8 BEST Places to visit in Dindigul

            Dindigul is a city located in south Tamilnadu. Dindigul lock is popular for its unique quality. The lock manufacturing units here provide jobs to the local people who lives here. So if you had a chance to go to Dindigul don’t forget to buy the famous Dindigul lock! Yes, there are lot of interesting places also there to visit. I wrote about the places that you can go within 1 hour distance from Dindigul. Let's see them! 

1.Thalaiyar falls:

           This is known as one of the highest falls in Tamilnadu. It will take approximately 50 mins -1 hour to reach the falls from Dindigul. The thing you can see here is the highest waterfall in a beautiful ambiance. 

You can take bath here, only if you know swimming. Because the depth of the river water will be high so, its dangerous for the kids. If you travel from Kodaikanal to Dindigul there will be a Dum Dum rock viewpoint where you can see the beauty of this wonderful falls. Thalaiyur falls is located in a distance of 13kms from this viewpoint. You will immerse the beauty of mother nature! 

2.Sirumalai reserved forest:

                Sirumalai reserved forest also one of the best place to visit in Dindigul. This reserved forest is maintained by Tamilnadu Forest Department. It will take around 30-40 minutes to reach this place from Dindigul. Bus services also available. There is also a lake on the top of hill called Sirumalai lake and then Annai Velankkani Church. Then, If you planned to go to Sirumalai, you should visit Agasthiyarpuram. It is just a few kilometers from Sirumalai. You have to do a small trekking for 30 minutes to reach the hilltop and there you can visit the Lord Shiva temple. 

            There will not be any nearby restaurants within 10km surroundings, so prepare accordingly. 

If you want to stay there, there is resorts where you can spend the time along with your family and friends. The rent rates would be approximately 4000rs/day. 

3. Dindigul Rockfort/Dindigul Hill:

                Dindigul Rockfort is a must visit Historical place that was built in the 16th century by a Maduari King Muthu Krishnappa Nayakkar and later it was captured by Mysore king and then by the British.

         In this Rockfort you can see the cells for prisoners, soldiers houses, armory, horse stables and a nice Lord Shiva temple. You can see the spectacular view of the Dindigul city from this place. There is a entrance fee of 25rs which will be collected by the archaeological survey of India. But for foreigners they are charging 300rs.

         Don’t forget to take drinking water with you. The opening time is from 8am-5.30pm. If you go in the summertime you will be experiencing the hot scorching sun. It’s a good place for the historical lovers. 

4. Athoor Village Dam:

            This dam is located in Athoor village. It will take approximately 25 minutes to reach this village from Dindigul. This dam is the source of water supply for Dindigul and it’s a very peaceful place. There are few resorts are there to stay. So if you go here what all you can do is, You can visit the Lord Shiva temple, Shri Vandi Kali Amman Temple, Church of our lady assumption, can go for a little trekking, can have fun in the river. 

Also, The Lingam in the Lord Shiva temple is similar to the Kasi temple Lingam and the temple is more than 1000 years old. 

5. Kamarajar Lake:

            It will take 40 minutes to reach this lake from Dindigul. From Athoor village it will take only 15 minutes to reach this place. This dam provides water to the agricultural lands in Athoor. This lake is surrounded by Western Ghats.

             If you are going in the summertime, you can see some good number of bird species (such as peacock, crane, cormorant, stork, ibis, duck) which will come to drink water in the lake. You should have your own transport to reach this place. If you have an idea of staying there, there is also resorts, where you can spend some good time with your family during the stay. You can enjoy the wildlife here. Again, don’t forget to pack your camera. 

6.Ayyanaar Falls:

            It will take approximately 30 minutes to reach this place from Dindigul. The falls is located 2km’s inside from the main road. Don’t forget to take your camera to this beautiful place. Monsoon times the waterflow will be high. Best time to visit this falls is between May to September. Visiting times are 10am-6pm. There is no entry fee for this place. You should take water and food along with you as you can find shops nearby. Also, it’s a nice place if you are looking for trekking. 

7. Abirami Amman Temple and Kottai Mariamman Temple:

These places are not exactly for tourists but if you wish you can visit this temple. 

           Abirami Amman temple is located in the city center facing the town street. They have renovated the temple so it will look spacious and clean. The temple timings are Morning 6am-12pm, Evening 4pm-9pm. It’s a peaceful place inside the city. 

