The tribe most significant in Tamil Nadu both for their spatial distribution and population size and also not present in the other three states is the Malayali. The map clearly shows their territory as a concentration cluster in the north central region of the state corresponding to the Javadi hills (northern cluster), the Shevaroy and Kalrayan hills (central cluster) and the Kolli and Pachamalai hills (southern cluster).

The Niligiri hills in the north-western edge of the state have eight distinct tribal communities viz., the Irular, Kota, Kurumba, Kattunaickan, Paniyan, Soliga, Toda, and Uraly. The Irular are also found on the periphery of the Malayali territory. The Anamalai hills are home to the Eravallan, Kadar, MahaMalasar, Malasar, and Mudugar. The Paliyan, Palleyan, Palliyar and Muthuvan inhabit the Palani hills. Most of these communities are plantation labourers, a few are employed with the forest department. The tribal concentration of these regions is not as significant as the Malayali territory as the region is an oasis for industry. The Niligiris, Anamalai and Palani hills are important plantation areas. Production of tea, quinine, eucalyptus oil, hydroelectric power, and rubber has made these hills popular for industry and not for the numerous tribes living in this region.

The Kaniyan, Malai vedan, and Malakuravan live in the southern end of the state.