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{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Rajapalayam
| name               = Rajapalayam
| native_name                    =
| other_name         =  
| native_name_lang                =
| nickname           = Cotton City
| other_name                     =  
| settlement_type   = City
| nickname                       = Cotton City
| image_skyline     = SE View Rajapalayam South Tamil Nadu Aug24 A7CR 02018.jpg
| settlement_type                 = [[Town]]
| image_alt         = Rajapalayam from the southeast
| image_skyline                   =  
| image_caption     = Rajapalayam from the southeast
| image_alt                       =  
| pushpin_map       = India Tamil Nadu#India3
| image_caption                   =  
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map                     = India Tamil Nadu#India3
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| pushpin_label_position         = right
| pushpin_map_caption = Rajapalayam (Tamil Nadu)
| pushpin_map_alt                 =  
| coordinates       = {{coord|09|27|05.4|N|77|33|15.5|E|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| coordinates                     = {{coord|9|27|0|N|77|33|0|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type               = Country
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_type1               = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Virudhunagar district]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of revenue divisions of Tamil Nadu|Revenue Division]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Virudhunagar district]]
| subdivision_name3 =  
| subdivision_type3 = [[List_of_revenue_divisions_of_Tamil_Nadu|Revenue Division]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[Taluk]]
| subdivision_name3 = Sattur
| subdivision_name4 = [[Rajapalaiyam taluk|Rajapalayam]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[Taluk]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| subdivision_name4 = [[Rajapalaiyam taluk|Rajapalayam]]
| established_date   =  
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| named_for         =  
| established_date               =  
| government_type   = Special Grade Municipality
| named_for                       =  
| governing_body     = Rajapalayam Special grade municipality
| government_type                 = Special Grade Metro Municipality
| leader_title1     = Municipality Chairman
| governing_body                 = Rajapalayam Special grade municipality
| leader_name1       =  
| leader_title1                   = Municipality Chairman
| leader_title2     = [[Rajapalayam (State Assembly Constituency)|MLA]]
| leader_name1                   =  
| leader_name2       = Thangappandian.S (2016–Current)
| leader_title2                   = [[Rajapalayam (State Assembly Constituency)|MLA]]
| unit_pref         = Metric
| leader_name2                   = Thangappandian.S (2019-Current)
| area_footnotes     =  
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| area_rank         = 1 in district
| area_footnotes                 =  
| area_total_km2     = 11.36
| area_rank                       = 1 in district
| elevation_footnotes =  
| area_total_km2                 = 68.008
| elevation_m       = 187
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| population_total   = 130,442
| elevation_m                     = 175
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_total               = 130,442
| population_rank   = 34
| population_as_of               = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank                 = 34
| population_footnotes =  
| population_density_km2         = auto
| Official Language =  
| population_demonym              = Rajapalayaththaan                   
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| population_footnotes           =  
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| Official Language               =                        
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| demographics1_title2 = Regional
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| demographics1_info2 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| demographics1_info1             = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|Pincode(s)]]
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|Pincode(s)]]
| postal_code       = 626117,626108,626110
| postal_code                     = 626117,626108,626110
| registration_plate = TN 67, TN 84
| registration_plate             = TN 67, TN 84  
| area_code         = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91-4563]]
| area_code                       = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91-4563]]
| website           =  
| website                         =  
| footnotes         =  
| footnotes                       =  
| official_name     =  
| official_name                   =  
}}  
}}


'''Rajapalayam''' ({{IPA-ta|ɾaːdʑabaːɭaɪjam|lang}}) is a city in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is the largest municipality in the [[Virudhunagar]] district. Rajapalayam is located in the [[Madurai]] to [[Quilon]] National Highway at a distance of 562&nbsp;km south to the state capital [[Chennai]]. Economy is based on textile manufacture: the town has several mills for spinning and weaving cotton, as well as a large cotton market. The town is also famed for Rajapalayam mango and the [[Rajapalayam dog|Rajapalayam breed of dogs]].
'''Rajapalayam''' ({{IPA|ta|ɾaːdʑabaːɭaɪjam|lang}}) is a City in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is the largest municipality and the largest city in the [[Virudhunagar district|Virudhunagar]] district. Rajapalayam is located on the [[Madurai]] to [[Kollam]] National Highway at a distance of 562&nbsp;km south of the state capital [[Chennai]] at the foothills of [[Western Ghats]]. The economy is primarily industrial with several mills for spinning and weaving. The city is known for its [[mango|mangoes]] and the [[Rajapalayam dog|Rajapalayam breed of dogs]].


