Visalam Chettinad Palace - a CGH Earth Experience

Visalam provides an excellent pool area, spacious and comfortable rooms, fast wifi, and friendly staff. Guests praise the delicious breakfast and exceptional cleanliness. Some enjoy the outdoor setting.

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 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.