Karaikudi is the biggest City in Sivaganga district. Known as the capital of Chettinad, because of the predominance of the "Nattu Kottai Chettiars" who have from here have ventured far and wide to set up their businesses even at the turn of the 20th century. Karaikudi is also home of two famous Institutions, Alagappa University and CECRI  Karaikudi and 74 other villages comprise Chettinad, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in  South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
 

This city is also famous for its art and architectural houses built during the early 1900's. A lot of places of religious interest are surrouning karaikudi. Places like Pillayarpatti [Temple of lord Ganesha] and Kunnangudi [Temple of lord Muruga] and within 15 km radius from karaikudi.