Arrival & Welcome to Chettinad

Karaikudi - • Arrive at Madurai or Trichy Airport – Receive a warm welcome and transfer to your heritage hotel in the peaceful village of Kannadugathan.
• Check-in and Refresh – Enter the grand courtyards of your 100-year-old Chettinad mansion.
• Welcome Lunch & Cooking Session – Relish a traditional Chettinad meal followed by an engaging cooking demonstration with culinary expert and lifestyle writer Mr. Ashwin Rajagopal. Discover the ingredients, spices, and culinary philosophy behind the renowned cuisine.
• Evening Picnic to Thirumayam Fort & Sathiyamurthi Temple – Enjoy a gentle drive to a unique historical site, where a relaxed temple-side picnic with light local snacks is arranged.
• Cultural Immersion at the Hotel – Experience Killi Josiyam, a distinctive Tamil-style fortune-telling tradition guided by parrots.
• Dinner – Delight in a course-by-course plated Chettinad meal in a grand dining room, featuring a contemporary twist on traditional flavors.

Palatial Trails & Culinary Heritage

Karaikudi - • Orientation Walk in Kanadukathan
Enjoy a guided orientation walk through the tranquil village of Kanadukathan. Admire pristine Chettinad mansions adorned with intricate murals and teak pillars. Experience authentic village life with glimpses of local crafts, farming, and community traditions.

• International Breakfast
Savor a curated European-style breakfast at your heritage hotel with South Indian accents.

• Leisure Time
Relax at the hotel—by the pool, in the garden, or with a book in hand.

• Chettinad Saree Experience
Visit a traditional saree boutique in Karaikudi to observe the handweaving process and interact with local artisans.

Karaikudi - • Banana Leaf Lunch at The Bangala
Enjoy a flavorful Chettinad meal served on a banana leaf at the charming Bangala heritage hotel.

• Market Walk & Snack Tasting
Explore Karaikudi’s antique markets and local sweet stalls. Watch snacks like adhirasam and murukku being made—and enjoy a taste!

• Evening Relaxation
Unwind at your hotel before dinner.

• Chef’s Table Experience
Conclude the day with a Southeast Asian–inspired Chettinad fusion meal, highlighting the Chettiar community’s historic ties with Asia.

Farewell with Flavor

Karaikudi - • Bullock Cart Village Tour
Begin your morning with a peaceful bullock cart ride through the Chettinad countryside, passing by traditional homes, rice fields, and artisan workshops.

• Traditional Chettinad Breakfast
Enjoy a classic South Indian breakfast featuring idiyappam, vadai, chutneys, and filter coffee.

• Pillayarpatti & Local Crafts
Visit the Pillayarpatti temple (optional), explore a heritage museum, see Athangudi tile-making in action, and stroll through a vibrant village market.

• Farewell Lunch
Savor a refreshing fusion lunch at the hotel—highlighting local and international flavors with summer-friendly dishes.

• Departure Transfers
Group or individual transfers to Madurai or Trichy airport as you bid farewell to the flavors and charm of Chettinad.

• Cookery Demonstration followed by a traditional Chettinad lunch
• Private transportation
• Expert hosts and local experiences curated with personal attention
• Accommodation at the heritage-rich Visalam – A CGH Earth Experience
• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• A session on Kili Josiyam – the unique parrot astrology tradition
• Dinner
• Bullock Cart Ride through the scenic Chettinad countryside
• Breakfast
• Visit to Thirumayam Fort and Sathiyamurthi temple
• A curated Culinary & Cultural Tour led by Mr. Ashwin, your expert local guide

• Personal expenses such as soft drinks, tips, telephone calls, laundry service
• Early check-in (room charges before standard check-in time)

Discover the essence of Chettinad through its vibrant flavors, historic architecture, and enduring traditions in this remarkable 3-day culinary and cultural journey. Crafted for travelers who appreciate authenticity, this engaging tour takes you to the heart of Tamil Nadu’s most renowned region, where each spice narrates a tale and every palace resonates with history.

Reside in heritage mansions, uncover timeless Chettinad cooking techniques from a master chef, enjoy dining under the stars near ancient temples, and engage in local customs like fortune telling with a native Killi Josiyam. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a traveler in search of meaningful local connections, this retreat offers an in-depth exploration of the warmth, flavors, and sophistication of Chettinad.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.