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Athangudi - You will be picked up from your hotel in Madurai in the morning from where you will drive to Athangudi, a tiny village of 2000 inhabitants located in the Chettinad district. The village is renowned for its handmade floor tiles. Visit the traditional tile-making and pottery units. The brightly patterned Athangudi tiles were commissioned by the Chettiars for their mansions and are entirely handmade even today.
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Thirumayam Fort - From Athangudi you will drive to Thirumayam Fort. Built in the 17th century, the fort has been a site of several battles and intrigues. Next visit the small town of Kanadukathan, which is famous for its grand old-style mansions with elaborate woodwork, terracota and tile work.
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Karaikudi - You will have lunch in the town of Karaikudi. Enjoy a multi-course traditional meal at The Bangala, a traditional Chettinad residence that has now been converted by the family into a heritage hotel. After lunch visit the antiques market in Karaikudi and the local weaving looms which produce the famous Chettinad weaves.
Apart from the places listed above, this tour also offers a great opportunity to see the living culture of Chettinad
At the end of the tour you will be driven back to Madurai and dropped-off at your hotel.
- Lunch (vegetarian options available, beverages not included)
- Guided tour with a local English-speaking guide
- Comfortable transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Complimentary 2 bottles of mineral water per person
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Additional food or drink
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
This is an exclusive day-long tour to delve into the rich history, distinct culture, unique crafts, and enticing cuisine of Chettinad, a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The district derives its name from the influential Chettiars, a prosperous trade community whose presence profoundly impacts the region’s crafts, culture and food. The bygone affluence of the Chettiars is still evident in the numerous intricate 19th-century mansions constructed in a fusion of Indian and European architectural styles. Besides its flavorful and fragrant culinary offerings, Chettinad is renowned for its crafts, including the well-known Athangudi handmade tiles and the traditional Chettinad handloom sarees.
Key points of interest
• Creation of tiles and pottery
• Thirumayam fort
• Chettinad-style mansions
• Market for antique items
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Not recommended for participants with back problems.
- Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
