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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

A slice of Chettinad

A slice of Chettinad

Vellapaniyaram with dangar chutney, kavuniarisi halwa, paal kozhukattai and so much more awaits you at the ‘Karaikudi Sandhai’ organised by the Karaikudi Nagarathar Sangam Chennai (KNSC, 2015), which has over 300 members currently. Among their various other activities, the collective focuses on inculcating an entrepreneurial spirit in women from the community living in Chennai. Visalakshshi … Read more