Chettinad: Heritage & Architecture Chettinad is a region of the Sivaganga district of southern Tamil Nadu state,India. Karaikudi is known as the capital of Chettinad, which includes Karaikudi and 74 other villages. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Ceylon and Burma, in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. The people of Chettinad speak Tamil. Today there is a Diasporas of Chettinad people, who live in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, among other places. Chettinad is well known for its: Culinary delicacies: Chettinad is known for its culinary delicacies. The cuisine is now one of the many reasons why people get to know Chettinad. The food is essentially spicy, with a standard full meal consisting of cooked dhal, eggplant (brinjal) curry, drumstick sambar, ghee for flavoring rice, and sweet meats. The freshest of spices – coriander, cumin, pepper, fenugreek, star anise and cinnamon – famed not only for their flavor, but also for their medicinal value, are used in distinctive blends in Chettinad cuisine. Mansions: Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, and is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. Local legend has it that their walls used to be polished with a paste made out of egg whites to give a smooth texture. Temples: Originally built by early Tamil dynasties like the Cholas, the temples of Chettinad stand testimony to the spiritual beliefs of its denizens. Scattered over the whole place, each temple has its own tank called oorani where water lilies are grown, and used for holy rituals. Even today much of Chettinad's daily tidings are centered on the festivities around the temple. Among the many famous temples, a few are Vairavan Kovil, Karpaga Vinayakar temple, Kundrakudi Murugan temple, Kottaiyur Sivan temple. Art & Craft: Karaikudi is famous for its Athangudi Tiles, which come in different colours and pattern. These handmade terracotta tiles are unique and beautiful. These tiles are made by a unique process using local soil. Travellers can visit a tile factory in Athangudi to get the first hand experience how these tiles are made. Kandanki or Chettinad Saree is another major handicraft item of the Karaikudi area. These sarees are hand‐woven in cotton, has a big border and usually come in checks or stripes. Traditionally the Chettinad weavers used vegetable dyes in black, red & yellow. Wood‐carving is another major highlight. The minute carvings on the doors and carving of idols on wooden blocks are some of the exquisite examples of wood carvings of the Chettinad region. How to reach Chettinad By Air: Madurai is the nearest airport, 90 km from Karaikudi. By Rail: Karaikudi Junction is well connected by both passenger and express trains. By Road: Karaikudi is connected by road with all neighbouring towns. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Trichy, and Palani. .