Description
The Chettinad region is famous for its excellent cuisine, beautiful temples and extravagant mansions built over the years by the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community. A couple of nights here will allow you to experience their legacy - an area now rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture, alongside the quiet and rustic charm of the now predominant farming community.
Vislam is the latest addition to the CGH Earth group of hotels and so guarantees a level of service and comfort that is not easily found in this less visited part of India. Built during the war and, very unusually for the daughter of a local merchant, the property exudes the simple grandeur of the period’s elite. Renovated with care and now benefiting from modern comforts such as air conditioning and a swimming pool, the 15-room property still benefits from an elegant heritage feel.
There are three dining spaces; the breakfast lounge, lunch room, and terrace deck offering traditional Chettinad cuisine.
Accommodation
Visalam offers 15 ensuite rooms which have been lovingly restored. Rooms are simple in design but comfortable and feature locally made furniture and textiles in keeping with the rich culture of the area.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool and three dining spaces; the breakfast lounge, lunch room, and terrace deck offering traditional Chettinad cuisine.
Activities
The hotel is well positioned to explore the rich cultural heritage, art and architecture of Chettinad with its temples, mansions, bazaars and artisan's workshops. The town is also well known for its distinctive cuisine - the spiciest and most aromatic curries in India! The surrounding countryside is also a great place to go birdwatching, horse riding and take boating trips.
When to travel
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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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Tamil Nadu, India
Visalam is located in the small town of Kanadukathan, a mere 16 kilometres from Karaikudi, in Tamil Nadu, south east India.
How to get there
10-hour international flight 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.
