Marakanam is a `panchayat town` situated in Viluppuram district of the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu. Marakanam is situated in the north of Pondicherry at a distance of 40 kms. and in the east of Tindivanam at a distance of 30 kms. Perched at a height of 14 metres (45 feet) above mean sea level the town is located between 12.2° North latitude and 79.95° East longitude. The nearest railway station is the Tindivanam Railway Station and the Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport. Alattur, Chunampettai and Kalapettai are some of the towns surrounding Marakanam.

According to the Indian Census report published in 2001, Marakkanam had a population of 19,153. Males and females comprise an equal proportion of the population. In Marakkanam, 13% of the population is less than six years of age. The Census report also throws light on the literacy rate of the town, which gives an idea about the status of the population. To be specific, the male literacy rate is 61% and the female literacy rate is 52%.

In the early Sangam literature, which dates back to 300 BC, Marakanam was an ancient seaport on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The Bhoomeeshwaraswamy temple and the Marakanam Beach enhance the tourist quotient of the town. Ousteri Lake and Kaliveli Lake are located nearby on the way to Pondicherry.