1. The Sivaganga palace was built in 1730, tt also called “Gowri Vilasam”, is situated in the Sivaganga district about 40 km from Madurai. It was once the seat of Marava kings. At present the palace is in dilapidated condition but the architectural beauty can still be appreciated. The architectural style of the palace reflects elements borrowed from the Thirumalai Nayak’s period and infused with Rajputana arts.

2. Inside the Palace : The Temple of Sri Raja Rajeshwari The only portion intact at the Gowri Vilasam is the temple of Sri Raja Rajeshwari. It is the family deity of the royal family. Sri Raja Rajeshwari temple is open for the public only in the evenings and on auspicious days. On the Southern part of the temple there is a huge hall supported with numerous pillars. It is believed that the entire royal household functions used to take place there. There is a palanquin in the front facade of the palace that lies in a decrepit condition.

3. Nadai Kinaru : Nadai Kinaru is another important and interesting feature in the Sivaganga palace. It is actually a miniature swimming pool. It is believed that the tank had direct connections so that fresh water could be provided and also fill two huge tanks beside the Nadai Kinaru. It was apparently meant for the womenfolk of the royal family.

4. How to Reach Sivaganga Palace : Due to its close proximity to Madurai, Sivaganga is easily accessible to the tourists. Buses and taxis are easily available from Madurai. Madurai is the nearest airport.

Athangudi :

Home of the famous Athangudi tiles. Visit a factory and see how these famous handmade terracotta tiles are patterned and sun-dried. They say it’s the local sand that’s the secret behind the texure.

Chettinad Museum :

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.

Devakottai :

Devakottai is a town and a municipality in Sivaganga. Devakottai is one of the most popular and biggest cities of the nagarathar community. Devakottai is also famous for Nagarathar temples and bungalows. In Devakottai there are two colleges, Sevugan Annamalai Art college and Ananda College, run by the R.C. Diocese of Sivagangai.

Deivam Wonderland :

1 km from Pillayarpatti. The antiquity value of the temple is exhibited in Deivam Wonder Land Museum. Timings : 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all days. Entrance fee Rs. 20/- Address : Near Vairavanpati Arch, Pillaiyarpatti Post - 630207.

Edaikattur Church :

Idaikattur Church is the Sacred Heart Shrine Built with full of arts in Gothic architectural style on the model of the RHEIMS cathedral in France. All those beautiful statues were brought from France 110 Years back to Idaikattur. The reason is that only in this shrine there are the Relics (things connected with)of 40 saints kept on the main altar. Secondly, there is a historical event which took place 110 years back, when this Church was built that 9 choirs (hundreds) of angels appeared and solved a great problem. The Location of the shrine is 36 Km away from Madurai on the way to Ramnad or Rameshwaram main road.