At Chettinad, don't miss the house- converted to museum next door to the Raja's palace. Among the Kitchen tools the best is the travelling kit. No self-repecting Chettiar would eat out, so this elaborate basket housed everything from masala dabbas and choppers to rice bins and ladle sets. Then there's traditional jewellery and clothing, huge copper water vats and grain bins...everyday items that trace the Chettiar's way of life. The labelling isn't too good and a guide comes in handy. So far, entrance is free. Chettinad Mansion is a heritage home bringing to its privileged clients the living style of the Chettiars. The flooring too varies from court to court. The various kinds of flooring include lime mortar, marble, Athangudi tiles, anai adi Kallu, etc. Pressed metal plates have been fixed in many places as lining for the top ceiling. Don't forget to visit Chettinad Museum within the Mansion.