Cuddalore (கடலூர்) is a coastal district in Tamil Nadu, India, on the Bay of Bengal. Its headquarters is Cuddalore town. The district is known for farming, fishing, industry and religious heritage, with coastal settlements, fertile agricultural areas and the lignite-mining centre of Neyveli.
Tamil is the main language, and local life reflects village traditions, temple festivals and coastal livelihoods. Agriculture, seafood, trade, manufacturing and power generation support the economy. Paddy, sugarcane and cashew are important crops. Notable places include the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, the Pichavaram mangroves and the historic remains of Fort St David near Cuddalore.
Common civic concerns include cyclone preparedness, flooding, coastal erosion and reliable drinking water. Residents also care about industrial pollution, waste management, drainage, road maintenance and access to healthcare and education. Fishing communities need safe harbours and livelihood support, while farming communities face concerns around irrigation and crop losses. Employment and environmental protection are recurring priorities.