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Nagercoil
City
Clockwise from top: Nagercoil Clock Tower, Nagaraja Temple, St. Xavier's Cathedral, Nagercoil Junction railway station
Nicknames: Greenest City of Tamilnadu, City of Temple Jewels, Southernmost City of India.
NagercoilNagercoil in Tamil Nadu
Coordinates: 8°10′30″N 77°25′50″E / 8.17500°N 77.43056°E / 8.17500; 77.43056
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Kanyakumari
Named for	"Temple of the Nāgas"
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
• Body	Nagercoil Municipal Corporation
• Member of Legislative Assembly	M. R. Gandhi
• Mayor	Mr. Magesh BA BL
• Deputy Mayor	Mrs. Mary Princy MA
• Corporation Commissioner	Mr. Nishant Krishna IAS
• Member of Parliament	Vijay Vasanth
Area
• Total	61.36 km (23.69 sq mi)
Elevation	82 m (269 ft)
Population
• Total	289,916
• Density	4,700/km (12,000/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	629001,629002,629003,629004
Telephone code	91-4652 & 91-4651
Vehicle registration	TN-74 & TN-75
Literacy	96.99%
Climate	Aw (Köppen)
Precipitation	2,477.7 millimetres (97.55 in)

Nagercoil, also spelt as Nagarkovil ("Temple of the Nāgas", or Nagaraja-Temple), is a city and the administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu state, India. Situated close to the tip of the Indian peninsula, it lies on an undulating terrain between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.

The present city of Nagercoil grew around Kottar, a mercantile town that dates back to the Sangam period. Kottar is now a locality within the city limits. Nagercoil is a centre for a range of economic activities in the small but densely-populated Kanyakumari District. Economic activities in and around the city include tourism, wind energy, IT services, marine fish production and exports, rubber and cloves plantations, agro-crops, floral production, manufacture of fishnets, rubber products among other activities.

'Nagercoil Cloves' is a distinct quality of dried cloves in the spices market, noted for its aroma and medicinal value. Cloves, pepper and other spices are grown in estates in the Western Ghats, outside the town.

Nagercoil is also the nearest city to the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

The city, along with the district of Kanyakumari, stands at the top in many Human Development Index parameters in Tamil Nadu state, including education, per capita income, health indices, etc.

The municipality of Nagercoil was upgraded as a Municipal corporation on the eve of its 100th year as a city on 14 February 2019.

Etymology

Nagercoil derives from the Tamil expression Nagaraja koyil, meaning "temple of Nagas".

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, Nagercoil had a population of 289,916 with a female-male sex ratio of 1.05, well above the national average of 0.929 females/male. A total of 20,241 were under the age of six, constituting 10,119 males and 10,122 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 4.19% and 0.17% of the population respectively. The literacy rate of the city was 96.99%. The city had a total of 59,997 households. There were a total of 76,345 workers, comprising 244 cultivators, 1,155 main agricultural laborers, 2,271 in household industries, 67,050 other workers, 5,625 marginal workers, 110 marginal cultivators, 361 marginal agricultural laborers, 447 marginal workers in household industries and 4,707 other marginal workers.

Economy

The city is one among the 50 Indian cities to be ranked in the World Startup Index of 1,000 cities. The major software companies present in Nagercoil are CapeStart Inc., Hinduja Global Solutions, Navigant Consulting and American stock exchange NASDAQ. The city also has small aerospace manufacturing plants and satellite fabricating firms serving the Indian Space Research Organisations facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. The Regional Academic Centre for Space by Indian Space Research Organisation, one among the only six incubation centers for Space Startups in India, is under construction in Nagercoil. The Integral Coach Factory has a small scale windmill unit. The export of 95 tons of fruits and vegetables to the Gulf Countries through the Thiruvananthapuram airports is a major source of revenue for the city, with food processing companies generating a daily revenue of ₹16.7 lakh and an annual revenue of ₹6.1 billion. The flower market of Thovalai exports 350 tons of Flowers to Kerala, Europe and Middle Eastern countries generating an annual revenue of ₹250 crore. The major cottage industries like Fish-net manufacturing, Rubber industries, Jewellery manufacturing are industries serving the domestic and export markets. The minor cottage industries include Surgical Gloves, Coir-making, floral trade, handloom-weaving, cashew nut, spices, food-processing units, and lace-making (export-oriented). Nagercoil has the highest per capita income of ₹2,76,454 (US$3,800), making it among the richest small cities in India.

