The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Europeans feeling the pull of heritage resorts

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Thursday, Feb 07, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Europeans feeling the pull of heritage resorts

C. Jaishankar

Decade-old palatial buildings refurbished for the pleasure of tourists

Photo: S. James

SPLENDID: A view of a Chettinad Heritage building in Ramanathapuram. —

KANADUKATHAN (Sivaganga): Kanadukathan may be a sleepy village situated about 15 km from Karaikudi, but it has become one of the most favoured destinations in southern Tamil Nadu for tourists, particularly Europeans.

The slow but steady conversion of several decade-old palatial buildings, masterpieces of Chettinad architecture, into heritage luxury resorts is the main reason for the growing patronage of Europeans who are known for enjoying holidays.

On the lines of the “Bangla Chettinad” and the “Chettinad Mansion”, another architectural marvel of the region, “Visalam”, has been refurbished keeping intact its heritage value to join the hotels that are hosting the Europeans.

The 75-year-old Visalam, a house which was constructed at a cost of Rs.5 lakh and furnished extensively with lacquer and woodwork from Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia and Vietnam, looks splendid. The promoter of the luxury building has taken pains to give a fresh look to the building by mixing heritage with contemporary essentials and keeping in mind the needs of ultra modern people.

“The bungalows in Chettinad have almost become part of a section of European travellers, as they provide a timeless ambience and comfort to its guests. They also offer high class Chettinad cuisine served with care in traditional plantain leaves. Both the menu and taste are delectably reminiscent of granny’s days,” says a package tour operator.

“The remarks in the visitors’ book itself show how they (Europeans) love heritage and antique articles. They are thrilled to see the architecture, characterised by teak woods, granite pillars, enclosed courtyards, intricate carvings, high ceilings and others in the rural side of the region,” says Johny Peter, Assistant General Manager of the Kochi-based CGH Earth Experience.

He says occupation rate is extremely good in December, January, February and March. Most of the rooms in the heritage hotels are full in these months.

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