| Tourist Places |
Resounding cascades, silver-lined clouds resting a top billiard green hill tops, sheer rock faces and temples of antiquity are the stuff that distinguish the tourism destinations of the Theni District. These unique places warm the soul and provide the much-needed balm to the mind. Rustic ambience, hospitality of the local populace and their pastoral way of life make the destinations in Theni district a tourists' dream. Theni district in the Southern part of Tamilnadu is one among the choicest tourist delights and destinations with a delightful mixture of tourist attractions such as captivating dams, waterfalls and countless pilgrim centers.
|
|
This district is surrounded by the western ghats, with it ubiquitous green stretches of cultivated lands and tea gardens. Silk cotton, soft towels, coffee seeds, cardamom, mango, are the main produce of the district. Theni district is the main route for the tourist bound from Madurai to Kochi via Bodinayakanur and Munnar and Madurai to Thekkadi wildfife sanctuary.
|
| |
DISTANCES FROM THENI
|
Fact File
|
| | |
| Madurai | 76 kms |
| | |
| Andipatti | 16 kms |
| | |
| Periyakulam | 16 kms |
| | |
| Bodinaickanur | 16 kms |
| | |
| Cumbum | 45 kms |
| | |
| Uthamapalayam | 30 kms |
| | |
| Chinnamanur | 22 kms |
| | |
| Kumuli | 65 kms |
| | |
| Kodaikanal | 87 kms |
| | |
| Palani | 132 kms. |
| | |
|
| | |
| Area (District) | 2889 sq. km. |
| | |
| Population | 10,34,724 (2001 census) |
| | |
| Altitude | 100 m above sea level |
| | |
| Climate | Max 39.5 °C |
| | |
| | Minimum 25.8 °C |
| | |
| Season | Throughout the year |
| | |
| Clothing | Tropical |
| | |
| Language | Tamil, English |
| | |
| STD Code | 04546 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| Theni | Andipatti |
Theni is the district headquarters. It is a business centre for cotton, chilli, textiles, etc. It is connected by Rail and Road to Madurai. The nearest Airport is Madurai. Good network of Road links all destinations within the District, State and Country.
|
Andipatti is a taluk headquarter, comprising a number of villages including small hamlets in the ghat section of Varushanad hill ranges. Handlooms, textiles are popular here.
|
Vaigai Dam
| |
Built across the majestic River Vaigai near Andipatti, the dam with a height of 111 feet can store 71 feet of water. It is 7 kms from Andipatti, 14 kms from Theni and 70 kms from Madurai. This dam was opened on January 21, 1959.The dam is unique for the sylvan garden around it. The stillness and quiet are soothing to the mind. The garden deserves the surname "Little Brindavan". It is a popular picnic spot for the local population, particularly school children. There is a separate play area for the Tourist.
|
|
| Mavoothu |
|
|
The main attraction in Mavoothu is the Vellappar Temple. This holy shrine is situated in the Varushanad hill ranges, 20 kms from Andipatti. Nestling among the hills, the temple is atop a peak, surrounded by natural vegetation. Transport is available up to the foothills only. Rainwater gathers around the mango trees near this temple and flows downhill in torrents. This has given the place the name "mavoothu" which in Tamil stands for "spring of the mango grove". This place has a perennial water source.
|
Vellappar Temple Legend
The main vigraha (idol) of this temple was discovered by the local tribes called "Paliyars" while the temple was constructed by the then Kandamanur Zamindar. The temple has shrines of Vinayaka and Saptakannikas.
Curative Powers
It is believed that a ritual bath in the spring and eating food cooked in the water will cure the incurable of diseases.
|
Pooja Timings
7.30 am to 8.30 am in the morning and 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm in the evening.
Important Festivals
Adi Amavasya (Blue Moon) and Thai Amavasya are celebrated with gaiety. There is also an annual festival in the month of Chithirai
|
| Devadanapatti |
|
|
|
The main shrine in Devadanapatti is Kamatchi Amman Temple. It is situated on the banks of the Manjal river. This temple is 3 kms from Devadanapatti in Theni District. In this temple, the doors to the sanctum sanctorum are never opened, and all the pujas are offered only to the portals
The special puja performed in the evening to the accompaniment of local musical instruments is a spectacular audio-visual feast
Important Festival
The important festival in Kamatchi Amman Temple are Masi Maham and Shivarathri, which falls in February-March
|
| Periyakulam |
|
Periyakulam is an important town in Theni District. It is situated 16 kms from Theni and located in the foothills of Kodaikkanal. Mangoes of this town are very popular. Mango is the largest harvest here, considered second only to Salem, and is exported to foreign countries.
