By The good relationship maintained by the industrious Chettiar traders with the kings was something that was even noticed by the East India Company. The Chettiars were sent abroad to do business and came back with abundance of wealth. They built their own streets and palaces. Later on, when their financial situated started crumbling, some of them had to sell their palaces. Most of such mansions in Chettinad and Athangudi have been converted into heritage homestays and boutique hotels. These palaces are all perfect examples of Chettinad architectural style. Italian marble, Burmese teak, stained glass, and the famous Athangudi tiles in traditional patterns were used for constructing these buildings. Athangudi is a small village in Sivaganga District of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The tiles of Athangudi are handmade and an epitome of traditional Chettinad style of architecture. Chettinad and Athangudi Palaces of the 19th century are visited by plenty of tourists who are amazed to see the large courtyards and the big rooms. The architectural grandeur of Chettinad, extensive halls and inner courtyards, ceilings adorned with beautiful paintings, all these features make these buildings something that one should never miss out on. Advance permission is required for visiting Kanadukathan, the Chettinad Palace in Sivaganga, belonging to M. A. M. Ramaswamy and family. At the same time, the Athangudi Palace is open to the public.
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