Energy

The city has an installed windmill capacity of 1500 MW catering to 20% of the state's renewable electricity needs. Muppandhal has emerged as the wind power hub, with plant owners eager to cash in on the ₹2.90 per unit purchase price being offered by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.

Politics

Education

Tamil is the official language in Nagercoil and is spoken by the majority of the population here. In addition to Tamil, English and Malayalam are widely spoken. There are many schools and colleges in Nagercoil that are known for their national reputation and were established more than 150 years ago; colleges such as Scott Christian College (est. 1809), South Travancore Hindu College (est. 1952), Holy Cross College (est. 1965), Women Christian College and schools such as Scott Christian Higher Secondary School (est. 1819), Duthie Girls School (est. 1819), St. Joseph's Convent Higher Secondary School (est. 1910), Carmel Higher Secondary School (est. 1922), S.L.B. Government Higher Secondary School (est. 1924), S.M.R.V. Higher Secondary School (est. 1919).

Also, there are several private primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) schools in the city that provide learning diversity to the local & surrounding students.

There are approved institutions in and around the city, including autonomous colleges, aided colleges, and self-financing colleges.

There is a Government ITI, Government Polytechnic, University College of Engineering, and Government Arts And Science College situated in Konam. There are two Government Medical Institutes in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari Government Medical College, Asaripallam, and Government Ayurvedic College, Kottar.

The literacy rate is at 96.99% higher than the national average of 74.04% and state average of 80.09%.

Culture

At Vadasery, a locality in Nagercoil, unique Temple jewellery is made. The Vadasery Temple jewellery has Geographical Indications (GI) registry of the Government of India. These jewels are used by classical dancers in India.

Onam is a festival which is widely celebrated among the Malayalam-speaking population by drawing the 'athapoo' on the floor.

Navaratri is uniquely celebrated here with an inter-state tradition in which the idols of Goddess Munuthithanankai Amman from Suchindrum, Goddess Saraswati from Padmanabhapuram Palace and Lord Kumaraswamy from Kumarakovil travel to Thiruvananthapuram. A ceremonial welcome is given to the idols of the Gods by the officials and representatives of the Government of Kerala. After the ten days of Navratri festival, they return to the respective temples with great celebrations.

Cuisine

Nanjil Nadu cuisine, hailing from the coastal region of Tamil Nadu, especially Nagercoil, is a delightful blend of Tamil and Kerala culinary traditions. Known for its abundant use of coconut and coconut oil, this cuisine stands out with its distinct and rich flavours. The dishes are often infused with aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and the freshness of coastal ingredients, creating a unique gastronomic experience that celebrates the heritage and natural bounty of the region.

Here’s an overview of the listed dishes:

Nanjil Fish Curry A signature dish of the region, this curry is made with freshly caught fish, tamarind, and coconut-based spices, delivering a tangy and spicy flavour.

Avial A classic South Indian dish, Avial is a medley of vegetables cooked with grated coconut and yoghurt, tempered with curry leaves and coconut oil.

Nendran Chips These crispy banana chips, made from ripe or raw Nendran bananas, are fried to perfection in coconut oil, making them a popular snack.

Venthaya Curry A unique fenugreek-based curry with a slightly bitter yet aromatic taste, often prepared with tamarind and coconut milk.

Munthiri Kothu A traditional sweet made of rice flour, jaggery, and roasted mung beans, deep-fried in small clusters, resembling grape bunches.

Karupatti Mittai A wholesome candy made using palm jaggery (karupatti) and nuts, offering a delightful natural sweetness.

