Sankarankovil, Tenkasi

Sankarankovil is a town and municipality in the Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located at 9.77°N 77.47°E, about 52 kilometers (32 miles) west of the district headquarters of Tenkasi. Sankarankovil is known for its temples, waterfalls, and natural beauty.

History

Sankarankovil has a long history dating back to the Sangam era. The town is mentioned in several ancient Tamil texts, including the Sangam literature. Sankarankovil was an important trading center during the Chola Empire, and was also a major military base.

Geography

Sankarankovil is situated on the banks of the Manimuthar River, a tributary of the Tamirabarani River. The town is located in a hilly region with an average elevation of 127 meters (416 feet) above sea level.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Indian census, Sankarankovil had a population of 50,248 people. The majority of the population is Hindu, with a small minority of Muslims and Christians. The town is multilingual, with Tamil being the official language and the most widely spoken language. Telugu, Kannada, and Urdu are also spoken by significant minorities.

Economy

Sankarankovil’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The town is known for its rice, sugarcane, and banana crops. Sankarankovil is also a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and its temples. The town is also home to a number of small-scale industries, including textile mills, food processing plants, and engineering firms.

Education

Sankarankovil has a number of schools and colleges. The town is home to the Sankarankovil Government Arts College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras.

Culture

Sankarankovil has a rich culture and heritage. The town is home to a number of temples, festivals, and traditions. The town is also known for its handicrafts, which include pottery, weaving, and wood carving.

Tourism

Sankarankovil is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and its temples. The town is home to a number of waterfalls, including the Sankarankovil Falls, the Ariyamangalam Falls, and the Kottakudi Falls. Sankarankovil is also home to a number of temples, including the Sankarankovil Murugan Temple, the Sankarankovil Shiva Temple, and the Sankarankovil Amman Temple.

Transportation

Sankarankovil is well-connected by road and rail. The town is situated on the National Highway NH7, which connects Chennai to Kanyakumari. Sankarankovil also has a railway station on the Chennai-Tuticorin line.