| Virarajendrapete | |
| — town — | |
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| Coordinates | |
| Country | India |
| State | Karnataka |
| District(s) | Kodagu |
| Population | 15,206 (2001[update]) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Area |
• 909 metres (2,982 ft) |
The town of Virajpet is the second town of the district of Kodagu, in Karnataka. It is the main town of the Virajpet taluka, in the south of the district. The name is an abbreviation of Virarajendrapete after the former ruler of Kodagu, Virarajendra, and this latter form is still sometimes used.
It is a small town of importance for the local coffee and spice crops. Nearby towns are Gonikoppal, Ammathi and Ponnampet. Virajpet is around 30 km away from Madikeri, the district headquarter and is about 250 km from Bangalore. The only way to reach Virajpet is by road.
Some of the tourist attractions in and around Virajpet are the Ayyappa temple halfway up and the Shiva temple at the top of the Malethirike hill, a semispherical hill at Kakotuparambu which is about 8 km from Virajpet, St. Anne's church, the clock tower (pictured), Tadiandamol (the highest mountain in Kodagu) and the Igguthappa (local deity) temple, both in Kakkabe about 15 km from Virajpet.
About Virajpet Tourism Virajpet town is situated in the Kodagu District of Karnataka. It is considered as the main town of Virajpet Taluka. Located at a distance of 30 km from the district headquarters Madikeri, it shares its geographical borders with the major towns of the district – Ammathi, Gonikoppal and Ponnampet.
Named after the former ruler of Kodagu, Virarajendra, Virajpet is an abbreviation for Virarajendrapete. The history of the destination is rich as it was ruled by various South Indian dynasties. The Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, the Cholas, the Hoysalas, the Rastrakutas and the Vijaynagar Rayas also ruled the region. After the end of the ruling period, the region was segmented into three major towns namely, Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet.
The town is famous for its huge plantations of local coffee and spice crops. Situated at a distance of 250 km from Bangalore city, Virajpet is the largest honey producer in Asia. Ayyappa Temple and Shiva Temple on the top of Malethirike Hill, a semi-spherical hill at Kakotuparambu, are the prominent attractions that attract thousands of devotees.
Madikeri or Mercara Dasara is a prominent festival here, celebrated in the month of October. The celebration lasts for ten days along with cultural programmes depicting the victory of goddess of power over the asuras. A huge procession constituting singers, traditional dancers and music along with beautifully decorated ten tabloos is carried out.
Tourists can reach Virajpet through air, rail and road transport. The nearest airport to Virajpet is in Mysore, which is the domestic airport. However, travellers from international destinations can arrive at Bengaluru International Airport. The nearest railway station to reach the destination is Mysore Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 105 km from Virajpet.
Travellers can board buses from the airport and railway station that are operated by the State Corporation to reach Virajpet. Virajpet can be visited in any season as the destination experiences pleasant climatic conditions throughout the year.
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As of the 2001[update] India census,[1] Virajpet had a population of 30000. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Virajpet has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 78%. In Virajpet, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Virajpet is well connected with Mangalore, Mysore and Bangalore with road. Virajpet is also well connceted by road with other places like Kannur, Thalassery, and Wayanad of neighbouring state Kerala.
The nearest railway stations are Thalassery and Kannur in Kerala, at a distance of 80 km each. Hassan and Mysore are other nearest Railway stations in Karnataka, at a distance of 138 km and 105 km respectively.
The nearest airports are Mysore Airport and Mangalore International Airport. Mysore Airport is at a distance of 115 km from Virajpet and Mangalore International Airport is at a distance of 172 km from Virajpet. Other major airports for Virajpet are Bangalore International Airport at a distance of 265 km and Kozhikkode International Airport at a distance of 176 km, which are much far from Virajpet. Kannur International Airport, under construction at Mattannur in Kerala is at a distance of 58 km from Virajpet.
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