The grand and wonderfully embellished houses were created mainly in the nineteenth century. They reflect the prosperity of the community. The houses are large and often stretch from the front street to the street at the back. The basic design comprises of a thinnai (a public reception area), an enclosed courtyard surrounded by the family rooms. Some of the houses had more than two courtyards. It served two important purposes. Not only did it let light in but also allowed air to circulate freely. The kitchen at the end was sometimes part of a third courtyard. An important room was that of the kanakupillai or the accountant.

The reception areas are elaborate with solid teak or granite pillars. The walls are satin smooth and are made of what is known as Madras Plaster. This plaster is made of eggshells, egg white and myrobalan. Some of the walls are also lined with distinctive ceramic tiles. The floors are laid with the locally made Athangudi tiles. The ceilings display either woodwork or glossily painted stuccowork. The decorative doorways often have intricate carvings replicating the stone carvings in temples. These houses can be seen in Karaikudi, Devakottai, Kanadukathan, Kothamangalam, Kuliparai and Pillayarpatti among others.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
This Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in the 16 th century. The most enchanting part of this palace is the Sorga Vilasam, which served as the audience hall. There are sound and light shows on the life of Thirumalai Nayak to whom the place is dedicated and on the Tamil epic Silappathikram.

Vaigai Dam
A beautiful picnic spot enroute to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The dam looks enchanting when illuminated, especially on Sunday nights.

Srivilliputtur
The Vatapatrasayi temple has one of the most impressive gopurams in the south. The temple chariot also has some beautiful carvings on it. This is the birthplace of Andal, the greatest devotional poet in Tamil. There are beautiful temples in Thiruvadalur and Thiruvengadam that are worth a visit.