Respecting the Environment: Caring for the environment is an important part of the CGH Earth agenda for Responsible Tourism. Visalam is no exception in this regard and, interestingly, has become a milestone and benchmark in the area for these features. It manages its waste efficiently, employs renewable energy and practices rainwater harvesting.
Fostering traditional skills: We sought out and worked closely with many skilled and specialised artisans of the Chettinad region while restoring Visalam. The tile makers, weavers, carpenters and stone workers have all contributed their unique talents and knowledge to breathe life again into this 100 year old building.
Culture-centered: The culture and traditions of the trading Chettiar community and the local villagers are the foundation on which this holiday experience has been created.
Locally connected: A good number of our team members at Visalam - our staff, the vendors, guides and interpreters - are all from the local villages. Their first-hand understanding of the place and its history will make for wonderful exchanges between them and our guests.
An act of Conservation: The traditional homes of the Chettiar community in Chettinad and its environs are known for their grandeur and elegance. Sadly though many of these lie abandoned and at risk of losing their alluring history. Visalam is our earnest attempt to conserve, through careful restoration, this great home of a prominent family of one of the oldest trading communities of Tamil Nadu.