Villupuram, officially written as Viluppuram, is an important district in northern Tamil Nadu with a strong agricultural base, major road and railway connections, historic forts, temples and a long administrative history. Villupuram city serves as the district headquarters and is also one of Tamil Nadu’s important railway junctions. The present district was created on 30 September 1993 after the erstwhile South Arcot district was reorganised. Today, Villupuram covers 3,725.54 sq. km and has a population of 20,71,179 according to the current district administration profile.
Quick Overview of Villupuram District
| Particular | Details |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Official Name | Viluppuram |
| District Headquarters | Villupuram |
| District Formation | 30 September 1993 |
| Area | 3,725.54 sq. km |
| Population | 20,71,179 |
| Revenue Divisions | 2 |
| Revenue Taluks | 9 |
| Revenue Villages | 929 |
| Development Blocks | 13 |
| Village Panchayats | 688 |
| Municipalities | 3 |
| Town Panchayats | 7 |
| Main District Court | Principal District Court, Villupuram |
| Main Railway Station | Villupuram Junction |
| Railway Station Code | VM |
| Villupuram City PIN Code | 605602 |
| Nearest Airport | Puducherry Airport |
| Official District Website | https://viluppuram.nic.in/ |
The current detailed Revenue, Development and Local Bodies pages of the district administration list 2 revenue divisions, 9 taluks, 929 revenue villages, 13 development blocks, 688 village panchayats, 3 municipalities and 7 town panchayats.
Location of Villupuram District
Villupuram district lies in the northern part of Tamil Nadu and occupies an important position between Chennai and the central and southern parts of the state. Villupuram city is also relatively close to Puducherry.
The district is bordered by Cuddalore district towards the east and south, Kallakurichi towards the west, and Tiruvannamalai and Kanchipuram districts towards the north, according to the official district profile.
Villupuram’s location has made it an important transport centre. Major highways connect the district with Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
For air travel, the district administration lists:
- Puducherry Airport – around 43 km from Villupuram
- Chennai International Airport – around 147 km from Villupuram
Villupuram is particularly convenient for travellers because both road and railway routes towards northern and southern Tamil Nadu pass through or close to the district.
History of Villupuram District
Villupuram became a separate district on 30 September 1993. Before that, the region formed part of the old South Arcot district.
The area has a much older political history. Different periods saw the influence of the Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara rulers and Nayaks. Gingee later became particularly important because of its strategic fort.
The Gingee region also came under Maratha control after Shivaji captured it in 1677. Mughal, French and British forces later exercised influence over different parts of the region before it finally became part of independent India in 1947.
Administration of Villupuram District
Villupuram city is the administrative headquarters of the district. District administration is headed by the District Collector, while Revenue Divisional Officers, Tahsildars, Block Development Officers and heads of various departments administer different areas and services.
To keep the information useful over time, individual officer names are not included here because postings can change frequently.
Revenue Divisions
Villupuram district has two Revenue Divisions:
- Villupuram
- Tindivanam
Taluks in Villupuram District
The district currently has nine Revenue Taluks.
Under Villupuram Revenue Division:
- Villupuram
- Vikravandi
- Vanur
- Kandachipuram
- Thiruvennainallur
Under Tindivanam Revenue Division:
- Tindivanam
- Gingee
- Marakkanam
- Melmalaiyanur
Together, these taluks contain 929 Revenue Villages.
Development Blocks
Villupuram has 13 development blocks:
- Kanai
- Koliyanur
- Marakkanam
- Mugaiyur
- Vanur
- Gingee
- Kandamangalam
- Mailam
- Melmalaiyanur
- Olakkur
- Thiruvennainallur
- Vallam
- Vikravandi
These blocks together contain 688 Village Panchayats.
Municipalities and Town Panchayats
The three municipalities currently listed by the district administration are:
- Villupuram Municipality
- Tindivanam Municipality
- Kottakuppam Municipality
The seven Town Panchayats are:
- Ananthapuram
- Gingee
- Thiruvennainallur
- Vikravandi
- Arakandanallur
- Valavanur
- Marakkanam
These urban local bodies handle local roads, sanitation, streetlights, water supply and other municipal services within their areas.
Villupuram District Court
The principal judicial establishment of the district is the Principal District Court, Villupuram, located within the Combined Court Buildings/District Court Campus in Villupuram.
The district judiciary includes courts dealing with civil, criminal, family and other matters. Court establishments also operate in other parts of the district, including Tindivanam, Gingee, Vanur, Vikravandi and Thiruvennainallur.
The national eCourts system officially lists Viluppuram among Tamil Nadu’s district judiciaries. Citizens can check cases online through eCourts.
Case information can generally be searched using:
- CNR number
- Case number
- Party name
- Advocate name
- Filing number
The CNR number is usually the simplest way to find the latest hearing date and case status.