Kottai Mariamman temple is a historically famous temple, located close to the Dindigul Mountain. It was built 300 years ago. It is said that there was a underground passage to Palani from this place.

8. Anaipatti Dam:

            It will take 1 hour to reach this place from Dindigul. You can plan for a picnic to this place between November to February. This dam is receiving water from the Vaigai dam. From this dam at 10 km distance there is a Anjaneyar temple which is purely dedicated to Anjaneyer.

Other than these places, Kodaikanal is also located in Dindigul district, But to reach the Kodaikannal from Dindigul you have to travel 2 and half hours. Also, there are lot places to visit there. So wait for my another content regarding the places that you can visit in Kodaikanal. 

Hotel to stay in Dindigul:

1.Persons Court

2.Hotel AKMG

3.Hotel PVK Grand

4.Jeyam Residency

5.Hotel Paarvathy's

6.Dawood Residency

7.Hotel PVK Grand

You must have your food here!

1.Venu Biriyani Hotel

2.Thalappakatti Biriyani

3.Meenakshi Bhavan

4.Sree Baalaaji Bhavan

5.Selvam Rstaurant 

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8 BEST Places To Visit in TIRUNELVELI

        Tirunelveli is one of the ancient cities located in the southern part of Tamilnadu. It is famous for the sweet Halwa. Iruttu Kadai Halwa is famous here. The places that I’m saying is in and close to Tirunelveli city.. Almost with within a hour travel. Because there is not so much places to visit inside the city. Few of them are within 1 hour travel time. You can choose the places according to your schedule. Come lets see one by one!
1.Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Temple:
        Its one of the ancient temple in the state which has music pillars (like the one in Hambi) and stone pillars. Its located at distance of 4km from Tirunelveli railway station. You can choose cab or auto to go from the railway station. 

     

        This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the Pancha Sabhai temples (Copper) that are admired as the five Cosmic Dance halls of Lord Shiva.There is a 'Mani Mandapam' in the temple located near the Nandi Mandapam with two giant pillars that is carved out of a single stone and each one is having 48 sub pillars which produce musical notes when struck.
2.District Science Centre, Tirunelveli:
        The Science Center is one of the nice place to along with your family and especially if you have kids. Your kids will have a great time here. You can also bring food and snacks from your home and eat there leisurely under the tree benches. There is a prehistorical park, fun science gallery, electronics gallery, digital planetarium, mini 3d theater.

     This center is operated under the National Council of Science Museums, Which is governed by Ministry of Culture, Indian Government, inaugurated on 19 February 1987. There will be an entry fee to get into the center, which will cost approximately 20rs/person.
3. Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, Kurukkuthurai
        It will take 25-30 minutes to reach this place from Tiruneveli. From Tirunelveli Junction one can take an auto to the temple gate and walk across. On days of the year when the river is fully flow, water enters the temple and it's closed for worship. The temple will be submerged in the river water. When in Tirunelveli, it's worth taking a while bent visit the temple and relax watching the river flow by. It's believed that the image of Subramanyar here is formed out of an same piece of rock which was utilized in making the image of Subramanyar at Tiruchendur in mid-17th century. The rock utilized in making the image is understood as Tiruvurumaamalai, was obtained from the Tamrabarani riverbed.
4. Kalakkadu sanctuary- Mundathurai tiger reserve
        It will take 1 hour for you to reach this place from Tirunelveli. If you are a wildlife lover, it is a must visit place. A worthy place to enjoy the jungle life. If you go along with your friends, you will enjoy this place and you will get unforgettable memories. It will be great experience if you can make booking for forest department guest house, you can stay there for 2 to 3 days. 

    Forest department people takes you through the forest in their vehicle. It is an adventurous experience. If you couldn’t spend 2-3 days, plan for at-least a day. Don't miss to take your cameras and there are a lot of animals and birds to photograph. You have to pay for the cameras and vehicles which will cost approximately 40-50rs.
5. Kattabomman memorial fort
        This place is a historical place not a tourist location, it has a big historical reference to an Indian freedom fight. This is the place of the ruined fortress of the late 18th century chieftain Kattabomman who fought against the British East India Company when they imposed taxes on the south Indian people, he lost and was hanged. The veerapandiya kattaboman was the first king who protest against the Birtish for the taxes they imposed on the south Indian people. 

