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- TRICHY
- NAGAPATTINAM
- RAMNAD
- TUTICORIN
- CUDDALORE
Rock Fort Temple |
The
Rock Fort temple complex houses three temples - the ManikkaVinayakar
temple at the foot of the hill, the UchhiPillayarKoyil at the top of
the hill and the TaayumaanavarKoyil(Shivastalam) on the hill. |
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple |
Srirangam
is said to be the abode of Lord Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of
Lord Vishnu. The temple of Ranganatha is said to be the largest in
India.
|
Jambukeswara Temple |
Tiruvanaikkaval
or Jambukeswara Temple: Just 2 km from Srirangam, this beautiful Shiva
temple overshadows the larger Ranganathaswami temple due to its
excellent architectural design. It is named after the elephant believed
to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
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St.Lourd's Church, St.Joseph College, Trichy
|
AVUDAYARKOIL, ARNTHANGI |
AvadayarKoil,
previously known as "Thiruperunthurai" is an important Shivasthala
located 8 miles from the Arantangi railway station. The sculptural work
of the temple is exquisite. It is perhaps the best architectural marvel
in South India. Although the figures carved are seen everywhere in
southern temples, still the workmanship and the vivid portraiture of
this temple are worth seeing.
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| THANJAVUR |
Brihadeshvara Temple |
This
finest granite structure is now a UNESCO World heritage site. Completed
in AD 1010 and dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was built by RajarajaChola I
as a symbol of the unrivalled power and might of the Cholas. The temple
is constructed using granite, mostly of large blocks, a rock that is
not available in the neighborhood and had therefore to be brought from
a distance- itself a colossal task. |
Royal Palace |
This
palace was originally built by Nayaka rulers as their royal residence
and was further reconstructed by Maratha rulers. A large quadrangular
courtyard leads into the palace complex. Outside the palace there is a
seven-storeyed observation tower meant for the royal families.The
splendid Maratha Durbar Hall, built by Shahji II in 1684 has
elaborately decorated pillars, walls and ceilings. The Durbar Hall now
houses the Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery with an impressive
collection of bronze and stone idols dating from 7th to 20th centuries.
Next to the museum is the SaraswatiMahal Library, constructed by the
Maratha rulers. This is one of the most important reference libraries
in India. An adjoining museum known as Royal Museum displays personal
collection of Serfoji II.
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| Ooty |
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| Ooty
also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the
capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist
resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of
picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway
for the Britishers during the colonial days.It is situated at an
altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level
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| MUDUMALAI SANCTUARY |
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| The
Mudumalai sanctuary lies on the northern and north-western side of the
Nilgiri (Blue Mountains), about 80 km north-west of Coimbatore in the
extreme north-western corner of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate
boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala states in southern India. This
321-sq-kms wide sanctuary includes a National Park measuring an area of
103-sq-kms. The sanctuary has wide range of animal and bird life, the
rich fauna of this sanctuary has made Mudumalai very popular with
wildlife enthusiast. |
| YERCAUD, SALEM |
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| Yercaud
is a hill station near Salem , in the Servarayan range of hills in the
Eastern Ghats . It is at an altitude of 1,500 metres (4,920 feet) from
mean sea level. The town gets its name from the lake located at its
center - in Tamil "Yeri" means "lake" and "Kaadu" means "forest".
Yercaud is known for coffee plantations and orange groves. It also has
an orchidarium run by the Botanical Survey of India. The highest point
in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, which is situated at a height of
5326 feet. Hence the Yercaud hill area is called Shevaroy Hills.
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| Top Slip |
| It
is a picturesque location in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms
from Pollachi. This small town is an ideal picnic spot. Top Slip is a
national park and a medical plant conservation area in Annamalai hills.
