The name of Karur has been mentioned in Kandhapuraanam. It is one of the significant city in Kongunad. The river Amaravathy which runs across Karur is a very popular one. The Pasupatheeswarar temple is well known in this district. The city is known for weaving.

Karur has the unique distinction of having been an important international trade centre. It was here that the archaeological evidence of gold coins of Augustus Tberius dated 37 A.D and nearly 5,000 copper and bronze coins of Roman period were found at several places.