Tamil Nadu Tourism - Poompuhar

Poompuhar is situated at the estuary of River Kaveri, this was an ancient port of the Cholas. Poompuhar in Sirkali Taluk of Nagai district is also known as Kaveripoompattinam. Tourists have to alight at Mayiladuthurai railway junction, to proceed to Poompuhar by road, Visitors from Chennai by train have to get down at Sirkali. Poompuhar is connected to Mayiladuthurai as well as Sirkali. by road. The distance from Poompuhar to Mayiladuthurai is 24 Kms. and to Sirkali, 21 Kms.

¤ Tourist Attraction of Poompuhar

* Silappathikara Art Gallery
A beautiful seven tired building of great sculptural value has been built as Sillappathikara Art Gallery. The first storey is 12" high, and each storey above it has a height of 5' . The topmost part which has 'Kalasams with a height of 8'. The total height of Art gallery is 50'. The 'Magara Thoranavayil' at the entrance of the Art Gallery imparts an imposing and beautiful look to the whole structure. Its height is 22½'. It has been designed on the pattern of Magara Thorana Vayil, found in Suruli Malai Mangala Devi Koil. There is also an anklet shaped tank in the Art-Gallery. On this side of this tank are installed the statues of Kannagi (9½') and Mathavi (8½') Scenes from Sillappathikaram, the Epic of the land have been given lively shapes in stones on the walls of the Gallery. These sculptures carved by the sculptors of Mamallapuram Art College remain the treasure house of Tamil Culture.

* Zion Church
It was built in 1701. It was renovated in 1782-84 and again in 1839. It is still in good condition and you can appreciate the Dutch architectural design of the renaissance era that is very evident in its construction.

* Nagapattinam
Nagapattinam is now the Head-Quarters of the District bearing the same. With all its historical and cultural significanse, Nagappattinam is one of the constituennts of Chola mandalam, acclaimed as the most prominent among the ancient Tamil Kingdoms.

* Town Gateway
It was built in 1792 on Danish Architectural style. The design is typical of the gateways that were built in Europe during the renaissance period. The British built this gateway but it bore a Danish architectural style probably because of some Danish architect employed by them.

* Danish Fort
Even now the Danish Fort built in 1620 exists to exhibit Danish architecture. The Fort is now under the control of Tamilnadu Archaeological Department and houses an archaeological Museum. This museum is open to public on all days except Friday.

* Masilamani Nathar Koil
This temple built in 1305 by Maravarma Kulasekara Pandiyan exhibits outstanding architectural skills. The front portion of the temple has been partly damaged due to Sea-erosion but is still worth watching. The religious activities in this ancient temple have been discontinued long ago.

* Danish Governor Bungalow
This building gets its name as it was used as the residence of the Danish Governor in 1784. It is the biggest building in Tranquebar. Now it is under the control of Tamilnadu Tourism Department.

* Thiruppallavaneeswaram Temple
This is an ancient and very beautiful temple. Iyarppakai Nayanar and Pattinatthar were born here. The hero and heroine of Sillappathikaram Kovalan and Kannagi were also born here.

* Melapperumpallam and Keezhapperumpallam Temple
These two Thalams are situated very near Poompuhar and Thiruvengadu. The Valampuranathar temple at Melapperumpallam has Chola inscriptions. It is noted for the famous Nayanmar's hymns. Keezhapperunpallam is at distance of 2 Kms form Poompuhar. It is the temple where the famous "Kethu" has a separate thalam.

* Thiruvengadu Temple
Thiruvengadu is situated at a distance of 10 Kms from Sirkali. The place is near Poompuhar. Hymns on it have been sung by four great Saivaite Saints. This is the place where Meykandar was born. "Pudhan" (Mercury) has a separate Thalam in Thiruvengadu temple. The presiding deity is Sri Swetharanyeswarar.

