Cumbum Municipality is constituted as III Grade municipality with effect from 01.10.1958 and II Grade municipality with effect form 25.01.1975 and become I Grade municipality with effect from 22.05.1998 and incorporated under Tamil Nadu Municipalities Act 1920.
It is a beautiful valley with plush green agricultural fields, cultivated mostly of paddy, coconut, vineyards and other year long rotational crops. The major source of water for drinking and agriculture comes from the Periyar River which flows from the state of Kerala.Cumbum is a valley, surrounded by hills. The eastern side of the hills consituting seven dams on the hills. In the South, the famous tourist attraction, "Thekkady" is situated. Cumbum is famous for its coconut & Cardamom trading market.
Temperature
The Climate of Cumbum town is generally good, since it is situated at the foot of Western Ghats. Average maximum temperatures are 41.6°C and 31.6°C respectively.
Rain Fall
The average annual rainfall is around 836 mm with the town getting its share if rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon.
Nature of Soil
The soil in this region is mostly red soil in nature. Agriculture plays on vital role for its developmental activities. Crops like Paddy, Coconut, Groundnut, vineyards and various kinds of fruits and vegetables are being cultivated in this area.
Geography
Cumbum municipality is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, geographically located 9.73° N 77.3° E[2]. Cumbum municipality is spread over an area of 6.58 Sq.Km. and divided into 33 Wards.Number of Households : 14430.It has an average elevation of 391 metres (1282 feet).Cumbum municipality maintains 55.173 Kms. of Road within the Town limit.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census[3], Cumbum had a population of 58,891. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Cumbum has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 61%. In Cumbum, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Transportation Linkages
Government Transport Corporations plays number of buses. Private transports and mini bus services are also operated day and night. Bus stand with all its facilities is housed in the heart of the town. There is a good transport net work system in the town. The town has been well connected to tourisam place of Thekkadi at Kerala State, Suruli Falls and many more.The town is well connected by the district roads with near by urban and Rural Town and villages but not connected by Railways.