==Climate==
== Climate ==
The climate of the region is of the [[Semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] [[Tropical monsoon climate|tropical monsoon]] type. The average temperature range is 20&nbsp;°C to 37&nbsp;°C.
The climate of the region is of the [[Semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] [[Tropical monsoon climate|tropical monsoon]] type. The average temperature range is 20&nbsp;°C to 37&nbsp;°C.


Line 71: Line 70:
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|94.53}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|3.48}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|purple|1.75}}{{bar percent|[[Sikhism|Sikh]]|yellow|0.02}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.21}}}}
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|94.53}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|3.48}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|purple|1.75}}{{bar percent|[[Sikhism|Sikh]]|yellow|0.02}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.21}}}}


According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Rajapalayam had a population of 130,442 with 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, far above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> A total of 11,604 individuals (5,927 males and 5,677 females) were under the age of six. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 13.51% and 0.09% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the city was 77.87%; the national average was 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The city had a total of 37,797 households. There were 53,913 workers, comprising 380 cultivators, 3,676 main agricultural labourers, 1,375 in household industries, 45,223 other workers, 3,259 marginal workers, 34 marginal cultivators, 326 marginal agricultural labourers, 286 marginal workers in household industries and 2,613 other marginal workers.<ref name="2011census">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Rajapalayam|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=689062|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> According to the religious census of 2011, the population was 94.53% [[Hindus|Hindu]], 3.48% [[Muslims|Muslim]], 1.75% [[Christians|Christian]], 0.02% [[Sikhs|Sikh]] and 0.21% other.<ref name="religion2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|title=Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu|year=2011|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|format=XLS|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Rajapalayam had a population of 130,442 with 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, far above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> A total of 11,604 individuals (5,927 males and 5,677 females) were under the age of six. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 13.51% and 0.09% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 77.87%; the national average was 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The town has a total of 37,797 households. There are 53,913 workers, comprising 380 cultivators, 3,676 main agricultural labourers, 1,375 in household industries, 45,223 other workers, 3,259 marginal workers, 34 marginal cultivators, 326 marginal agricultural labourers, 286 marginal workers in household industries and 2,613 other marginal workers.<ref name="2011census">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Rajapalayam|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=689062|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> According to the religious census of 2011, the population is 94.53% [[Hindus|Hindu]], 3.48% [[Muslims|Muslim]], 1.75% [[Christians|Christian]], 0.02% [[Sikhs|Sikh]] and 0.21% other.<ref name="religion2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|title=Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu|year=2011|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|format=XLS|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
The mountains of the [[Western ghats]] are to the west of the city (12&nbsp;km from the city), and the [[Sanjeevi]] hills are to the east. These moderate the climate, and several water catchment areas in the hills provide water for the city. Water is stored in the 6th mile water reservoir. There are several major lakes around the city, including Kondaneri, Karungulam, Pirandaikulam, and Sengulam. The soil in the area is classified by the government as [[Loam|red loam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://virudhunagar.tn.nic.in/statistics_handbook/Agriculture.pdf|title=Soil in Rajapalayam|website=Virudhunagar district}}</ref>
The mountains of the [[Western Ghats]] are to the west of the town (12&nbsp;km from the town), and the [[Sanjeevi]] hills are to the east. These moderate the climate, and several water catchment areas in the hills provide water for the town. Water is stored in the 6th mile water reservoir. There are several major lakes around the town, including Kondaneri, Karungulam, Pirandaikulam, and Sengulam. The soil in the area is classified by the government as [[Loam|red loam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://virudhunagar.tn.nic.in/statistics_handbook/Agriculture.pdf|title=Soil in Rajapalayam|website=Virudhunagar district}}</ref>
The area of the municipality<ref>{{Cite web| title=IND: Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program - Underground Sewerage System for Rajapalayam Municipality in Virudhunagar District Rajapalayam | url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49107-003-ieeab-04.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619130821/https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/49107-003-ieeab-04.pdf | archive-date=2022-06-19}}</ref> is about 11.36 sq.kms which makes the town the biggest municipality in Virudunagar district.<ref>{{Cite web | title=About Us - RAJAPALAYAM MUNICIPALITY - இராஜபாளையம் நகராட்சி | url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/rajapalayam/about-us/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116200853/https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/rajapalayam/about-us/ | access-date=2025-02-16 | archive-date=2022-01-16}}</ref>