* Thirukkadaiyur (Thirukkadayur) Temple
Thirukkadaiyur is on the bus route between Mayiladuthurai and Tranquebar. It is one of the eight temples (Atta Veerathanam) glorifying the heroic deeds of lord Shiva. Thalapuranam says that lord Shiva exterminated Yama at this place to save the life of Markkandeya. It is one of the famous Sakthi Thalams. The holy hymns of Abirami Andhathi, have been sung by the great poet and devotee Abirami Pattar in this place. People prefer this place to celebrate their Shastiyaptha poorthi (completion of sixty years)

* Anantha Mangalam Temple
It is a small village near Thirukkadaiyur. The temple here is noted for the presiding deity of "'Dasapuja Veera Anjaneyar" .

* Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple
This place lying between Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali on the bus route is called Pullirukkuvelur in Thevarams. This age-old temple has the deities of Vaithyanathan(Shiva) Thaiyal Nayaki (Sakthi) and Muthukkumarasamy (Murugan). This temple is famous for its sculptural wonders. It is a special Thalam for one of the Navagraghas Angrahan sevvai (Mars).

* Sirkazhi Temple
It is the birth place of great Saiva Saint Thirugnana Sambandar. The Famous Thoniyaper Shivalayam is situated here.

* Thirunallaru Temple
The famous Shiva temple lies at a distance of 5 Kms for Karaikkal. The Shiva temple here is glorified in Thevarams. It is one of the 'Sapthvidanga' Thalams. The temple for Saneeshwara (Saturn) one of the Navagrahas, is famous.

* Thirusaikkadu (Sayavanam) Temple
It is situated 2 Kms away form Poompuhar estuary. The Temple is for Thirusayavaneswarar and Iraivi Kuyilinam Nanmozhi Ammai. This temple has been praised by Nayanmars in their hymns. Chola inscriptions are found in the temple.

* Thiruvakkur Temple
It comes under Tranquebar Taluk. The Shiva temple is based on Madakkoil pattern. Sirappuli Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars was born at this place. Hymns have been sung on this temple by the Nayanmars.

* Sempanarkoil Temple
The antique temple referred to as Thirusumponpalli in Devaram hymns is situated in this place. It is on the bus route between Tranquebar and Mayiladuthurai. It is a temple of historical significance.

* Punjai Temple
The place lies near Sevpondarkoil. This Shiva temple here has received tributes from Devaram. It is a beautiful temple of architectural wonders of Cholas.

* Nangoor Temple
Nangoor is in Sirkali Taluk. Eleven of the 108 Thivya Desams' are found in and around Nangoor. The Vaishnava temples in Nangoor were sanctified by Thirumangai Alvar.

* Thiruvarur Temple
Thiruvarur is at a distance of 65 Kms from Poompuhar and 20Kms from Nagappattinam. This place is noted for Thyagaraja temple and the chariot (temple car). It is the most prominent among the " Atta Veerattanam ". The art gallery depicting the myths of Manuneethi Chola, the grand Kamalambal temple is one of the famous 'Sakthi Peedams'. The unique feature of the town is that it has three Shiva temples at one place. The well known Panchamuga Vathyam and Paru Nagaswaram are still played during regular Poojas. The Musical Trinity of Thiyagaiyyar, Muthuswamy Deekshither and Shiyama Sastri were born here.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Courtallam

Courtallam (Kutrallam), the "Spa of the south", is situated at an elevation of about 167 mts. on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. It is an excellent health resort. The waters of Courtallam is believed to have medicinal and therapeautical qualities as it flows through forests of herbs. Courtallam is 160 Kms from Madurai, 137Kms from Kanniyakumari and 112 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest railway station is Tenkasi which is just 6 Kms ffrom here.

Many seasonal and a few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts in the area have earnt it the title the Spa of South India.

¤ Tourist Attraction of Courtallam

* Courtallam Falls
Courtallam Falls is a beautiful waterscape that is found in the city of Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin; which is a city that is in the southern most part of India. Courtallam Falls is one of the beautiful areas there for which many people come to visit in great numbers every year. Contrary to popular belief Courtallam Falls consists of not just one but many different falls that are together in one place. Soaking your head under these falls is an experience that no one forgets. In addition, it is thought that these falls have curing powers especially to those who have mental ailments.