It is famous for its elephant camp
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| Thirumurthy Dam |
| It
is situated 50 Kms from Pollachi and 20 kms from Udumalpet on the
highway from Palani to Coimbatore. Thirumoorthy temple is situated at
the foot of the hill adjacent to Thirumoorthy Dam. Importance of this
temple is three Moorthy Idols originate in same place. A perennial
stream flows by the side of Sri Amaralingeswarar temple and nearby
there is Thirumoorthy falls
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| Parambikulam-Aliyar |
| Parmbikulam
dam is built across the Parambikulamriver that originates in the Kerala
state. This dam lies on the Pollachi to Udumalaipettai road. This dam
ranks first in India and in the top ten list of the world for it
massive storage capacity. ParambikulamAliyar dam is the source for
canal irrigation for large tracts of agricultural lands lying nearby in
the Tamil Nadu side and within the Kerala state. Apart from it storage
capacity it is considered the longest dam in Asia since it stretches to
a two kilometre distance. Many other rivers also prove water source for
this dam. They are Aliyar, Nirar, Parambikulam, Sholayar, Thekkadi,
Thunakadavu and Palar. This dam comes under the ParambikulamAliyar
Project which is used for power generation in addition to agricultural
irrigation. Many people visit this dam to enjoy its scenic value and to
spend good time in this beautiful park beside the dam.
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| The Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam |
| Thirty-seven
kilometres to the west of the city is located the Siruvani waterfall
and dam. One is left enchanted and spellbound by the panoramic view of
the dam and the falls. And when you are there don't forget to taste the
water of Siruvani, for the water of Siruvani is known for its minerals
and taste
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| Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary |
| This
sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the western
ghats near Pollachi..The Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most
picturesque reserves of the south. Its boundaries encompass both the
dry, eastern (rain shadow) slopes and the wet western (windward) slopes
of the Western Ghats. It has various kinds of exotic fauna like
elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, pangolin, black headed
oriole, green pigeon and civet cat. The Amaravathy reservoir in the
Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places
of scenic beauty such as Karain Shola, Anaikunthi shola, Grass hills,
waterfalls,groves ,teak forests,estates,dams and reservoirs. |
IMPORTANT TOURISM PLACES FALLING UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CUSTOMS DIVISION, NAGAPATTINAM
NAGAPATTINAM
is the District headquarters. Its long stretch of beach runs along the
Bay of Bengal for 188kms. Nagappattinam boasts of having one of the
most thriving harbours of India. It has ShriKayahorana Swami
Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, SowrirajaPerumal Temple, and
NellukkadaiMariamman Temple. The mini museum, the towering lighthouse
and the long beautiful beach are some of the worth visiting places in
this city.
|
VELANKANNI |
Velankanniis
one of the most visited pilgrim centres in India. It is a town situated
on the shores of Bay of Bengal. This renowned shrine Basilica of our
Lady of health draws pilgrims from all over the world. Not only
Christians but also the people of other faiths come to this Church to
pray at the shrine of Our lady of health.Knowing the importance of this
town the Pope in the Vatican city has declared Velankanni as a Holy
city. This Roman Catholic Church has an extended Basilica, which has
two floors where one can find the statue of Jesus Christ. The Gothic
style of architecture is a unique feature of the Church. The church
itself is an imposing building with inspiring architecture. While the
buildings have been painted white roof of the church is made by the
tiles with striking red in contrast to the colour of the walls. |
THE DARGHA IN NAGORE |
Near
Nagapattinam, is a holy place for the followers of Islam.The relics of
the God-manAbdul kadhar is kept in Nagoredargha.Khandoori festival is
the anniversary celebrations and devotees from all over the world join
the festivals to be blessed by NagoreAndavavar
|
THARANGAMBADI |
THARANGAMBADI
is 35kms north of Nagapattnam on the east coastal line of Bay of
Bengal. Danish Architexture is the attractions of Tranguebar. Built in
1620, it exists to exhibit Danish architecture. The fort is now under
the control of TamilNadu Archeological Department and houses an
archaeological Museum. This museum is open on all days expect Friday.
|
KODIAKKARAI |
also
called Point Calimere, is a Wild Life Sanctuary of mammals like blue
buck, spotted deer, wild boar, semi wild ponies, bonnet macaque, water
birds like flamingoes, ibises, herons, and spoonbills. Sea turtle,
starred tortoise, vipers, marsh crocodiles, etc., Fish, dolphins,
dugong, sea lion, sea cow are occasionally found here. Besides, it is
where the occurrence of varieties of corals are found. |
SIKKAL :A
beautiful Muragan Temple dedicated to Lord Singaravelan is housed in a
large complex. The pillars of this temple are adorned with intricate
and exquisite carvings. The beautiful paintings of a bygone era are
amazing in colour and portrayal. Beside this temple has the shrine of
Siva, Vishnu and Hanuman. It is a rare combination, indeed. It is
believed that worship in this temple removes all the hurdles of the
devotees.
