The coastal region of Tamil Nadu is characterised by broad deltaic lowlands built by major rivers, extensive lagoon-beach barrier systems and wetlands complete with mangrove swamps, tidal channel-creek networks, saline-brackish-fresh water marshes and backwaters. The region is also characterized with alluvial soils with irrigation (canal and tank), an active northeast monsoon, longshore sediment transport, dense settlements and industries, major ports, many tourist spots and prone/susceptible to many natural hazards namely, cyclone, storm surge, flood, tsunami. The coast of Tamil Nadu is generally a progradational one, as evidenced by the extensive sedimentation and subsidence that have led to the formation of large lagoons and wetlands. The coastal part of Tamil Nadu is rich in bio-geo-economic resources, but is highly vulnerable to environmental degradation and coastal hazards. Based on its palaeo- and present-day characteristics, the Tamil Nadu coast is divided into (1) the highly eroded Chennai coast, (2) the submerged/highly eroded Pondicherry coast, (3) the fluvio-marine deposit dominated Cauvery deltaic coast, (4) the calm and fluvial deposit dominated Palk Bay coast, (5) the marine deposit dominated Rameshwaram Island, (6) the fluvio-marine-Aeolian deposit dominated Thamirabarani delta, and (7) the submerging landmass of the Kanyakumari coast. Each of these coastal tracts is unique in its processes and resources. However, population growth and urbanisation have invariably put increasing pressure on all fragile zones and disturb the biogeochemical cycles of these coastal regions. The phenomenon of sea level rise further worsens coastal resources and induces a range of effects on the coastline, including inundation, flooding, storm damage from strong cyclones and surges, erosion, saltwater intrusion and wetland loss in all the coastal divisions of Tamil Nadu. To overcome these challenges and attain sustainable development in the coastal regions, integrated coastal zone resource assessment and management are required to preserve the balance between development and natural dynamics in the region.