* Courtallam Temple
It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha ( Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. The sabha is one of the five sabhas where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed the cosmic dance.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Mudumalai

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is an extension of Bandipur National Park. The river Moyar flows and the park is ideal for bird watching, the national park falls on the boarder of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The extremely diverse terrain of the park consisting mainly of small hillocks, gorges, water bodies and swamps with sparse vegetation of tropical deciduous and scrub forests provide ideal habitat for the wild denizens. The place is the nest of colorful razz and in the winters the whole atmosphere fills with the vibrancy and life.

¤ Tourist Attractions of Mudumalai

* Jungle Safari
The Jungle Safari is a place that allows people to come and experience exotic animals living in their natural habitat. Both vehicle safaris and elephant safaris are available through the Forest Department. One Jeep is used and is operated on a first come first served basis. The jeep can only accommodate six people at a time. Van safaris are available as well. The van holds 25 people at one time. The elephant safaris allow you to travel into areas that regular vehicles are not capable of. Four people ride on an elephant at one time. There are safari trips available both in the morning and in the evening.

* Mudumalai National Park
The Mudumalai National Park was established on 60 square kilometers back in 1940. At that time it was the first wildlife sanctuary established in southern India. Today, the park has expanded to include 321 square kilometers. Primates such as the gray langur and the bonnet macaque are both living in the park. You can also expect to see such animals as tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, Asian elephants, and Golden Jackals. Many birds can also been seen in the park. The crested hawk-eagle, the crested serpent eagle, the Malabar Trojan, and the Malabar grey hornbill all call this area home. You may also see a striped tit-babbler.

The vegetation at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary consists mainly of moist deciduous forests with trees like bamboo, terminalia, grewia, aredesia, abumusum and solanancea, found in abundance. The tropical climate and varied terrain has resulted in the increase in population of animals such as gaur, langur, leopards, chital, sloth bear, barking deer, wild dog and other numerous species of rare and endangered animals. The park can be visited any time of the year, the best time to visit are the months from February to June when the water dries up and the animals come out in search of food and water near whatever water bodies remain in the area. This is probably the best time when you have a chance of spotting some rare animals.

* Theppakadu Elephant Camp
The Theppakadu Elephant Camp was officially established in 1972 although a similar predecessor existed nearby since 1910. This camp allows people to interact with elephants in a controlled environment. The camp is used to train as well as house elephants. Today there are 23 elephants that reside in the camp. Every day two of the elephants perform pooja to Lord Vinayaka inside the camp. The elephants are used to provide joy rides for a fee early in the morning and then again in the evening. Tourists are also welcome to come and see the elephants fed during their evening feeding time.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Red Hills

The Red Hills Lake, located in Ponneri Taluk Thiruvallur district, Tamilnadu, South India, is one of the rain-fed reservoirs from where water is drawn for supply to Chennai City. This lake is also called Puzhal Lake.










¤ Tourist Attraction of Red Hills

* Lake District
India’s Lake District is found near Red Hills where the numerous rain-filled reservoirs make for an impressive and incredibly beautiful landscape. In fact, there are 8 separate lakes in the area with each being remarkably beautiful in its own right. The scenic blue lakes are Emerald, Upper Bhavani, Avalanche, Porthimund, Parson’s Valley Lake and Western catchments numbered 1, 2 and 3. The tourists can try out some fishing in these lakes. Carp and trout are plenty in these majestic lakes. One can spot many bird fauna over the lakes as well. Numerous tourists visit this area every year in order to experience the majestic and natural beauty created by the water of the area. The Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo is also found in the Lake District. Many exotic animals that are native to the area such as the famous Bengal tiger, elephants, and monkeys can be seen at the zoo.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Bellikkal

¤ Tourist Attractions of Bellikkal

* Bellikkal Lake
Bellikkal Lake is a beautiful water feature that has some great views to offer. Fishing here may not be a good idea since this lake is a popular watering hole for a variety of wild animals. Elephants can be frequently seen getting a drink early in the morning or right at dusk here. Tigers, bear, bison, and deer are all possible animals that could be sighted as well. A wide variety of birds also like to frequent this lake. It is not uncommon to see such birds as bulbuls, shrikes, morning doves, crow pheasants, drongos, and wood peckers.