VAITHEESWARAN KOIL :In the divine songs of Devaram,
Vaitheeswarankoil is called Pullirukkuvellur. The Presiding deity Lord
Vaithiyanathan and the Devi is Thaiyalnayagi. Lord Muruga is called
here as ArulmiguMuthukumaraswami. Vaitheeswarankoil is situated 12kms
from Mayiladuthurai and 5kms from Sirkali. This temple is the seat of
another Navagraha, the Mars
POOMBUHAR is known as Kaveripoompattinam. This used to
be one of the largest ports in ancient times. Poompuhar is also known
as the place where two famous works of ancient Tamil literature,
namely, Silapathikaram and Manimekalai were composed. A splendid art
gallery located here strives to present the ancient ambience of the
region by resorting to 2nd century décor. For those with an interest
in history and literature of South India
|
Thirunallar |
Thirunallaris
a small town in Karaikal, in the Union Territory of Pondicherry and can
be reached by road from the town of Kumbakonam which lies in the
neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Thirunallar is most noted for the
shrine of Lord Shani (Saturn) within the temple dedicated to Lord
Darbharanyeswaran, a form of Lord Shiva.This is the only temple that is
dedicated to Lord Shani (Saneeswaran, in Tamil). Whenever (planet)
Saturn transits from one zodiac sign to another (an occurrence roughly
every 2.5 years), millions throng this shrine for worship. The
legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions
caused by the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship in this
temple.
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IMPORTANT TOURISM PLACES FALLING UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CUSTOMS DIVISION, RAMNAD
|
Rameswaram |
The
Holy abode of the Hindu God, Shri Ram (addressed so with all respect
& humility) is a virtual paradise for the devout. No Hindu's
journey is complete without a pilgrimage to both Varanasi and
Rameswaram for the culmination of his quest for salvation and is
hallowed by the epic 'Ramayana'. Folklore mentions about God Ram's
presence in this land, after his 14-year exile. The legend says that
Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a Lingam to worship at an
appointed auspicious hour. As Human's arrival was delayed, Sitamoulded
a lingam for Rama's timely worship. It is the main deity being
worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was later consoled by
Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him a little north
of Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman's lingam should have
precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours |
Dhanushkodi |
The
southernmost tip of the island is called Dhanushkodi. It was completely
washed away by a cyclone in 1964. But the Kothandaramasamy Temple here
remains intact. It is 18 KMs way from Rameswaram can be reached by
road. A popular belief is that, it is where Vibishana a brother of
Ravana surrendered before Rama. Dhanushkodi has a fine beach, where Sea
surfing is possible.
|
Pamban Bridge |
The
2.2 km. length bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland
is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. It is also
called as Pamban Bridge. Similarly the railway bridge connecting the
island is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the
sea.
|
Devi Patinam :A
coastal village is also known as Navashabashanam.It is believed that
Lord Rama worshipped Navagraha here. The temple near byhere, is
dedicated to Devi, who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at
this spot. Hindus perform religious rites for their forefathers here.
Erwadi : The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who
came from Arabia via Cannanore is about 800 years old. Pilgrims from
far off countries like Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore are visiting
this tomb. Santhanakoodu Festival is celebrated in February-March
attracts thousands of pilgrims
Oriyuris one of the most revered pilgrim centers for
Christians the world over as it is home to the martyrdom of St. John De
Britto, a Portugese Jesuit better known as 'Arul Anandar'. It was in
this place that the saint was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is
said to have turned red, believed to be stained by the blood of the
saint. Here, one can see a magnificent shrine with its Portugese
façade that contains a captivating statue of Arul Anandar offering his
neck in humble submission to the executioner.
