Chidambara Vilas - A Luxury Heritage Resort

The mansion’s story began in 1884, when a respected Chettiar family left for abroad, and soon after, work began on a one-acre plot gifted by the Maharaja of Pudukottai. Built between 1897 and 1904 for seven lakhs, it stands as a fine example of the elegance and prosperity of Chettinad life. Every element came from afar, wood from Burma, marble and granite from Italy, chandeliers and mirrors from Belgium.

Over time, the place needed care, and that’s when the Sangam Group stepped in. They took on the huge job of restoring the mansion, spending three years bringing it back to life. Every detail was done with care, so even today it feels just as grand and true to its old Chettinad roots. When you walk in, it’s like stepping right into history, beautifully kept alive.

With its storied history and timeless architecture, Chidambara Vilas was awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024 and the Best Heritage Hotel in Tamil Nadu at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards in 2022

Chidambara Vilas is one of those places where you can feel the old Chettinad character in every corner. The rooms have been redone with so much care; the patterns, carvings, and flooring are well kept. You’ll notice how the design blends local tradition with bits of British influence from that time. As you enter the villa, the Mugappu, or reception area, immediately sets the tone with its grand pillars of wood, granite, and terracotta, each covered in intricate carvings. The main door, carved like a temple piece with gods and goddesses, opens to a view of courtyards stretching deep inside. On either side lies the Paadasalai, once used for business and gatherings, adorned with Belgian glass, Italian tiles, Victorian furniture, and crystal chandeliers.

The Valavu, or main courtyard, is open to the sky, framed by carved doors depicting deities. It was cleverly designed for natural airflow and rainwater harvesting through vessels and underground channels leading to a pond. Outside, the mansion’s façade blends Chettinad, colonial, and Art Deco influences. With minarets, towers, and bold colors against white walls, it overlooks the paddy fields and Thirumayam Fort, a timeless reminder of Chettinad’s grandeur.

The moment you step inside Chidambara Vilas, the kitchen hits you with smells of spices, smoke, and firewood fill the air. The chefs cook proper Chettinad food like they’ve been doing for generations, using ingredients from nearby farms. You can watch them grind masalas on stone slabs and slow-cook curries in clay pots, just like old times. Guests can chat with the chefs through a translator or even try a few things themselves.

Visiri Hall

Traditional Leaf Lunch at Visiri Hall is where you truly experience the Chettiar way of eating. Meals are served on fresh banana leaves, eaten by hand, as has been done for centuries. Most dishes are old recipes, made from local ingredients. The staff shows you how to eat everything in the right order and which dishes go together.

Kalyana Kottagai

Fine Dining
Kalyana Kottagai used to be a big wedding hall, and now it’s the fine-dining spot. They serve Karaikudi food, North Indian, and even Western dishes, and you can tweak things to your taste, and the chef will be happy to accommodate your requests. The pillars, chandeliers, and high ceilings still give that old British-era luxury ambiance.

Koppai

The Bar
Koppai means “wine goblet,” and it’s the heritage bar here. This used to be the pantry for big wedding feasts, and you can still feel that history in the walls. It’s quiet, cozy, and a nice place to have a drink, surrounded by the stories and vibes of the house from back in the day.

Durbar Hall at Chidambara Vilas is one of the best spots for a Chettinad wedding. The hall is big, about 1,200 sq. ft (111.5 sq. m), and totally pillarless, so it feels open and grand. The old Chettiar woodwork, carvings, and interiors still give it that historic vibe. At the same time, it’s got all the modern facilities you need, like a projector and audio-visual gear. So whether it’s a small, cozy wedding or a boutique-style celebration, everything works smoothly.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

You can take a guided tour of the mansion and walk through each part of this 120-year-old house, learning about the Chettiar lifestyle and history. If you want to see more of the local area, there’s a heritage village walk around Kadiapatti village to spot old Chettinad mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries. For a fun ride, you can hop on a bullock cart and roll through the village streets. You can also dive into the cultural side with garland making. Food lovers can join cookery classes with local chefs, learning to make authentic Chettinad dishes from starters to desserts. And for a touch of art, there’s kolam making, the traditional rice-powder designs drawn at entrances to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and bring prosperity.

Beyond the mansion, just a short drive away, is Thirumayam Fort, a striking historic landmark with impressive architecture and deep cultural significance. The surrounding village is home to ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, giving a real sense of the spiritual life. Not far from there is the Karpaga Vinayagar Temple at Pillaiyarpatti, a rock-cut cave temple dating back to between 1091 and 1238, with inscriptions from ancient Agama texts still visible on the stones. For those who love history and collectibles, the Karaikudi Antiques Market is a must-visit, a treasure trove of antiques, traditional artefacts, and cultural curiosities.

Other Celebration

At the villa, you can easily hold private celebrations or business gatherings. If you need a unique spot for a birthday, anniversary, or corporate retreat, the mansion's courtyards and halls give you that authentic heritage look. Plus, the team there handles the planning, from seating, decor, and catering, so your event is personalized and runs perfectly.