Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal - a magnificent palace of the XVII century, was built in 1636 at the request of the representative of the Nayak dynasty named Tirumalay- ruler of Madurai. The structure combines the Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles, so it blended elegance and glitz East.

Thirumalai Nayak was the outstanding ruler, known for its modern outlook and innovative solutions. During his reign it was built many beautiful buildings, among which stands out just above the palace, which was conceived as the central building of the city, attracting everyone's attention.

Thirumalai Nayakkar was a huge palace complex, parts of which will eventually separated and turned into separate buildings. So for the moment the palace is represented only by the main "body", which is called Svagra Vilas and several adjacent buildings.

Svagra Vilas is a vast octagonal room, the main attraction of which is the audience hall, decorated with columns and a 12-meter arches and topped with a huge dome. Special admiration it caused great carved borders with floral ornaments.

Apart from Vilas Svagra in the palace were many other noteworthy places: the royal bedchamber, the theater, the armory, a pond, a garden, a dance hall.

After India's independence, the palace of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal was declared a national monument and became one of the main lures for tourists in the state. It is open to the public almost daily from 9 am to 5 pm.