The District Court Campus uses the Villupuram PIN code 605602.
Villupuram Railway Station
Villupuram Junction Railway Station is one of the district’s most important transport facilities.
Railway Station Code: VM
Southern Railway records officially list Villupuram Junction under station code VM.
Villupuram is a major railway junction because lines branch towards different parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. It provides connectivity towards routes serving:
- Chennai
- Chengalpattu
- Puducherry
- Cuddalore
- Tiruchirappalli
- Madurai
- Tiruvannamalai
- Vellore and Katpadi
- Thanjavur and other southern destinations
The district administration also describes Villupuram Junction as one of Tamil Nadu’s important railway junctions and a major part of the district’s transport network.
Passengers should check current Indian Railways schedules before travelling because train timings and stopping patterns can change.
Road and Bus Connectivity
Villupuram has strong road connectivity with Chennai, Puducherry, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore and nearby districts.
The main bus stand provides both local and mofussil services. Government and private buses connect Villupuram with major destinations across Tamil Nadu.
Important road corridors connect the district towards:
- Chennai
- Tindivanam
- Puducherry
- Tiruchirappalli
- Cuddalore
- Tiruvannamalai
- Kallakurichi
The district administration identifies several important national highway corridors passing through or serving Villupuram.
Villupuram Pin Code
The main PIN code of Villupuram city is 605602.
India Post lists Villupuram Head Post Office – 605602 under the Tamil Nadu Postal Circle.
However, 605602 is not the PIN code for the entire district. Different towns and villages have their own postal codes.
Examples include:
- Villupuram – 605602
- Vikravandi – 605652
- Vanur – 605109
- Tindivanam – 604001
- Gingee – 604202
- Melmalaiyanur – 604204
People filling government, banking, courier or admission forms should always check the exact PIN code of their locality.
Economy and Agriculture
Agriculture plays a major role in Villupuram’s economy. Paddy is an important crop, while black gram and other pulses are also extensively cultivated. Sugarcane has traditionally been an important commercial crop in the region.
Other agricultural activities include cultivation of:
- Groundnut
- Millets
- Pulses
- Sugarcane
- Coconut
- Oilseeds
The Agriculture Department describes farming and allied activities as a major source of livelihood in the district.
Marakkanam is particularly known for salt pans, while agriculture, small businesses, trade, transport and service-sector employment support the wider district economy.
Major Tourist Places in Villupuram District
Gingee Fort
Gingee Fort is the district’s best-known historical attraction. Its extensive fortifications spread across rocky hills and include walls, gateways, temples, granaries and the striking Kalyana Mahal.
The official district tourism page identifies Gingee Fort as one of Villupuram’s major heritage attractions.
Thiruvakkarai
Thiruvakkarai is known for its National Fossil Wood Park, where petrified tree trunks can be seen. The area also has the historic Chandramoulisvarar Temple. It is around 40 km from Villupuram according to the district tourism department.
Marakkanam Beach and Salt Pans
Marakkanam lies near the East Coast Road and is known for its coastline and extensive salt-production areas.
Mailam Murugan Temple
Mailam is an important religious destination known for its Murugan temple located on a hill.
Melmalaiyanur
Melmalaiyanur is a major pilgrimage centre, particularly known for the Angala Parameswari temple.
Auroville Area
Parts of the wider Auroville area lie close to the Villupuram-Puducherry side of the district and are easily accessible from Vanur and Kottakuppam.
FAQs About Villupuram District
Q. Are Villupuram and Viluppuram the same place?
Yes. Viluppuram is the official spelling, while Villupuram is still very commonly used in English, including for the railway station.
Q. Is Kallakurichi still part of Villupuram district?
No. Kallakurichi is now a separate district. Older records relating to Villupuram may include areas that presently fall within Kallakurichi, so current administrative boundaries should be used.
Q. How many taluks are there in Villupuram district?
There are currently nine Revenue Taluks divided between Villupuram and Tindivanam Revenue Divisions.
Q. Which railway station should I use for Villupuram city?
Use Villupuram Junction, station code VM. It is the principal railway station for the district headquarters.
Q. Is 605602 the PIN code for all of Villupuram district?
No. 605602 is the main Villupuram city PIN code. Tindivanam, Gingee, Vanur, Vikravandi and other parts of the district use different postal codes.
Q. Which airport is nearest to Villupuram?
Puducherry Airport is the nearest airport at about 43 km, while Chennai International Airport is around 147 km away according to the district administration.
Q. Is Gingee Fort located in Villupuram district?
Yes. Gingee Fort is in Villupuram district and is one of the most important historical attractions in this part of Tamil Nadu.
Q. Where can Villupuram court case status be checked?
Case status can be checked through the official eCourts Services system using the CNR number, case number, party name or other available case details.
