Rural Life Of Tamilnadu
Despite the wonderful array of grand sights in Tamil Nadu – temples, fortifications, great sweeping beaches, high mountains – it is the little things, the low-key and random interactions with local people which really give the state its true flavour. Of course it’s impossible to predic what types of experiences you might encounter during a tour of Tamil Nadu but there are many possibilities; here are a few.
All along the coast there are communities of fishermen who live in very simple villages close to the ocean. And everywhere you go you’ll pass through villages where the simple event of you getting out of your vehicle will attract a crowd- people love nothing more than to chat with visitors over a cup of chai at a local tea stall and the amount of English spoken in south India means that it’s possible to have an actual conversation in most places you’re likely to stop. This is one of the best ways to gain an understanding of the local way of life and experience Tamil Nadu as the locals do.
The Chettinad Experience - Karaikudi
A journey through the beautiful villages of Chettinad
Chettinad is the land of Chettiars and the life here is somewhat different to that in the rest of Tamilnadu. The villages of Chettinad are renowned for their massive architectural mansions and palatial buildings, most of which are around 100 years old and are the result of a unique confluence of global trade, with the Chettiar merchants drawing on elements of styles from around the world and using their new-found wealth to construct these truly one-of-a-kind places, each vying to be grander than the next.
Chettinad cuisine is also an amalgam of styles and while the use of lots of black pepper marks it out as typically south Indian, there are other elements which make it unique. While you’re in this region you can visit local markets, head off to see the local craft of tile-making or ride around the villages by bullock cart. While the district headquarters at Karaikudi is quite a busy town, there are some much more serene villages- Kannudakathan, Athangudi and Kadiapatti among them- where you can walk or cycle and see an array of this wonderful architecture while experiencing a slice of traditional village life.
Paradisiacal Village Of - Athoor
Witness the day to day life of Tamil people at Athoor Village in Dindigul
One of our favourite off-the-beaten track spots in Tamil Nadu is found in a remote valley beyond the city of Dindigul. Athoor is a serene village tucked away in this valley, with some notable accommodation, particularly the legendary Cardamom House, nearby. This is the perfect place to totally switch off and has recharged many a road-weary traveller in southern India over the years and decades. There are also lots of activities, mostly fairly lowkey, if you wish to be a bit active. The can range from a stroll in the village, where you might see goat herders’ and their flocks, visit the local primary school and village square or spend some quiet time at one of the many small and intimate local temples. Cottage industries include brick making, traditional saree making, pottery and more. Further afield there are nice hikes in the hills (leopard sightings permitting!), a visit to Dindigul and bird-watching from the shores of the nearby lake.
The “Bronze Capital” - Swamimalai
Experience the rural wonder of Swamimalai village
Tucked away on the outskirts of the Kumbakonam town, Swamimalai is regarded as the cradle of bronze casting and its here that the Chola dynasty established a bronze-making centre which continues, largely unchanged, to this day. A visit to the village with allow you to learn how the sculptors work, initially with wax and subsequently with forming a clay and sand mould which is hardened in the sun before, finally, the wax is melted out and molten metal- bronze- poured into the hot mould. This is time-honoured tradition and it’s really quite wonderful to see how this is done.
The Royal - Tanjore
Explore the palatial structures and culture of this kingly city
In the heart of the Cauvery River Delta lies the ancient Chola kingdom capital of Tanjore, still dominated 1000 years on by the truly majestic Brihadishwara Temple. The temple now carries UNESCO World Heritage status and is perhaps the crowning glory of ancient temple architecture in India. Also of note in Tanjore are the Palace and Museum; the latter houses an amazing collection of bronze statues and other art of the region.
Also in this region are the World Heritage Temples at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram, peaceful havens with few visitors, where one can marvel at the intricate stone carvings depicting Hindu legends and epics.
Doll Making - “Vilachery”
Meet the doll making artists of Vilachery
Located a short distance outside Madurai, around 200 families in the Vilachery village are engaged in clay doll making. The artisans here have a way of their own with clay, and these unique skills have been passed down over many generations. Other families are involved in making papier mache dolls.
First the dolls are made using moulds, and then the artists bring the dolls to life by skilful painting. Major festivals, including Navratri, Vinayaka Chathurthi and Christmas are the especially busy periods here, as the dolls are highly sought after as gifts.