==Industries==
==Industries==
The principal industry was initially agriculture. In 1936, Thiru P. A. C. Ramasamy Raja started the first cotton spinning mill, called Rajapalayam Mills Ltd. Later, more [[textile mill]]s were started including Sree Karpagambal Mills Ltd. Today, Rajapalayam is a major hub of the textile industry, famous for bandages, woven fabric, [[nighties|nightwear]], and other products. The neighboring town of [[Chatrapatti]] (Virudhunagar Dist) is a large player in producing surgical cotton [[gauze]], and nearby [[Dhalavaipuram]] and Muhavoor produce women's nightwear.
The principal industry was initially agriculture. In 1936, Thiru P. A. C. Ramasamy Raja started the first cotton spinning mill, called Rajapalayam Mills Ltd. Later, more [[textile mill]]s were started. Today, Rajapalayam is a major hub of the textile industry, famous for bandages, woven fabric, [[nighties|nightwear]], and other products. The neighboring town of [[Chatrapatti]] (Virudhunagar Dist.) is a large player in producing surgical cotton [[gauze]], and nearby [[Dhalavaipuram]] and Muhavoor manufacture women's nightwear.


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
Line 84: Line 84:


====Road====
====Road====
The National Highway NH-744 from [[Tirumangalam, Madurai|Tirumangalam]] to [[Kollam]] passes through the city. State highway SH-41 (Rajapalayam-Sankarankovil-Tirunelveli) links the major parts of the extreme south of Tamil Nadu, including [[Tirunelveli]], [[Thoothukudi|Tuticorin]] and [[Kanyakumari]]. The road also offers good freight connectivity to Tamil Nadu's second largest seaport, [[Tuticorin Port Trust|Tuticorin]].  State highway SH-186 (Rajapalayam-Vembakottai) connects the town to the east part of [[Virudhunagar]] district and passes through the fast-growing industrial towns of [[Chatrapatti]] and [[Alangulam, Tirunelveli|Alangulam]].
The National Highway NH-744 from [[Madurai]] to [[Kollam]] passes through the town. State highway SH-41 (Rajapalayam-Sankarankovil-Tirunelveli) links the major parts of the extreme south of Tamil Nadu, including [[Tirunelveli]], [[Thoothukudi|Tuticorin]] and [[Kanyakumari]]. The road also offers good freight connectivity to Tamil Nadu's second largest seaport, [[Tuticorin Port Trust|Tuticorin]].  State highway SH-186 (Rajapalayam-Vembakottai) connects the town to the east part of [[Virudhunagar]] district and passes through the fast-growing industrial towns of [[Chatrapatti]] and [[Alangulam, Tirunelveli|Alangulam]].


====Bus====
====Bus====
[[File:Rajapalayam Old Bus Stand.jpg|thumb|Rajapalayam Old Bus Stand|right|250px]]
[[File:Rajapalayam Old Bus Stand.jpg|thumb|Rajapalayam Old Bus Stand|right|250px]]              


Rajapalayam's long-distance bus station, located on Sankarankovil Road, is served by buses from the government of Tamil Nadu's TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation) and private transport companies. Buses run to [[Chennai]], [[Bangalore]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichy]], [[Tiruppur]], [[Erode]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], [[Dharapuram]], [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]], Sathyamangalam, [[Oddanchatram]], [[Pondicherry]], and [[Sengottai]]. Several Private bus services runs to Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore from Rajapalayam. Rajapalayam old bus station is currently serving buses to nearby villages Seithur, Muhavoor, Chatrapatti, Dhalavaipuram, Devathanam and often called as Old bus stand or Town bus stand.
Rajapalayam's long-distance bus station, located on Sankarankovil Road, is served by buses from the government of Tamil Nadu's TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation) and private transport companies. Several private and government operated services connect to [[Chennai]], [[Bengaluru]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Hosur]], [[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], [[Tirupati]], [[Tirupur|Tiruppur]], [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichy]], [[Vellore]] and other major cities.  
 
