Karaikudi (PTI): Chettinad -- a rich cultural heritage region -- in Tamil Nadu is in for a major transformation with UNESCO pledging to preserve and promote it as a heritage zone.

"We will sign an agreement with UNESCO for promoting heritage tourism in Chettinad as it has agreed to extend its expertise in developing the region as heritage zone in Tamil Nadu," M Rajaram, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation told PTI.

Chettinad, 85-km from the temple town of Madurai, is a cluster of about 75 odd villages, including Karaikudi, Kanadukuathaan, Pallathur, Prithali and Kothamangalam.

Palatial houses in this region are known for their architectural structure with wide courtyards, high ceiling, spacious rooms embellished with marble, Burma teak and intricate wood carvings at door frames.

There are about thousands of such palatial old houses still in Chettinad.

"Some of these well-designed houses are more than 100 years old and UNESCO is keen to guide us in restoring these structures," Rajaram said, adding that "we have drawn up a plan to develop Chettinad as heritage zone."

According to the Chettinad heritage plan, UNESCO will help in preparing a draft regional master plan including guidelines for heritage areas for developing a heritage circuit in the region.

UNESCO will also establish a heritage house, a model Chettinad building, in the area for tourists to visit.