Best Places to Visit in Sivaganga – Temples, Historical Sites & Scenic Spots

1.KANADUKATHAN

The small town of Kanadukathan is located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, near Karaikudi and one must appreciate the traditional Chettian craftsmanship of architecture and artisanship in the food here. Kanadukathan is indeed a place of interest for the connoisseurs of culture, foodies and environmental conservation enthusiasts.

😋 A Culinary Delight – Flavors of Chettinad

The traditional food of Kanadukathan is just as interesting as its houses and other structures. As one of the prominent restaurants that specialise in Chettinad food, the town offers spicy foods, herbs and recipes that have been inherited over the years. As unthinkable as it may sound, every thing as simple as curry and pepper chicken, mutton massala, vegetarian foods and rice dishes are mouth-watering delicacies.

The cottage food is something that travelers come from different parts of the world to taste and this I can assure you is worth every penny you spend.

✨ Why Visit Kanadukathan?

• Feel and appreciate true heritage when it comes to buildings.

• So if you feel like enjoying authentic spicy Chettinad dishes once again, now is the time.

• Learn from centuries-old sustainable practices.

• Get ready to visit a place where history dazzles and the present stuns.

• Best time to visit:
• November to February (pleasant weather)

2.CHETTINADU PALACE

Among all the chettinad houses located in karaikudi, pallathur, athangudi and kothamangalam are the most feudal and fascinating ones. Chettinad Place, a splendid structure, is at a distance of 10 kms from Karaikudi and situated in the Chettinad region of Sivaganga district. It is one of the most magnificent examples of those vast stately houses for which Chettinad is so justly famous. The architecture of the Chettinad Palace have been done by Dr.Annamalai Chettiyar himself, who was founder of the Indian Bank and the Annamalai University of the Chidambaram. The Chettinad Palace of Sivaganga is an early twentieth-century palace, constructed in the Chettinad style in 1912. This palace has been constructed within a period of two years. It seems to be a continuation of the period’s architectural style, which is typical of the area.

The construction materials and most of the items such as the furnishing you see here in Chettinad Palace had to be imported from East Asian countries and Europe. All the mansions are very beautiful with teak, marble or granite pillars with a large verandah in front of the building. The hall opens to the central courtyard where spouses were married and religious meetings held there in the past. There is a prayer hall at the corner of the courtyard and it was used by Rani Seethai Achi, wife of Dr.An namalai Chettiyar who spent most of her time in this place. Some of the antiques found now in the palace include those that have been used by the Raja. The palace measures about 1900 sq.ft in area including 9 car shed and a lift that has been installed.

• Visiting Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

3.ATHANGUDI

Athangudi is a village situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu and is 24 km away from Karaikudi. The village falls in Chettinad area and the village is very well known all over the country for producing handmade tiles which are made up of terracotta materials only. These are cement, sand, synthetic oxides and belly jelly which are used to build the tiles. The tiles are moulded from terracotta and afterwards dried in the sun, as well, as are the intricate patterns put on the tiles. It is the pattern that provides a specific surface involution of the tiles. They are also able to come in various shades of plaster colour to coat and cover so that the tiles look fascinating. This explains why people also get their tiles for their houses and lawns specifically made and designed. The type of design that has a wide and common practice on tiles for lawns is the one that possess plants and animals-images. You can also find the tiles in specific colours of your wall and furniture. The people from Athangudi prefer to use these tiles for enhancing the appearance of their houses. Indeed the tiles are normal in many pre-Independence built houses in the country.

4.AAYIRAM JANNAL VEEDU

In the historic town of Karaikudi, which is also known as the cultural hub of the Chettinad region there stands a truly historical building – the Aayiram Jannal Veedu which in English translates into House of a Thousand Windows. It is not only a sample of outstanding architects vision but also the reminder of grandeur and living standards of the Chettiar community.

🧱 Architectural Brilliance

Just as in most Chettinad homes, this house having a combination of European and South Indian architecture. Some of Kovacic’s enhancements include elaborate woodwork, complex grill patterns on window panes, and large corridors.

Each Chettinad house consists of many rooms with a pathway leading to other portions of the house with internal courts.

The favourite materials that Chettiars used in construction were imported ones such as Burmese teakwood and Italian marble.

Paying attention to the use of natural ventilation and natural lighting by incorporating 1000 windows not just as an ornament but as a work of art.

🧭 A Must-Visit in Karaikudi

Nowadays, the Aayiram Jannal Veedu is a cultural oddity and an example of ancient building and construction, which attracts tourists, photographers, and people interested in history. Just ask any person on the streets of Karaikudi and they will proudly show you this magnificent building.

It remains a testimony to the dying craft, saying that while the art of constructing homes in history was not an occupation; it was a passion.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February

• Location: Karaikudi, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu

5.Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary

Located in the Sivaganga District of the state of Tamil Nadu, concealed away from the hustle and bustle of the world, lies the Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary. It is situated near Melur and is about 51 km away from Madurai by the Madurai – Melur – Tiruppathur route with a hectare area providing tourists with a view of the unplanned wilderness of nature.

This involves the irrigation tanks of the villages in the Vettangudi, Periyakollukudi, and Chinna Kollukkudi of Tiruppathur Taluk. These are the natural water sources which are the primary reason for the creation of the sanctuary, since it is home to birds and their breeding and feeding grounds.

• 📅 Best Time to Visit
• The best time to visit Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is during the months of November to February as a number of birds flock to this place from different corners of the world during this time. The temperatures are also relatively moderate during these months, and this is good for outdoor activities.

• Location: Vettangudipatti and Periya of Kollukudipatti of Sivaganga District

• Entry: Generally, these areas are accessible to anyone but its best to check with your local forest department.

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