Visalam Chettinad Palace - a CGH Earth Experience

Loved the property and surrounding villages. So much to see and do. Tile making, beautiful old mansions, bicycle ride.

Didn't expect this gem off the beaten path. We booked this hotel because we found a great price but what we got in return was exceptional service. Being the only guest at the hotel we thought we'd get the mediocre treatment with bare minimum. But we were pleasantly surprised by hospitality and the great food quality. Even though it was a set menu the food was incredibly delicious and on time. The rooms are very spacious with an enclose bed and even more spacious ensuite. We opted for a room close to the pool and restaurant since we planned to hang around the pool most of the time. Special mention to Shiva their leisure coordinator for arranging the tours to the near by locations and in house activities.

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.

We stayed in Visalam as part of a tour group. We had previously stayed in two other hotels which are part of the CGH Earth Experience and they are all similar but different. Our room was wonderful. As an old colonial building, the spaces were large and full of character. The bed was wider across than the length and it was so high steps were provided if required. Great a/c and fans, a shower that worked well, a desk and a nice lounge area for relaxing. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc. were all provided. No iron but there is a laundry service. There is a kettle in the room but no tea or coffee that I could see. Tea, coffee, masala chai were available from 6.30am and 4.30pm for a couple of hours. The masala chai was great. There's a decent sized pool, a restaurant and a nice garden area. Well worth a visit. Ask for Shiva. Very helpful and he seemed to do lots!

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!

A very welcoming hotel with wonderful staff who couldn’t be more helpful. The hotel was in great condition and very clean. Lovely food. We enjoyed the pool and really liked the early morning bike ride with Shiva. Shiva also provided a lot of local information and suggestions for trips which was very useful.