Batlagundu also spelled "Vathalakkundu` is a panchayat town situated in the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India. The town is situated about an hour and a half from Kodaikanal. Old Batlagundu is the mother village of Batlagundu.

Demographics of Batlagundu
As per the 2001 India census, Batlagundu had a population of 22,007 of which males were 51% and females were 49%. 9% of the population was children less than 6 years of age. According to the report of same year, the town had a mean literacy rate of 76% which is higher than the nationwide mean of 59.5%. The report said 54% of the males and 46% of the females were literate.

Economy of Batlagundu
For economy, the town is mostly dependent on agricultural products. It is also dependent on a banana leaf commission, coconut powder exports, and spinning mills. Its proximity to the foothills of the Kodaikanal mountain range helps it in wholesale businesses that involve vegetables and fruits (carrots, apples, blue cabbage, tomato, and coffee) that grow in the mountains. There are three cinema theatres available in Batlagundu.

Rivers and Dams of Batlagundu
The rivers flowing through this district are Kodaganaru, Palar, Manjalar, Kuthiraiyar, Maruthanathi, Varadhamanathi, Porandalar, Amaravathi and Porandalar. The dams built in this district include the Dharmathupatti Dam, the Kamarajar Dam, the Manjalar Dam, the Marudhanadhi Dam, the Pannapatti Dam, the Parapalar Dam, the Palar- Porandalar Dam, the Varadamanadhi Dam and the Kuthiraiyar Dam.

Social Significance of Batlagundu
The renowned patriot Shri Subrahmanya Siva was born in this town. He chose Papparapatti village in Pennagaram Taluk for his freedom fighting activities during his last years of life. Through his dramas and bhajans, he tried to bring about consciousness among the people about the traditional richness and culture. He was the writer of the journal Jnanabhanu. He authored the books Ramanuja Vijayam and Madhya vijayam. Notable personalities from this town are Venmani, Mullai Nadavarasu, Gnanasambantham and Dindigul Leony.

Temples in Batlagundu
The two well known temples of this town are Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal temple and Sri Sendraya Perumal temple. The previous temple is situated on the banks of the Manjalaru and enshrines Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal (Sri Vishnu, with his consort Laksmi on his lap). The latter temple is located on a hill near old Batlagundu.

Other ancient temples are Mariyamman temple, Perumal temple, Vishalakshi temple, Pathrakaliyamman temple, Kaliyamman temple, Oorkala Samy temple, Bagavathi Amman temple, Oom Sakthi temple, Kamakshi temple.

Importance of Basketball Game in Batlagundu
Batlagundu is famous for its basketball game. For every Pongal festival, a national level basketball match is held. The cause behind this kind of interest for sport is the Stadium, which was built in the 60`s in the Government School in Batlagundu.