Karaikkudi Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS

The Chettinad style of architecture can be observed by visiting a Chettinad Style house like the Chettinad Bangala which has been restored and converted into a hotel. The Chettinad Museum displays traditional jewellery and clothing of the Chettiars and is also an old converted house. The Meenakshi temple built in the Dravidian architectural style is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage. Kamban Mani Mandapam is the home of the famous Tamil poet Kavi and programs on Tamil literature are held here every year.

TOURISM INFO:

Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex,

No.2, Wallajah Road,

Chennai - 600 002.

E-Mail Id : ttdc@vsnl.com

Ph. 044- 25367850, 25383333, 25389857, 25360294,

Fax : 044-25361385, 25381567

tamilnadutourism.org

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Excursions:

Pillaiyar Patti Lord Ganesha Temple

Kairaikudi is famous for the temple of Lord Ganesha which is carved out of rock. The temple is 12kms from the city center. It was built in the 16th century by the Pandiya kings on top of a small hill. It also has the sculpture of the Hindu deity Shiva (Shiva Lingam).

Thirumayam Fort

Located on the Rameshwaram-Trichy Highway on the way to Karaikkudi, this fort is famous for the Shiva and Vishnu temple. This temple was built in the late 1600’s by Sethupathi Vijaya Raghunatha Thevar, the ruler of Ramanathapuram.

Athangudi

Athangudi is known for a particular type of tile that is manufactured in this part of Karaikkudi. These tiles are hand made from terracotta. The factories are open to tourists interested in learning about the use of these tiles in Chettinad architecture.

Chettinad Palace

The Chettinad Palace located at Kanadukathan was built in 1912 and is a fine example of the style of architecture.

Cuisine:

The traditional Chettinad cuisine is renowned for its aromatic and tasty food preparations served on banana leaves (as most south Indian food cuisine is served). The Chettinadu Mansion and the Bangala are slightly more expensive options to experience authentic Chettinad cuisine.