Rajapalayam old bus station is the boarding point for buses connecting nearby villages. It is also called Old bus stand or Town bus stand. [[Sankarankovil]] Mukku road connects the new bus stand.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}


====Rail====
====Rail====
{{Main|Rajapalayam railway station}}
{{Main|Rajapalayam railway station}}
The Rajapalayam railway station is in the Southern Railways zone/Madurai division of [[Indian Railways]] and falls on the [[Virudhunagar]] to [[Kollam]] line. The station code is RJPM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/rajapalayam-rjpm/2680|title=Rajapalayam Station - 16 Train Departures SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry|last=P|first=Arpit|website=indiarailinfo.com|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>
The Rajapalayam railway station is in the Southern Railways zone/Madurai division of [[Indian Railways]] and falls on the [[Virudhunagar]] to [[Kollam]] line. The station code is RJPM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/rajapalayam-rjpm/2680|title=Rajapalayam Station - 16 Train Departures SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry|last=P|first=Arpit|website=indiarailinfo.com|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref>


The [[Pothigai Express]] connects Rajapalayam to Chennai and runs daily. A Tri-weekly express train, the "Silambu Express" runs to Chennai via [[Aruppukottai]], [[Manamadurai]], [[Karaikudi]] and on to [[Sengottai]]. Kollam Express<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/96239|title=16101/Chennai Egmore - Kollam Jn Express (PT) - Chennai Egmore to Quilon SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry}}</ref> runs between Chennai Egmore and [[Kollam Junction railway station|Kollam Jn]] daily via Trichy, Madurai, Rajapalayam, Tenkasi. Passenger trains also run to [[Madurai]]. There are two temporary services runs between [[Velankanni railway station|Velakkani]] & [[Ernakulam Junction railway station|Ernakulam Jn]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/velankanni-ernakulam-jn-via-kollam-jn-summer-special-06016/14082/2680/52|title=06016/Velankanni - Ernakulam Jn (Via Kollam Jn) Summer Special (PT) - Rajapalayam to South SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry}}</ref> and between Chennai Egmore and [[Tirunelveli Junction railway station|Tirunelveli]] (via Tenkasi).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/tambaram-tirunelveli-special-via-tenkasi-06035/102908/2680/797|title=06035/Tambaram - Tirunelveli Special (via Tenkasi) (PT) - Rajapalayam to Tirunelveli SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry}}</ref>
Passenger Trains running daily via Rajapalayam:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Train No/Name
!Origin
!Destination
!Rajapalayam Arrival Time
|-
|16848/Sengottai - Mayiladuthurai Express (Unreserved)
|Sengottai
|Madurai
|08:21am
|-
|06504/Madurai - Sengottai Express Special (Unreserved)
|Madurai
|Sengottai
|08:38am
|-
|06664/Sengottai - Madurai Express Special (Unreserved)
|Sengottai
|Madurai
|01:10pm
|-
|06663/Madurai - Sengottai Express Special (Unreserved)
|Madurai
|Sengottai
|01:13pm
|-
|06503/Sengottai - Madurai Express Special (Unreserved)
|Sengottai
|Madurai
|04;58pm
|-
|16847/Mayiladuthurai - Sengottai Express (Unreserved)
|Madurai
|Sengottai
|07:03pm
|}
Below Mail/SF Express services are currently running through Rajapalayam Railway station.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Train No/Name
!Origin
!Destination
!Rajapalayam Arrival Time
!Services
!Coach Type
|-
|12661/Pothigai Superfast Express
|Chennai Egmore
|Sengottai
|05:15am
|Daily
|LHB
|-
|12662/Pothigai Superfast Express
|Sengottai
|Chennai Egmore
|07:58pm
|Daily
|LHB
|-
|16101/Chennai-Kollam Express
|Chennai Egmore
|Kollam
|02:08am
|Daily
|ICF
|-
|16102/Kollam-Chennai Express
|Kollam
|Chennai Egmore
|04:23pm
|Daily
|ICF
|-
|20681/Silambu Super Fast Express
|Chennai Egmore
|Sengottai
|06:28am
|Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
|ICF
|-
|20682/Silambu Super Fast Express
|Sengottai
|Chennai Egmore
|06:08pm
|Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
|ICF
|-
|16362/Velankanni - Ernakulam Jn Express
|Velankanni
|Ernakulam Jn
|02:58am
|Sunday & Tuesday(From Velankanni)
|ICF
|-
|16361/Ernakulam Jn - Velankanni Express
|Ernakulam Jn
|Velankanni
|09:25pm
|Saturday & Monday
|ICF
|-
|06029/Mettupalayam - Tirunelveli Special Fare Special (PT)
|Mettupalayam
|Tirunelveli
|03:55am
|Friday(From Mettupalayam)
|LHB
|-
|06030/Tirunelveli - Mettupalayam Special Fare Special
|Tirunelveli
|Mettupalayam
|09:43pm
|Thursday
|LHB
|-
|06035/Tambaram - Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) Special Fare AC Special
|Tambaram
|Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli)
|04:13am
|Saturday(Friday From Tambaram)
|LHB
|-
|06036/Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) - Tambaram Special Fare AC Special
|Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli)
|Tambaram
|09:28pm
|Sunday
|LHB
|}