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IMPORTANT TOURISM PLACES FALLING UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CUSTOMS DIVISION, TUTICORIN
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|
Mundanthurai
Tiger Reserve Wild Life sanctuaries : - The Mundanthurai-Kalakad
wildlife sanctuary in Tirunelveli district is developed as a National
Tiger Reserve from the year 1988 with a total area of 817 sq. km in the
south most western ghat ranges. The nearest stations are
Cheranmahadevi, and Ambasamudaram which are 20kms and 15 kms
respectively from Tirunelveli. The nearest airports are Madurai and
Trivandrum. One can reach this place by road also from Ambasamudaram
and Kalakad. Frequent buses are plying from Ambasamudaram and Kalakad
to this place. Out of 817 sq. kms.459 sq.kms is in core zone and 358
sq.kms. is in buffer zone. There are 24 identified nature trails which
is spread over the reserve. It gives a thrilling experience to
trekkers. This Tiger Reserve is open on all days between 6 a.m. to 6
p.m. throughout the year. However the best season is September to
January. Forest Rest Houses and dormitories are available at
Mundanthurai and Thalayanai. |
|
Birds
Sanctuary at Koonthankulam :- A tiny village in the far south,
Koonthankulam in NanguneriTaluk of Tirunelveli District is emerging as
a new favourite of the migratory birds. It is just 38 Kms. away from
Tirunelveli and is in the nearby NanguneriTaluk. It may soon be
catapulted into the list of popular water bird sanctuaries in the
country. This village is sparsely populated. Migratory birds start
coming by December end and fly away to their northern homes by June or
July after they lay eggs, hatch them and the young ones grow old enough
to fly with the older ones. About 35 species of birds visit this calm
but congenial village for breeding.
|
COURTALLAM |
It
is an excellent health resort. The picturesque surroundings with the
backdrops of cloud capped spurs of the western ghats lend an unusual
charm to the falls. The rapturous scene of the falls gets heightened by
the cool breeze that wafts during seasonal months (June to September)
along with intermittent drizzle and sunlight. There are eight places
where water pours down torrentially with varying velocity and force
according to the height of the precipice. They are Main Falls, Five
Falls, theShenbhaga Falls, the Tiger Falls, old Courtallam Falls, Honey
Falls, Orchard falls and Sitraruvi. Visitors to this place like to have
bath in these falls from dawn to dusk. One can have bath at anytime in
a day and one would not get sneezing or cold as the water is said to
possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this
mountain. Those suffering from rheumatic joints, chronic headache,
nerve disorder get cured by a lengthy stay at Courtallam.
|
Sankarankoil |
Sankaranainarkoil,
commonly called as Sankarankoil is a town well connected with
Tirunelveli and other parts of the district with good bus facilities.
The Lingam in this temple is the personification of earth. This temple
was built by Ukirapandiar who ruled this area in the early part of the
11th century A.D. It was his daily routine to go to Madurai on
elephant's back to worship Lord Somasundarar and Meenakshi. On one
particular day his elephant dug a pit with its trunk, fell and rolled
over the earth, and refused to move further
|
e. KappalMatha church |
A
small church for St. Mary which was under the control of pastors of Goa
mission existed here. In course of time, in 1903, this church was
converted into a school. On important occasions as per the wishes of
the people, festivals were conducted and prayers were offered to her.
There was a custom among the young maidens to go to the nunnery in the
night and sleep there. On one such occasion they saw a bright light
surrounding this Selvamathastatue even though nobody lit a candle. Many
people of Uvari witnessed this light which was there for over an hour.
This incident occurred on 18th September which is celebrated as a
festival. People used to keep this statue in a chariot and come around
this town to bestow the blessing of Mary to the people of Uvari. Due to
sea erosion the old church got damaged. Therefore the people decided to
construct a new church for which the foundation stone was laid down by
Fr.Thomas in 1970, 25th January and the work was finished on 1974. This
church designed as a ship, is called KappalMatha church after its
design. It is beautiful church facing the blue sea. The waves rolling
near this church gives us an impression that this ship shaped church is
sailing on the sea which is a feast to eyes.
