Kovilpatti is the second headquarters of the Tuticorin District. Kovilpatti is the gateway for entrants to Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts from north and west.

Kovilpatti is a bifunctional town with commercial and industrial activities prominently. Kovilpatti was the largest Taluk in terms of revenue villages in India until recently it was split into Ettayapuram and Kovilpatti Taluks.

Kovilpatti is one of the industrial cities in Tamilnadu. Kovilpatti is famous for Match factories, Textile mills and Fireworks industry, often called 'Matchless city for matches'. Kovilpatti is the largest manufacturer of matchboxes in India and it is second only to Sivakasi in the manufacture of fireworks.

Kovilpatti is situated on the north-western side of the Chidambaranar District. It is located 90 Kms south of Madurai city and 60Kms north of Tirunelveli Town and 50 Kms north-west of Tuticorin. Kovilpatti is a fast growing town in Tuticorin District with commercial and industrial activities prominently.