===By Air===
===By Air===
The nearest International airport is [[Madurai Airport]] (~100&nbsp;km).
The nearest international airport is [[Madurai Airport]] (~80&nbsp;km).
 
==Tourist attractions==
 
===Ayyanar Kovil Forest Area ([[Ayyanar Falls]])===
[[File:Rajapalayam Water Dam.jpg|thumbnail|Water Dam]]
[[File:Ayyanar Falls.jpg|thumb|Ayyanar Falls]]
Ayyanar Kovil forest area is 10&nbsp;km west of Rajapalayam on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. The forest area has many streams, waterfalls, springs and a temple. Hiking in this forest area is one of the main recreations for Rajapalayam residents. Rajapalayam Water Reservoir, which provides water to the entire city, is situated en route to Ayyanar Falls. Rajapalayam Dam and Rajapalayam Water Treatment Plant are also situated adjacent to the Rajapalayam Water Reservoir.
 
==== Shri Raakatchiamman Temple & Falls ====
It is also located in the foothills of Western Ghats which is around 10&nbsp;km from the city. It is also a well known attraction for the falls. Comparing to the Ayyanar falls water flows here almost throughout the year.
 
==== Sri Vallakattu Karuppasamy kovil ====
Vallakattu Karuppasamy temple is situated en route to Ayyanar Kovil, in the middle of the forest next to the 6th Mile Dam that supplies water to Rajapalayam. [[Karuppu Sami]] is one of the 21 associate folk-deities of Ayyanar. This temple is one of the most famous in the area.
 
===Sanjeevi Hills===
Sanjeevi Hills lies to the east of Rajapalayam. The Murugan Temple is at the top of the hill. Tradition recounts that [[Hanuman]], the monkey god, carried the entire mountain of [[Sanjeevi]], complete with its herbal plants, to [[Sri Lanka]] to save the unconscious [[Lakshmana]]. A small portion of the mountain fell off en route, and this portion is said to be the Sanjeevi Hills.


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
 
* [[P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja]], Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1949–1952) and Governor of Orissa (1954–1956)
* [[P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja]] (Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1949–52) and Governor of Orissa (1954–56)
* [[S. Peter Alphonse]],  Indian National Congress politician elected to Tamil Nadu legislative assembly twice from Tenkasi constituency (1989 and 1991) and once from Kadayanallur constituency (2006)
* [[Shiva Ayyadurai]]
* [[Vijay Sethupathi]]
* [[Vijay Sethupathi]]
* [[Samuthirakani]]
* [[Samuthirakani]]
* [[SJ Suryah]]
* [[Vasantha Balan]]  
* [[Muthukaalai]]
* [[Muthukaalai]]
* [[Vasanthabalan]]
* [[A. A. Subba Raja]], Municipal chairman for 6 terms and 1 time MLA
* [[N. A. P. Alagiri Raja]], Philanthropist, industrialist, 1st elected chairman of Rajapalayam municipality


