Happy TravellerWelcome to Viluppuram, a bustling municipality and administrative headquarters of Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu, India. Located 61 kilometers southwest of Tiruvannamalai and 45 kilometers northwest of Cuddalore, Viluppuram is a major railway junction and a hub for agriculture. With a population of 96,253, Viluppuram is the largest town and municipality in the district. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, climate, demographics, administration, and transportation of this fascinating city.
== History ==
Viluppuram has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when Shivaji took Gingee area with the help of Golkonda forces. Later, in the 18th century, both the English and French acquired settlements in South Arcot. During the Anglo-French rivalry, the entire district was turned into a war zone. After some time, the entire area came under the control of the East India Company. It remained under British authority until 1947 when India became independent. After independence, the district became part of the larger South Arcot District headquartered at Cuddalore. On 30 September 1993, Viluppuram became the headquarters of the newly created Vizhuppuram District as a result of the division of the South Arcot District.
== Geography ==
Viluppuram is located in the far southeast part of India, situated 160 kilometers south of Chennai, 160 kilometers north of Trichy, 177 kilometers east of Salem, 45 kilometers northwest of Cuddalore, and 40 kilometers west of Pondicherry. The area contains metamorphic rocks formed by pressure and heat belonging to the granite-like gneiss family. There are also three major groups of sedimentary rocks, layers of particles that settled in different geological periods. Kalrayan Hills forest park is located 116 kilometers to the west, and Gingee Hills forest park is 50 kilometers to the north. The Thatagiri Murugan Temple is about 191 kilometers to the southeast in Senthamangalam, with the Lord Siva temple in Koppampatti 153 kilometers southwest of the town.
=== Climate ===
Since the town is landlocked, the weather in Viluppuram is generally humid and hot. It relies on the monsoon for rain from July to December. Summers are very hot, and temperatures can get up to 40 °C (104 °F). Winters are moderate with temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 °C (86 and 95 °F). Viluppuram has a tropical climate. In winter, there is much less rainfall in Viluppuram than in summer. This climate is considered to be Aw/As according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The average annual temperature is 28.4 °C (83.1 °F) in Viluppuram with average annual rainfall of 1,046 millimeters (41.2 in). The driest month is March, with 6 millimeters (0.24 in) of rainfall. With an average of 222 millimeters (8.7 in) per annum, the most precipitation falls in October. The warmest month of the year is May, with an average temperature of 32.0 °C (89.6 °F). January has the lowest average temperature of the year at 24.6 °C (76.3 °F). The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month is 216 millimeters (8.5 in). During the year, the average temperatures vary by 7.4 °C (45.3 °F).
== Demographics ==
As of the 2011 census, Viluppuram municipality was divided into 44 wards for which elections are held every five years and had a population of 96,253 of which 47,670 were male and 48,583 female. The town’s literacy rate has been recorded as 90.16% by Census 2011.
== Administration ==
Politically, Viluppuram is part of the Vizhuppuram Lok Sabha constituency and the Vizhuppuram State Assembly constituency. The municipality was established in 1919 and was upgraded to a second-grade municipality in 1953, the first-grade municipality in 1973, and a selection grade municipality in 1988. The town is divided into 42 wards. The municipal council is composed of 42 ward councilors and is headed by a chairperson elected by voters of the town. Councilors-elect a vice-chairperson among themselves while the executive wing is headed by a commissioner, who is assisted by a team of officials including the health officer, municipal engineer, town planning officer, manager, revenue officer, and other staff.
== Transport ==
=== Road ===
Viluppuram is connected by roads to major cities and to the rest of the state. The major national highways of the town are: NH 38, which connects Vellore and Thoothukudi, via Tiruvannamalai – Viluppuram – Tiruchirapalli –Madurai – Aruppukottai. SH 07 connects Villupuram — Tirukoilur. NH 332, which connects Viluppuram and Pondicherry. NH 132, which Connects Villupuram and Tindivanam. NH NH 45A, which Connects Villupuram and Nagapattinam. NH 36, which connects Vikravandi and Manamadurai via Panruti – Neyveli – Kumbakonam – Thanjavur – Pudukottai bypasses Villupuram at 5 km in Koliyanur.
=== Rail ===
The Viluppuram Railway Junction at Vizhuppuram serves as the distribution point of rail traffic from Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu, towards the southern part of the state. Five railway lines branch out of Vizhuppuram: Fully Electrified Double BG (Broad Gauge) line (FEDL) towards Chennai Beach via Chengulpattu Junction. Fully Electrified Double BG (Broad Gauge) line (FEDL) towards Tiruchirapalli Junction via Vridhachalam Junction and Ariyalur. Also called Chord Line to Tiruchirapalli. Fully Electrified Single BG (Broad Gauge) line (FEDL) towards Tiruchirapalli Junction via Cuddalore Port Junction, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, and Thanjavur Junction. Also called Main Line. Fully Electrified Single BG (Broad Gauge) line towards Katpadi Junction via Tirukoilur Tiruvannamalai and Vellore Cantonment. Fully Electrified Single BG (Broad Gauge) line to Pondicherry.
=== Air ===
The nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport at Pondicherry, in Puducherry, approximately 40 km from Viluppuram. Pondicherry Airport is connected to Bangalore by commercial airlines. The nearest major airport is the Chennai International Airport (MAA), approximately 147 km from the town; the next closest major airport is Tiruchirapalli international Airport, approximately 170 km from the town.
We hope you enjoyed this brief tour of Viluppuram and that it has inspired you to visit this vibrant city. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Viluppuram is a must-see destination for any traveler to Tamil Nadu.
