Chettinad Crafts and Culture Tour
What this tour is about: This is a private full day excursion to explore the history, culture, cuisine and crafts of the Chettinad district. The district gets its name from the Chettiars, a powerful and prosperous business community whose influence is clearly discernible in the region's culture, crafts and cuisine. The old wealth of the Chettiars can still be seen in the large number of elaborate 19th century mansions they built in a mix of Indian and European styles. Apart from being famous for its spicy and aromatic cuisine, Chettinad is also known for its crafts, such as the famous Athangudi handmade tiles and the Chettinad handloom saris.
Tour coverage: We will pick you up from Madurai at 9:00 a.m. and drive 1hr to Athangudi, to visit to the traditional tile-making and pottery units. The brightly patterned Athangudi tiles were commissioned by the Chettiars for their mansions and are even today entirely handmade. From Athangudi we will drive about 30 minutes further to visit Thirumayam Fort. Built in the 17th century, the fort has been a site of several battles and intrigues. We will then visit the small town of Kanadukathan, which is famous for its grand old-style mansions with elaborate woodwork, terracota and tile work.
We will have lunch in the town of Karaikudi, where a multi-course traditional meal awaits us at The Bangala, a traditional Chettinad residence that has now been converted by the family into a heritage hotel. After lunch we will visit the antiques market in Karaikudi and the local weaving units which produce the famous Chettinad weaves. We will return to Madurai by around 5 p.m.
Apart from the places listed above, this tour also offers a great opportunity to see the living culture of Chettinad – you will see paddy farming, small villages, bazaars, shrines dedicated to folk gods, and if the timing is right, you will also be able to see festivals and celebrations.
When: All days of the week
Duration: Full day (8-9 hrs depending on your interests, with a break for lunch)
Cost:
- INR 3500 per person for 7-10 persons
- INR 4500 per person for 5-6 persons
- INR 6500 per person for 3-4 persons
- INR 8500 per person for 2 persons
- INR 14500 for a solo traveler
Includes:AC transport, driver with cell phone, fuel, parking charges, tolls, knowledgeable English-speaking guide, bottled water and all taxes.
Excludes: Tips and gratuities, travel insurance, meals and entrances.
Prior reservation is mandatory. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414.
Tour Notes: Press dress modestly and ensure you have adequate sun protection. In the markets and craft workshops, please ask permission if you are photographing people. Some people do not like it, but some will allow it. Please do not attempt to pay or tip people for allowing photography.