Visalam Chettinad Palace - a CGH Earth Experience

This was a delightful place worthy of a 2 night stay. Beautifully decorated, tastefully restored, with elegant touches here and there, an abundant garden and an impressively long swimming pool. A spa/sauna would be the icing on the cake. we loved the village walks and especially the ride into the local villages on e-bike. The food was some of the nicest we had, fresh and tasty. The staff were all friendly and professional. Everything shuts down from 9pm, meaning you cant get a soft drink after that time, which I wish I knew beforehand. The bedrooms were large and cool in the hot weather, and the beds very comfortable. We had a great time here and would recommend this hotel in a heartbeat.

Our stay at Visalam was nothing short of wonderful. The property exudes the old-world charm of the Chettiar heritage, making you feel like you've stepped back in time while still enjoying modern comforts. The hospitality of the support staff was warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. However, what truly made our visit exceptional was our guide, Siva. He took us on an incredible tour of the grand Chettiar mansions, pointing out intricate details that we would have otherwise missed. His deep knowledge, professionalism, and engaging storytelling brought the history of the region to life. Beyond the mansions, he also took us to the Athangudi tile-making factory, where we got a firsthand look at the meticulous craftsmanship, and to a snack-making business run entirely by women, which was both a fascinating experience. Siva has a fantastic rapport with the local community, and it’s easy to see why he is a local celebrity guide. His fluency, passion, and ability to connect with people made the tour truly special. If you are visiting Visalam, Chettinad, I highly recommend requesting Siva as your guide, you won’t be disappointed! Visalam, with its heritage charm and outstanding service, is the perfect place to soak in the rich culture of Chettinad. A must-visit!

Our stay at Visalam Chettinad was truly outstanding and unlike any other luxury hotel experience we’ve had so far. The entire visit felt deeply rooted in Chettinad’s rich culture, cuisine, and charm, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We were welcomed with a traditional Chettinad greeting that instantly set the tone for what turned out to be one of the most memorable stays we’ve ever had. Sowndarya at the reception, with her warm smile, made us feel at home right away. One of her colleagues then took us on a lovely tour of the property, sharing stories about the history and heritage of this grand Chettinad home. The moment we saw our room—with its charming old-world details and that unique key—we felt like we had stepped back in time into a grand Chettinad residence.. Dinner that night was magical. Set outdoors under the open sky, with soft lights and a gentle breeze, it felt like we were dining in a bygone era. The food was exceptional—every bite steeped in Chettinad flavors—and Suganya and her team made the experience even more special with their grace and attentiveness. Breakfast the next morning was equally delightful, offering us another chance to indulge in the region’s rich cuisine. We also had lunch by the pool before heading out on a city tour arranged by Mr. Shiva, who was incredibly helpful. Unfortunately, we had to cut the tour short as our son wasn’t feeling well due to the heat. Mr. Shiva’s kindness stood out—he even went to a nearby pharmacy to get medicine for our son. We will always be grateful to him for his thoughtfulness and care. We also loved the little touches throughout our stay—like the cooking demonstration in their kitchen and the charming morning and evening tea cart, which was run with such care and attention to detail. The entire property exudes serenity, making it the perfect place to slow down and soak in the beauty of Chettinad. A couple of small notes for fellow travelers: some rooms facing the main entrance can get a little noisy because of passing buses, so light sleepers might prefer rooms towards the back. Also, since the property is boutique-sized, meal orders for lunch and dinner need to be placed 2–3 hours in advance—so it helps to plan ahead. But these are minor things compared to the overall experience. Visalam is not just a hotel; it’s a journey into Chettinad’s heart and soul. We left with full hearts and beautiful memories.

A lovely hotel, excellent location. Very warm welcome. Complimentary activities included a guided walk around the village, a Cookery demonstration, and how to do Kolam floor art Spa available Huge swimming pool Very spacious and comfortable bedroom Friendly staff A bit disappointed with the food

A beautifully restored Chettiar mansion in the heart of the Chettinad region. Everything about our stay was perfect. The room was spacious and like the whole hotel, furnished with heritage items in keeping with the history of the house. We went on the walking tour through the village ,and the Peacock bike ride early in the morning. Both wonderful and illuminating. The restaurant food was delicious and we were consulted on spice level tolerance. The pool is beautiful for a relaxing swim. The tea cart in the garden is a genius idea. The hotel staff are friendly and helpful. The shop in the hotel has a range of eco friendly gifts, including the locally made soft cotton towels used in the bathrooms. Our favourite hotel as we crossed from Kochi to Chennai.

The hotel is a magnificent Chettinad mansion with luxurious rooms. Staff were extremely helpful and kind. We took part in their activities such as cooking demonstration and a heritage walk. Shiva was a great guide on the Glimpses of Chettinad tour. Food is tasty and made using local ingredients. A lovely stay.