will climb a steep path to the top of a hillock where we can see seventeen polished bed carved out of the rock. These beds were used by Jain ascetics since the 3rd century. The beds have a raised portion at one end which serves as a pillow.
Chettinad mansions
Kanadukathan is the centre for our tour of Palatial Mansions of Chettinad. It is replete with palatial mansions built by Chettiyar, the trading community. These were built by men who once traded in everything from salt to gems, with countries like Burma, Malaysia and Singapore. Much of their profits went into building these grand residences, which used to be called Natukottai or regional fort. We will visit Athangudi Palace as well.
Kudumiyanmalai Temple
The temple was built by the Cholas and renovated by the Pandyas in the 13th century. The highlight of this temple is the main hall a 1000 pillars. There are some remarkable sculptures in this complex. The Rati and Manmadha sculpture is a masterpiece. Another remarkable statue is that of Shiva in a dancing pose.
Athangudi Tiles
We will also visit a tile workshops in Athangudi, to see how a basic stencil, and the clever use of colours and techniques create stunning floor tiles in floral, geometric, and paisley patterns. Unlike mass-produced ceramic tiles, Athangudi tiles are cast by hand using local sand, fine gravel and cement.
Tirumayyam Fort
Thirumayam Fort has played a significant role in the history of this region. It was built in 1687 AD by the King of Ramnad, Sethupathy Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar. The fort has been designed like a ring and is constructed with seven concentric walls surrounded by a broad moat. This fort was of historical significance during the Polygar Wars. It was also used during World War II by the British army.
Private Guided Tour
Chettinad tour is a fully guided tour led by a guide who will explain the role played by the Chettiyar traders in the society and help you appreciate the magnificent mansions/
Strenghening local community
Our company is helping local communities in areas where we organize tours. We do this by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood. This is an attempt to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.
Does the Chettinad trail sound compelling?
Five Senses Tours- Chennai
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Pricing Chart
4+ persons
Rs23250/person
- 1 night stay in double occupancy with breakfast
- Return flight from Chennai
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
2-3 persons
Rs27000/person
- 1 night stay in double occupancy with breakfast
- Return flight from Chennai
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
1 person
Rs40500
- 1 night stay in single occupancy with breakfast
- Return flight from Chennai
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
Trip Itinerary
2 days 1 night tour of Chettinad from Chennai
Day 1- 9:30 AM - Flight departure
Departure from Chennai to Trichy by flight.
11:00 AM - Arrive in Trichy
Drive to Pudukottai
Sittanavasal
We will explore this rock-cut monastery which houses spectacular murals made out of vegetable and mineral dyes. The acoustics in the caves are mind boggling.
Rock cut beds
We will climb a steep path to the top of a hillock to find beds carved out of the rock.
Kudumiyanmalai
We will visit a spectacular hall with 1000 pillars and fine sculptures.
Overnight in a Chettinad stye mansion
Day 2- 9:00 AM- Tirumayyam Fort
Built in 1687 AD by the King of Ramnad, the fort has been designed like a ring and is constructed with seven concentric walls surrounded by a broad moat.
Athangudi Palace
Athangudi Palace is a mansion built with Italian marbles, Japanese tiles, Belgium mirrors, Burma teak columns and ceilings.
Athangudi Tiles
Tile workshops of Athangudi are out next destination. We will see how a basic stencil, and the clever use of colours and techniques create stunning floor tiles.
8:00 PM- Return flight
Departure by flight from Trichy
9:00 PM- Arrive in Chennai
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