        The place has a little left over of the monuments. There is a temple behind this fort which was built by Kattabomman. Inside the fort there paintings are there which has both Tamil and English description thorough that you can understand that descriptions you can understand the history of the fort. There will be a small shop outside the fort from which you can buy some snacks, water. There is an entry fee. You can spend and relax approximately 1 to 2 hours. It’s a must visit place for the family, kids and history loving people.
6. Varadharaja perumal kovil 

             Varadharaja Perumal Temple is an ancient temple of Tirunelveli. According to the history, King Paramarajan who was the ruler of this region was a staunch devotee of God Varadaraja Perumal. While bathing in Tambraparani river, he got a blue stone idol of Lord Vishnu.

        So, he built a temple for Lord Vishnu by installing the idol. So deep was his devotion that even when his kingdom was invaded by enemies, he didn't attend a war - but chose to be within temple praying to Lord. By answering to his prayers, the Lord Varadharaja came to the battlefield in his form and defeated the enemies. One should have darshan of this powerful temple. This temple also has a beautiful temple car which is made of teak wood, measures 32 feet tall and has 350 wood carvings. Have a good Dharshan!

7.Manimutharu waterfalls:

        Manimutharu river originates on the western ghats of Tirunelveli district. T will take approximately 1hour to reach this place from Tirunelveli. There will not be much crowd at this place as this place is located a far from the town. If you go with your family members or with your friends group, you will have a great time here. But make sure you go there before 4.30 pm as they will close the gate after that. 

          You can have great bath in the falls watching the greeny environment. There will be an entry fee to this place. You can bring food and snacks from your home, else you can buy it from a shop as there is no hotels near by the falls. Enjoy the beauty of the mother nature!

8. Papanasam/Karaiyar Dam:

        It will take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to reach this place from Tirunelveli. There is a hydroelectric power plant is located here which is being operated by the Tamilnadu generation and distribution corporation limited(TANGEDCO). You need to get the approval from the authorities before getting inside the dam area. 

        You need to do a short uphill drive for 30minutes. Then you can see the beautiful view of the surroundings. Boating is stopped in this place. Lunch and snacks you can buy from the shops installed by the local people. 

        Still there is lot of places to visit around Tirunelveli but you have to travel more than a hour to reach those places. So I have provided the places which you can reach within a hour. Have a nice trip!

Some of the good hotels to stay in Tirunelveli:

1. Regency Tirunelveli by GRT

2. TVK Regency 

3. Hotel Apple Tree

4. Hotel Afna Park

5. Hotel Aryass

6. Sree Bharani Hotels

7. Hotel Sree Annamalaiyar Park

8.Hotel Jankiram

 

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Best 9 Places you must visit in "Srivilliputhur"

    Srivilliputhur is an ancient temple town which is located near by Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar district. This is one of the old historical town, where you can listen to lots of old stories from the people in and around here. This town has a 1000 years old temple, 200 years old Hindu School, 135 years old Pennington Public Library that are standing as a remarkable historical evidence for culturally importance of this town. 

        Palkova is a traditional sweet that is being manufactured in this place. The sweet is made of milk and sugar, and it tastes absolutely delicious!! You must buy and taste it, if you come here :)The Tamilnadu government's emblem "Aandal Temple" is situated here and there are many places here to visit including the Aandal Temple. Let see one by one.. 

1.Aandal Temple: 

            The temple is associated with the life of Aandal, who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periazhwar. It is also believed that Ranganatha of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple married Andal. The temple has two divisions - the one of Andal located on the Southwest and the second one of Vadapathrasayi on the Northeast direction.

            The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. 

2. Madavar vilagam vaidyanathar temple: 

            Vaidyanathar temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Shiva is worshiped as Vaidyanathar or the "God of healing" and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. 

        It is located in Madavar Vilagam on the way to Rajapalayam Road. The temple rituals are performed six times a day;Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m.,Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m.,Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. 

3. Thiruvannamalai: 

            The temple is celebrated as Tirupathi of South. According to tradition, Lord of Seven Hills came here for hunting and stayed here itself to take care of his devotees. The Mount is but Adishesha (divine snake) himself. The Lord offers all that his devotees need. There is a holy spring at the foothills with Lotus and other water flowers that ensure cleansing of the sins of the devotee with boons of his/her need. It is named Koneri Theertham. 

