The Bangala in Karaikudi is located in the heart of Chettinad. Two to three days can be easily spent wandering around Chettinad. The Bangala arranges local guides, who open doors that give you an insider view of Chettinad.

Chettinad Residences

Much of your time can be spent visiting the many fancy chettinad residences that dot the region and built over the last 200 years. They initially started as simple single storied buildings, but steadily grew in size and ornamentation to huge intricate structures that will astonish even the most seasoned traveler.

Around Karaikudi there are at least a dozen villages that are easily accessible but less bustling than Karaikudi. It is very interesting to walk through and admire the architectural Heritage close up. All villages have their own temples which are worth seeing.

Shopping

The Chettinad region and karaikudu especially is a treasure trove of antiques and well-crafted hand-made products ranging from Jewellery to Furniture making shopping a must-do activity for every visitor.

At the Village Shandi

You're unlikely to take much home from a village shandi, except some quaint and pleasant memories. It is the local village market that rotates between the villages on a daily basis. All daily necessities from fresh vegetables to cattle accessories and services, such as that of the open air village barber-cum-dentist are available here. A stroll through the rustic market will give you a close-up of a cross-section of village life which the next generation may not even get to see.

Antiques

Ravi Varma lithos, Tanjore/ glass paintings, Burmese lacquer ware, Swedish enamel , Austrian kerosene lamps, European lamp shades and old photographs are part of an enormous range of antiques that are slowly trickling on to the market, making Karaikudi a major source of antiques in south india.

Furniture

With a steady supply of seasoned Burma Teak from the old buildings and highly skilled carpenters, chettinad has become a major source of fine furniture, no veneer or plywood used. Copying old and colonial designs, the furniture is in great demand and often sold even before it is finished.

Diamonds

One of the open secrets of Southern Tamilnadu , is that Karaikudi is the place to buy diamonds. Over many generations a Seth family has settled here and supplied the shrewd , knowledgeable and quality conscious chettiar community with fine stones and jewelry, earning a reputation for quality and trust that is rarely found in the cities.

Sarees

Chettinad cottons are hand woven in bright colors and designs and are truly something to take home . Light on the purse and ideal for daily use in our hot climes, they are a strongly recommended Buy. Imaginatively used they can be used for furnishings.

Athangudi tiles

For those planning a new home don’t miss the Athangudi Tiles. Designs your own patterns, choose your colors, borders , skirting’s to make up the floors you have always dreamed of for your new house. It’s the ideal cool floor for hot climates.

There are also a few places where you can see the local artisans at work, making the famous Chettinad tiles, weaving cotton sarees on handlooms, working with wood and silver smiths.