* Bison Valley
Bison Valley acquired its name from the Indian bison that roam throughout the area. Impressive views of cardamom forests are possible from this beautiful valley. Beautiful greenery exists in almost every place that you look. A wide variety of wildlife inhabits this valley. The wildlife includes such animals as bears, bison, deer, tigers, and elephants. Taking leisurely walks on the numerous pathways that meander around the valley are a popular pastime for tourists. Mountain biking and trekking are also popular activities to participate in. Bird watching is another popular activity in Bison Valley. Such birds as woodpeckers, drongos, morning doves, shrikes, and bulbuls can be seen in the area.

* Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls is a magnificent waterfall that plummets 400 feet or 122 meters. Sometimes these falls are referred to as the Kalahasti Falls. It is almost a transcendental experience to witness the raw power that this waterfall contains, yet it radiates beauty and grace at the same time. The falls are surrounded by beautiful greenery. The Mudumalai forest, the Bandipur forest, and plenty of cardamom trees can be found all in the same general area as Kalhatti Falls. It is also possible to experience some of India's exotic wildlife in the area of the falls. Bear, tigers, elephants, and monkeys can all be seen in that region.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Yercaud

Yercaud is located on the Servaroyan Hills, in Salem District. Yercaud is a hill station visited by tourists throughout the year. The Servaroyan Hills as a whole, provide many beautiful vistas and panoramic views. Yercaud itself is a pretty hill station with a pleasant cool climate. Yercaud's temperature never rises above 30° C or falls below 13° C. This is one hill station where one does not feel the bitting cold of winter. With such a salubrious climate, Yerkaud can be visited round the year. It is an hour's drive from Salem and is the least expensive hill station in India.

The picturesque hill station, situated in the Shevaroy Hills, was established by the British in the early 18th century. Today this is one of the state’s productive areas and its surrounding slopes are entirely covered with plantations of coffee, tea, jackfruit and plantains. The other areas of beauty are the man-made Yerikadu Lake and the Killiyur Falls and Lady’s Seat which offers delightful views of the surrounding countryside. Also, if you are visiting to the Horticultural Research Station at Yercaud, you can see an interesting collection of rare plants here.








¤ Tourist Attractions of Yercaud

* Anna Park
Another important place of visit in Yercaud is the Anna Park which is located near the lake. This park has a collection of the natural species of plants and trees seen around Shevaroy hills. Flower shows are conducted in this park during summer months. There is a breathtaking Japanese garden inside this park in which plants are grown in Japanese style. Children can enjoy playing in the garden. It is a well maintained garden and is worth a visit.

* Bear's Cave
This is a must see for any tourist visiting Yercaud. The Bear’s cave is situated in a private coffee estate near the Norton Bungalow, which is on the way to the Servaroyan temple. There is a huge cave formation beside this coffee estate bungalow, which was considered to be home for the bears. Even though it is a private estate, the owner has been kind enough to open it for the visitors. The main area of the cave is seen to be about 7 feet below the ground level and the deeper gorge seen there is believed by the local community to be the path that leads up to the cave situated in the Shevaroyan temple.

* Big Lake
The greatest attraction in Yercaud is the big natural lake or the Emerald Lake. The lake with its wonderful hilly surroundings and a well maintained garden on its banks is a feast for the eyes of any person. There is a floating fountain in the lake and boating facilities are available at a reasonable rate. Self pedaling as well as rowing boats can be chosen according to the choice of the tourist. A nominal amount is collected as caution fee before issuing the boats and stringent safety measures are followed by the authorities.

* Botanical Garden
Any tourist who is interested in flora and in knowing about various species of plants has to surely visit the orchidarium and the green house in the Botanical garden. Yercaud is the place where the famous Kurinji flower blooms in plenty and the specialty of this flower is that it will bloom only once in twelve years. The National Orchidarium which is located 2 km from the Emerald Lake has a wide variety of orchids which includes 30 orchid species that are exclusively found here. Many endangered species of orchids are persevered in this orchidarium which is ranked the third largest of all the orchidariums in India. Besides Kurinji, Vernonia shevaroyensis and lady's slipper orchid are among the others on display here.

