Stay 

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.