Virajpet

Virajpet is the main town in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu at a distance of 32kms from Madikeri. It is situated at an elevation of 909m above sea level. The town has a population of 17,246 as per the 2011 Census of India. Virajpet is acclaimed to be the largest producer of honey in India. It is a town of great importance for the local coffee and spice crops. It shares border with the other small towns of importance in Virajpet taluk like Ammathi, Gonikoppal and Ponnampet. Paadi Igguthappa temple, Nalknad palace, Thadiyandamol and Chelavara falls and several other places of tourism are all located in a radius of 20kms around Virajpet.

History

Virajpet is the abbreviated name of Virarajendrepet. It was named after its founder Dodda Virarajendra founded it in 1792. It served as the headquarters of the Yedenalknad taluk. It was founded to commemorate his meeting with General Robert Abercromby on his ally against the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. The historically rich town had been ruled by various kings of the dynasties of South India including the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Rastrakutas, Gangas, Cholas and Vijaynagar Rayas. Once the reign ended, the region was divided into Virajapete, Madikeri and Somwarpet.

Places of worship

Virajapet has significant places of worship that are not confined to temples alone. There is a Shiva Temple right on top of the peak of Malethirike hill and the Ayyappa Temple which is halfway through and many more temples in the town. There is a 220-year old St. Anne’s Church built in Gothic style.

Demographics

Virajpet town has a population of 17,246 as per the 2011 Census of India. The number of males was 8,724 and females 8,522, thus a gender ration of 977 females to 1,000 males. Virajpet’s literacy rate is 93.12 per cent—significantly higher than the national average of 74.04 per cent. The rate among males was 94.75 per cent and 91.46 per cent in females. 1,641 in number, 9.52 per cent of the population fall in the under-6 age group.

Town summary

Population	17,246
Area	8.26 Sq.kms
Number of Properties	4228
Number of Wards	16
Length of Roads	22.7 Kms
Total Water Supply	2.0 MLD
Per Capita Water Supply	100 L.P.C.D.
Summer Temperature	25-30 C
Winter Temperature	15-20 C

Official Website

http://www.virajpettown.mrc.gov.in/