LF Review: ★★★★★
Kanadukathan. The name of this village probably does not strike a chord. To give a little more perspective, it is in Chettinad – one of those regions in India that has several hundred mansions built over 200 years ago. And the architectural history of the region has been accented by a unique culinary and cultural taste. During my recent visit, I discovered the kaleidoscopic nature of Chettinad.
Restored glory
As my car stops at The Lotus Palace Chettinad, I am blown away with the outer façade that has been painted in bright colors. Ornate with intricate carvings, statues, and arches, the facade makes a compelling statement of what is inside. The shades are truly explosive, in a mesmerizing, rhythmic way.
As I walk in, the beautiful lotus motifs are everywhere. The base of the many pillars, the floor tiles from nearby Athangudi, and the fantastic thousand-petal lotus marble inlay work on the granite floor in the central courtyard.
Being one of the oldest homes on this street (that is incidentally named after the home), this mansion dates to 1795. The heritage home, I am told by Kathiravan Karunanithi, General Manager of The Lotus Palace Chettinad, took 4.5 years to renovate and has 15 rooms across various categories. The architecture, furniture, and furnishings are a nod to the local craftsmen.
Karunanithi explains, “This time was needed to provide stability to the building. Also, we have had to build attached bathrooms for all rooms.” My room is located on the upper level and is spacious with a seating space, a large bed, a wood cupboard, a large attached bathroom, and a study table. The best part is all the furnishings are made using local Chettinad cotton.
Food files
The property has paid special attention to its food offerings. The in-house restaurant is named 86 Pillars – a nod to the many pillars within the property. The attached bar, 1795, is named after the year the home was built in.
Although traditional South Indian items are served for breakfast, do try the sweet paniyaram. It’s a delicacy here. Non-vegetarians will enjoy the Mutta dosa (egg dosa) with Chettinad fish curry. The food served here is an ode to Chettinad’s traditional flavours. From the fish, prawn, mutton, to chicken dishes, the special Chettinad masala adds a fiery essence to everything it touches.
High tea at The Lotus Palace is a platter of traditional snacks – fried idly, paniyaram, raw banana fritters, rose cookies and egg puffs, which can be washed down with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
A private lounge on the first floor above the reception, called the Red Room, is literally that. Inspired by Burmese interiors, again a nod to the Chettiar businessmen who had many connections to the country, the space is painted in red hues. From the accessories to the furnishings, it’s all red, yet with a cozy vibe. This is where you can enjoy high tea with a selection of local and Burmese snacks. The most interesting part is that this space also doubles up as a small library and has a selection of traditional board games that the staff will teach you to play.
Vaadhyar’s House, located on the opposite side of the road, is open for lunch and evening snacks. The hotel’s small terrace area is host to candlelight dinners that are planned for guests who need it.
Do more
While you are here, the property offers much to do. Among them is a visit to the nearby Thirumayam Fort, which you can trek up and come back for a picnic below. Offering a sunset experience, and the views from the top are fantastic. A small temple in Dravidian-style architecture, built during the 9th century, is located on top of the place. If you are feeling adventurous (in a mental capacity), take advantage of a ‘Killi Jyothisham’ session. It is a traditional form of astrology where a parrot, believed to have divine qualities, makes astrological predictions by picking some cards.
Storytelling sessions are good fun too, as you get to learn about the history of the region’s temples and the unique lives of the Chettiar merchants. Nadu Veetu Kolam is a traditional Tamil art form involving intricate patterns drawn with rice flour at the entrance. If you fancied drawing one yourself, take a masterclass.
I recommend signing up for the village exploration experience that will take you inside the streets of Kanadukathan. It is a great way to discover century-old mansions, admire their intricate woodwork and courtyards, visit the local temple, see their water tanks, and buy local Chettinad handloom sarees and baskets.
Holistic getaway
Apart from the swimming pool, the in-house spa Aura offers a selection of Ayurvedic and Western massages. The signature Aura massage, the Royal Chettinad Experience, and couple retreat spas are great choices. For group bookings, the hotel can also arrange DJ nights, Bullock cart rides, and more. There are e-bikes on the property so you can cycle around as well.
“The best part about staying here is we have something for all generations of a family. While many senior citizens prefer visiting the temples, the children have many things too, including Pan-Asian cuisine. It’s peaceful here, so the parents can take a much-needed break as well. Also, this village is a central point, and you can access Rameshwaram, Madurai, Sriranganam, Tanjore, Keeladi, and Uttarakosamangi, the world’s first Shiva temple, within one and a half to two hours,” says Karunanithi.
As a space that seamlessly combines luxury with heritage, The Lotus Park Chettinad is a holiday destination that will continue to spark your memories, long after you have left.
LF Review: ★★★★★
Coordinates: 25 C.V.CT Street Kanadukathan Town, Firka, Pallathur, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
