The Chettinad region is yet another of one of the mysteries of traveling in India. It offers the opportunity to experience village life will staying in a restored mansion - the region had about 35,000 of these mansions! The house is beautiful, the rooms are modern with wonderful design features. The hosts, Michel, and Bernard, have evident love for the... More

We enjoyed our stay here. It is a very pretty place, with unbelievably delicious food. It was interesting to dine with the owners who spoke about their efforts to preserve the historical homes of the Chettinad Region. They also offered us a fabulous walking tour of the area.

Just go there....the place is incredible, Bernard and Michel are really friendly without beeing overwhelming, the surrounding villages, temples, palaces are to die for...go there and enjoy the French hospitality...indian style! Bernard and Michel will hand you a very badly drawn map (how can these men be architects, they should be doctors!)....but very useful....and you will be able to roam... More

Saratha Vilas is a huge and glamorous historic house that once belonged to a wealthy Chettinar family and has been meticulously restored by two French architects. They have furnished the house with beautiful and authentic objects, have provided great comfort in the rooms and public spaces, and offer good food and even Ayurvedic massage. Equally important is the owners's commitment... More

I had the great good fortune to stay at Michel and Bernard's lovingly restored hotel while I was in the Chettinad region. I felt as though I was a house guest, as opposed to a client. They are exceedinly knowledgable, charming, and really take time to create a particular atmosphere that really enhanced the experience....the food, the accomodations, the morning... More

We stayed here for two nights and loved everything about it. Definitely stay here if you are looking to experience the Chettinad style. Bernard and Michel were lovely hosts, so knowledgeable and interesting. The food was amazing, partly French, partly Indian but all delicious and it was great to share dinner with fellow travelers. We learnt a lot from all... More

If, like us, you are looking for an India beyond the crowded cities and popular tourist destinations, Saratha Vilas can offer you that. We are a couple in our 70's, and chose the six night package offered on their website. They publish a suggested itinerary, but will customize it to your interests and abilities. One of the architect/owners, an expert... More

This was our favorite hotel that we stayed in during our two week trip to South India. The property is beautifully restored, the value is tremendous (the nicest mattress and bathroom we saw in this price range), and the food is really delicious. Highly recommend.

After having visited a few of the other "heritage" hotels in the area for lunch and tea before checking in, Saratha Villa was a delightful surprise. It is an authentic Chettinad mansion restored with much care and attention to detail by a couple of French architects. Talk to them about the restoration and you'll soon realise what passionate conservationists they... More