Kolathur is a well-developed area situated in the northern part of Chennai. It lies near NH-5 (Grand Northern Trunk Road). The area is known for ponds in the area, from which it also derives its names. It is also known as the hub of ornamental fish trade as it is the largest exporter of colorful tropical fish. It also exports aquariums and aquarium fish feed. The area is surrounded Puzhal in the North, Anna Nagar in the South, Perambur and Periyar Nagar in the East, and Retteri and Surapet in West. It also has Redhills, Madhavaram, Ayanavaram, Ambattur, and Pattravakkam closeby.

Connectivity
Kolathur can be reached via bus and train. The area has local bus services, which connect it to different localities and to the neighbouring areas. Kolathur has various bus stations including Srinivasa Nagar Bus Station, Poombuhur Bus Station, GKM Colony Bus Station, Periyar Nagar Bus Station, and SRP Colony Bus Station. It has railway stations including Villivakkam Railway Station, Perambur Railway Station, Korattur Railway Station in its neighbourhood. Chennai Central Railway Station is at a distance of about eight kilometres from here while Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 18 kilometres.

Real Estate
With accessibility to all the day-to-day needs and close proximity to IT parks and industrial area, real estate in Kolathur has become a preference for residence among professional. It has many developed residential sites and localities to live in and many under-constructions projects, too.

Social Infrastructure
It is continuously developing in terms of infrastructure with colleges, shopping malls, banks and hospitals opening in the area. DRJ Hospital, VS Hospital, KHM Hospital, Eswari Hospital, WCF Hospital, and Lakeview Hospital lie in the heart of the area.
Kolathur has various under-construction and operational educational institutes including Our Lady Matric School, Smt. Durga Devi Choudhary Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Everwin Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Don Bosco Matric Hr. Sec. School, and Grace Matriculation School.
Kolathur has various banks in the area including Indian Bank, ICICI Bank, and Chennai Central Co-operative bank Limited etc.