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*
*
* [http://www.Rajapalayam.com Rajapalayam]
* [http://www.Rajapalayam.com Rajapalayam]


Latest revision as of 21:59, 17 February 2026

This article is about the city in Tamil Nadu, India. For other uses, see Rajapalayam (disambiguation).
Rajapalayam
City
Rajapalayam from the southeast
Rajapalayam from the southeast
Nickname: 
Cotton City
Rajapalayam is located in Tamil Nadu
Rajapalayam
Rajapalayam
Rajapalayam (Tamil Nadu)
Rajapalayam is located in India
Rajapalayam
Rajapalayam
Rajapalayam (India)
Coordinates: 09°27′05.4″N 77°33′15.5″E / 9.451500°N 77.554306°E / 9.451500; 77.554306
Country India
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictVirudhunagar district
TalukRajapalayam
Government
 • TypeSpecial Grade Municipality
 • BodyRajapalayam Special grade municipality
 • MLAThangappandian.S (2016–Current)
Area
 • Total11.36 km2 (4.39 sq mi)
 • Rank1 in district
Elevation
187 m (614 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total130,442
 • Rank34
 • Density11,000/km2 (30,000/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTamil
 • RegionalTamil, Telugu
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Pincode(s)
626117,626108,626110
Area code+91-4563
Vehicle registrationTN 67, TN 84

Rajapalayam (ta) is a City in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the largest municipality and the largest city in the Virudhunagar district. Rajapalayam is located on the Madurai to Kollam National Highway at a distance of 562 km south of the state capital Chennai at the foothills of Western Ghats. The economy is primarily industrial with several mills for spinning and weaving. The city is known for its mangoes and the Rajapalayam breed of dogs.

Climate[edit | edit source]

The climate of the region is of the semi-arid tropical monsoon type. The average temperature range is 20 °C to 37 °C.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Religious census
Religion Percent(%)
Hindu
 
 94.53%
Muslim
 
 3.48%
Christian
 
 1.75%
Sikh
 
 0.02%
Other
 
 0.21%

According to the 2011 census, Rajapalayam had a population of 130,442 with 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, far above the national average of 929.[1] A total of 11,604 individuals (5,927 males and 5,677 females) were under the age of six. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 13.51% and 0.09% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 77.87%; the national average was 72.99%.[1] The town has a total of 37,797 households. There are 53,913 workers, comprising 380 cultivators, 3,676 main agricultural labourers, 1,375 in household industries, 45,223 other workers, 3,259 marginal workers, 34 marginal cultivators, 326 marginal agricultural labourers, 286 marginal workers in household industries and 2,613 other marginal workers.[2] According to the religious census of 2011, the population is 94.53% Hindu, 3.48% Muslim, 1.75% Christian, 0.02% Sikh and 0.21% other.[3]

Geography[edit | edit source]

The mountains of the Western Ghats are to the west of the town (12 km from the town), and the Sanjeevi hills are to the east. These moderate the climate, and several water catchment areas in the hills provide water for the town. Water is stored in the 6th mile water reservoir. There are several major lakes around the town, including Kondaneri, Karungulam, Pirandaikulam, and Sengulam. The soil in the area is classified by the government as red loam.[4] The area of the municipality[5] is about 11.36 sq.kms which makes the town the biggest municipality in Virudunagar district.[6]

Industries[edit | edit source]

The principal industry was initially agriculture. In 1936, Thiru P. A. C. Ramasamy Raja started the first cotton spinning mill, called Rajapalayam Mills Ltd. Later, more textile mills were started. Today, Rajapalayam is a major hub of the textile industry, famous for bandages, woven fabric, nightwear, and other products. The neighboring town of Chatrapatti (Virudhunagar Dist.) is a large player in producing surgical cotton gauze, and nearby Dhalavaipuram and Muhavoor manufacture women's nightwear.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

By Land[edit | edit source]

Road[edit | edit source]

The National Highway NH-744 from Madurai to Kollam passes through the town. State highway SH-41 (Rajapalayam-Sankarankovil-Tirunelveli) links the major parts of the extreme south of Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari. The road also offers good freight connectivity to Tamil Nadu's second largest seaport, Tuticorin. State highway SH-186 (Rajapalayam-Vembakottai) connects the town to the east part of Virudhunagar district and passes through the fast-growing industrial towns of Chatrapatti and Alangulam.

