Natham is located in Dindigul district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a panchayat town that is situated between Dindigul, Madurai and Karaikudi. It takes almost an hour to arrive at either Dindigul or Madurai from Natham and it takes almost 2 hours to reach Karaikudi. One can also make a trip to Trichy travelling apprours from Natham. The town is surrounded by lofty hills like Karadikoodu and Karanthamalai that enhances its beauty. The Alagar Malai acts as a wall for Natham. The panoramic view of the hills can be enjoyed at night and during early mornings.
Demography of Natham
According to the Indian census of 2001 Natham had a population of 22,533. The males constitute 50% and females constitute 50% of the population. The town has an average literacy rate of 40%. It is less than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 36%, and female literacy rate is 46%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age in Natham.
A considerate amount of Muslims reside in Natham but the Christian population here is comparatively low. Natham is a legislative constituency which is under the Dindigul Lok Sabha constituency.
Economy of Natham
Natham is known for cultivating tamarind, guava, mango, coconut, cereals, pulses and cotton. It is specializes in manufacturing of readymade shirts. Presently, many cotton mills have been established that provides employment to several inhabitants of the town. The economy also concentrates upon trading in non-timber forest produce (NTFP). The land surrounding Natham is agriculturally fertile. One of the most well known products of Natham is coir made of raw coconut. Many small scale industries have been set up in the town but no major industry has been established here.
Educational Institutions in Natham
Natham has established many schools and colleges to provide education to the students inhabiting the town. Some of the important schools here are Landis Matriculation Hr. Sec School, Durai Kamalam Government Hr. Sec School (DK), R.C. Middle and Hr secondary school. There are few colleges here like NPR College of education and Ramsun`s Matric School.
Pilgrimage Centres in Natham
Natham is an important pilgrimage centre visited by many devotees. The Mariamman Temple located here is one of the main shrines here. The temple celebrates annual festival during the month of February on a grand scale. The festival is celebrated for almost 15 days. Many other rituals and festivals are celebrated here like Pal Kodam, bearing fire pots, walking on fire and others. These are all dedicated to Amman.
Natham Kovilpatty Kailasanathar temple is another famous temple here. The temple dates back to the ancient times. Other than these Hindu temples there are many Churches and Masjids built here.
