Kovilpatti is the gateway for entrants to Tirunelveli and Chidambaranar districts from north and west.  The town started its developments  earlier to 1876.  The introduction of Southern Railway, the establishment  of Loyal Textiles (1891), establishment of Government of  Headquarters Offices(1911), etc., induced the physical growth of the Town. 

The town was constituted as a Municipal Town in 1964 under G.O.Ms.No.361  R.D&L.A. Department dated 11.02.1964 with Kovilpatti Village(Part) and illuppaiyurani Village(Part).  In the year 1961, the extent of the Town was 2.64 Sq.km with a population of 33,305; in 1971, the area was extended to 7.25 Sq.km holding a population of 48,509 and in 1991, the area of the Town was 12.58 Sq.km with a population of 78,834.