Marthandam
Marthandam | |
|---|---|
Town | |
| Coordinates: 8°18′27″N 77°13′18″E / 8.3076°N 77.221785°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Kanyakumari |
| Government | |
| • Type | democratic |
| • Body | municipality |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| • Minority | Malayalam |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 629165 |
| Telephone code | 04651 |
| Vehicle registration | TN-75 |
| Nearby Cities | Nagercoil & Trivandrum |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Kanyakumari |
| Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly constituency | Vilavancode |
| Literacy | 96.3% |
Marthandam is a major trade centre in Kuzhithurai municipality across National Highway (NH 47) in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. Formerly known as Thoduvetty (another name for the Marthandam market region), it was a portion of Kanyakumari district which was added to the state of Tamil Nadu on 1 November 1956.
Marthandam is the second-largest town in the district. It derived its name from the founder and ruler of Travancore, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. Marthandam is famous for honey, cashew nut processing, rubber and hand-embroidered motifs. The area is among the most fertile lands of Tamil Nadu, with substantial vegetation and a river adjoining. It is also a major trade centre due to its location bordering Kerala.
Marthandam Honey, a distinctive and natural product from the Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023. Registered under GI Application No. 800, it holds the distinction of being the GI product of India. Known for its purity, unique flavor, and medicinal properties, Marthandam Honey reflects the rich biodiversity and traditional beekeeping practices of the region.