Things To Do
in Chittayankottai

Temple architecture, colorful shrines and ritual activity make for evocative photos, especially during morning and evening puja times.

Wide green expanses, seasonal water reflections and farmers at work provide classic rural Tamil Nadu landscapes, great at sunrise or sunset.

Vibrant stalls, produce piles and candid street scenes—perfect for capturing local life and textures of daily commerce.

Quiet lanes, traditional homes and coconut trees offer intimate portrait opportunities and compositional variety.

Steamed rice-and-lentil cakes served with a tangy lentil-sambar and coconut chutney; morning staple available at tea stalls and small eateries.

Must-Try!

A plate of steamed rice with several vegetable curries, rasam, sambar and curd—often served at midday in local 'mess' restaurants or family homes.

Crispy rice-and-lentil crepe stuffed with spiced potato; found in roadside dosa shops and larger village restaurants.

If sourced locally, fresh river or coastal fish prepared in a tangy tamarind-coconut curry; more common in households or nearby town eateries.

A small, lively market where locals buy vegetables, fruits and spices; great for fresh seasonal produce and local snacks like sundal (spiced chickpeas) and murukku.

Scattered around the village, these are the best places to try filter coffee, crispy vadai, and simple breakfast items while observing daily life.

Remove shoes before entering temple precincts, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow any priestly directions during rituals.

Use your right hand for offering or receiving items and eating; avoid using the left hand for these actions in social contexts.

Greet elders first, show deference in conversation and accept hospitality with modest praise; a simple 'Vanakkam' and a smile go a long way.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders, and be respectful during religious ceremonies.

Tipping is modest: round up fares for autorickshaws, leave 5–10% in small restaurants if service is good, and give a small thank-you to guides or helpers. In very small village shops tipping is not expected.

Cash (Indian rupees) is king in rural areas; however mobile payments such as UPI, Paytm and local wallets are increasingly accepted in shops and by vendors. ATMs and card acceptance are more common in nearby towns than inside the village.

Vegetarian food is easy to find—many dishes are vegetarian by default, and temples and family eateries commonly serve vegetable-based thalis.

Vegan options are available but you should specify no ghee, yogurt or butter; rice, sambar, vegetable curries and coconut-based chutneys are typically suitable.

Rice-based cuisine means many dishes are naturally gluten-free; verify that dosas or vadas are not made with wheat-based fillers if you have a strong sensitivity.

Meat options may be limited in some eateries; ask about meat preparation and opt for vegetarian establishments or clearly labeled halal places in nearby towns.