Other local tourist attractions include the famous Pallava-era Ganesha temple and the Madurai Nayak-era fort.

The fort complex has witnessed fierce battles between the Madurai Nayakas and Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, Carnatic region and Maratha Imperial forces.

The fort played an important part during the Carnatic Wars, helping lay the foundations of the British Empire in India.

[citation needed] In the mid 14th century, the region was controlled by the Delhi Sultanate after Malik Kafur's raid on South India.

The Madurai Nayaks constructed the Rock Fort Temple Lake along with major walls as foundations, establishing the town as a trading city and later, their capital.

After the Nayaks, the fort palace was occupied by the invader Chanda Sahib, as he ruled in conjunction with the alliance with the Kingdom of France.

[citation needed] In modern times, the fort is maintained and administered by the Chennai Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India.

[citation needed] During the mid 18th century, Chanda Sahib, aided by the French, made this fort his home base.

[citation needed] In the late 18th century, Hyder Ali was a major threat to the British, as were the French who were still fighting for their colonial supremacy in this region.