# Nagercoil

Nagercoil, natively spelt as Nāgarkovil (Tamil:, "Temple of the Nāgas", or Nagaraja-Temple), is a Municipal Corporation 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.
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.
* Tamil 96.78 (96.8%)
* Malayalam 1.51 (1.51%)
* Saurashtra 0.6 (0.60%)
* Telugu 0.55 (0.55%)
* Others 0.57 (0.57%)

## 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.
Also, the District Industries Centre (DIC) in Konam, Nagercoil operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, India (MSME).
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.

## Architecture

The architecture of Nagercoil consists of an eclectic combination of architectural styles, ranging from those that predate the creation of the town, from the early Dravidian architecture and Kerala Architecture, to English Gothic Revival, to the 21st century contemporary. Although there are prehistoric and classical structures in the city, the architectural history of Nagercoil effectively begins with the first small settlements from 3 AD. The Roman naturalist and writer Pliny the Elder mentions Nagercoil as a commercial metropolis, having trade links with his contemporaneous Roman merchants, who traded and stayed in unique rock-walled, clay-roofed structures. This legacy can be found in some of the town's old heritage structures like the Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil. The temple has two main deities, Krishna (revered as Ananda Krishna) and Nagaraja. The upadevathas are Shiva, Subrahmanya Swami, Ganesha, Devi, and Dwarapalaka. As an ancient tradition, the priests are Namboothiri Brahmins who are referred by the Pambumekkat mana in Thrissur, Kerala. Later on, Dravidian and Kerala architectural styles began to appear in the area. This can be attributed to the construction of the Thanumalayan Temple in the 16th century.
The 14th century St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Kottar serves as a testimony to the mix of Roman and native architecture. While Saint Xavier was doing missionary work at Kottar and its neighbourhood, he averted an invasion of Padagas and thus protected the people of the Venad kingdom from that attack which was appreciated by the king, Unni Kerala Varma. In recognition of Xavier's services, the king allotted him a piece of land to construct a Catholic church, as a gesture of goodwill, as per the church records. There was already a small church, in the same place where St. Xavier's church stands at present, dedicated to Mary the Mother of God, since AD 1544.
The brilliant artistic influence of Kerala and British architecture marvels are seen in the Nagercoil Palace, Nagercoil Clock Tower, Home Church, Scott Christian College, Scott School, Carmel Higher Secondary School, St. Joseph Convent, Sethu Lakshmi Bai School, Nagercoil Court, The Concordia Seminary, Filter House, The Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital and many more heritage structures in and around the town.
The Nagercoil Clock Tower is the most visible to the outside world, situated in the heart of the town, which was built to commemorate the visit of Sri Moolam Thirunal, the ruler of Travancore, in 1893, and was designed by Hogeorf and S. Horesly of England. The Maharajah himself inaugurated it on 15 February of that year. The pendulum of the clock was made in Derbyshire by Smith of Derby Group, London. The clock is attached to a 60-foot-long chain with a weight, operated with pulleys through gravitational force. The clock in the Nagercoil Clock Tower was presented to the Maharajah by Rev. James Duthie. of the London Missionary Society. The total cost for constructing the Nagercoil Clock Tower was ₹ 3,258, 9 Chakrams and 12 Kasu. The Maharajah of Travancore donated ₹ 1017, and the balance was donated by the public.

## Politics

| Commissioner | Anand Mohan I.A.S. |
| District Collector | P.N.Sridhar I.A.S |
| Superintendent of Police | Hari Kiran Prasad I.P.S |

## 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 various approved higher education and skill development institutions in and around the city, including autonomous colleges, aided colleges, and self-financing colleges serving diverse fields like Science and Technology, Commerce, Economics, Arts, Humanities, Medical, Engineering, and Management studies.
There is a Government ITI, Government Polytechnic, University College of Engineering, Nagercoil, and Government Arts And Science College which are all situated in Konam, Nagercoil.
There are two Government Medical Institutes in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari Government Medical College, Acharipallam, 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 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.
Below is 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.
Parrota 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
* 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, Bangalore, Katra, Kacheguda, Howrah, are also operated from here/passing through this station.
* 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.

### Air transport

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is around 70 km from the city centre. It has two Terminals, Domestic (Terminal 1) and International (Terminal 2).

## Notable Personalities

List of people from Nagercoil

## Entertainment and Study Centres

The Nagercoil Corporation Knowledge and study centre, situated in Konam, Nagercoil, was an initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, where reference books and study materials are available for students aspiring to take various entrance exams. District Central Library is another library situated in the city.
PVP Multiplex, Sri Karthikai Theatre, Rajesh Cinema Hall, and AVM Valli Theatre are the cinema theaters in the city that serve movie entertainment.

## Utility Services

A regional passport office was opened on 18 February 2018 to cater to the needs of the people of Kanyakumari district.

## 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 a swimming pool.
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.