During summer the climate is cool at night, like Kodaikkanal. Periyakulam is connected with all major towns in Tamil Nadu by road. Nearest Airport is Madurai (80 kms). Budget accommodation is availab
|
| Balasubramaniya Temple |
|
One of the important temples in Periyakulam is Arulmigu Balasubramanya Temple. This was constructed by Rajendra Chola nearly 2000 years ago.
Legend
Once king Rajendra Chola went for hunting in Agamalai near the banks of the Varaha river. There a pig was feeding milk to its young ones. The king unknowingly killed the pig. Seeing the hunger of the young pigs, Lord Muruga fed the piglets. King Rajendra Chola saw this amazing sight, and constructed this temple in memory of this Divine event. This temple is considered equal to Kasi. Since Brahma theertha runs in this river it is believed that any incurable disease is cured when we have a bath in this river water.
The idol of Lord Muruga with six faces seems to have been pierced from the ground-under. Lord Muruga, seen here with his consorts, blesses all his devotees.
The old name of Periyakulam is Kuzhanthai Maanagaram
|
| Sothupparai Dam |
|
Sothupparai dam is located at 12 kms from Periyakulam. This dam is built across the Varaha river. It is a beautiful picnic spot. The vide expanse of stored water is an impressive sight
|
|
| Kumbakkarai Falls |
|
|
|
An amazing feet of Nature, the Kumbakkarai Falls is yet another jewel in the crown of Tamilnadu's tourist attractions. Comparatively less known, these falls offer a breath taking view of the fascinating interaction between gushing water and solid rocks. Add a verdant and wild backdrop and you have an exquisite sight.
Situated on the foothills of the Kodaikkanal hills, the falls is located at 8 kms from Periyakulam. The water from these falls is full of the goodness of mineral and herbs.
|
| Kannagi Temple |
|
Kannagi temple which witnesses a single day festivity during Chitra Pournami day is in the interstate border.
|
|
| Veerapandi |
|
|
|
|
Gowmariamman Temple which is located here attracts many pilgrims. This 14th century temple was built by the Pendya King Veerapandi.The Pandya Kind is said to have regained his vision by praying to Govmariyamman and Kanneeswaramudaiyar. Close by the temple, the perennial Mullai river runs its course. The temple is nearly 8 kms from Theni
|
| Kuchanur |
|
|
|
Saturn or Saneeswarar is the main deity worshipped in Kuchanur. In this temple Lord Sani is present in splendid isolation bereft of the other planets. Here he is known as Kuchanooran. The Temple is located at Kuchanoor near Chinnamanur of Theni District on the bank of main channel of River Surabhi.
The Chief deity Seneeswaran in the man God and its Genesis was on it own and not created (Suyambu). In all temples Saneeswaran in either of Navagrahah or he remain in separate sannithi. Where as in kuchanoor the Lord exists as prime deity Saneeswaran is other wise called as “Kuchanooran”
|
King Dinakaran ruled “Kulinga” country with its capital Mainagar. His son chandravathana through astrology predicted that his father was suffering for seven and a half-years, which could be overcome by praying Lord Saneeswaran Chandravathanan ventured into forest, created Lord Saneeswaran’s image out of iron and started prayering Lord Saneeswaran. Impressed by his devotees’s prayer before him at Kuchanoor where the present temple is located
|
| Chinnamanur |
|
This was formerly known as "Harikesarinallur" and it is mentioned in "Tholkappium". This municipal town is a business hub for the nearby villages. Weekly Shandy here is very popular. Sivagamiamman Temple located on the banks of the Mullai river is worth visiting
|
|
| Theertha Thotti |
|
This natural spring is located on the Madurai-Kochi national highway between Theni and Bodinayakkanur. Subramanya Temple here is a popular pilgrim centre
|
| Uthamapalayam | |
Uthamapalayam has two old temples one dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Kaalahasthiishwara Swami temple, and the other one to Lord VishNu, Sri Narasimha Swami temple. Sri Kaalahasthishwara Swami temple is situated on the bank of river periyaaru, where it runs uththaravaahini (towards north), which is considered quite auspicious. It is amid of green paddy fields.
