Mettupalayam was inhabited by its settlers primarily because of River Bhavani. The name came about due to its ups and downs. Medum, pallamum as its called contributed to the name Mettupalayam. The place was a very small place in the earlier days and was surrounded by thick forests in the western ghats. This destination then became a starting point for the East India company to enter into the Nilgiris. Initially a small path was organised and all materials and supply was transported on horse and animal back. Then came the historic Niligiri Mountain Railway that was completed in 1899. This train was powered by a steam engine and had 2 passenger compartments and 1 good carriage. The track for this train was laid using the timber from the local forests and people from Mettupalayam were instrumental in the laying of this track. The vegetables that the British introduced in the Niligiris such as Potato, Cabbage,Carrot, Cauliflower, Beans, Beetroot and Raddish were harvested in Niligiris and brought to Mettupalayam for further grading, distribution and transportation. This is how this place was known for its transport and commission mundies. The Commission mundies in Mettupalayam is historic for its strategic importance in the Potato market in South India.

The cultivation of banana, coconut and arecanut are the predominant crops. Mettupalayam Arecanut is well known in many countries and acts a protection for the forest nearby. Karamadai and Sirumugai are major agricultural centres where there are several mundies and sandys (sandai). This town is primarily full of agriculturists, and traders.

Sandhai (Sandy)

Maruthur - Tuesday

Avinashi nalroad - Wed

Sirumugai -Thu

Karamadai - Friday

Annur, Mettupalayam -Sat

Cattle Sandy

Andiyur - Mon

Kavunthapadi - Wed

Sirumugai has a textile market that produces sarees. The handwoven sarees are well known for its bright appeal and quality. This industry has been in operation since 1977 and employs around 5000 to 7000 peoples. The speciality of this textile market is the Kora Silk that is world famous for unique design.

River Bhavani starts its journey from Agali in Kerala and reaches Athikadavu entering Tamil Nadu, this then travels to Pillur where the water is dammed and it is then released to join water from the Niligiris which then flows through Mettupalayam, Sirumugai and then reaches Bhavanisagar where the water from River Moyar joins. At this point is where the old fort of Dhananaicken Kottai remains underwater. This fort is sometimes visible sometimes when the water level is low. The Bhavani water then reaches the town of Bhavani at Kooduthurai after it travels via the green patch of Gobichettipalayam (Erode Dist). Kooduthurai is the conjunction point where Bhavani meets the River Cauvery. From this point onwards, it is River Cauvery.

Floods in Mettupalayam

1924 - Historic moment (heavy flood in Bhavani)

July 15 - 18th - 1924

1930

Oct 23 -26 - again flood in Bhavani