It is known for its Kottaiyur Sivan Temple, one of the master pieces of the Chettinad region.

The temple and the area's old lime stone heritage buildings give Kottaiyur a unique identity.

Kottaiyur panchayat administration including the villages of Velangudi and Alagapuri.

Kottaiyur has an average elevation of 77 metres (253 ft) and is located north in Karaikudi, on the Karaikudi-Trichy Highway.

As of the 2011[update] Indian census, Kottaiyur had a population of 14766 of which 49% was male and 51% female.