This ancient town is the district headquarters.The Ram Vilas Palace of the Sethupati Rajas is a must visit place.The oil portraits of the Rajas of the past centuries and the articulately designed ceilings and walls embellished with eighteenth century murals, the subjects of which vary from business. Meetings with the English to battles with the Marathas, make this place more interesting.It was from here the Sethupathis (Chieftains) ruled this territory.Ramalingavilasam Palace with good painting and Tomb of Thayumana swamigal, are the places worth visiting.A Museum is functioning here.