The mansions of Chettinad, Tamil Nadu, offer a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Chettiar community, once renowned as prosperous traders and bankers. These grand homes, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcase an extraordinary blend of architectural styles, reflecting European and Southeast Asian influences and traditional Tamil Nadu design featuring sprawling courtyards, open-air atriums for ventilation, and pillared halls for hosting elaborate ceremonies. Individual rooms had distinct functions: Spacious dining halls accommodated large family gatherings, inner rooms for family living and outer courtyards with great pillars to impress business associates and storehouses for storing valuables and trade goods.

A visit to Chettinad offers more than a visual treat—it’s an opportunity to step into a bygone era of wealth, culture, and architectural splendour, making it an unforgettable experience for history and design enthusiasts. You will see the intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials, including Burmese teak doors, Italian marble finishes, Belgian chandeliers, and locally produced Athangudi tiles to create elegant interiors. While a handful of houses have been restored to differing degrees, sadly, the majority are currently in varying states of decay as families move away in the struggle to maintain the houses.

Two notable examples meticulously restored include the Chettinad Mansion in Kanadukathan and our favourite, The Visalam House heritage home, where visitors can experience such a residence while exploring the region in greater depth.