Chettinadu Narayana Vilas

It was great to find somewhere affordable to stay in the Chettinand district. This is a lovely old house right in the centre in the village of Kanadukathan in the same street as the Palace. The room was large, clean, with a comfortable bed and a long shared balcony. The mosquito screens were good so we could leave the door open at night. The view of the street and the neighbours was always interesting from the balcony, also useful for drying clothes. There is a sort of restaurant downstairs, but the choice was a bit limited, so we also ate at Chettinand Villas opposite. There is no where else really, a drinks cafe on the cross roads where the local buses turn. The manager loaned us a good tourist map of the area so we were able to find the open houses. Don't miss the 'Brothers House', French Art Deco built in the 1940s. The delightful owners, mother and daughter show you around. We really enjoyed being in this village, so peaceful, and being able to walk everywhere with so little traffic. The Chettinadu Narayana Vilas arranges bullock cart rides, bikes etc. There was no need to go into the nearby town. Chettinad rail station is very near with passenger trains regularly.

Just next to the palace and almost in the center of the town. Food was amazing. The extra effort taken by the staff clearly reflected on their conduct. Very welcoming and warm staff. Clean big room, powerful ac, decent parking space, working tv etc and the amazing hosts just added wonders to the stay. Peaceful.
The people who are managing it and the food. Made us feel so much at home and relaxed. Gave tips about sight seeing which turned out well. Much better than those Chettinadu Narayana Vilass who are keen to serve only the foreign tourists or otherwise extract money out of your pocket, some way or other. Overall very very hospitable and comforting.