It is said that one of the devotee here used to go to Kaalahasthi regularly. When he became old he was not able to go to Kaalahasthi to pray the Lord. So the God of Kaalahasthi appeared in this village to bless him. Hence the place is called Dhakshina Kaalahasthi or ThenKalathasthi.
It is a history that three kings who ruled the nearby regions came to a war pact and started constructing the temple at this place. The temple also lodges some nice paintings belonging to Naayakkar dynasty.
Sri Narasimha Swami temple is situated inside the town
|
|
| Suruli Falls |
|
The Suruli Falls which falls from a height of 150 feet gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets to a depth of 40 feet, offering a spectacular sight of nature's raw and wild beauty. The dense forest that surround it provide an awesome backdrop. Facilities are available for men and women to bathe separately in This falls. The special feature of the fall is that it is "a round the year" fall. However, the best season to visit is June - October, when the thickness of the water column is astounding. The beauty of this fall finds mention in Tamil Epic, Silappathikaram written by poet Ilango
|
|
Kailasanathar Temple Cave is located near Suruli Falls. There are 18 caves in and around the Suruli falls. The Kailasanathar Cave Temple is situated 800 metres above the fall and lhas a spring, which possesses water of curative powers. A Dargah named after Abubacker Masthan is another important place of worship in Suruli. This is the place where the body of Abubacker Masthan is interred. This is very close to the cave temple of Kailasanatha.
Abubacker was a Muslim mystic who lived around the 1630s.One more temple for Lord Kartikeya is also located near the falls which is called Suruli Velappar Temple. Devotees carry pots of milk on Saturdays in the Tamil month of Chithirai to this temple
|
| Meghamalai |
|
This scenic place is dotted with tea estates and cardamom plantations. Situated at an elevation of 1500 metres above sea level, the place is rich in flora and fauna
|
|
| Velli Malai |
|
A densely forested place replete with natural flora and fauna is located 6.5 kms from Theni in the Varushanadu hill ranges
|
| Cloud Land Falls ( Chinna Suruli) |
|
Situated 54 kms from Theni near Kombaithozhu Village. These falls originate in the Megamalai - This is popularly known as Chinna Suruli.
|
|
| Mullaiperiyar Dam |
|
|
|
The Mullai Periyar dam is of a unique distinction of being one of the oldest irrigation Projects in the country for diversion of water to meet out the requirements of the drought prone area of the deficit water State of Tamilnadu in the concept of Trans-basin. This dam was constructed during the year 1887-1898 across the river Periyar based on the lease deed of 1886.
|
Even though the catchments water spread and the dam are being located in the territory of State of Kerala, the dam is being owned, maintained and operated by Government of Tamilnadu. The water from the Periyar Lake is being diverted through the water shed cutting and a subterrancan tunnel to Vairavanar River and thence to Suruliyar & Vaigai. Before construction of fore-bay dam, all the waters were hurled out from the month of the tunnel. After constructing fore bay dam, all the water drawn from Periyar lake and fore bay dam has been let out into Vairavanar River from tail race of power house after utilization for power generation.
|
| Bodinayakkanur |
|
Located on the foot hills of the West Ghats, this town is popular for cardamom mango and coffee market.
