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Structural Reflections Nattukottai means country fort, the name itself reminds of the big houses of Chettinad. The tradition of Nagarathar community, the so called people of Nattukottai area, is to build big houses like forts. The art and architecture of Chettinad houses are the sign of their cultural heritage. Athangudi, Kadiapatti, Kothamangalam, Kandanur, Kottaiyur, Pallathur have some of the most lavish houses of Chettinad. The huge threshold to the houses, with a high arch resembles the gateway of temples in India. The spacious rectangular mutram, the central portion of house is open to sky for free aeration. Thinnai, a raised platform serves as an accommodation for travellers and visitors. The inner courtyard has special significance. Lined with beautiful pillars made of Burma teakwood or granite, it serves as the venue for ceremonies and family engagements. The floors are covered with Italian glossy tiles. The walls are smooth and made of special plasters that contain powdered shells, lime, spices and gall-nut. This technique keeps the house cool even in hot summers. Kanadukathan About 15 kms from Thirumayam and 16 kms from Karaikudi, is Kanadukathan. The people this town played an important role in the development of education and trading in Tamilnadu Chettinad Palace, Heritage houses and Island bungalow are the monuments that attract foreign tourists. Chettinad Palace The Chettinad Palace in Kanadukathan was built in 19 12 with Burma Teak, Granite Pillars stained glass and imported Italian tiles. The palace now is open to visitors. Arulmigu Sivaloganathasamy Temple Arulmigu Sivaloganathasamy Temple also called Big Temple is situated on Karaikudi – Trichy road. A large number of pilgrims visit this temple daily. The structure of the city and quarters reflect their
style, attitude and their eagerness to provide food and shelter
to their guests and travellers. Their hospitality and kindness are
well known. Sivagangai Sri Sasivarna Periya Udayana Thevar was the founder
of Sivagangai dynasty. Ranivelunatchiyar and the Maruthu Pandian
brothers are very famous rulers of Sivagangai dynasty. Sivagangai
is the head quarters of Sivagangai district connected with rest
of the state by road and railway. It is situated 45km south east
of Madurai and I7km north of Mana Madurai.
Shanmuga Bhavan Ph: 240432 B.L.S Lodge Ph: 240488 Subham Deluxe Ph: 240452 Karaikudi Karaikudi is the main town, for the surrounding 75 villages. Karaikudi is located in between Thiruchirapalli and Rameswaram. It got its name because of the famous plant called "Karai" which is widely spread over this area. The famous temple village Pillaiyarpatti is 12km away from Karaikudi. The city is known for Sri Meenakshi- Sundareswarar temple, also known as Sivan Temple which was built in 1872. There is a temple here with 108 statues depicting different aspects and forms of Ganapathy. Sekkalai is located at the North-East of Karaikudi, which was known as "Jain Kunda Puram" 50 years back. In North-West of Karaikudi is Muthu Pattinam which is known for Muthu MariammanTemple. At the centre is Kallukatti where the famous temple Koppudaiamman is located. The river Thennar flows through South Karaikudi. "Tamil Thai Kovil", "Kamban Manimandabam", "Vallal Allagappar Statue", "Kaviaraser Kannadhasan Manimandabam and Statue" add honour to Karaikudi. Facilities including Heritage type hotels are available for local stay. You could shop for cotton sarees, antiques, old teak doors and furniture, jewellery in gold and diamond or the ruby studded ones and delicious local snacks. A day tour to the mansions in and around karaikudi is a delight. The 1000 windows house is worth a visit. The railway station and post office in the name of Chettinad are located 14 kilometers away from Karaikudi. There is an exclusive entrance built specially for the Raja's family. Raja Sir Muthiah Chettiar, the founder of Chidambaram Annamalai University in 1929, acquired one thousand acres of land to form this town called 'Chettinad.' |