|
PottalpudurDargha |
The
centre of attraction of this place is the oldest dargha built around
the year 1674. This dargha attracts not only the Muslims but Hindus and
Christians also in equal numbers. This has been built adopting Hindu
temple pattern. If the prayers of the pilgrims are answered, they pay
their offerings, through the dargha in large numbers during Kanthuri
festival with great reverence. In this dargha where the lebbais act as
priest, customs almost similar to that of Hindus are followed in the
rituals. Here holy ashes obtained from tamarind bark, ghee, and flowers
called nerchai aredistributed to the devotees. |
KANNIYAKUMARI |
Kanyakumari
district, which lies in the southern most tip of Peninsular India, is
famous for its majestic hills, virgin beaches, pristine rivers and
meandering rivulets. The district has a fragrance of architecture
culture and customs of neighbouring Kerala mixed with the rich deep
traditions, culture and architecture of Tamil Nadu. However, for want
of promotional campaign and lack of basic amenities most of the
tourists coming to this district return back after seeing just
Kanyakumari and Padmanabhapuram Palace. It was at this juncture that
the district administration decided to take up tourism promotion
initiatives in a major way. Attempt has been made to put up basic
amenities at the virgin beautiful spots so as to facilitate the inflow
of the tourists. |
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial |
The
place has been associated with great men like Swami Vivekananda and
Mahatma Gandhi in whose names memorials have been here. They are very
beautiful and add to the attraction of this place. The beautiful Gandhi
Memorial completed in 1956, is situated as a memorial to the Father of
the Nation. An urn of Mahatma Gandhi was kept here for public to pay
homage before immersion. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari twice in
1925 and 1937. Mahatma Gandhi visited Kanyakumari in January 1937. In
1948 his ashes were immersed in the sea waters in Kanyakumari. In
commemoration of this event a beautiful monument has been constructed
here. Its central shape is 79 feet high representing the age of the
Mahatma at the time of the sun at Mid day on 2nd October would fall on
the peedam through a hole in the roof. The memorial was transferred to
the administrative control of the Public (Information and Public
Relations) Department from Public Works Departmentof Government of
Tamil Nadu in the year 1978.Visting Hours -7 AM To 7 PM. Entry Free.
|
Thiruvalluvar Statue |
Thiruvalluvar
is the immortal poet of Tamil Nadu and has given to the world
Thirukkural. The memorial statue of Thiruvalluvar is in Kanyakumari.
The pedestal of the statue is of 38 feet height and the statue over it
is 95 feet tall with a grand total of 133 feet for the entire
sculpture. The 3 tier pedestal known as Atharapeedam is surrounded by
an artistic Mandapa known as AlankaraMandapam with 38 feet height.
Surrounding the AlankaraMandapa stand 10 elephant statues signifying 8
directions with earth and space down. The father of Sri. Rama, the hero
of Ramayana was called Dasaratha as he was able to charioteer in ten
directions. To help the tourists to worship the holy feet of
Thiruvalluvar 140 steps are constructed inside the Mandapa. The
pedestal with a height of 38 feet represents the 38 chapters in the
Book of Aram in Thirukural and the statue of 95 feet on the pedestal
represents the total chapters in Porul (70 chapters) and Inbam (25
Chapters). Thus the statue symbolically, and artistically signifies
that the theme of Porul and Inbam are based on Aram. Visting Hours -8
AM To 4 PM . |
| KamarajarManimandapam |
| Another
monument KamarajarManimandapam was raised and dedicated to Late.
Sri.Kamarajar, The freedom fighter, Former Chief minister of Tamil
Nadu, President of Indian National Congress. He was popularly known as
Black Gandhi among the masses and king maker during congress regime.
This monument was constructed where his ashes were kept here for public
to pay homage before immersion into the sea. Visting Hours -7 AM To 7
PM .Entrance Free. |
| Vivekananda Rock Memorial |
| Vivekananda
Rock Memorial is another place in Kanyakumari which attracts large
number of tourists. As its name implies, it is essentially a sacred
monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to
commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to "ShripadaParai" during
24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and
enlightenment. From very ancient times, the rock has been regarded as
sacred place. In Puranic tradition, it has been known as "SripadaParai:
meaning the rock, that has been blessed by the touch of Shripada feet
of the Goddess.On the rock, is a projection similar in form to a human
fort and a little brownish in complexion, which has traditionally, been
revered as a symbol of Shripadam. According to legend, it was on this
rock that Goddess Kanyakumari did Tapas. |
St. Xavier Church Kottar, Nagercoil |
St.Xavier
an outstanding and dedicated priest visited the coastal areas of Tamil
Nadu from Goa, he never missed the opportunity of visiting Kottar in
Kanniyakumari district which was a celebrated commercial centre at that
time. During his stay at Kottar, he used to worship St. Mary in the
small temple. He was popularly known as "ValiyaPandaram" among the
people of Kottar. While he was at Kottar, he averted the invasion of
Padagas on the people of Venad which was appreciated by the king, who
became closer to the Priest. In recognition of Xavier's services, the
king allotted a land to him for the purpose of constructing a catholic
church at Kottar. There was already a church in 1544 inthe same place,
where the St. Xavier's church stands now. The church records show that
the church was built in the year 1600 A.D. In the year 1865, the Church
was enlarged and the shrine of our ladywas also renovated and vaulted
over. In 1930, the church was raised to the status of a Cathedral. |
| THOOTHUKUDI |
PanimayaMadha church |
One famous Church named" "Lady Snow" is here. It was built by Portugese in 1711 |
Thiruchendur |
It
is 40 Kms from Thoothukudi. Tiruchendur is Very popular for the
seashore temple of Lord Subramanya. The temple tower and the sculptures
of the temple are worth seeing. It is also ideal for sea bathing. The
temple is one among the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. |
| Ettayapuram |
| 34
Kms. from Thoothukudi. This is the birth place of MahakaviBharathiyar.
