Chettinad could be among India’s largest cultural revival projects 

While only 11,000 mansions remain in Chettinad today (half of what existed 50 years ago), with a majority in ruins, Chettinad yearns for a revival. Which is exactly what a few individuals are doing. Be it planning cultural festivals, curated holidays, or even large-scale hospitality projects, there is a lot happening in Chettinad, away from the public eye. We bring you a lowdown of what makes the region perhaps the next big cultural revival project in the country.

Walk through Chettinad’s bustling lanes, and you will be welcomed by heritage mansions featuring intricate handiwork, ponds with lotus blooms, and ancient temples with ornate facades. The region once helmed by the Nattukottai Chettiars, was known for its opulence in every realm: architecture, culinary heritage, art and craft, and more. 

While only 11,000 mansions remain today (half of what existed 50 years ago), with a majority in ruins, Chettinad yearns for a revival. Which is why a few individuals working on projects designed to highlight the region’s riches: from cultural festivals to large-scale hospitality ventures, there is a lot happening in Chettinad today, away from the public eye.

We bring you a lowdown of what makes the region perhaps the next big cultural revival project in the country.

Mansions turn boutique hotels

In the town of Kanadukathan today, a flurry of workers are transforming a construction site into a heritage hotel. Helmed by Priya Paul, chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, the project (kickstarted in late 2021) will see the heritage property being converted into 15 luxury suites, with a new swimming pool, restaurant, and a private lounge. “We are not only Restoring the palace, but also ensuring that when we do up new spaces, we make them even more spacious for the contemporary traveller,” says Priya, who first visited Karaikudi 20 years ago and was charmed by the region’s history and art.

Elaborating on the promise the region holds for a hospitality venture of this scale, she explains how, over the years, there has been an increased interest in Chettinad’s unique architecture, design as well as cuisine.

“The villages in the region have been well-preserved, making it an ideal location to get an immersive experience. It is also close to temple towns such as Tanjore and Madurai, and an ideal stopover while driving to Puducherry which is just two hours away.  For tourists who have an interest in art and architecture, as well as spiritual tourism, this region definitely holds a lot of promise,” says Priya, who also runs The Vaadhyar’s House, a boutique cafe in Kanadukathan, whihc has been operational in a 150-year-old summer home since September 2018.