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. 

Kovilpatti Town is the headquarter of Kovilpatti Revenue Division and Kovilpatti Taluk. It is situated on the north-western side of the Chidambaranar District on the N.H.7 (B.C.C Road).  It is located 90 Kms south of Madurai city and 60Kms north of Tirunelveli Town and 50 Kms north-west of Tuticorin. The Tirunelveli-Madurai Broadguage line passes through the town.

Shenbagavalli Amman Temple situated at the backside of Gandhi Stadium is the famous temple in Kovilpatti.  The town was developed around this temple only. King Shenbagavendhan built the temple. Poovanathaswamy, a form of Lord Shiva is also an important deity along with Shenbagavalli Amman.

Navarathri festival during the Tamil month of Purrattisi, A month long festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi are the important festivals in this temple.

Agri land in and around kovilpatti are suitable for Cotton Cultication. Still you can find a lot of Cotton Ginning Factories around the this town and most of them were established in British Rule.