Visalam is a luxurious, restored mansion hotel, set in the heart of the Chettinad community in Tamil Nadu. Chettinad area of 74 villages is known for its exuberantly ornate 19th- and 20th-century mansions. Visalam, built in the Art Deco-style in the 1930s, however is a later example but like earlier mansions, it has mighty pillars, doors, and rafters of teak, huge rooms with soaring ceilings and shuttered windows, and broad-roofed verandas.
Operated by CGH Earth – known for their eco-friendly approach – it has refurbished this magnificent mansion as a 15-room hotel. Originally built for the daughter of a local merchant, the property exudes simple grandeur of the period’s elite. Meals of Chettinad cuisine are served either family style in the upstairs dining room or out on the large terrace, next to the swimming pool. There is also a Grill restaurant on the terrace that serves barbeque and tandoori dishes.
A guided tour of the local mansions and temples is a must. Visalam can arrange private tour to see the mansions and also the hand-loom weaving of intricate Chettiar cottons and the traditional Athangudi tile-making that has refurbished Visalam’s handsome floors. Explore the surrounding rustic and idyllic rural life or take a day trip of Madurai to see the Meenakshi Amman Temple. At the end of it all, cool off in the 40-foot pool in a walled garden filled with bougainvillea.
Amenities
Bar/PubBusiness CentreCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesFitness CentreGardenLibraryMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Visalam has just 15 air-conditioned rooms. All are individually decorated with period style furniture, original Italian tiles and some art-deco elements seen in lamp shades and décor. Rooms are simple in design but comfortable and are spacious in size (between 37 to 56 sqm) with high, open beamed ceilings. Equally spacious bathrooms are fitted with modern facilities and each room opens out onto a private balcony overlooking the garden or the street below.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Visalam but there are no specific facilities available for children. Babysitting service can be arranged on request.
Dine There are three dining options on offer at the Visalam. Breakfast is served at the poolside café, which is then open all day serving cold drinks and light snacks. The alfresco grill bar serves dishes fresh out of the pan; while the Sapadu Shala, dining hall offers a more formal setting. Authentic Chettinad cuisine is said to be the most aromatic in India but guests can learn the trick two- to three-day culinary program offered by Visalam's interactive kitchen.
Relax Facilities at the Visalam include a swimming pool, early morning or evening walks around the local area and past the old Chettiar mansions. Leisure time activities include making rangoli rice patterns, joining cooking classes and watching Tamil stick dancing in the evening.
Experience Chettinad may not be as opulent as Rajasthan but its architecture takes the breath away. It is estimated that there are over 5,000 mansions still remain in Chettinad, the better-maintained of which are often visited by curious tourists. Visalam can arrange private tour of these mansions, as well as the surrounding temples known for their architecture. The region, once home to traders and bankers is also known for its exquisite wood, gold and silver antiques.
Location Visalam is located in the small town of Kanadukathan, a mere 16 kilometres from Karaikudi, in Tamil Nadu, south east India.
Getting there Fly to Chennai International Airport, followed by a 1-hour 20-minute domestic flights to Madurai. Visalam is a 2-hour road transfer from the airport. More suited to part of a wider itinerary.
When to go The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round. Rainfall is common at any time of the year and the Monsoon Season has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time.
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