The Lotus Palace, Chettinad
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
The Lotus Palace Chettinad, by the Park Hotels, is a heritage property housed in a restored mansion that dates back to the 17th Century. Located in Kanadukathan, near Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, the hotel is joining hands with other heritage properties in the area for Suvai — a three-day festival celebrating the cuisine of Chettinad. Iconic properties such as The Bangala, Visalam, Chidambara Vilas, and Chettinad Mansion, are also part of the festival that begins on the evening of July 18.
On the first day, guests can indulge in Chettinad-inspired small plates and a seven-course progressive dinner at The Lotus Palace Chettinad, by Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa Mumbai. On the second day, they can explore the region with visits to an 80-year-old nannari sherbet shop, traditional pickle and vatthal makers, snack making artisanal shop and have a wedding-style banana leaf feast at The Bangala. The day ends with dinner at Chidambara Vilas.
A traditional Chettinad chicken curry
On the last day, guests will stroll through the local market. And the festival will end with a Burmese-inspired farewell lunch at Visalam, as an ode to the trade and historic ties between the two regions.
The region also holds the Chettinad Heritage Festival annually, but Suvai is distinct. Priya Paul, the chairperson of the Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, who is spearheading the project, says, “Suvai is our way of celebrating Chettinad’s rich culinary heritage through an intimate, immersive journey. The Chettinad Heritage Festival is a broader cultural showcase while Suvai, also a collaboration with hotels across the region, stays entirely food-focussed: a layered, curated culinary exploration of heirloom recipes, traditional techniques, and local flavours that go beyond the palate. Suvai isn’t just a festival — it’s a living narrative of Chettinad told on a plate”. The Lotus Palace says they want to make the Suvai festival an annual event.
₹59,999 upwards for the two nights and three days (includes accommodation and curated experiences). At The Lotus Palace, Chettinad, Karaikudi. For more details, call: 9884750601
Published – July 10, 2025 03:12 pm IST