* Killiyur Falls
This exciting and amazing waterfall is about three km from the Yercaud Lake and is at its best when visited after the South West monsoon or the North East monsoon. The excess water of the Yercaud Lake as well as the water from the Shevaroy Hills fall deep into the Killiyur valley from a height of 300 ft and its view from the top to the bottom is breathtaking and pleasing for the eyes. A hardcore trekker can trek through the heavily woody forests from the lake to the bottom of the falls in about an hour.

* Lady's Seat
Lady’s seat is a rock in the form of a seat on the South West of Shevaroy hills that overlooks the ghat road and Salem town. The natives believe that a white English lady of earlier days used to spend their evenings watching the panoramic view from this rock. There is a viewing tower equipped with telescope to see the magnificent view. The view from Lady’s rock is more spectacular at night with thousands of light twinkling in Salem town. The viewing tower is open to tourists only during daytime.

* Montfort School
Montfort school is one of the well established residential boys school in Yercaud which was started in the year 1917 by Bro. Denis. The school has a splendid chapel that is built entirely with exquisite stones and is an excellent example of Franco-Indian architecture. The entrance of the school has three symmetrical grey walls which represents the three stalwarts who started the school. The Montfort School campus has attractive architectural buildings, beautiful gardens, huge playground as well as a swimming pool. The school also has a zoo that is left open to the public only on Sundays. This school is a must see for any tourist visiting Yercaud.

* Pagoda Point
Pagoda point or pyramid point is a viewpoint located on the eastern part of Yercaud hills. This has four piles of stones arranged so as to form a pyramid shape. It is said to be built by the local tribes and now there is a Rama temple located between the piles of stones. One can get a thorough view of the town of Salem and a little village called Kakambadi from this hill. The cliffs in this area look really beautiful especially in early mornings or evenings and spending some time in this point itself is refreshing to the body and mind.

* Shevaroy Temple
The Shevaroy temple is situated on top of the flat-topped Shevaroy hills and is dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan. The temple consists of a narrow and dark cave which is impenetrable and the idols of Lord Shevaroyan and Goddess Kaveri are placed inside it. The native tribals come in hundreds and celebrate their annual festival in the premises of this temple during the month of May every year. The view from the Shevaroy temple area is magnificent with several mountains around Shevaroy and the plains spreading in between the hills. A good view of Yercaud town and Nagalur can be obtained from this hill.

* Silk Farm
One of the places of interest in Yercaud is the silk farm. The silk farm is located very near to the Lady’s seat. Visiting the silk farm will be a memorable and knowledgeable experience especially to the children. In the silk farm one can see how the silk worms are reared, how they are fed on mulberry leaves and how the cocoons are used for spinning the silk threads etc. The life cycle of silk worm and methods of spinning silk can be understood by visiting this place.

* Small Lake
The small lake in Yercaud is situated not far from the town. Although it is not as attractive as the Emerald Lake, it has a wild beauty which attracts the tourists. This scenic lake is serene with everlasting beauty and is believed to be fed by many wells. It does not dry up even in summer. The lake is surrounded by a road and at one end of the lake is the famous Montfort school. As this lake is preserved in its natural form with surrounding woods and trees, it gives a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature in its wild form.

* The Grange
The Grange is a castle built in 1820 by the then collector M D Cockburn and is one of the oldest architectural marvels that are seen in Yercaud. This is the first commercial plantation area for coffee, oranges and apples in Yercaud. It is believed that Robert Clive of English East India Company used the grange as his summer resort in the late 1800’s. The Grange also has a large cellar that can hold huge quantities of provisions. Nowadays, there is a beautiful and exotic resort in the vicinity of the Grange that is located in between the coffee and orange plantations and will be a fantastic place for the tourists to stay in.

* Salem (30 Kms)
This is the largest city in the region and has some old temples but is basically known for its industries, mainly steel, sago and hand weaving.