        The temple is opened from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. The temple conducts monthly Saturday pujas and special pujas on Saturdays in the month of Purattasi (September-October). Puratasi Saturday is special at this temple. The temple is open from 1 am for early morning pooja to 8 pm on these days. Auto from Srivilliputhur and back will cost Rs. 150-200/- 

4. Tharagu Malai Madha Temple: 

        Tharagu Malai Madha Temple is a small church located on a hill near Thiruvannamalai. The view of the town you get from there is very good. This is located at about 3 Kms from Srivilliputhur. The view of the town you get from there will be wonderful. You need to start in the morning to climb on this mountain so that you can escape from the scorching sun.

5. Sirumalai Annai Shrine: 

                The Sirumalai Shrine known also as ‘Amali-malai’. Which is located in krishnanakovil near by Srivilliputtur. Previously this Shrine had just only one building. Now they have created a holy park with lot of flower plants and also few statues which will explain the stories of saints. Also, you need to do a little climb to reach the another small chapel which is located on the other hill. From Srivilliputtur it will take approximately 9-10 km to reach this church. But it will be pleasant experience visiting this place! 

6. Sacred Heart Church: 

            This is one of the oldest church in Tamilnadu. Its more than 100 plus years old. You can see the building structure and the design through which you can see the British aesthetic on it. Inside this church compound it has a school inside it. You can read the history of the church in the epigraph. 

7. Shenbaga Thoppu (Sanctuary for Grizzled Giant Squirrel): 

            If you love nature and trekking you must go to this beautiful place...! Yes you will immerse in the beauty of the mother nature when you visit this place. The Shenbaga Thoppu is located on the Western Ghats. There is 2 temples in this hillside which is surrounded by the dark forest and waterfall. There is also a wildlife sanctuary which was established at Shenbaga Thoppu in 1989. Shenbaga thoppu also serves as an abode to several tribal communities.You must visit this place if you planned to visit Srivilliputtur for your vacation. The best time for the water flow in the rivers are the month of April and May. 

            There is a temple at a hill top called "Kaatalagar Temple". There is a spring in the temple; it is a wonder to see a spring in the hill top, since water flows only downwards. None of them know from where the water is flowing. And the water speed is equivalent throughout the year. The spring has crystal clear water throughout the year. Behind the temple, there are two mountain ranges visible. 

            The place where the temple is being located is a beautiful one and has some exotic views. It is an auspicious place for worshiping. Temple is kept open every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. One has to take a walk of six kilometres in the forest to reach the temple. The forest itself is made a sanctuary for Grizzled Giant Squirrel. There is a water-fall on the way to the temple. Water will be available in the streams along the way. Wild animals like elephants, Bisons and giant squirrels can be spotted sometimes. 

            Shenbagathoppu is located at a distance of 7 km's from Srivilliputtur. You can spend a whole day here if you want to! Get your shoes and bags on....!!! :) 

8.Sastha Kovil falls: 

        Entry is very much restricted to Sastha Kovil and one has to obtain permission from the forest department to go to the interior part of the Sastha Kovil. It is located near Devasthanam, had a check-point where you have to stop your vehicle and a forest vehicle will take you from there. It is 12kms away from Rajapalyam which is the nearby town to Srivlliputhur. You can enjoy the nature's blessings!A must go place!! :) 

9. Pilavakkal Dam:

             Pilavakkal is a small village which is located nearby Watrap, Srivilliputhur. From Srivilliputhur it will take approximately 40-50 minutes to reach this place. There will not be much to see in this place. You can go for a leisure walk on the trails of the dam. There is a small park here, where your kids can have a good time. The water will not be available in the dam in all the seasons. So better check with the locals regarding it and go the Dam. You must carry water bottles and if you planned like a picnic you can carry the food and snacks as well. Buses are available to go to this place. But the timings are restricted. So better, use your own transportation. 

These are the places which is close to Srivilliputtur..! If I missed out any do let me know guys!

About the Hotels: 

        Also, if you are going to stay in a hotel, I have to say this honestly there is no cozy hotels available in Srivilliputhur. But still you can prefer the below if you wish.

      Else, I can tell you another option. You can prefer staying in Rajapalayam hotels, where you can find much better hotels than here. It will take only 15-20 minutes to reach Srivilliputhur from Rajapalyam.

Hotels to stay in Srivilliputhur:

1. Hotel Sri Andal

2. Hotel Ajay Residency

3. Hotel Sasitharan

Hotels if you stay in Rajapalayam: 

1. Hotel Amil

2. Hotel Bombay

3. Hotel Sri JaiSantham

4. Ambika Lodge

5. Sri karpaga Vinayagar Hotel

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