Chidambara Vilas - A Luxury Heritage Resort

Pros: 1. Spacious room 2. Warm welcome 3. Hearty Breakfast 4. Scrumptious Lunch 5. Friend and attentive staffs Cons: 1. None Overall: I stayed at this property for 3 nights. I had zero expectations due to how rural the hotel was situated. But this gem of a hotel out performed itself. The food and hospitality was really great.

One of the best hotel we have been to. The history and the experience was worth it. Staff is very polite and professional. They take care of you like a family. We really loved it. Experience included heritage walk around the village & its history. A traditional Chettinad cooking classes in evening. Food was very delicious, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Gracy is the best staff among there ...heritage cultural stay over there always whenever we visit ...will visit again food isntypical chettinad style and yummy ...manager may be little more courteous to indan guest also ...nothing else specific

The Chettiars have a rich history with documentary evidence dating back to the 13th century. Finance, international trade, and commerce were their traditional strengths. The Chettiar mansions in Karaikudi are a fabulous testament of their rich architectural heritage and opulence. Chidambara Vilas where we stayed, Kanadukathan Palace, Atangudi Palace and Aayiram Jannal Veedu are must see marvels that are a testament to Chettiar communities wealth, international exposure and cultural heritage. We explored the Chidambara Vilas ***** with the GM Mr.Senthil whose knowledge about the Chettiars, their lifestyle, and the amazing mansion was extensive. He was a marvelous storyteller holding us spell bound while we got a workout with the 6000 steps my App tells me, I walked and climbed and spiraled on their dizzy spiral staircases. The food was outstanding at breakfast and dinner. Unfortunately we missed the elaborate lunch served on plantain leaves. Some of the activities on our 2 day visit were a visit to Pillayarpatti temple where Karpaga Vinayakar resides from the 4th century. The distinctive idol is made from a single stone and is said to have been installed by sage Agastya. It is a famous pilgrim spot for devotees of Ganesha, the obstacle remover or vighnahartha. We went to the handmade Atangudi tile factory to see marvelous tiles being made. We then visited a few Sari shops where they also weave the famous Chettinad saris. A visit to Karaikudi for a foodie must include the famous Priya mess. The food was delicious and the crowd to get in was so large that we needed many skills to get in, find a bench and finally eat crab, chicken, mutton and fish Chettinad style with rice, sambar and brinjal koottu. The local snacks like murku and adirasam were delicious. Exploring this neighborhood marvel Karaikudi was truly a unique experience. I discovered such amazing buildings, crafts, antiques, temples, cuisine, and gentle rural ambiance. The local cultural experiences were far better than what is so well showcased in international destinations.

Chettinad has been on my bucket list forever, and there was no better way to experience the region than to stay at a luxury Chettiar Mansion, Chidambara Vilas. Chettinad is built on the history and heritage of the Chettiars. Chidambara Vilas is an example of it. The architectural style, with the steps leading up to a magnificent outer portico, the entrance of grand and intricately carved Burma teak doors inviting you into the courtyard with family rooms and then onto a magnificent dining hall and onwards to large and comfortable rooms replete with all amenities, in my opinion, immediately draws you in as a visitor into a slice of life exactly as it would have been for the Chettiars. An immersive experience you'll get no where else. It is tough to separate the building from the hospitality, and here I experienced the finest of hospitality under the capable hands of the GM, Senthil Kumar. The entire Chidambara Vilas (CV) team, led by him, are warm, welcoming and brimming with smiles and a readiness to help. So it is an ideal home away from home from which to go out and explore all of Chettinad and its delights and return to the care and hospitality of the CV team. They look out for your every need, from a refreshing drink to amenities in your room or a special dish for dinner/ breakfast according to your request. The tour de force of my stay was the 2 hour CV tour with the GM. Having travelled the world, it is seldom I come across people with a true passion and knowledge of the place they are taking you around. It is clear Senthil is one of the few who is not only passionate about CV and Chettinad, but that he has put in the painstaking research and time to understand their history and connect it to the tour of CV. He has met over 80 Chettiars and this depth and mastery of knowledge reflects in the stories he weaves as he introduces you both to the way of life and the immense value the Chettiars have brought to the country as well as the secrets of their ways of living as unveiled in the various rooms, corridors and nooks of CV. It was a thrilling experience for a history buff like me. So do make sure you sign up for this tour. Thank you to the CV team for the most memorable and magical holiday experience, one that I will always cherish. Senthil, Muthu, Hari, Glory, Shah Jahan, Vembarsi and the rest of the team, your warmth and care is a reference point for the hospitality industry. If ever I return, there is no where else I would choose to stay but with you in CV.