Somwarpet

Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Indian English Template:Template other Somwarpet (somavārapēte, also written Somvarpet) is a panchayat town in Kodagu district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the main town of the Somwarpet taluk, in the north-east of the district. 2nd highest Administrative town in Karnataka in terms of elevation. The main crops grown in the area are coffee and spice crops such as cardamom, peppers, oranges, ginger and vegetables.

Rainfall

Based on the reports of KSNDMC taken from 2018 to 2020, Somwarpet Town received on an average, annual rainfall of Template:Cvt. In 2022, Somwarpet hobli received an annual rainfall of .

Transportation

There are no National Highways passing through the town of Somwarpet. It can be reached by State highways 27, 85 and 112. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation provide inter-district bus connectivity. Private bus service operate within Coorg only. Somwarpet do not have rail connectivity. Nearest major railway junction is Hassan Junction railway station about 70 km. Nearest International Airport is Kannur International Airport (120 km) and Mangalore International Airport (160 km).

Demographics

As of the 2001Template:Dated maintenance category (articles) India census, Somwarpet had a population of 7218. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Somvarpet has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 70%. In Somvarpet, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Languages

• Kodava Takk: This Dravidian language is indigenous to the Kodagu region and is spoken by the Kodava people, the predominant community in the area. Kodava Takk holds cultural and historical significance and remains widely spoken in family and community contexts.
• Kannada: As the official language of Karnataka, Kannada is widely used in administrative and educational contexts in Somwarpet. Its prominence has been reinforced since the integration of Kodagu into Karnataka in 1956.

• Arebhashe (Aregannada): A dialect of Kannada, Arebhashe is primarily spoken by the Gowda community in parts of southern Kodagu, including areas around Somwarpet. Recognizing its cultural significance, the Karnataka government established the Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruthi mathu Sahitya Academy in 2011 to promote and preserve this dialect.

• Yerava (Ravula): Spoken by the Yerava tribal community, this Dravidian language is prevalent in the Kodagu district. The Yerava people have a distinct cultural identity, and their language reflects a rich oral tradition.

These languages contribute to the multicultural fabric of Somwarpet, highlighting the town's role as a confluence of diverse linguistic and cultural traditions.

Flora and fauna

Coffee is the major crop in the region. It is the major Arabica coffee growing region of India. Other crops like pepper, cardamom, orange, vanilla are grown. Rice, ginger is also grown.

Tourist attractions

File:Portico of the Coorg Rajah's Palace at Somwaspett (May 1853, X, p.48) - Copy.jpg

Portico of the Coorg Rajah's Palace at Somwaspett (May 1853, X, p.48)

A number of tourist attractions in Somwarpet Taluk are short distances of up to Template:Cvt from Somwarpet. These include the Beluru Golf Club, several peaks with trekking routes (Male Malleshwara Betta, Kotebetta and Makkalagudi Betta), the Dubare Elephant Camp, and Mallalli Falls.

Other attractions further away in the Taluk include Kushalanagar, Harangi Reservoir, Nagarhole National Park, Betttarashi betta, Silent falls, Doodakalu betta and Gantukallu Betta.

See also

• Madikeri
• Mangalore
• Virajpet
• Kushalanagar