Chettinaadu
After the temple visit we entered the village of Chettinaadu. The mansions were beautiful but there was no one in the village. Chettinad is home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community. It is known for its local cuisine, architecture, and religious temples. The word "Chettinad" refers to a caste specializing in the food preparation. The Chettinads are considered master chefs, and Chettinad cuisine is one of the spiciest and the aromatic in India. The Chettinad region is known for its 18th century mansions, built using limestone known as karai veedu, The mansions feature wide courtyards and spacious rooms that are embellished with marble and teak.
SMHWC
After a short walk around the village we visited the Sri Mahalakshmi Handloom Weaving Center. SMHWC was established in 1994 to sell cotton and silk woven sarees from their own weaving looms. The weaving center previously were the weavers to the maharaja. Today SMHWC is identified with quality sarees. SMHWC has over 30 years of experience working with cotton and silk. Through innovations and new techniques in handloom cotton and silk weaving, SMHWC has been awarded the Indian Master Weaver certificate. The women in the group viewed the beautiful fabrics and some were purchased to be made into saris. The Chettinad Sari cotton sari also known as "kandaangi", and is unique in the use of color and patterns with bold checks, stripes and contrasting hues.
The Bangala
It was now time for lunch and our lunch stop was at The Bangala in Chettinaadu which in 2000 became an India Heritage property. For decades Indian fortresses, defensive castles, and palaces were the abode of Maharajah nobility. Former Maharajas and other royalty have opened their doors to travelers by converting their property to a Heritage Property (also is a way for the Maharajas to keep control of their properties.) The origin of the Bangala dates back to around 1910. During the war years The Senjai Bangala, as it was known, was mainly used for entertaining VIP Visitors. Subsequently Senjai Bangala became more of a Guest House and a venue for formal tea and dinner parties. Leading tennis players from Chennai came to play tournaments in the 50’s on The Bangala tennis courts.
By 1990’s usage of the Bangala had declined drastically and maintenance and upkeep was minimal. The buildings were crumbling and in total disrepair. In 1998, it was decided to restore it and bring it back to its former glory. It took over a year to bring The Bangala back to life. After the re-construction it was decided to convert The Bangala into a heritage property to prevent it from decay. The Bangala now offers 25 rooms and a dining facility serves elaborate Chettinad Meals on Banana leafs. A swimming pool and spa have been added for the traveler. After a delicious lunch served on a banana leaf we set out once again for Madurai.
It was not too long after leaving Chettinaadu that there was something Sudhakar wanted to show us so he asked the drive r to stop. The government of India sold this mountain to a group of investors. Rather than proceeding with their plan of construction they actually proceeded with a plan of destruction. They began cutting large chunks of marble for sale to construction companies. They were making millions of Rupees while paying practically nothing for the mountain. With half the mountain gone the government put a stop to the destruction. But the damage, as you can see, is already done.
- Southern India
Southern India Photo Page 8