* Namakkal (48kms)
The town lies at the foot of a small hillock which is about 200 feet high and about half mile in circumference. There is a fort on the hillock. There are two rock-cut cave temples here, one dedicated to Narasimhaswamy and the other to Ranganathaswamy. There is also a big Hanuman statue of about 20' height here carved out of a single stone.

* Aragalur (74 kms)
Aragalur is about 4 kms South East of Talaivasal on the right back of Vasishtanadhi. The name of the village in Tamil means " Village of six trenches . The village was ruled by a prince named Ekambara Mudaliyar. It has two imposing temples, one is dedicated to Sri Kameswara and the other to Karivaradaperumal. There is a big Budhdha statue at Thiyanganur village on the outskirts of Aragalur Village.

* Kodumanal (40 kms)
It is a tiny village on the banks of the Noyil river. it is an archaelogical site dating back to the 2nd century BC. Hre lies the remains of a megalithic settlement.

* Bhavani (50 Kms)
The Sangameswarar temple here is situated at the confluence of the rivers Bhavani and Kaveri. It is one of the most important pilgrims centres in South India.

* Vedanthangal (85 kms)
Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sancturies in India. It is a marshy, 30 hectare park with lake visited by over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority of these birds can be seen between November and February. The variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Cormorants,Blue winged teals and Swans.

* Mettur Dam (52 Kms)
This multi - purpose dam built on the River Cauvery is a nice picnic spot, situated as it is, amidst well - maintained gardens. Water from the Stanley reservoir is used for irrigating a major portion of the plains of central Tamil Nadu.

* Kolli Hills (100 Kms)
This is the second hill station in the district at an altitude of 1190 mts. Sri Kapaleeswara Temple is located on the top of the hills called Chathuragiri is one of the oldest. The terrace type of 70-hair pin bend ghat road, the fruits cultivated, honey, and the unchanged tribal culture are unique memories. The wonderful Agasakangai Waterfalls flowing from a height over 2000 feet is a unique scene.

* Tiruchengodu (45Kms)
Tiruchengodu is one of the seven Sivasthalams in Kongunadu.This is another pilgrim centre which has an ancient temple dedicated to Ardhanareeswar - a unique concept of Saivism where the deity is half male and half female.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Anamalai

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is about 90 kms from Coimbatore and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. The area of the sanctuary is 958 km². An ecological paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park. It has recently been renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Recently, it was converted into an integrated Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Vettaikaranpudur is enroute to Topslip from Pollachi.

¤ Tourist Attractions of Anamalai

* Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Anaimalai Sanctuary)
Named after the famous prime minister Indira Gandhi, this sanctuary is also referred to as the Anaimalai Sanctuary at times. It is at the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Preserve. A wide variety of exotic animals can be seen here. Such animals include panthers, tigers, elephants, spotted deer, civet cats, and wild boars. Numerous birds can also been seen here The black headed oriole, rocket-tailed drongo, tree pie, spotted dove, and red whiskered bulbul are all birds that you could very well spot while in the sanctuary. It is possible to see all of the sites in the park by trekking or by riding in a safari van.

* Kolikamuthi Elephant Camp
The Kolikamuthi Elephant Camp is a rather exclusive place that elephants are kept trained and housed. There are 50 Malisar tribe families that live at this particular camp. The Malisar tribe belongs to the elephant handler's caste, so these families are especially skilled in working with these Asian elephants. The only way to travel into this remote elephant camp is by forest jeep. You must also receive special permission from the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary Rangers to even travel into this elephant camp. These requirements make this elephant camp an especially intriguing experience since relatively few people actually get to visit there.

* Mt Stuart Block
Mt Stuart Block is located a short three kilometers from Top Slip and is home to an ancient forest department bungalow. The grave of Hugo Wood can be found there. Hugo Wood was a British officer that made sure that teak wood saplings were planted to replace any teak timber that was harvested. His tombstone is inscribed with a Latin phrase that translates to mean “If you want to see me, look around". This area has many bears there, so sighting one is definitely a possibility. Be cautious where you step though, because so many bears mean a large amount of droppings and pug marks.

