Saratha Vilas Heritage Hotel in Chettinad
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India RAMESHWARAM
View of the main façade of Saratha Vilas Photos Julie Wayne Main wedding hall at Saratha Vilas
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 1 Afternoon Welcome and transfer from Madurai or Trichy airports. 2 to 2 ½ hours driving to reach Saratha Vilas Arrival and welcome at the hotel, visit of the heritage building Walk or bicycle ride in the village of Kothamangalam, Ayyanar shrine and the terracotta figure, sacred wood, bird watching. Dinner at Saratha Vilas Central courtyard at Saratha vilas
Paysage de «érys» et temple de Shiva à Kothamangalam Bois sacré dédié à Karupa à Kothamangalam Photos Julie Wayne
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 2 morning Exploring around Kotamangalam (total 30km): Chettiar village of Kadiyapatti and visit of a Palace XVII century Tirumayam Fort and its two cave temples (Vishnou stone carving - VII century) Village of Kanadukathan, visit of a palatial home and handloom weaver s workshop. Traditional vegetarian lunch on banana leaf at Saratha Vilas Street of Kadiyapatti
Tirumayam Fort and Siva and Perumal cave temples, Chola period
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 2 morning Chettinad Rajas Palace in Kanadukathan and weavers workshop
Day 2 afternoon Free programme - ayurvedic Massages Carambol game Presentation on Chettinad heritage and the protection & heritagebased projects - Visit of potter s workshop Bull oxcart ride (prior booking only) Dinner at Saratha Vilas Massage ayurvédique à la Saratha Vilas Photos Julie Wayne
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 3 Morning Tour in the heart of the Chettinad region(total 50km): Chettiar village of Pallathur Kotadi Ayyanar shrine Old Chettinad train station - Village of Kottaiyur (visit of one palace, future Museum of Lifestyle) Lunch at the Bangala Hotel in Karaikudi Pallathur & Kothadi Ayyanar shrine
Day 3 afternoon Karaikudi (antic shops bazaar- Wood carving workshop visit of A.M.A. house) Dinner at Saratha Vilas Palatial architecture of Karaikudi and its bazar
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 4 morning Exploring Chettinad region (total 50/100km): Bird sanctuary of Vettangudi, or village weekly market, or religious festival accordingly to Tamil calendar. Traditional vegetarian lunch on banana leaf at Saratha Vilas. Weekly market of Kothamangalam Religious festival of Kawadi (end February), Pongal (mid-january) and Ayyanar (from May to end of August)
Day 4 afternoon Decorative tiles factory in Athangudi - Athangudi Palace Clans Temple of Pillayarpatti Vairavanpatti Neman Dinner at Saratha Vilas Decorative tiles factory and Palace in Athangudi Clan Temples of Nemam and Vellangudi in the heart of Chettinad
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 5 Morning Day tour in the ancient kingdom of Pudukottai (1686), (total 100/150km ). Visit of the Museum. Temples et shrines in the natural site of Nartamalai. The temples were built from IX century (2-3 hour-walk) Picnic prepared by Saratha Vilas Ensemble des temples et sanctuaires du site de Nartamalai
Day 5 afternoon Cave temple of Sittannavasal (frescos from IX century) On the way back, visit of Ayyanar shrine of Elladangudipatti Dinner at Saratha Vilas Ayyanar shrine of Ellangudipatti
Visit Chettinad Region Heart of Dravidian India Day 6 morning Tour to Rameshwaram, 1or 2 days (total 300/350km) City of Lord Rama (Ramayana Legend) built on an island in Mannar Gulf (UNESCO biosphere reserve) Temple of Ramanatha Swami XII century hypostyle corridors (3000 pillars) of 1,2km long 22wells pilgrimage), dedicated to Lord Rama. One of the most important Hindu pilgrimage site of India. Picnic prepared by Saratha Vilas. Beach Night in Madurai or in Rameswaram Temple of Ramanathan Swami in Rameshwaram
Day 6 afternoon Ramanathan Swami Temple in Rameshwaram and Meenakshi Aman temple in Madurai
Saratha Vilas Heritage Hotel in Chettinad La suite Ethnique La suite Art Déco Photos Julie Wayne La suite Victorienne
La chambre des Bomais Les terres cuites à la Saratha Vilas La suite Gondwana Photos Julie Wayne
Saratha Vilas Heritage Hotel in Chettinad Saratha Vilas N 832, Main Street - 630 105 Kothamangalam Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu +91(0)99842 03175/ +91(0)99849 36158