Chettinad (Karaikudi) || Chettinad (Karaikudi)
Chettinad or Karaikudi was famous because of the predominance of the Nattu Kottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking community, who have ventured far and wide to set up their businesses even at the turn of the 20th century. It is also said that the place got its name because of the famous plant called Karai (in tamil) which is widely spread over this area. While at Kariakudi one should visit the Chettinad Museum and taste the Chettinad cuisine which is very special from this part of the region. Chettinad is also famous for its fortress-like heritage homes and temples made during the Chettiar dynasty. Chettinadu also offers extensive antique shopping, weekly shandys (colourful village markets), visits to craft men working with wood and metal, silversmiths and goldsmiths tec. Not yet discovered by the world, Chettinadu is a rural area certain to surprise even the most discerning traveller.