- Location
- Muttukadu, East Coast Road, near Chennai
- Timings
- 10 am to 6 pm, closed Tuesdays
- Heritage houses
- About 18
- Distance from Chennai airport
- About 32 km
- Ideal time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
The heritage houses
Around eighteen houses stand on the grounds, each furnished with the tools, utensils and everyday objects its owners would have used. Many were bought when they were about to be sold or pulled down, and moved piece by piece. Highlights include:
- Tamil Nadu: an Agraharam (Brahmin) house, a Chettiar merchant's house, a silk weaver's house, a farmer's house and a potter's house.
- Kerala: a Syrian Christian house and a Calicut house.
- Karnataka: a house from Chikmagalur and homes of Ilkal weavers.
- Andhra Pradesh: coastal houses and an ikat weaver's home.
Crafts and activities
Artisans demonstrate pottery, weaving, basketry and other crafts, and there are weekend workshops where visitors can try their hand. Children enjoy the traditional games such as pallanguzhi board games and spinning tops set out for them.
The museum also hosts theme-based exhibitions, and has a library, conservation work areas, an open-air performance space, a crafts shop and a small bazaar. There is a restaurant on site and simple guest rooms for those who want to stay. Special workshops are held for schoolchildren and teachers.
Timings
The museum opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm, with Tuesday as its weekly holiday. Allow at least two to three hours; the grounds are large and there is a fair amount of walking. There is an entry fee, with different rates for Indian and foreign visitors, students and children.
How to reach
DakshinaChitra is next to MGM Dizzee World on the East Coast Road, about 32 km from Chennai airport, roughly an hour's drive. From Koyambedu bus terminus, allow about an hour and a half. City buses along ECR stop nearby, but a taxi is more convenient. It combines well with Mamallapuram, further down the same road, in a single day. We can arrange an ECR day trip from Chennai with a car and driver.
Also nearby
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