The Plains Holidays

Explore the cultural depth of Tamil Nadu through Chettinad, Tanjore and Kumbakonam in India.

Chettinad is famed for its opulent heritage mansions, once home to the wealthy Chettiar merchant class. Over 20,000 were built during the community’s peak, using marble, teak and silkwood, with chandeliers, portraits and art still on display in many.

Wander through the grand Chettinad Palace or stay at The Bangala, a charming 100-year-old mansion hotel in Karaikudi. The region’s distinct cuisine is packed with spice and history, while local markets, antique shops and richly woven Chettinad sarees offer a colourful glimpse into enduring tradition and craftsmanship.

In Tanjore, the mighty Brihadeeswara Temple, built over a millennium ago, stands as one of India’s greatest living monuments. Revered by Shiva devotees, it’s best visited in the soft light of morning or evening prayers.

Tanjore is also home to vivid gold-leaf Thanjavur painting, ancient Chola bronzes and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, housing over 30,000 manuscripts. Quieter and more laid-back, Kumbakonam is rich in temple architecture, with towering gopurams and World Heritage-listed Chola temples like Sarangapani, Kumbeshwara and Nageshwara.

Its central location makes it an excellent base to explore Trichy and Tanjore while staying in peaceful countryside retreats ideal for cultural immersion and relaxation.