Karaikudi is also known as ’Chettinad’ located in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. Last November, I have been to Karaikudi to attend my friend’s wedding with my family in our car. Started in the morning at our native town we reached Karaikudi by the evening. Here, I would like to share the experience about my trip to this place.
Karaikudi is the home to ’Nagarathar’ a business community people of this region. The reputed Alagappa University is situated here. This town is well connected by state roads and National highways, Trichy - Rameswaram highway passes through this town. There are two bus terminals, Mofussil bus terminal and a old bus stand. Nearby airports are Trichy ( 95 kms) and Madurai ( 100) International airports. The major railhead serving this town is Karaikudi Junction Railway Station. Also cabs, rickshaws and local town buses are available in frequent for transporation.
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In the evening we checked in to the hotel, named MA Grand, where we experienced a comfortable stay with all amenities provided. There is a restaurant available in this hotel, where we can enjoy both vegetarian and non vegetarian foods especially chettinad dishes. Chettinad is reowned for its cuisine because for its flavour, dishes cook in mud pot gives delicious taste to the food. The stewards and the staffs are very courteous in the hotel.
The next day we went to world famous ’Chettinad palace’ it is in Kanadugathan village, the outside of Karaikudi town. The palace is awesome it extends in a series of three courtyards to the main hall with heavy wooden doors made of burma teak , it is decorated with elephant tusks, antique furniture, floorings made with Italian marbles, hand made tiles and carving wood work which lights up this home. Many south indian movies are framed here.
As we travel through this region we find temples at every turn we didnt go for sight seeing to other places because of lack of time and we rushed to the reception at the evening.Other notable sight seeing places are
Koppudai amman temple, Meenakshi sundareswarar temple, Pillaiyarpatti temple, each and every temple is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture. Many of the temples are built by earlier dynasties who ruled this region.
Chettinad is popular for its cuisine, chettinad cotton sarees, houses ( thousand windows houses) etc.
Hotels and accomodation are largely available here from budget type to star hotels and resorts. This town is easily accessible with other places by transport .The Police department and the volunteers at temples provides protection to the pilgrims and parking area were properly maintained. It is safe for us to travel even single but being at a tourist spot we should take care of our children and things.
The third day early morning we attended the wedding and returned to our home town. It was an unforgottable trip for us.