* Parambikkulam
Parambikkulam is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary that is adjacent to the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is especially known for the Parambikkulam Dam that is located there. This tourist stop offers a wide variety of jungle safaris, dam visits, and lake cruises. The only way to get to this remote location is to hire a jungle jeep. This area is a great place to visit, but the lake should not be swum in since there are many crocodiles that inhabit the area. Great care should even be taken when exploring Parambikkulam. Such animals as otters, crocodiles, elephants, wild boars, and spotted deer can be seen in this area.

* Thoonakkadavu
Thoonakkadavu is the lake that is formed by the Parambikkulam Dam. It is a beautiful water feature with amazing green forests surrounding it. It is common to be able to see otters playing on the surface of the water. Be careful when you are exploring the lake, because many crocodiles live near the water's edge. Because of those crocodiles, this lake is not a safe place to swim. It is possible, though, to take a cruise on the lake in order to better explore the area. A jungle jeep must be hired to travel to this remote lake.

* Top Slip (Topslip)
Top Slip is one of the main locations within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The name top slip comes from the practice carried out in 19th century, of sliding logs of teak timber down the hills that took place in this area. It is at the Top Slip Recreation area that you park your personal vehicle within the sanctuary. Your vehicle will remain there for your entire stay since personal vehicles are prohibited throughout the sanctuary. It is also here that reservation check-ins occur, forest rangers can be found, and forest jeeps are rented. The beautiful evergreen forests that surround this area are full of spotted deer, wild boar, barking deer, the Nilgiri langur, and the lion-tailed macaque.

* Trekking
Annamalai Hills is said to be the ecstasy of nature lovers! This place is greatly known for its scenic nature and it is also a right place for any visitor who desires to give an initial kick-off in trekking. Trekking in this hill will be the best start for a novice! You can follow quite different trekking routes and each trekking route will differ from simple to difficult trek! Quite few simple treks that could be taken are Pandaravara is merely 8 km, Kozhikamuthu is 12 km. These places are merely easy to trek whereas the difficult places of trekking include the Perunkundru, which is 32 km. To start your trek, you must have to get permits from the respective Range authorities at the Topslip.

* Varagaliar Elephant Camp
The Varagaliar Elephant Camp is in as remote of an area as is possible. It is located right on the fringe of the core forest. 21 domesticated elephants claim this camp as home. These elephants have not been trained to be used with tourists. Instead, these elephants are primarily used to assist with any conflicts that occur between wild elephants and man in the nearby Valparai Plateau. At this location it is becoming more and more common for elephants to intrude on tea gardens. It is very rare for someone to receive permission to visit this particular elephant camp. If permission is to be obtained, you must talk with the Deputy Conservator of Forests. Only a forest jeep can get you into this remote location.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Palani Hils

Palani hills is located at a distance of 122 km from Madurai. Palani Hills are of great religious importance for Hindus. The major attraction of the hills is a temple, dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The temple is situated on top of a hill, reached by a flight of 659 steps. It is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and devotees from across the country visit the place in huge numbers. There is an interesting legend about how the place came to be called as Palani. The story revolves around Narada Muni, a sage who visited the court of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

He brought a golden mango, known as Jnanapalam, along with him and gave the miraculous fruit to them. Lord Shiva announced that whoever amongst Lord Murugan and Lord Vinayakar completes a round of the earth first, will get the fruit. Lord Murugan immediately took for the journey on his peacock whereas Lord Vinayakar denoted his parents as the world and took a round around them. This is how Lord Vinayakar got the fruit. Murugan felt cheated, left his home and became a recluse.

He traveled to Palani Hills in anger, and then Lord Shiva called him as Pazham Nee i.e. the fruit itself. This is how the place came to be known as Palani. The deity of Lord Subramanya Temple is in the form of a sage, standing with a stick in his hand and is called Dandayudhapani. The statue was made by Muni Bhoga, by mixing Nine Poisons called Navapashanam in a specific proportion. The idol thus contains miraculous powers.

