Tamil Nadu has 38 districts, making it one of the most administratively organized states in India. These districts play a crucial role in managing local governance, development projects, and public services. They are further divided into smaller administrative units like taluks and revenue divisions to ensure effective governance.
Some of the well-known ones are Chennai, the capital city, Coimbatore, famous for industries, and Madurai, known for its temples. The newest districts include Tenkasi and Chengalpattu, added in 2019.
|
District Name |
Key Features |
|
Ariyalur |
Known for cement industries and limestone reserves. |
|
Chengalpattu |
A hub for industrial growth; formed in 2019. |
|
Chennai |
Capital city; center for IT and urban development. |
|
Coimbatore |
"Manchester of South India" for its thriving textile industry. |
|
Cuddalore |
Famous for temples, beaches, and cashew production. |
|
Dharmapuri |
Known for mango cultivation and Hogenakkal Falls. |
|
Dindigul |
Renowned for Kodaikanal hill station and Dindigul locks. |
|
Erode |
A major producer of turmeric and textiles. |
|
Kallakurichi |
Agricultural hub; created in 2019. |
|
Kanchipuram |
Famous for silk sarees and ancient temples. |
|
Kanyakumari |
Southernmost point; known for beaches and sunrise views. |
|
Karur |
Major exporter of textiles and paper products. |
|
Krishnagiri |
Famous for granite and mango farming. |
|
Madurai |
Known for the iconic Meenakshi Temple and cultural heritage. |
|
Nagapattinam |
Coastal district known for fishing and pilgrimage sites. |
|
Namakkal |
Renowned for poultry and transport businesses. |
|
Nilgiris |
Hill station region; famous for tea plantations. |
|
Perambalur |
Rich in agriculture and historical significance. |
|
Pudukkottai |
Known for ancient temples and historical sites. |
|
Ramanathapuram |
Gateway to Rameswaram and religious importance. |
|
Ranipet |
A major center for leather production. |
|
Salem |
Produces stainless steel and mangoes. |
|
Sivagangai |
Known for Chettinad cuisine and architecture. |
|
Tenkasi |
Scenic beauty and waterfalls; formed in 2019. |
|
Thanjavur |
Cultural hub; famous for Brihadeeswara Temple. |
|
Theni |
Renowned for lush greenery and cardamom plantations. |
|
Thoothukudi |
Major port city and salt producer. |
|
Tiruchirappalli |
Rockfort Temple and educational institutions. |
|
Tirunelveli |
Known for waterfalls and ancient temples. |
|
Tirupattur |
Emerging hub for leather industries. |
|
Tiruppur |
"Knitwear Capital of India" and textile hub. |
|
Tiruvallur |
Industrially developed district near Chennai. |
|
Tiruvannamalai |
Spiritual center; famous for Arunachaleswarar Temple. |
|
Tiruvarur |
Carnatic music heritage and temples. |
|
Vellore |
Known for medical and engineering institutions. |
|
Viluppuram |
Largest district in area; agriculturally rich. |
|
Virudhunagar |
Famous for fireworks and matchstick industries. |
|
Mayiladuthurai |
Newly formed district; known for temples and agriculture. |
|
Region |
Districts |
|
Central |
Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Karur, Nagapattinam, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai |
|
West |
Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Erode, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, The Nilgiris, Salem, Tiruppur |
|
South |
Dindigul, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi |
|
North |
Chennai, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Thirupattur |
Ariyalur is known for its rich limestone reserves and cement industries. It has archaeological importance, with fossils of dinosaurs discovered here. Agriculture is also significant, with crops like rice and sugarcane contributing to the local economy.
Formed in 2019, Chengalpattu is an emerging industrial hub and part of the Chennai metropolitan area. It is known for its rapid urban development, educational institutions, and proximity to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital, is a bustling metropolis known for its IT industry, historic landmarks like Marina Beach, and rich cultural heritage. It is also a major center for education, healthcare, and arts, blending tradition and modernity.
Called the "Manchester of South India," Coimbatore is famous for its textile industries, engineering expertise, and pleasant climate. It is a hub for education, healthcare, and industrial development, with proximity to hill stations like Ooty.
Cuddalore is a coastal district known for its serene beaches, temples, and the fishing industry. It has industrial significance with chemical and energy plants and is also known for the Silver Beach, a popular tourist spot.
Dharmapuri is famous for mango cultivation and the scenic Hogenakkal Falls, often referred to as the "Niagara of India." Agriculture is a major occupation, and the district is also known for its granite resources.
Dindigul is known for its high-quality locks and the hill station of Kodaikanal. Agriculture thrives here, with paddy and millet as key crops. It also has historical significance with forts like Dindigul Rock Fort.
Erode is a major producer of turmeric and textiles. The district is known for its handloom industry, vibrant markets, and agricultural productivity, particularly in turmeric and coconut cultivation.
Formed in 2019, Kallakurichi is an agricultural district known for sugarcane, paddy, and millet production. Its growing infrastructure and proximity to natural resources make it an emerging hub in Tamil Nadu.
Kanchipuram District
Known as the "Silk City," Kanchipuram is famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples. It is a spiritual hub with rich heritage and also contributes significantly to Tamil Nadu's tourism industry.
Located at India’s southern tip, Kanyakumari is renowned for its stunning sunrise views, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and confluence of three seas. It is a major tourist destination and cultural hotspot.
