Top Places to Visit in Pudukkottai

In the southern part of Tamil Nadu lies Pudukkottai, one of the state’s most historic districts and a treasure trove of heritage. Once a princely state, it is adorned with temples, palaces, and monuments that stand as cultural landmarks. For travellers keen to explore the many places to visit in Pudukkottai, the perfect base to do so is Chidambara Vilas—a heritage retreat housed in a 118-year-old Chettiar mansion built under the auspices of the former Maharaja of Pudukkottai. Here, tradition meets luxury, offering guests an authentic taste of Chettinad’s grandeur. Beyond its palatial accommodations, Chidambara Vilas curates cultural experiences and guided tours that showcase the district’s rich history, art, and architecture. We are also ideally located to traverse the entire Chettinad region and explore the ancient shrines, royal residences and archaeological wonders. We are your gateway to visiting all the attractions in Pudukkottai and the surrounding areas.

Top Attractions in Pudukkottai


Staying at Chidambara Vilas puts you at the heart of Chettinad’s cultural landscape, with many remarkable sites just a short drive away. Some of the must-visit attractions in Pudukkottai are:
 

Chettinad Mansions – Kanadukathan Village

These magnificent estates are renowned for their grand, palatial homes, adorned with Athangudi tiles, stained glass, Italian marble, Belgian chandeliers and Burma teak woodwork, reflecting the opulence of the Chettiar community. The resort offers guided tours to explore these architectural gems.
 

The interior of Chidambara Vilas Resort showing a spacious, traditional Indian assembly hall with ornate wooden architecture and stained glass.
A stone fort on top of a hill, with outer ring walls and surrounded by trees.

Thirumayam Fort – ~5 km / 8 mins

Built in 1687 by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad, this 17th-century fort is surrounded by seven concentric walls and sculptures. It is renowned for its panoramic views and ancient rock-cut temples.
 

Kanadukathan Palace – ~13 km / 18 mins

Kanadukathan Palace is a palace built in 1912 in the Chettiar style. The main doors and entrances of the palace resemble the gateways of Hindu temples. There are also other palaces and mansions in the area for guests to visit. The palace has Italian marble, Belgian chandeliers, and Burmese teak, epitomising the grandeur of Chettinad architecture.
 

Chettinad Handloom Saree Weaving Centre – ~13 km / 19 mins

Experience the art of crafting traditional cotton sarees at the local weavers’ colony, renowned for its distinctive Chettinad patterns. These handwoven sarees are dyed using natural vegetable colours such as red, yellow, and black, reflecting the region’s rich textile heritage.
 

Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple – ~29 km / 38 mins

This ancient rock-cut temple, over 1,600 years old, is located in Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu, and is famed for its rare bas-relief of Lord Ganesha carved inside an excavated cave.
 

A weaver making sarees in a traditional loom at the weaving centre, near Chidambara Vilas.
A vintage burgundy car, with golden rims at a museum.

Chettinad Vintage Car and Camera Museum – ~28 km / 37 mins

This museum showcases a fascinating collection ranging from vintage cars to antique cameras, including the earliest 'Camera Obscura' and extending to modern DSLR models.
 

Athangudi Handmade Tile Factory – ~26 km / 35 mins

Watch artisans craft the world-famous Athangudi tiles, still made using traditional methods. At the Athangudi Tile Factory, you can observe the entire process behind these iconic designs, which decorate many Chettiar mansions.
 

Athangudi Palace – ~22 km / 28 mins

This is a 120-year-old Chettiar mansion that stands out for its sheer size and grandeur. With exquisite interiors, intricate flooring, and opulent design, it offers a vivid glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Chettiar community during their prosperous mercantile era.
 

Karaikudi Antique Market – 25 km / 34 mins

It is a lively market showcasing original antique furniture, colonial relics, and authentic Chettinad artefacts, making it a treasure trove for collectors and culture enthusiasts.
 

A sub-aerial view of a crowded market during the day, near Chidambara Vilas.
A cave temple with carvings, made from chisled rock.

Sittannavasal Cave (Jain Beds & Frescoes) – ~33 km / 40 mins

An ancient Jain cave temple dating to the 2nd century CE, it is known for its ancient murals from the seventh century CE, depicting lotus ponds, meditation beds and many other images depicting the Samavasarana faith of Jainism.
 

Pudukkottai Government Museum – ~24 km / 30 mins

The second largest museum in Tamil Nadu, it is a heritage museum showcasing bronze sculptures, stone carvings, and prehistoric tools.
 

Ayyanar Temples in Chettinad Villages – ~10–30 mins

These are unique open-air shrines of the deity Ayyanar, spread across the region, with terracotta horses and guardian figures, and deeply rooted in Tamil folk traditions.
 

Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Manimandapam – ~26 km / 35 mins

A memorial built by the state government and dedicated to the celebrated Tamil poet Kannadasan, featuring his works and memorabilia.
 

A statue of a goddess with many arms, in an open temple.
A group of people travelling on a bullock cart, on the road near Chidambara Vilas.

How Chidambara Vilas Enhances the Experience

 
Your stay at Chidambara Vilas is more than just accommodation—it’s a cultural journey. Our resort organises guided tours to many of these sites, ensuring deeper insights into the history and heritage of the region. Guests can also enjoy village tours by bicycle or bullock cart, live Chettinad cooking demonstrations with local chefs and traditional games and cultural performances at our resort.

Pudukkottai and Chettinad are treasure troves of Tamil Nadu’s heritage, where every palace, temple, and craft tradition tells a timeless story. By staying with us, you are not just booking a stay—you are stepping into history itself. With guided tours, immersive cultural experiences, and proximity to all the key attractions in Pudukkottai, our resort ensures that your journey through this historic region is both enriching and memorable. From grand Chettinad mansions and sacred caves to vibrant markets and artisan workshops, every corner reveals a new facet of culture. Discover it with us at Chidambara Vilas—where history truly meets hospitality. Book your stay today and explore the best places to visit in Pudukkottai.

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