When you are on vacation without a moment to relax

When you are on vacation without a moment to relax

‘In reality, vacations are anything but unoccupied.’ | Photo Credit: Illustrated by Allen Shaw My sister has been invited to a destination wedding in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The programme seemed eminently bucketlist-worthy. The hosts had planned excursions to see the famous waterfalls and go on safaris. Then much to her dismay, my sister realised […]

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Starting small, succeeding large: Chef R Kaleeswaran’s journey into the world of baking

Starting small, succeeding large: Chef R Kaleeswaran’s journey into the world of baking

The fragrance of melted butter and browning flour permeates the food laboratory of a college in Tiruchi with hope as amateur bakers test their skills under the eagle eye of R. Kaleeswaran, veteran baker and a scion of the family-run Desotta Bakery of Karaikudi. “Anyone can learn to bake. Practise regularly and focus on following […]

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Exploring century-old homes, and attending intimate concerts at Chettinad Festival

Exploring century-old homes, and attending intimate concerts at Chettinad Festival

Chettinad is a fever dream. On its sun-baked arid landscape, punctuated by cacti and laced with palm trees, majestic century-old mansions rise like castles in a children’s tale.  Set in quiet villages, and springing up on narrow dusty roads, these ornate structures shimmer like mirages in the unrelenting heat. Their cavernous rooms, divided by pleasingly […]

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Is Chettinad one of India’s largest cultural revival projects?

Is Chettinad one of India’s largest cultural revival projects?

Walk through Chettinad’s bustling lanes, and you will be welcomed by heritage mansions featuring intricate handiwork, ponds with lotus blooms, and ancient temples with ornate facades. The region once helmed by the Nattukottai Chettiars, was known for its opulence in every realm: architecture, culinary heritage, art and craft, and more.  While only 11,000 mansions remain […]

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The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival is back with walks, tours, and live demonstrations

The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival is back with walks, tours, and live demonstrations

Attendees from the Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival’s first edition | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Come September, the heritage properties and mansions of Chettinad will open their doors to host the second edition of The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival. Comprising dance and musical performances, lectures on the region’s culture, and architectural tours, among other […]

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The Nagarathar Way: Portrait of a community

The Nagarathar Way: Portrait of a community

The diary is dog-eared and gravy-stained, fraying at the edges, its pages sepia. The old grandfather clock in the foyer stands sentinel over the Burma teak staircase that creaks with the weight of history.  A page from Umayal Palaniappan’s diary | Photo Credit: R RAVINDRAN Umayal Palaniappan leafs through the diary, strangely yearless, drawing attention […]

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Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival Karaikudi event

Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival Karaikudi event

The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival promises a deep dive into the region’s rich history The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival promises a deep dive into the region’s rich history If visiting Chettinad and experiencing the region’s rich culture, flavourful cuisine, and extravagant architecture has been on your to-do list for way too long, the […]

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