Visalam Chettinad Palace - a CGH Earth Experience

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.

It is a unique experience staying at Visalam, staying in a restored mansion. The service was excellent with tea making in the mornings, cooking demonstrations, and attentive staff. Our guide, Shiva, was knowledgeable and personable and the pleasant guided walk in the afternoon as well as visits to tile makers and snack makers were very interesting. Being able to meet locals was a great experience. We also had a great meal at a local village restaurant in between seeing inside amazing houses. I highly recommend Visalam.

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!

The hotel itself is beautiful- a typical Chettinad home. The staff was very helpful and efficient. The breakfast is healthy and delicious and served in a beautiful quiet open air patio. I have to commend Shiva who was outstanding- he was the best guide, an amazing organiser, his friendly manner and attention to our smallest need- made all the difference to our experience . He truly elevated our experience and satisfaction

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.

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.