Visit Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
The Chettiars thrived as businessmen and built huge, richly decorated palaces to house their wealth. However trade declined and after the Second World War many of the Chettiars moved away from the area, abandoning their vast houses. A visit to this area provides an interesting contrast to the ancient history of the temple towns, with traditional craftsmen at work in the market and dusty lanes lined with crumbling carved facades hiding cavernous interiors supported by Burma teak and satinwood pillars.