Kothagudem is a city in the Indian state of Telangana. It serves as the headquarters of Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem district. It was a part of the large Zamindari estate known as Husanabad Shankaragiri or Palvancha Zamindari in the Nizam's Dominion. The estate's name was given by Captain Glasfurd. The Zamindar of Bhadrachalam was also Zamindar of Palvancha.

Kothagudem is located at 17°33′00″N 80°37′05″E / 17.55°N 80.618°E / 17.55; 80.618. It has an average elevation of 89 metres (295 ft) above sea level. The North of Kothagudem borders Chhattisgarh state which is approximately 670 km from the town.

Kothagudem is known for its record high temperatures during summer, often crossing the 48 °C (118 °F) mark.

Kothagudem Municipality was constituted in 1971 and is classified as a first grade municipality with 33 election wards. The jurisdiction of the civic body is spread over an area of 16.10 km² (6.22 mi²).

According to the 2011 India Census the population of Kothagudem was 119,501.

National Highway 30 passes through this town.

Kothagudem has a train station which is called Bhadrachalam Road railway station. It is located on the Dornakal–Manuguru line.