A Memorial UmarupulavarDhansha is also located here. During the reign
of pandyas at madurai people from Chandragiri near Chittoor of Andhra
Pradesh were brought and posted as "watch keepers (DhisaiKavalars) of
I1asanadu. This was latter was called ettayapuram .Ettayapuram was
formed in 1565. |
| Kattabomman memorial fort / panjalankurichi |
| It
was built in 1974. Family goddess Jackammal is located nearby. The snap
shot is of the 5th generation heir of VeerapandyaKattabomman temple.
His name is Vee. Veemaraja alias
JegaveeraPandyaSubbramaniaKattabommaDurai.Bommu means the
godSasthaAyyanamSwamy. The earliest freedom struggle against the
Britishers was by Kattabomman and his clan. They were charged for
reason and were sentenced to death and hanged |
| MADURAI |
Sreemeenakshisundareswarar temple |
The
greatest temple of Madurai City is Sri MeenakshiSundareswarar temple.
This temple is rectangular in shape. Its length is about 847 feet and
breadth about 792 feet. Five gopurams (tower) surround the temple. The
tower on the south is the tallest of them. it rises to a height of 160
feet from the ground level. |
ThirumalaiNayakkar Palace |
ThirumalaiNaickar
palace is about 1 Km. South ⦣8364;“ East of SreeMeenakshi Temple. This
palace was built in 1636 by ThirumalaiNaick, the greatest of Naick
rulers of Madurai with the help of an Italian Architect in designing
this building. The existing building was the main palace building where
ThirumalaiNaick lived. The original palace was four times bigger than
the existing building. The palace was built by ThirumalaiNaick
consisted of two parts, namely SwragaVilasa and RangaVilasa. The
enclosure walls are said to have survived till a hundred years ago. |
Alagar Temple |
Alagar
Hills is 12 miles to the north-east of Madurai. This is Vishnu Temple
dedicated to SundarajaPerumal (or) Alagar (beautiful). The temple is
situated amidst a very picturesque surroundings. Top of the Hill is a
Muruga or Karthikeiya (Lord Murugan) temple |
Kodaikanal |
Kodaikanalis
one of Tamil Nadu's finest hill stations. It is situated 7,200 feet
above sea level amongst the picturesque western ghats of India.
Kodaikanal is located in the palani hill range and is under the
administrative control of Dindigul district of TamilnaduKodaikanal is
also referred as "Princess of Hill stations.". Theclosest airports to
Kodaikanal are Madurai 120 km and Coimbatore 175 km. |
PalaniMurugan Temple |
This
is the prime attraction in Palani. One has top climb 670 steps to reach
the temple. Alternatively ,there is a Haulage Winch [1] (a small rope
train) and a Rope Car to goto the temple on the top of the hill. From
the hill top, one can have a beautiful view of entire Palani town and
the agricultural places around it. |
Thirupparankundram |
8
Kms from Madurai. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and
is one of the six abodes of the Lord. Its inner-most shrine is cut out
of a solid rock. |
| Vaigai Dam |
| Vaigai
Dam Park at, Vaigai Dam, the main tourist spotVaigai dam is constructed
across the river of Mullui near Andipatti village, 25 Km away from
Theni. The main source of water for irrigation in Madurai district is
from Vaigai. The Children park, Zoo etc. are fast developing areas at
the dam site. |
| Cloud Land Falls (ChinnaSuruli) |
| Situated
54 kms from Theninear Kombaithozhu Village. This falls originate in the
Megamalai - This is popularly known as ChinnaSuruli. |
| Tiger Falls |
| A dainty fall on the route to Munnar between Bodi and Bodimettu from Theni. This also a wonderful picnic spot. |
| Gandhigram Rural Univeristy |
| Established
in 1956 under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 of the Government of
India, Gandhigram Rural Univeristy was founded by
GandhiansDr.T.S.Soundaram and Dr.G.Ramachandran. They followed the
Mahatma Gandhi's revolutionary concept of 'NaiTalim' system of
education. Gandhigram Rural Institute has developed academic programmes
in Rural Development, Rural Economics and Extension Education, Rural
Oriented Sciences, Cooperation, Development Administration, Rural
Sociology, English and Communicative Studies, and, Tamil and Indian
Languages. The Gandhigram Rural Institute has a campus of nearly 200
acres in a rural setting, nestling in one of the enclaves of the
beautiful Sirumalai range. To its West are chains of mountains
including the beautiful Kodaikanal Hill Station. Lying North of
Madurai, Gandhigram is easily accessible by rail and road. The climate
of the place is pleasant all through the year and the panorama of
nature surrounding Gandhigram is pleasing to the eye and inspiring to
the soul. The nearest railway station is 2 km away in Ambathurai, the
nearest railway junction is 11 km away from Dindigul accessible by both
broad guage and meter guage, and, the nearest major town is Dindigul.
