Chettinadu, a collective of 75 villages and towns, is the homeland of Nattukottai Chettiars, a trading and business community. Karaikudi, the biggest town in the Chettinadu region, is highly known for its architecture, food, education, temples, heritage, and cultural values. There is a huge abundance of the “Karai” (thorny) plant in the town. Many of the old mansions here were built with the “Karai” limestone and hence the name “Karaikudi”.

ARCHITECTURE

The major attractions are the buildings of the town; Thousand Windows House and Chettinadu Raja Palace have never failed to impress anyone. Due to the architectural richness, the Government of Tamil Nadu has declared Karaikudi, “a heritage town”. UNESCO has offered to set up a Chettinad Heritage Museum in the Sivaganga district recognizing the unique style of architecture in the region. Athangudi tiles are used for the construction of buildings and known for its long-lasting quality and eco-friendly nature. It is one of the hubs of tile production in India.

FOOD

The proliferated delicious Chettinadu Cuisine originated from here. Hotels with the name “Karaikudi” or “Chettinadu” can be seen anywhere in the world and when Karaikudians see the name, our happiness becomes multi-folded. Our specialties include but not limited to Vellai Paniyaram, Kuzhi Paniyaram, Karupatti Paniyaram, Kavuniarisi, Seeyam, Idiyappam, Chettinad Chicken, Vellai Murukku, Achu Murukku, Adhirasam, Seepu Seedai, Thattai, Manaholam, Maavurundai. We are extremely known for our hospitality. Welcoming and providing contented food to the guests are our primary principles.

EDUCATION

CECRI (Central Electro Chemical Research Institute), an affiliation of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) is known for its research and development activities in South East Asia. Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, one of the oldest engineering colleges in the state, was established here in 1952. The Alagappa University was founded by the Padma Bhushan awardee and the great philanthropist, Dr. RM. Alagappa Chettiar who turned Karaikudi into an educational zone.

The town has always encouraged the literary works and built Kamban Manimandapam and Kannadasan Mandapam memorial halls for Kambar and Kannadasan. The Thirukkural Kazhagam club organizes various speech and poetry contests every year to bring out the talents from the school students.

TEMPLES AND FESTIVALS

The famous Pillayarpatti and Kunrakudi temples are situated just about 10 kilometers away. These two temples attract many foreign visitors. Chittirai Ther Thiruvila, Mariyamman Kovil Paalkudam, and Pazhani Kaavadi are our big festivals.

MOVIES

It is a favorite shooting spot for many of the Tamil filmmakers. The popular movies Saamy, Singam I, Singam II, Singam III, Rajini Murugan, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Vettai, Arul, Vel, Run, Jeans, Jilla and many more were shot in Karaikudi. Few of the Tollywood and Bollywood movies were also shot here.

STAR PERSONALITIES

Karaikudi takes pride in producing great personalities who have significantly contributed to the welfare of the community. The legendary list includes lyricist Kaviyarasar Kannadasan, Vazhal Alagappa Chettiar, A.V. Meyyapan Chettiar aka AVM, Raja Annamalai Chettiar, S.P. Muthuraman, Panju Arunachalam, Karumuttu Thiyagarajan Chettiar, to name a few.

TRANSPORTATION

We have two bus stands and a railway station, which are sufficient for our domestic travel purposes. Though we don’t have any airports at this moment, our close and friendly cities Madurai and Trichy are not far away. So, they do help with our air travels.

GENDER DIVERSITY

As per the 2011 census, the gender ratio of Karaikudi is 1:1. There is an all-women police station among the three police stations in the town. Women’s safety is given special importance and has always been maintained with the utmost care.

What are you waiting for? Welcome to Namma Karaikudi!!

காரைக்குடி தங்களை அன்புடன் வரவேற்கிறது!!