Geography

Geography

Tamil Nadu covers an area of 130,058 km² (50,215 mi²),and is the eleventh largest state in India. The bordering states are Kerala to the west, Karnataka to the northwest and Andhra Pradesh to the north. To the east is the Bay of Bengal.

The southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula is located in Tamil Nadu. At this point is the town of Kanyakumari which is the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.

Tamil Nadu has a wide variety of minerals with the most reserves in India lignite (almost 90% of India's reserves), magnesite (45%) and garnet (over 40%) among others.

Forest cover over 17% of the state's geographical area with several wild life and bird sanctuaries.

Tambaraparani River is the district's main river with its network of tributaries including the Peyar, Ullar, Karaiyar, Servalar, Pampar, Manimuthar, Varahanathi, Ramanathi, Jambunathi, Gadananathi, Kallar, Karunaiyar, Pachaiyar River, Chittar River, Gundar, Aintharuviar, Hanumanathi, Karuppanathi and Aluthakanniar.