Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by King Rajendra Cholan of Chola Empire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in this district.

[7] Ariyalur is noted for its cement industries and Jayankondam has huge reserves of lignite.

Completed in 1035 CE by Rajendra Chola I as a part of his new capital, this Chola dynasty era temple is similar in design, and has a similar name, as the older 11th century, Brihadeeswarar Temple about 70 km (43 mi) to the southwest in Thanjavur.

According to the 2011 census, Ariyalur district has a population of 754,894,[10] roughly equal to the nation of Guyana[11] or the US state of Alaska.

[13] Ariyalur is well connected to the neighborhood districts of Thanjavur, Thiruchirappalli, Perambalur and Cuddalore via road.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates buses regularly to neighborhood cities.