Killai is a second‑grade panchayat town situated in the Chidambaram taluk of Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town lies at the mouth of the Vellar River, on its south bank opposite the town of Parangipettai, at geographic coordinates 11°27′12″ N 79°46′45″ E. It occupies an area of 15.98 km² (6.17 sq mi) and has an elevation of approximately 12.7 m (42 ft) above sea level.
Geography
Killai is positioned where the Vellar River empties into the Bay of Bengal, forming part of the river’s estuary known as the Killai backwater. The surrounding region includes mangrove ecosystems within the Killai and Pichavaram reserve forests, which are the only reserve forests in the taluk.
Administration
The town functions as a second‑grade town panchayat and falls under the jurisdiction of the Chidambaram taluk. It is part of the Cuddalore district’s administrative framework.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Killai comprised 3,359 households with a total population of 13,608 individuals. The gender distribution was roughly equal, with 6,851 males (≈50.3 %) and 6,757 females (≈49.7 %). Children aged six years or younger numbered 1,710, representing about 12.6 % of the population. Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes accounted for 4,236 persons (≈31.1 %). The overall literacy rate was reported at 67.4 %.
Economy and Infrastructure
The town’s economy is closely linked to its coastal and riverine location, with activities such as fishing, agriculture, and small‑scale trade prevalent among residents. Proximity to the mangrove forests supports limited eco‑tourism and related services.
Transport
Killai is accessible via road connections to nearby towns, including Parangipettai and Chidambaram. The nearest railway stations and major highways are located within the broader Cuddalore district network.
References
- Census of India, 2011, District Census Handbook – Cuddalore.
- Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.
Note: The information presented is derived from publicly available sources, primarily the 2011 Indian census and official geographic data.