Chettinad

Some 75 villages make up the region of Tamil Nadu state known as Chettinad. This is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars. They were a prosperous banking community who traveled widely to do business in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Nowadays, the region is largely rural and off the beaten track enough that the Indian government has developed programs to lure visitors to the region. Oddly incongruous with the rural nature of the area are the opulent former mansions and palaces, some of which now house museums or welcome overnight guests.

How to Get There
The main town in Chettinad is Karaikudi with bus and rail service from area cities, including Chennai. The nearest airport is in Madurai, 56 miles (90 kilometers) away.

Attractions
After arriving in the region, consider hiring a guide and driver to get you to various sites, which may be hard to find on your own. Among them are the Chettinad Museum, a former raja's mansion; Athangudi, where you can visit a factory where handmade terra-cotta tiles are produced; Devakottai, a village with numerous old mansions, and Kanadukathan, home to the Raja of Chettinad's palace, museum, and opulent railway waiting room.

Places to Stay
For a taste of the life of luxury led by South India's business tycoons, check out the Chettinadu Mansion (hotel) in Kanadukathan; for bookings, tel. +91 9846 344305.

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