About Karaikudi
Trichy to Karaikudi distnce : 88 km
Estimated travel time : 1.5 hours
Trichy to Karaikudi is very popular route for tourism and religion. Karaikudi is famous for its limestone houses that is called โKarai veeduโ, in Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu
Karaikudi is a small beautiful town in the of the state. It is part of the area commonly referred to as "Chettinad". It is believed that town got its name from the plant Karai. Town is known for best educational institutes of country and it is also a hot spot for film makers of South India. Town houses several temples and iconic place. One of famous landmark is Aayiram Jannal Veedu which is a house with thousand windows and very popular among tourists. Other attractions include Karpaga Vinayagar temple at Pillaiyarpatti, Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple with 108 statues of Ganapathy, Muthu Mariamman Temple, Tamil Thai Kovil, Kamban Manimandabam etc. Karaikudi is also known for local cuisine like cheeyam, kandharappam, llandhosai, masala paniyaram, velliam paniayaram and thaalicha idiyappam.
Taxi from Trichy to Karaikudi is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Trichy to Karaikudi by car is well connected through NH336 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Trichy to Karaikudi distance is 88 Km and is 1.5 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
1. Pudukkottai - Pudukkottai is located approximately halfway between Trichy and Karaikudi and is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Some attractions include the Thirumayam Fort, Avur Church, and the Government Museum.
2. Thirumayam - Thirumayam is a small town located near Pudukkottai. It is known for its ancient rock-cut cave temple called Thirumayam Pallava Cave temples.
3. Athangudi - Known for its unique handmade Athangudi tiles, this small village is a popular pit stop for travelers. You can visit the Athangudi Palace and witnessing the tile-making process is also an interesting experience.
4. Kanadukathan - This is a heritage village famous for its Chettinad mansions. The Chettinad Palace and the Chettinad Museum are the major attractions here.
5. Karaikudi - The final destination, Karaikudi, is known as the cultural capital of Chettinad region. It is a bustling town with many heritage mansions, temples, and markets. The Karaikudi Palace and the Gandhi Square are worth visiting.
Tourist Attractions
Chettinad Palace: A magnificent mansion showcasing the grandeur of the Chettinad architecture.
Athangudi Tile Factory: Witness the handcrafting of vibrant, unique tiles using traditional techniques.
Kundrakudi Murugan Temple: A sacred site dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its exquisite architecture and serene ambience.
Kanadukathan: Explore the heritage village renowned for its well-preserved mansions adorned with intricate carvings.
Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple: Visit this ancient temple housing a 6-feet tall idol of Lord Ganesha carved out of a single stone.
Alagapuram Rani Palace: An opulent palace boasting Indo-Saracenic architecture and once used by the royal family.
Kamban Manimandapam: A memorial dedicated to Tamil poet Kamban, famous for his rendition of the Ramayana in Tamil literature.
Soorakudi Mariamman Temple: Seek blessings at this temple dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, known for its annual fire-walking festival.
Gandhi Square: A bustling commercial center with shops, restaurants, and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.