Admin
Veerakeralampudur is a town and a taluk headquarters in the Tenkasi district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the banks of the Chittar River, a tributary of the Tamirabarani River. The town is located at 9° 58′ N 77° 38′ E, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of the district headquarters, Tenkasi.
Etymology
The name “Veerakeralampudur” is derived from the Tamil words “Veerakerala” meaning “heroic Kerala” and “Pudur” meaning “town”. The town is believed to have been founded by a Kerala chieftain named Veerakerala Varma in the 16th century.
History
Veerakeralampudur has a long history dating back to the Sangam era. The town is mentioned in several ancient Tamil texts, including the Sangam literature. The town was once a major trading center and was also a major military base.
Geography
Veerakeralampudur is situated in a hilly region with an average elevation of 101 meters (331 feet) above sea level. The town is surrounded by two rivers, the Chittar River and the Hanumanathi River. Both Hanumanathi and Chittar River merges rightly exactly in this village thus forming the major tributary to Thamirabarani River.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Indian census, Veerakeralampudur had a population of 20,352 people. The majority of the population is Hindu, with a small minority of Muslims and Christians. The town is multilingual, with Tamil being the official language and the most widely spoken language. Telugu, Kannada, and Urdu are also spoken by significant minorities.
Economy
Veerakeralampudur’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The town is known for its rice, sugarcane, and banana crops. Veerakeralampudur is also a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and its temples. The town is also home to a number of small-scale industries, including textile mills, food processing plants, and engineering firms.
Education
Veerakeralampudur has a number of schools and colleges. The town is home to the Veerakeralampudur Government Arts College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras.
Culture
Veerakeralampudur has a rich culture and heritage. The town is home to a number of temples, festivals, and traditions. The town is also known for its handicrafts, which include pottery, weaving, and wood carving.
Tourism
Veerakeralampudur is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and its temples. The town is home to a number of waterfalls, including the Veerakeralampudur Falls, the Ariyamangalam Falls, and the Kottakudi Falls. Veerakeralampudur is also home to a number of temples, including the Veerakeralampudur Murugan Temple, the Veerakeralampudur Shiva Temple, and the Veerakeralampudur Amman Temple.
Transportation
Veerakeralampudur is well-connected by road and rail. The town is situated on the National Highway NH7, which connects Chennai to Kanyakumari. Veerakeralampudur also has a railway station on the Chennai-Tuticorin line.
