Karaikudi

Karaikudi, a Greater municipality in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu, stands as the 21st largest urban agglomeration in the state, marked by its unique limestone-built palatial houses called Kaarai veedu. This distinctive architectural heritage has earned the town the local name "Kaarai Nagar." The municipality, spreading across 33.75 sq km, is an integral part of the culturally rich region known as "Chettinad." Renowned for the production of Karaikudi kandangi sarees, a unique local textile, the city has received geographical indication recognition from the Indian government. The region is also the birthplace of Chettinad cuisine, adding to its cultural significance. As one of the selected AMRUT Smart cities in Tamil Nadu, Karaikudi undergoes developmental activities overseen by the government.