Kottar Rice Murukku A crunchy snack made of rice flour, this spiral-shaped savoury is a local speciality of Kottar, a locality in Nagercoil.

Nungu Sarbath A refreshing summer drink made with ice apple (nungu), flavoured syrups, and sometimes basil seeds, providing a cooling effect.

Pazha Bajji / Pazham Pori Deep-fried banana fritters are a sweet and crispy snack made with ripe bananas coated in a spiced batter.

Parota A flaky, layered flatbread, often served with spicy curries or meat dishes, making it a favourite street food in Nagercoil.

Nagercoil's culinary offerings reflect its rich cultural heritage and coastal bounty, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Transport

Bus transport

There are three main bus stands in the city.

• Nagercoil Municipal Corporation Christopher Bus Stand (Vadasery): The terminus, spread over an area of 9.49 acres, serves as a hub for transportation and commercial activities in the region. It features 52 bus bays, which accommodate a variety of buses including Mofussil buses and long-distance buses. These buses connect Nagercoil with major cities across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, facilitating both local commuting and intercity travel.

In addition to the bus bays, the terminus houses essential facilities such as a reservation counter for ticketing services. It also includes numerous commercial and refreshment outlets, providing amenities to travellers and visitors alike. Overall, the terminus plays a crucial role in Nagercoil's transportation infrastructure, offering convenience and connectivity for passengers travelling within the state and to neighbouring Kerala.

Frequent bus services to Marthandam, Thiruvananthapuram, Valliyur, Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Karaikudi, Dindigul, Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur available from here. Also scheduled long distances buses to Chennai,Salem, Krishnagiri, Hosur, Bengaluru, Palani, Pollachi, Tiruppur, Ooty, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Kodaikanal, Trichy, Ariyalur, Virudhachalam,Kumbakonam, Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Vellore, Chittoor, Tirupathi operated from here. The terminus is well utilized by buses belonging to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.

• Anna Bus Stand (Meenakshipuram, Nagercoil): The terminus, spanning 2.31 acres, is a pivotal hub for local bus services within Kanyakumari district and to Tirunelveli district. It features 25 bus bays, facilitating the operation and organization of various bus routes connecting different parts of these districts.

Local buses primarily serve the commuting needs of residents within the Kanyakumari district, offering reliable transportation options for daily travel and commuting purposes. Additionally, buses to Tirunelveli district provide connectivity for inter-district travel, enabling passengers to reach destinations across both districts efficiently.

As a central point for bus operations, the terminus enhances accessibility and convenience for travelers, ensuring smooth connectivity between different areas within Kanyakumari and to the neighbouring Tirunelveli district.

The town bus routes to surrounding localities are to Vadasery, Parvathipuram, Vetturnimadam, Asaripallam, Chunkankadai, Villukuri, Thuckalay, Karungal, Thingalnagar, Mulagumoodu, Chettikulam, Kottar, Ramanputhur, Konam, Eathamozhi, Rajakkamangalam, Manavalakurichi, Colachal, Midalam, Enayam, Parakkai, Thengamputhur, Puthalam, Manakudy, Kovalam, Thovalai, Suchindram, Vazhukkamparai, Thamaraikulam, Mylaudy, Kottaram, etc.

• Vadasery Omni Bus Stand: Intrastate and Interstate private buses are operated from here.

Rail transport

There are two railway stations in the city

1. Nagercoil Junction Railway station (NCJ): The main railway station (Also called Kottar Railway Station) of the city and one of the most important railway stations in Tamil Nadu coming under NSG–3 category. It consists of 6PF (02 under progress) and 12 tracks. The railway station is located on Kanyakumari- Trivandrum BG Line and Nagercoil- Tirunelveli BG Line. Direct trains to many parts of the state like Chennai, Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, and long distance trains to other state cities like Mumbai, Pune, Mangalore, Jammu, Varanasi Delhi, Shalimar, Dibrugarh railway station, |Dibrugarh]], Bangalore, Katra, Kacheguda, Howrah, are also operated from here/passing through this station.
2. Nagercoil Town Railway station (NJT) : The station lies on Kanyakumari- Trivandrum BG Line. Many important express trains and local trains to Trivandrum halt here. Also, some trains skip the main station due to loco rake reversal halt here.

