DakshinaChitra
South Indian houses dismantled where they stood and rebuilt here piece by piece, with craftspeople working in them.
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DakshinaChitra opened in 1996 on the coast road south of Chennai, and its method is unusual: rather than building replicas, the museum acquired houses that were due to be demolished across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, dismantled them with their original timber, tile and stone, transported the material and rebuilt them on site with traditional craftsmen. The result is around eighteen heritage houses grouped by state, from a Chettiar mansion to a Kerala Syrian Christian house to a weaver's cottage. Potters, weavers, basket makers and puppeteers work in the grounds and demonstrate their crafts to visitors.
What you actually see
- The relocated houses - around eighteen buildings moved and rebuilt whole.
- The state groupings - Tamil, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra sections.
- The working craftspeople - potters, weavers and puppeteers on site.
- The furnished interiors - houses fitted with period objects and tools.
When to go
November to February for comfortable weather; the museum is largely outdoors with limited shade. It closes on Tuesdays. Festivals and craft events run through the season.
Honest expectations
The site is outdoors and hot outside winter. Craft demonstrations depend on which artisans are in residence. Entry is relatively expensive by Indian museum standards.
Nearby
Mamallapuram lies south on the same road; Chennai is north.
What to pack for DakshinaChitra
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.