Dharmapuri is a city in the Dharmapuri district in the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Dharmapuri district. It is an ancient town situated 100 km. from Erode and is the seat of some major industries.
The nearest airport is the Bangalore airport. The Dharmapuri Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which connects Dharmapuri to Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai. The National Highway 7 (NH 7) passes through Dharmapuri. This town is also a major agricultural trade center of the district and is known for its mango cultivation. Salem is located 65 km. north of Dharmapuri. It is located between 12.13° North latitude and 78.17° East longitude.
History says that Dharmapuri was a part of the Kongu Nadu region of Tamil Nadu ruled by the ancient Western Ganga dynasty.
According to the 2001 census report, Dharmapuri had a population of 64,444 inhabitants. Males constitute 51% of the population while females constitute 49% of the population. In Dharmapuri, 11% of the population is less than six years of age. Dharmapuri has an average literacy rate of 74%, which is higher than the national average literacy rate, which is 59.5%. 79% of the male population is literate while 68% of the female population is literate.
Places of tourist interest in and around the town include Hogenakkal Waterfalls, which is located 48 km. from Dharmapuri. In Hogenakal the River Kaveri enters Tamil Nadu with a lot of force as a gushing river. Theerthamalai is a holy place near Dharmapuri famous for the Theerthagirishwarar Temple located on top of a hill. The Hanumanthathirtham situated on the bank of the Pennaiyar near Dharmapuri is associated with the great Indian epic Ramayana. On the northern side of Dharmapuri is Kottakovil one of the famous temples built for Lord Shiva.