The nearest airport is Madurai which is approximately 65 km by road.
Gandhigram is located south of Dindigul by about 11 km and north of
Madurai city approximately by 55 km. |
|
ThillaiNatarajah Temple, Chidambaram |
It
is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the
temple town of Chidambaram, East-Central Tamil Nadu, South India.
Thillai Chidambaram temple is known as the foremost Kovil to Saivites
and has influenced worship, architecture, sculpture and performance art
for over two millenium |
Pichavaram |
Pichavaramis
home to the second largest Mangrove forest in the world, and it is one
of the unique eco-tourism spots in South India. The backwaters,
interconnected by the Vellar and Coleroon river systems, offer abundant
scope for water sports such as rowing, kayaking and canoeing. The
Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater cruises, but
also another very rare sight - the mangrove forest trees are
permanently rooted in a few feet of water.
|
Pondicherry |
Auroville:It
is also called the city of dawn. This city is still being built. Work
on it started in 1968 under the guidance of Sri Ma, the companion of
Sri Aurobindo, the great spiritual leader and freedom fighter. The city
is a unique venture. It strives to be a model city where people from
all communities from around the world will forget their differences and
live in harmony as part of the same community. At present the city
spreads over 50 square kilometers and is inhabited by about 1700
people, though the capacity is of 50000 people. A circular cover of
green surrounds Auroville. The center of the township is marked by the
MatriMandir (temple of the Mother). It serves as the spiritual center
of the town. The chief feature of the structure is a 30 meter high
globe. The town of Auroville is divided into industrial, residential,
cultural, and international zones.
Sri Aurobindoashrama: Sri Aurobindo was a greatly respected freedom
fighter and philosopher who settled in Puducherry and established this
Ashrama in 1920. His philosophy and teachings found many followers
here, and this Ashrama became one of the centers of vedic and
philosophical studies. The place is a peaceful community developed over
the years by the active participation of members that include people
from all countries, castes, and communities. The ashrama is a great
example of unity in diversity and promotes world peace in a very subtle
way, emphasizing on the learning of world religions. The ashrama is
also known for the samadhi (memorial) of Sri Aurobindo and Sri Ma
(mother). Besides, there are farms, gardens, cottage industries,
library, and various other manufacturing units that cater to the day to
day requirements of the ashrama.
|
MAHABALIPURAM |
Mahabalipuram
lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an
elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the
7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second
capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, mahabalipuram
was known and called as Mahabalipuram. The former name of this place
'Mahabalipuram' has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined
this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord
Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali.
|
THIRUVANNAMALAI |
Tiruvannamalai
(Thiruvannamalai) is a world renowned temple town in TamilNadu which is
synonym to deepam(fire). Here Shiva (Arunachaleswar) is worshipped in
the form of fire. This temple city is located about 180 kilometres from
Chennai or when accessed from Vellore it is around 80 kilometres by
road. It is believed that this temple on the foot hill of Annamalai
hill came to be built around 750 A.D. period as per the details
available from archeological sculptures. It is the biggest temple in
India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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