The Bangala | Experience Chettinad

The Bangala:
A heritage experience in the heart of Chettinad.

Rated 7th Best Restaurant in India by Condé Nast Traveller in 2019

ABOUT THE BANGALA

Welcome to The Bangala – the first Heritage Hotel in Chettinad, built on a property that has been with the family for over 100 years. Located in Karaikudi, in the heart of Chettinad, the Bangala is a family-run hotel that combines traditional Chettiar hospitality with modern amenities. The extensive property retains its Chettinad charm, with quaint gardens, old-style furniture, extensive verandahs, and is also equipped with a swimming pool and a library.

Renowned for its family kitchen, the Bangala is the ultimate destination for authentic Chettinad cuisine, with recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, creating a dining experience that cannot be missed.
There is much to see and do in Chettinad, and the Bangala has local guides who can give you an insider’s view of the area and its unparalleled architectural legacy that is rapidly gaining fame all over the world.

Facilities

The Bangala is equipped with both traditional and modern facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, cooking demos and Master Chef Courses, a library, and guides well versed in the cultural and architectural legacy of Chettinad.

Testimonials

The extraordinary Chettinad meals we ate there definitely count as the supreme culinary highlights of my year. The meals are served on rustic banana leaves but the food is so sophisticated and innovative it really deserves a Michelin star.
William Dalrymple, in a Financial Times London article
Amazing hospitality, very efficient and friendly staff. Very happy experience.
Muthiah Muralidaran
Fantastic stay, very loving and courteous staff, food very very tasty. Would love to visit often!
Aditi Marathe
The Bangala is a very special place. We enjoyed the pool very much and I spent a lot of time there... Food was the best we have tasted in India!
Liam & Georgie, England
Lovely property in the heart if the town. Very green and authentic with thoughtful staff.
Tom B, Lyon, France
Words cannot describe our amazing experience. Thank you for the best hospitality ever!
Lorena Villareal Clausell, Mexico City

Chettinad Festival

Join us between 29th September and 2nd October 2023 to celebrate the heritage and culture of Chettinad. Click the link below for more details.

Food

Chettiar hospitality is legendary. A stranger is welcomed, a guest is fussed over and any occasion is reason for a feast. It is this lavish everyday spreads that has made Chettinad a culinary experience in its own right across the world.

Chettinad Cuisine Masterclasses

Learn Chettinad cuisine from the renowned chefs at the Bangala – demonstrations, workshops, background information, shopping and more!

Books at the Bangala

The family that runs The Bangala has been involved in bringing out various books on Chettinad. These are available for sale at the shop.

Articles and Mentions

A collection of articles from various magazines, websites and blogs, featuring the Bangala.

The Bangala is located on Devakottai Road, Senjai,
Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630001.

Acknowledgements

Many of the photographs used in this website have been taken by visitors and photographers, including Deidi Von Schaewen and Catherine Karnow. Our sincere thanks to them.

Many thanks to Bharath Ramamrutham, author of Mansions of Chettinad, for his photographs of the area.

Our thanks to Rachel Hirschi and Sumeet Nair for their inputs in helping us develop the Chettinad Cuisine Masterclasses.

Our thanks to Ladyfingers Co. for creating this cheerful and informative website.

The Bangala: A heritage experience in the heart of Chettinad.