Bus[edit | edit source]

Rajapalayam Old Bus Stand

Rajapalayam's long-distance bus station, located on Sankarankovil Road, is served by buses from the government of Tamil Nadu's TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation) and private transport companies. Several private and government operated services connect to Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Hosur, Pondicherry, Salem, Tirupati, Tiruppur, Trichy, Vellore and other major cities.

Rajapalayam old bus station is the boarding point for buses connecting nearby villages. It is also called Old bus stand or Town bus stand. Sankarankovil Mukku road connects the new bus stand.[citation needed]

Rail[edit | edit source]

Main article: Rajapalayam railway station

The Rajapalayam railway station is in the Southern Railways zone/Madurai division of Indian Railways and falls on the Virudhunagar to Kollam line. The station code is RJPM.[7]

Passenger Trains running daily via Rajapalayam:

Train No/Name Origin Destination Rajapalayam Arrival Time
16848/Sengottai - Mayiladuthurai Express (Unreserved) Sengottai Madurai 08:21am
06504/Madurai - Sengottai Express Special (Unreserved) Madurai Sengottai 08:38am
06664/Sengottai - Madurai Express Special (Unreserved) Sengottai Madurai 01:10pm
06663/Madurai - Sengottai Express Special (Unreserved) Madurai Sengottai 01:13pm
06503/Sengottai - Madurai Express Special (Unreserved) Sengottai Madurai 04;58pm
16847/Mayiladuthurai - Sengottai Express (Unreserved) Madurai Sengottai 07:03pm

Below Mail/SF Express services are currently running through Rajapalayam Railway station.

Train No/Name Origin Destination Rajapalayam Arrival Time Services Coach Type
12661/Pothigai Superfast Express Chennai Egmore Sengottai 05:15am Daily LHB
12662/Pothigai Superfast Express Sengottai Chennai Egmore 07:58pm Daily LHB
16101/Chennai-Kollam Express Chennai Egmore Kollam 02:08am Daily ICF
16102/Kollam-Chennai Express Kollam Chennai Egmore 04:23pm Daily ICF
20681/Silambu Super Fast Express Chennai Egmore Sengottai 06:28am Wednesday, Friday, Saturday ICF
20682/Silambu Super Fast Express Sengottai Chennai Egmore 06:08pm Thursday, Saturday, Sunday ICF
16362/Velankanni - Ernakulam Jn Express Velankanni Ernakulam Jn 02:58am Sunday & Tuesday(From Velankanni) ICF
16361/Ernakulam Jn - Velankanni Express Ernakulam Jn Velankanni 09:25pm Saturday & Monday ICF
06029/Mettupalayam - Tirunelveli Special Fare Special (PT) Mettupalayam Tirunelveli 03:55am Friday(From Mettupalayam) LHB
06030/Tirunelveli - Mettupalayam Special Fare Special Tirunelveli Mettupalayam 09:43pm Thursday LHB
06035/Tambaram - Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) Special Fare AC Special Tambaram Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) 04:13am Saturday(Friday From Tambaram) LHB
06036/Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) - Tambaram Special Fare AC Special Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) Tambaram 09:28pm Sunday LHB

By Air[edit | edit source]

The nearest international airport is Madurai Airport (~80 km).

Notable people[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  2. ↑ "Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Rajapalayam". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  3. ↑ "Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  4. ↑ "Soil in Rajapalayam" (PDF). Virudhunagar district.
  5. ↑ "IND: Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program - Underground Sewerage System for Rajapalayam Municipality in Virudhunagar District Rajapalayam" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 June 2022.
  6. ↑ "About Us - RAJAPALAYAM MUNICIPALITY - இராஜபாளையம் நகராட்சி". Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  7. ↑ P, Arpit. "Rajapalayam Station - 16 Train Departures SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 12 September 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

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