Happy TravellerWelcome to Karaikudi, a charming city located in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu, India. This city is part of the area commonly referred to as Chettinad and has been declared a Municipality by the Government of Tamil Nadu, on account of the palatial houses built with limestone called karai veedu. Karaikudi is famous for its unique palaces, Chettinad Architecture, and karaikudi kandangi sarees, a special type of sarees which come from and are woven in this area. Let’s explore this hidden gem and discover why Karaikudi should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
History:
The city derives its name from the thorny plant Karai, referred to in ancient literature as Karaikudi, which in modern times has become Karaikudi. The town was established in the 19th century, and the oldest known structure is the Koppudaiya Nayagi Amman Temple. After independence, the city saw significant growth in the industrial sector. Karaikudi and surrounding areas are generally referred to as Chettinad. Chettinad comprises a network of 73 villages and 2 towns forming clusters spread over a territory of 1,550 km2 in the Districts of Sivagangai and Pudukottai in the State of Tamil Nadu. Karaikudi is the largest town in Chettinad. Kannadasan Manimandapam, Kamban Manimandapam, and Thousand windows house are other visitor attractions in Karaikudi. The first Temple for Mother Tamil, Tamil Thai Kovil is located in Karaikudi and was established in 1993.
Demographics:
According to the 2011 census, Karaikkudi had a population of 181,125 with a sex-ratio of 1,000 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929. The average literacy rate of the town was 81.48%, compared to the national average of 72.99%. In Karaikudi, Hinduism is the majority religion with 83.9% of the total population, followed by Islam, 11.39%, Christianity, 4.3%, Jainism, 0.05%, Sikism, 0.01% and Others, the rest.
Geography:
Karaikudi is located in Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu State. The Trichy–Rameswaram Highway passes through Karaikudi. The Thennar River flows through South Karaikudi. The terrain of Karaikudi is predominantly flat. Rocky areas are found in the surrounding areas of Karaikudi town with more rocks towards the western side of the town. The soil is of the hard red lateritic type and is not suitable for cultivation. The water table in the area is generally at depths of 3 to 6 ft (0.91 to 1.83 m) and rises to nearly 1 m (3 ft 3 in) below the ground level during rainy seasons. Since the 1970s, the water supply of the Karaikudi residents has depended on the deeper aquifers. The average maximum temperature is about 34 °C (93 °F), and the average minimum temperature is about 24 °C (75 °F). The annual average rainfall in Karaikudi is about 920 millimetres (36 inches).
Culture:
Karaikudi and surrounding areas are very popular for their unique palaces, Chettinad Architecture. Kannadasan Manimandapam, Kamban Manimandapam, and Thousand windows house are other visitor attractions in Karaikudi. Some prominent temples around the city are: Karaikudi Nagara Sivan Kovil, located at the center city of Karaikudi, built by Nagarathars/Chettiars in according to Dravidian Temple architecture Koppudaiya Amman Kovil, Kallukatti, Temple in Karaikudi Ariyakudi Thiruvengamudayan Temple, one of the biggest Vishnu temples of the Chettinad region; located 2 km (1.2 mi) away Pillayarpatti Karpagavinayagar temple located 10 km (6.2 mi) away Thirumayam fort 20 km away from the city Thousand window house, Kanadukathan palace, Athangudi palace, Kannadasan manimandapam, Kamban manimandapam, Azhagappar museum, Sankarapathi fort are other tourist attractions in the city. The very famous Chettinad cuisine originated in the areas around Karaikudi.
Economy:
Karaikudi is a developing urban center in Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu. Chettinad Kottan are palm leaf baskets woven by the women of the region. Chettinad Kottan has been noted for its unique style and colors and was granted a Geographical Indication tag in 2013. Chettinadu Kandangi sarees are a popular type of sarees produced in the region. In these areas around 250 rice mills and paper mills located in puduvayal and pallathur are the sub-urban region of Karaikudi is one of the trade and commercial economical growth areas. It is also called the second rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. Athangudi tiles are basically cement tiles like mosaic used for building the palatial houses in the town and in modern times, is a source for the handicraft industry. Indian Overseas Bank was founded on 10 February 1937 in Karaikudi by M. Ct. M. Chidambaram Chettyar.
Transport:
Karaikudi Junction railway station is a major railhead that serves the city and Devakottai road Railway station, kottaiyur Railway station, Chettinad Railway station, Kandanur puduvay
