Udumalai, also known as Udumalaipettai or Udumalpet, is a prominent town in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district. Located approximately 535 km southwest of Chennai, the state capital, and about 72 km from Coimbatore, it serves as the headquarters of Udumalaipettai taluk. As per the 2011 Census, Udumalai had a population of 61,133. This town falls under the Udumalaipettai Assembly constituency.

History

Established in 1918, Udumalai Municipality saw steady growth, becoming a second-grade municipality in 1970 and attaining first-grade status in 1979. By 1984, it was further upgraded to a selection-grade municipality. Covering an area of 7.41 km²—comprising 6.582 km² of urban land and 0.828 km² of rural land—Udumalai remained part of Coimbatore district until 2008, when it was incorporated into the newly formed Tiruppur district. This transition faced opposition from local residents.

Geography

Udumalai town is nestled amidst the Western Ghats on three sides, standing at an average altitude of 1,208 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Its undulating topography slopes gently from west to north. The town primarily receives rainfall during the South-West monsoon, with an average annual precipitation of 501.40 mm. The soil in Udumalai comprises black and red types enriched with alumina and gypsum. Black soil areas are predominantly used for agriculture, whereas regions with red soil have been developed for urban purposes.

Education

Udumalaipettai is home to a variety of educational institutions, particularly numerous CBSE schools and kindergartens. These schools cater to the educational needs of children in the region, providing a balanced curriculum that combines academic excellence with holistic development. Parents have the option to choose from several schools that emphasize values and creativity, ensuring their children receive a well-rounded education.

Economy

The economy of Udumalpet and its surrounding areas is primarily driven by agriculture and the textile industry. Key crops grown here include coconut, maize, millet, sugarcane, and paddy. Many farmers in the region are also involved in dairy and poultry farming. During the 1980s and 1990s, Udumalpet's spinning industry flourished but has since seen a decline due to the emergence of automated micro and small-scale textile units, which continue to provide employment opportunities.

Transport

Udumalpet boasts excellent connectivity with nearby towns via highways and major district roads. National Highway NH-209, linking Dindigul and Coimbatore, passes through the town, ensuring smooth transit. Government and privately operated bus services also connect Udumalpet with key towns across the region. The total road length within municipal limits measures approximately 83.022 km, comprising 8.983 km of concrete roads, 47.772 km of bituminous roads, and 26.627 km of other road types. While the town's street network tends to be narrow, around 9 km of its roads belong to the Major District Roads and National Highways categories.

Udumalpet is also part of the Pollachi-Dindigul broad gauge railway section, with Coimbatore International Airport located just 70 km away, serving as the nearest airport.