SARATHA VILAS CHETTINAD PALACE
HOTEL
To see and to do
Explore Chettinad half-day guided Tour
Chettinad palatial houses, architecture 1850-1950, a century of evolution
Explore Chettinad’s distinctive architecture and palatial mansions built during a century of evolution (1850-1950). Learn more about the unique planning of villages and individual mansions and the unique system of water harvesting implemented to ensure the supply of water in this semi-arid plain. Discover the exceptional workmanship and luxurious materials incorporated into the interior of a typical mansion. about Chettinad built heritage
Diversity of Temples and Cults
Discover the vast variety of temples found in the region. From ancient temples carved in the rock, to clan temples, animist sanctuaries, and temples of Mother Goddess Mariamman, devotional spaces in Chettinad offer a wealth of examples of architecture, decoration, and offerings to explore. about Chettinad intangible heritage
Antique market and Chettinad living crafts
See master craftsmen/women at work in Chettinad. This customized tour may include discovering the cotton handloom weaving of Kandangi sarees, watching procession chariot makers at work, learning traditional basket weaving, visiting an Aathangudi tiles factory, or a exploring a local weekly market. The tour also includes a visit to Kallukatti, Karaikudi’s main bazaar and antiques market, a mecca of imported and local furnishings, original studio photography, and distinctive kitchenware. about Chettinad Heritage
Independent discovering activities
Walks and Cycling in Indian Country Side
The village of Kothamangalam is set in a beautiful countryside made of paddy fields, lakes, planted forests, and ancient sacred woods. From Saratha Vilas it is easy to discover the peaceful landscape around the village of Kothamangalam. Pathways take you along the earthen dams of lakes, around fields of sugarcane, and through shaded forests. Walks of 30 minutes to an hour are along pathways on flat terrain.
Cycling on the narrow peaceful roads of the region is an opportunity to meet the warm and welcoming local population as well as to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Chettinad. Flat terrain and the easy accessibility to a number of villages make cycling a perfect way to explore the urban and architectural heritage of Chettinad.
Bird Watching
Birdwatching around Saratha Vilas Chettinad Palace – Hotel and the village of Kothamangalam can be very rewarding, so bring your binoculars. A short walk or cycle ride will lead you to along quiet paths to several small dams and a meandering river. There are brightly coloured kingfishers, bee eaters, parakeets, woodpeckers, and barbets to be seen. Lapwings, plovers, herons, egrets, storks, and, if you are lucky the magnificently spotted Asian Koel and the russet winged Lesser Coucal, can be found in the area. Best times for viewing are in the cool of the morning or late afternoon. A photographic bird guide is available in Saratha Vilas’ library.
Art and Culture
Saratha Vilas Museum and exhibitions
Saratha Vilas Chettinad Palace – Hotel is also a museum of the unique art collections of the hotel owners who have travelled extensively in South India for 30 years. Visitors are welcome.
Main Hall: A large exhibition of Ravi Varma lithographs from the 1900s is displayed in the main hall with accurate explanations. Artist Ravi Varma initiated the reproduction of his portraits of Hindu Gods, contributing to his work becoming easily accessible to the Indian population. Every Chettiar mansion holds lithographs of Ravi Varma’s work.
Dining Hall: This hall holds a series of exhibits including a collection of vintage photographs of Chettiars at the height of the community’s economic success, a collection of Thanjavur reverse glass paintings from the nineteenth century, and a collection of terracotta figures of the Ayyanar cults.
Dining Courtyard: This tiled garden holds a collection of full scale Ayyanar horses.
Bharatanatyam performance
Saratha Vilas often holds Bharatanatyam performances by dancers from Karaikudi or Chennai in the beautiful main hall. Performances may be organized upon request. Contact us for more information and the schedule.
Carnatic music performance
Saratha Vilas’ Main Hall is an outstanding venue for experiencing traditional Carnatic songs and music performances. Performances may be organized upon request. Contact us for more information and the schedule.
and…massage – yoga – workshops among others