|
|
| Bodi Mettu |
A hill resort situated at a height of 4500 feet, it is a most scenic place. It is 26 kms from Bodinayakkanur
|
| Tiger Falls | |
|
|
A dainty fall on the route to Munnar between Bodi and Bodimettu from Theni
|
| |
Excursion
|
| Kodaikkanal |
|
Situated at the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western Ghats, this beautiful hill station is one of the most famous tourist spots in the South. At a height of 2133 m above sea level. Kodai, as it is popularly known, is set amidst the wooded slopes and "Shola" forests of the ghats, making for a very pleasant climate throughout the year. This hill resort is known for hill plantains and plums. Several varieties of flowers abound here, including the Kurinji, which blossoms once in twelve
|
|
| Palani |
|
|
|
This is one of the most famous pilgrim centers of the South. The temple is situated on a hill top and is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The presiding deity here is called Dandayathapani and the idol is made of medicinal herbs. There is an electrically operated winch from the foot to the top of the hill for those pilgrims who prefer not to use the steps
|
| Madurai |
|
Madurai is more than 2500 years old and was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 A.D., when the Pandyas made it their capital. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning commercial centre and temple city
Places of interest
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Tirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Gandhi Museum
Mariamman Teppakulam
Koodal Azhagar Temple |
|
| |
|
|
| Places | Boarding & Lodging | Phone No. |
| Theni (STD Code -04546) | Sri Vijay Niwas A/C | 253369 |
| Adhitya A/C | 252607 |
| New Everest Hotel | 252173 |
| Hotel Vaigai | 252975 |
| Sri Sankar Lodge | 272067 |
| | |
| Vaigai Dam | Vaigai Illam | 242232 |
| Andipatti | SKA Lodge | 242175 |
| VGT Complex | |
| | |
| Periyakulam | M.S.P.Lodge | 231472 |
| Rajendra lodge | 231329 |
| | |
| Bodinaickanur | Thirupathi Lodge | 280269 |
| Hotel Dhalavai | 280585 |
| Alankar Lodge | 280348 |
| Krishna Lodge | 280497 |
| | |
| Chinnamanur (STD-04554) | Sri Shanmuga lodge A/C | 247530 |
| Manai Matchi | |
| Thangam | 247254 |
| | |
| Uthamapalayam | Delux Lodge | 265231 |
| Akbar Tourist Home | 265348 |
| | |
| Cumbum | Universal Lodge A/C | 221908 |
| KNP Lodge A/C | 221908 |
| Indira lodge | 221-65 |
| RR Hotels | 222228 |
| Jabbar International | 222389 |
|
RESTAURANTS
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Restaurants are available in all major towns
|
| |
| |
PLACES OF WORSHIP
|
| Veerapandi | Gowmariamman Temple |
| Kuchanur | Saneeswaran Temple |
| Movoothu | Velappar Temple |
| Theni | Bathrakaliamman Temple |
| Bodinaickanur | Paramasivan Temple |
| Chinamanur | Sivakami Amman Temple |
| Allinagaram | Veerappa Ayyanar Temple |
| Suruli Falls | Suruli Andavar Temple |
| Rayappanpatti | Pani (snow) Madha Church |
| Uthamapalayam | Periya palli vasal |
|
| |
FESTIVALS:
| |
| Places | Festival | in the Month of |
| Andipatti | Sri Mavoothu Vellalar Chithrai Festival | April |
| Devadhanapatti | Kamatchiamman Maha Sivarathiri Festival | March |
| Veerapandi | Gowmariamman Festival | May |
| Kuchanur | Saneeswaran Adi Festival | July/August |
| Suruli | Velappar Festival | May |
| Bodinaickanur | Paramasivam Temple Festival | April |
|
| |
OTHER INFORMATION :
BANKS:
Nationalised banks are available in Andipatti, Theni, Periyakulam, Bodi,
Chinnamanur, Uthamapalayam and Cumbum.
TOUR OPERATORS :
Even though government approved tour operators are not available taxis and vans are available for visiting places of interest.
POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS: Available in all major towns.
BOOK STALLS :
Theni Madasamy & Co.
Bodinaickanur Sankar Eswari Stores and Jaya Stores. |
| |
| |
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
|
| Office / Place | Phone No. |
| District Collector, Theni Office | 253676 |
| Camp Office | 254732, 253626 |
| Superintendent of Police, Theni | 253999, 254100 |
| Joint Director, Medical Service, Periyakulam | 231292 |
| Railway Station, Theni | 252319 |
| Tourist Officer, Kodaikanal | 04542-241675 |
| Hotel Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal | 04542-241336 |
| Hotel Tamil Nadu, Madurai | 0452-337471 to 77 |
| Tourist Officer, Madurai | 0452 - 334757 |
| |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment