Go on a holiday that unburdens the mind and uplifts the soul. Follow a sacred trail with over 5000 temples. Quench your thirst for ancient knowledge amongst the tomes and transcripts of a 16th century library. Explore your paradise in the ‘Cambridge of South India’.
(Property) Crafted around the Tamizh way of life, Mantra Koodam is a monument to South India’s regal past, adorned with Athangudi tiles, ornate teak doors and expansive courtyards.
(Swimming Pool) The crystal blue waters of the swimming pool invite you in, amongst a lush green landscape straddled by the Cauvery and Veera Chozha rivers.
(Food) Savour fiery cuisine from authentic recipes handed down over generations in a sensory experience that matches the character of the region.
(Landscape) Mantra Koodam is designed like an ‘Agraharam’ (translated ‘Garland of Houses’) with tree-paved pathways lined with ‘Illams’ (or homes) designed like traditional Chettiar homes.
Tour the temple town with over 5000 temples, including the Dharasuram temple with an 85-feet vimana, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple built by King Rajendra Chola I, and the majestic Brihadisvara temple or Big Temple made from 130,000 tons of granite, built by King Raja Raja Chola I . All UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.
Explore the ‘Navagrahas’ or nine temples that represent the nine planets. Kumbakonam is the only place in the world you’ll find shrines dedicated to all nine planets together, according to ancient Indian astrology.
Witness the timeless technique of ‘Pattu’ silk weaving at the hands of master craftsmen, who lace fine gold thread with silk on antique wooden looms, to create beautiful sarees with mesmerizing designs.
Experience a cultural institution as old as the Maratha Empire, involving intricate artwork on fabric with natural colours from plant-based dyes, created by coconut shell brushes and bamboo pens, and then washed and dried by the river, which adds a rich texture to the final piece.
Watch in awe the master craftsmen called ‘Sthapathis’ use the Lost Wax technique, the same they used to create the timeless sculptures that adorn the Periya Kovil commissioned by King Raja Raja Chola I, to make ornate bronze sculptures right in front of your eyes.
Take a bullock cart ride across the countryside, with paddy fields for company, and visit Veppathur village, for a glimpse into village life. Drop into a potter’s house and try your hand at the pottery wheel under his expert guidance.
Maharaja Thali
Degree Coffee
Mantra Tea Kadai
Thalaiyatti Bommai
Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu
Sarasvati Mahal Library
We have one Heritage Bungalow specially designed for guests with special needs. It is wheelchair friendly with no steps, railings in the bathrooms, etc.
Best for Creating Local Economic Benefit Coconut Lagoon
Rural ACCOMMODATION Category
Reviewed 23 December 2018
Reviewed 30 November 2018
Reviewed 26 October 2018
Reviewed 12 January 2019
From Tiruchirappalli International Airport:
About 109 km or 2 hr 12 mins
From Kumbakonam Railway Station:
About 9.5 km or 18 mins
Wear light cottons, cool shades, and the right sunblock to make the most of the tropical summer, as you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors. You will also be visiting many temples, which means a lot of walking, so a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. Dressing conservatively will show sensitivity to this temple town.