Tamil Nadu Tourism - Karaikudi

Karaikudi is a small town is known for its magnificent mansions constructed by the Chettiars - a castle known as much for their prosperity as well, as their hospitality. Though the owners of these palatial wonders have long scattered having left for distant shore, the beautifully carved wood work as well as the stone and mortar work of these houses can still be appreciated. The Alagappa College founded by the late Dr.Alagappa Chettiar has been upgraded now as a deemed University and is known as Alagappa University.























¤ Tourist Attractions of Karaikudi

* Athangudi
Athangudi is one of the villages that comprise the Chettiyars ancestral home. It is ultimately connected to Karaikudi. It is famous in its own right for the beautiful Athangudi tiles that are made there. These handmade terracotta tiles are as unique as they are beautiful. It is the local sand that is used in their making that is said to be the biggest factor in their unique qualities. It provides each tile with a texture that is unique to them alone. They are cast form the local clay and are painted into beautiful patterns using vivid, breathtaking colors. It is possible to visit the tile factory in Athangudi when you are there so as to witness first hand how they are made.

* Chettinad
The Chettinad is the total area that makes up the ancestral home of the Nattukottai Chettiyars, a prosperous banking community that was successful in the oversea business market in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The entire area includes a total of 76 villages of which Karaikudi is the largest. The Chettinad has famous houses that tourists like to explore. These homes were once where the Chettiyars lived. The Chettinad is also famous for its unique, spicy, and very tasty cuisine. Numerous restaurants in the area both small and large regularly draw in crowds with the simple assertion that they serve Chettinad food.

* Devakottai
Devakottai is the second largest town in the region right behind Karaikudi. Periya Minor's Veedui Chettinad mansion is located in this town. This famous home attracts numerous visitors every year because of its outstanding architectural features. It has a notable Spanish tiled roof, Italian floor tiles, and carved teak pillars. There are also several other impressive Chettinad mansions located in this village that are not as famous, but still have beautiful architectural features nonetheless. They welcome visitors as well and are definitely worth a look. This particular village is also known for rearing the unusual Devakottai chicken.

* Pilaiyarpatti
It is located a short 12 kms from Karaikudi is the infamous rock-cut temple of Pilaiyarpatti. It was originally built by early Pandiya Kings around the 4th century A.D. There are 14 separate stone inscriptions that are carved there that date from various times from 400 A.D. to 1238 A.D. Numerous deity images are carved into the temple including a 6 foot rock-cut Vinayak idol. So much information is known about the architecture of this particular temple because there are numerous inscriptions that tell the history of the temple's architecture. Today, there are five daily poojas that are offered daily to God. There are also two grand festivals, Ganesh Chathurthi and Karthigai, which are celebrated there.

* The Bangala
When visiting Karaikudi, Chettinad cuisine is something that you must try. It is spicy, original, and extremely tasty. If you would like to experience fine Chettinad home cooking at its finest, then visiting The Bangala is a definite must. This restaurant has an outstanding reputation for providing quality food that exhibits the best of the region without being too spicy for the tourists. The food is rather pricy at Rs 800 per meal, but there is no doubt that it is worth it. To experience the world famous Chettinad cuisine at this fine restaurant, make sure to book ahead. This restaurant is so popular that it is impossible to simply drop in for a bite to eat on a whim.

* Kamban Mani Mandabam
It was believed that the Great Tamil Poet Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban spent most of his lifetime with Nagarathars and also he died over there at Nattarasankottai. To honor him Kamban Mani Mandapam was built by Nagarathars and programmes about Tamil literature are conducted annually.

* Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandabam
Located opposite to the New Bus-Stand of Karaikudi is the Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandabam. It has two entrance and in between the two is the statue of Kaviarsar Kannadhasan. It has a library, Art Gallery and Photo Exhibition.

* Kundrakudi Murugan Kovil
This temple is situated 8 kms away from west of Karaikudi Bus-Stand. Kundrakudi Murugan Kovil was built on the peacock shaped hill of Karaikudi. This temple is surrounded by coconut grooves. Apart from Lord Moolavar, Lord Thenootrunathar and Godesses Ammai Shrines are also there.

* Thiruvenkadamudaiyan - Then Tirupati
Then Tirupati-Ariyakkudi shrine dedicated to Lord Srinivasa Perumal, is a vast temple complex with a 100 year old history and referred to as "Then Tirupati" and "Arulmigu Ariyakkudi ThiruvenkadamudaiyanTemple". This temple was build by Nattukkotai Nagarathars. After 100 years, this shrine was renovated by the cost of Rs.10 million and Consecrated recently on 16th September 1999.

* Shopping
The city of Karaikudi is overflowing with excellent antique shops. Numerous impressive and even exotic items can be acquired for rather reasonable prices. Charming pewter jars, mugs, and bowls that are painted in blues and greens can be found. These items are imported from Czechoslovakia. Another possible find is the lacquered Burmese bamboo boxes and bowls that abound in the shops. Excellent wooden furniture can be found as well. Unusual finds are also possible. Such finds may include wooden chests from China, old pictures, various wooden artifacts, and even 100 year old jars of face cream and hair pomade that were imported originally from Great Britain.