Surandai

Surandai is located in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a panchayat town that is rapidly developing. It serves as a trading centre for a number of villages in the vicinity. The town is located at an elevation of 132 metres and is positioned at 8.97°N 77.4°E. Tenkasi is at a distance of 12 km and Tirunelveli, the District Head is at 50 km from Surandai. The panchayat town at Surandai located at the foot of the Western Ghats Mountain Range includes the key Surandai and Keela Surandai, Bangalow Surandai, Aladipatti and a portion of Ammayapuram. It was earlier a village that depended mostly on cultivation of palm tree and agriculture. Presently it operates as a trading and business centre.

History of Surandai
According to history Surandai earlier was situated in the Veerakeralampudur taluk of Tirunelveli. It serves as one of the seventy two Maravar palayams. In the year 1732 the governor of Tirunelveli, Dalavay Mudali drifted from Madurai, but Marava polygars of the province leaded by Polygar Kattari Velladurai did not accept his authority.

Surandai then served as one of the palayams. In 1754-1762 it joined Puli Thevar`s coalition. However, it later deserted it. Surandai again joined it when Kollamkondan revolted in the year 1764. The revolt stretched to other polygars with the Triumph over the Anglo-Nawabi group. One fort was surrendered after the end of the First Polygar War in 1799. Presently, the major part of the panchayat is under the NADAR community people.

Demography of Surandai
According to Indian census report of 2001 Surandai Panchayat had a population of 28,135. The males constitute 50% and females constitute 50% of the population. The average literacy rate is 65%. It is higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 73%, and female literacy rate is 57%. 12% of the population remains under 6 years of age in Surandai.

Surandai is well connected with all modes of transport. The nearest railway station is located at Tenkasi. Tourists can also take busses that ply from different places for the town. The nearest airport is located at Madurai at a distance of 138 km from Surandai.