General Information

Kanyakumari District is one of the smallest districts in the state having an area of 1584 sq.kms. of which 1541-3 sq.kms are rural and 42.7 sq.kms are urban. The district lies between 77 degree 05* and 77 degree 36* of the Northern latitude. The district is bounded by Tirunelveli district in the north and north-east, by Kerala state in the north-west and cofluence of Arabien sea and Indian ocean in the west and south. The coastline extends over 58 kms, and is almost regular except for some points and land projecting in to the sea at Kanyakumari.

Soil in the district is mostly of the red loam variety. However on the sea coasts, the sandy typeof soil prevails and, near the mountain ranges, gravelly soil is generally seen. In low lands there is neither white sand nor sandy leam, while in the midlands and high lands there prevails fairly fortile soil of the fine type. The valley in the midland has loamy clay soil with high sand content. In the midlands, in general, the soil is clay-leam of lateriteorigin with an admixture of gravel and sand. In Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks, the gravel content is low.

The climate is very pleasant. The major factors that influence the climate of the district are two monsoon winds, the proximity of the sea and the dwindling height of the western ghats. During the months of January and February, the atmosphere is mostly dry with slight humidity. The level of the mercury acquires an upward trend which is rather gradual but persistence. In the coastal area, sea breeze provides a smoothing effect. Till june, hot sum prevails.

A statement showing the annual rainfall in Kanyakumai district during the year 1992-1999 is set out below:-

The district is situated at the foot of the western ghats and only a few hill ranges. Except Agastheeswaram taluk the other taluks have a few range of mountains. The only mountainous tract worthy to mention is in Kalkulam taluk. It is at the elevation of 4,400 feet above the mean sea levels with isolated peaks.

The most important of them being Mahendragiri (5,4,27 feet), the southern most peak in the western ghats. In the east, the mountain range leaves open several passes. Of which, the Aralvaimozhi pass forms the best entrance to the district. This pass has played a good role in the military and strategical history of erstwhile Travancore state.

Rivers of this district are mostly non perennial and short. Paraliyar rises on the mountain, Mahendragiri hills in Thovalai taluk. Passing through a wild tract. It enters the plains at Thiruvattar and flows towards south west direction. After a course of 37 kms. from the source, it is joined by another river Kothayar near Thiruvattar. The two rivers unite to form the Kuzhithuraiyar which is also known as Tambraparani. The combined river then flows for a length of 59 kms.through Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks and reaches the sea at Thengapattinam.

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