SARATHA VILAS CHETTINAD PALACE
HOTEL

A Luxurious Heritage Mansion

Stay in a luxurious mansion in Chettinad, book your heritage experience at the boutique hotel Saratha Vilas Chettinad Palace

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Exploring the heritage luxury mansion converted into an exquisite boutique hotel

The house was constructed following the rules of Vastu Shastra, the traditional science of architecture of wellbeing. Accordingly it is comprised of a succession of inner courtyards and halls. Also these spaces are laid out on a longitudinal axis opening a perspective along the entire length of the house.

The main verandah at the entrance of the mansion is guarded by columns of dark marble. Afterwards its opens into a grand hall crowned with chiseled woodwork painted in delicate colors. Thereafter the central courtyard is surrounded by carved granite pillars in the style of Dravidian temples. It is followed by a dining room encircled by an arcade of heavy stone columns under decorated cornices. The ceilling is made of a pressed metal imported from England.

The perspective which crosses the whole house from West to East, opens on the ancient kitchen courtyard, today the open-air restaurant. Finally in the garden planted with hundred-year-old coconut palms, one can find the swimming pool.

For finishes and decoration, the founder, Subranania Chettiar, does not hesitate to bring the best from around the world. Hence, it is the reason why you can see Burmese teak, ceramics from Japan or Europe, marble from Italy and Belgium, the great crystal chandeliers and mirrors from Belgium. Indeed the result is a blend of unique and sophisticated Tamil and Western architecture.

Tamil Traditional Magnificent Architecture

The different architectural influences reflect the Chettiar way of life who combined their vibrant Indian traditions with influences from around the world.

Facade

Western influences are also evident on the main façade and upper floors, featuring classical architectural details. As a result, colonnades, cornices, multi-level balustrades, parapets, and symmetrical organization reflect the classical style.

In contrast, the façade of Saratha Vilas blends Tamil and Baroque architecture.

Furthermore, one can see sculptures of the deity Gaja Lakshmi, various levels of parapets, loggia and verandah shades, all separated from the street by a high compound wall and a front garden.

Thinnai

The main entrance verandah, called Thinnai, was traditionally used by men for business. In fact, the Thinnai appears at the entrance of all types of Tamil houses, ranging from humble dwellings to sumptuous mansions.

At Saratha Vilas, the Thinnai is surrounded by a series of black stone colonnades in Western style and further enhanced by marble flooring from Italy and Belgium.

Main Hall

Saratha Vilas’ Kuttam is an architectural masterpiece, seamlessly fusing elements of Tamil and European design. Notably, its lofty, ornate wooden ceiling, stunning crystal chandeliers imported from Europe, and inlaid Italian and Belgian marble floors reflect this blend. Moreover, the opulent decorative finishes showcase some of the finest materials sourced globally in the early twentieth century.

Historically, the Kuttam served as a gathering space for wedding ceremonies attended by hundreds of guests. Today, it hosts a permanent exhibition of original Ravi Varma lithographs from the 1900s, as well as an annual calendar of classical and contemporary dance and music performances.

Central Courtyard

The Chettiars thoughtfully considered their climate in the design and construction of their homes. To that end, houses were built around an east–west oriented central courtyard, allowing both light and breezes to enter while still providing shade and maintaining the coolness of the masonry walls throughout the residence. In terms of materials, the mansion’s structure features brick and lime plaster walls, terracotta tile roofs, stone pillars, teak columns, and marble and stone floors.

At the core of the home, the Nadu Vasal served as the heart of the mansion, where important family ceremonies once took place. Today, it remains the most popular spot in the hotel for relaxation and conversation.

Dinning Hall

Originally, invited guests took their meals during family festivities, especially weddings, in the Kaliana Kotogai. During these events, a multitude of dishes were served by attendants on banana leaf plates, arriving in successive waves to hundreds of people seated on mats on the floor.

Today, the Kaliana Kotogai houses a permanent exhibition featuring Ayyanar terracotta, Thanjavur reverse glass paintings, and Karaikudi studio photography from the 1920s. Additionally, restaurant service in the Kaliana Kotogai is reserved for rainy days and group bookings.

Moonamkattu

During family weddings at the house, famous Chettinad dishes were prepared in Moonamkattu. The whole courtyard was occupied with the preparation and cooking of the festive dishes under the supervision of the women of the family. Now, meals are served here in under a shady portico during the day, or the open sky in the evening.

The mansion’s everyday kitchen was also located in this courtyard. It has now been transformed into the hotel’s kitchen where traditional Chettiar dishes, as well as Western and Mediterranean cuisine, are prepared fresh daily.