Sports

Nagercoil has the distinction of housing one of the two Sports Authority of India Centers in the state, the other being in Chennai. There are plans to make the city hub for sports in South India by merging it with the Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Centers with headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) maintains Aringar Anna Outdoor Stadium in Vadasery and SDAT indoor Stadium in Konam, Nagercoil. It also has an excellent Swimming pool for sports players.

Nagercoil also has various sports clubs that promote various sports activities. Nagercoil Fencing Club promotes fencing sports in nagercoil. Also, there are various Non-govt sports clubs like The District Club, The Nagercoil Club, Ramavarmapuram Club, etc.

References

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Notes

1. Nagercoil is the anglicized spelling in British English, and Nāgar-kōvil is the romanized spelling from Tamil script.

External links

• Official website of Kanyakumari district

v t e Kanyakumari district
History	Travancore Battle of Colachel Travancore–Cochin
Administration	Taluks Agastheeswaram Kallkkulam Thovalai Vilavancode Thiruvattar Killiyoor Blocks Agastheeswaram Killiyoor Kurunthancode Melpuram Munchirai Rajakkamangalam Thiruvattar Thovalai Thuckalay Municipalities Colachel Kuzhithura Kollankodu Padmanabhapuram Municipal Corporation Nagercoil Town Panchayat Agastheeswaram Aloor Anjugramam Aralvaimozhi Arumanai Asaripallam Attoor Azhagappapuram Azhagiapandiapuram Boothapandi Edaikodu Eraniel Ezhudesam Ganapathipuram Kadayal Kaliyakkavilai Kallukuttam Kanyakumari Kappiyarai Karungal Keezhkulam Killiyur Kodimunai Kollancode Kothanallur Kottaram Kulasekaram Kumarapuram Manavalakurichi Mandaikadu Marthandam Marungoor Mulagumudu Myladi Nallur Neiyyur Pacode Palapallam Pazhugal Ponmanai Puthalam Pudukadai Reethapuram South Thamaraikulam Suchindram Thalakudi Thengampudur Theroor Thingalnagar Thirparappu Thiruvattar Thiruvithamcode Unnamalaikadai Valvaithankoshtam Vellimalai Verkilambi Vilavoor Villukuri Revenue divisions Nagercoil Padmanabhapuram
Religious sites	Thanumalayan Temple Kumarakoil Marunthuvazh Malai Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple Nagaraja Temple Our Lady of Ransom Church, Kanyakumari St. Arockiya Nathar Church, Vavathurai Pancha pathi Peer Mohammed Dargah Sivalayams Adikesava Perumal Temple St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Kottar Swamithope pathi Thirunadhikkara Thiruppathisaram Thirucharanathumalai Chitharal Jain Monuments
Tourism	Kanyakumari Kalikesam Mathur Aqueduct Mukkadal Dam Muttom Olakaruvi Padmanabhapuram Palace Pechiparai Reservoir Sothavilai Beach Thirparappu Udayagiri Vattakottai Fort Vattakottai Vattaparai Falls
Education	Colleges Cape Institute of Technology Bishop Agniswamy College of Education CSI Institute of Technology Malankara Catholic College Nesamony Memorial Christian College Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education Ponjesly College of Engineering Scott Christian College S.T. Hindu College St. Xavier's College of Engineering Amrita College of Engineering & Technology University College of Engineering,Nagercoil Schools Carmel Higher Secondary School Excel Central School Excel Global School Scott Christian Higher Secondary School
Railway stations	Eraniel Kanniyakumari Kuzhithura Kuzhithurai West Nagercoil Junction Nagercoil Town Viranialur
See also: List of villages in Kanyakumari district

• Nagercoil
• Cities and towns in Kanyakumari district