Chettinad is a wonderful small town which has the remnants of its glorious past. It comprises mainly a town known as Karaikudi and a cluster of 96 surrounding villages. The town has perhaps, the most elaborate and rich culture and some truly fascinating traditions. The place is very much in India, but it dances to its own tunes. It belongs to the Sivaganga district of south Tamil Nadu and is home to the extremely wealthy and prosperous mercantile community of the Nattukottai Chettiars also known as the Nagarathars. The Chettiars who are the residents of Chettinad are considered to be the pioneers of banking. The well travelled Chettiars had the wherewithal to import construction material and furnishings from East Asia, marble from Italy, chandeliers and teakwood from Burma, tableware from Indonesia, crystal chandeliers from Europe and immense mirrors from Belgium. Their homes' wood and stonework were inspired by the great mansions of Europe, particularly those of France and their homes are extremely impressive, in an unusual combination of South Indian and Western styles. Traditional 18th century Chettinad mansions reflect both bygone and current prosperity, with wide, tiled courtyards and spacious, teak and marble decorated rooms. For more https://www.easetours.in/Blog/CHARMS_OF_CHETTINAD?BlogId=3