Karur is a global exporter of home textiles and also known for its paper manufacturing. Agriculture plays a key role here, with crops like paddy and sugarcane dominating the landscape.
Krishnagiri is famous for mango cultivation, granite reserves, and natural beauty. The district’s hills and waterfalls attract tourists, while its agricultural economy boosts the state’s productivity.
Known as the "Temple City," Madurai is famous for the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is a cultural and historical hub, hosting festivals like Chithirai Thiruvizha and thriving in education and trade.
Nagapattinam is a coastal district known for its fishing industry and pilgrimage sites like Velankanni Church. Agriculture and aquaculture are vital, with paddy and shrimp farming prevalent.
Namakkal is known for poultry farming, truck body building, and ancient temples like Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple. The district's agricultural and industrial sectors are equally strong.
The Nilgiris district is famous for its hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor. Known for tea plantations, scenic landscapes, and biodiversity, it is a major tourist destination in Tamil Nadu.
Perambalur is an agricultural district known for its fertile lands, producing crops like maize and sugarcane. It also has historical importance with links to the Chola dynasty.
Pudukkottai is rich in historical landmarks, including rock-cut temples and forts. Agriculture, with paddy and millets, plays a major role, along with emerging industries.
Ramanathapuram is the gateway to Rameswaram and known for its rich religious heritage. Fishing, seaweed farming, and salt production are key economic activities here.
Ranipet is a significant industrial hub, especially for leather manufacturing. Its industries contribute to Tamil Nadu’s economy, while its proximity to Chennai boosts its growth.
Salem is known for stainless steel production, mango cultivation, and its proximity to Yercaud Hill Station. It is also a hub for textile weaving and dyeing industries.
Famous for Chettinad cuisine and architecture, Sivagangai is culturally vibrant. Agriculture and small-scale industries are prominent here.
Formed in 2019, Tenkasi is a scenic district known for the Courtallam Waterfalls. Agriculture, particularly paddy and pulses, dominates the economy.
Known for the Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur is a cultural hub and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for Tanjore paintings and rice cultivation.
Theni is known for its scenic landscapes, cardamom plantations, and proximity to Munnar. The district also thrives in agriculture, producing bananas and coffee.
Thoothukudi, or Tuticorin, is a major port city known for salt production and pearl fishing. It is also an emerging industrial hub.
Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy, is famous for its Rockfort Temple and Srirangam Temple. It is a center for education, engineering, and cultural heritage.
Tirunelveli is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and ancient temples. The district’s halwa is a famous local delicacy.
Tirupattur is an emerging district known for leather industries and lush green landscapes. Agriculture is also a significant part of its economy.
Tiruppur is the "Knitwear Capital of India," exporting textiles worldwide. It is a major industrial hub and contributor to Tamil Nadu’s economy.
Tiruvallur is an industrially developed district near Chennai, with agriculture and industries coexisting. It is also known for its temples.
Tiruvannamalai is a spiritual center famous for Arunachaleswarar Temple and the Girivalam festival. Agriculture and handicrafts are also significant.
Tiruvarur is known for its temples, Carnatic music heritage, and fertile lands producing paddy. It is culturally rich and agriculturally significant.
Vellore is renowned for medical and engineering institutions, leather industries, and the historic Vellore Fort.
Viluppuram is the largest district by area, known for agriculture and rural tourism. It is a significant transportation hub.
Virudhunagar is a hub for fireworks and matchstick industries. Agriculture, particularly in pulses and cotton, also thrives here.
Mayiladuthurai, formed in 2020, is known for its temples and agricultural productivity. It is also a cultural and religious hub.
The list of districts in Tamil Nadu provides a clear overview of the state's administrative divisions. With 38 districts, Tamil Nadu stands as a well-structured and efficiently managed state, making it easier to understand its geographical and governance setup. This simple breakdown serves as a useful resource for anyone looking to familiarize themselves with the districts of Tamil Nadu.
The 5 new districts in Tamil Nadu are Chengalpattu, Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Tenkasi, and Tirupattur. These districts were carved out of existing ones to improve administration.
Viluppuram is the largest district in Tamil Nadu by area.
Tiruppur is the 33rd district of Tamil Nadu, formed in 2009.
The 37th district of Tamil Nadu is Mayiladuthurai, formed in 2020.
Chennai is considered the richest district due to its thriving IT industry, real estate, and trade.
The old name of Tamil Nadu was Madras State until it was renamed in 1969.
Chennai is the smallest district in Tamil Nadu by area.
Madurai is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu, with a history dating back over 2,500 years.
The first name of Tamil Nadu was Madras State, derived from the city of Madras (now Chennai).
Ramanathapuram is often considered one of the poorer districts in terms of economic development.
The state animal of Tamil Nadu is the Nilgiri Tahr.
The state flower of Tamil Nadu is the Gloriosa Lily (Gloriosa superba).
The national bird of India, also representing Tamil Nadu, is the Indian Peafowl (Peacock).
The national fruit of Tamil Nadu, as in all of India, is the Mango.
The national tree of Tamil Nadu is the Banyan Tree, which is also the national tree of India.
Tamil Nadu is famous for its Idli, Dosa, Sambar, Chettinad Cuisine, and Filter Coffee.
The state game of Tamil Nadu is Kabaddi, which has traditional roots in the region.
The official language of Tamil Nadu is Tamil, one of the oldest languages in the world with classical status.
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