The abhishekam water and the sandal paste is said to cure diseases like asthma and leucoderma. Anything which comes in contact with the idol is said to be charged with divinity. Therefore, people flock to the temple to realize their dreams and to satisfy their desires. Devotees from all over the nation visit the temple with Kavadi, to please the Lord and to be blessed. A number of rare herbs of medicinal value also grow on the slopes of the Palani hills.

Owing to the divine powers of the idol, Palani is considered to be the most important place of worship of Lord Subramanya. The temple is one of the richest temples in South India. Huge contributions are made by the devotees in the Hundi. There are a number of other temples in the vicinity to be visited. The most striking feature of the temple is that the deity is also worshipped by the Muslims. It is because of the direction towards which the deity looks. So, one can say that the temple is a perfect example of unity in diversity.

¤ Tourist Attraction of Palani Hills

* Bison Wells
Bison Wells can is an area that is best known for its tremendous amount of wildlife, as well as for its beautiful vegetation. Wildlife commonly seen in the area include bison, birds, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and deer. Bison Wells got its name from the many bison that come to the natural wells to drink. This location is known as a great home base in India for those people that are interested in exploring the region. Naturalists, hikers, trekkers, and birdwatchers are all drawn to The Palani Hills, and Bison Wells is a fabulous place for such tourists to stay while they are in the area.

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Coonoor

Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris and one of the highlights of tourism in Tamil Nadu. It is also famous as the gateway to Ooty, the most famous hill station in South India. Coonoor is located in the western part of Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level. The toy train between Coonoor and Ooty is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The tea gardens and the picturesque landscape make the toy train ride one of the most enjoyable ones in India.

A tour to Coonoor would be an enchanting one since it is one of the most magnificent hill stations of south India which is characterized by deep ravines, beautiful valleys, and imposing waterfalls. It also boasts of exquisite range of birds such as cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks and Nilgiri verditer. While you can relax and enjoy the natural glory of this beautiful town at the same time, you can also go for the sightseeing tour for the various tourist attractions in Coonoor.








¤ Tourist Attractions of Coonoor

* The Pasteur Institute
The Pasteur institute is another important attraction at Coonoor. It is situated near to the Sim's Park. The Pasteur institute specializes in the research for vaccines for rabies and polio. The institute is open for the visitors only on Saturdays. However, if you want to visit it on other days, you will have to seek prior permission of the Director of the Pasteur institute.

* Pomological Station
The Pomological station is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates and apricot. It is one of the three experimental fruit gardens in the Nilgiri Hills. The other two research centers are Burliar and Kallar. A research center of repute, the Pomological Station carries research on different fruits, which are locally grown. Some of the prominent fruits of the area are apples, peaches, plums, persimmons, apricots, lemons and pomegranates.

* Catherine Falls
Catherine Falls, also known as St. Catherine's Falls, is located in the area that surrounds Coonoor. This beautiful waterfall falls from an impressive 250 feet. It can clearly been seen from the top of Dolphin's Nose if seeing the entire waterfall as one total impression is what you are looking for. It is also possible to take a road to the top of the falls. This vantage point allows you to truly appreciate the awesome power that Mother Nature has contained within a waterfall as you look down the 250 feet to the pool of water and its surrounding landscape below.

* Dolphin's Nose
Dolphin's Nose is an enormous rock formation that is entirely unique. The protruding rock formation looks exactly like what it is named after, a dolphin's nose. It takes some effort to climb to the top of this rock outcropping, but the views are absolutely worth the hard work. There are gigantic ravines found both to the left and right of Dolphin's Nose. In one of the ravine's you can clearly see the awe inspiring Catherine Falls with its continuing stream several thousand meters below. In the other ravine, you can spot where the Coonoor stream meets the Kotagiri stream. Both streams that are contained within these two ravines ultimately feed the Bhavani River which is located a relatively short distance away opposite of the Dolphin's Nose.

* Droog Fort
Droog Fort is located in the area surrounding Coonoor. Getting to this fort does take some physical exertion since trekking must be undertaken to get there, but the hard work is definitely worth it. This old and worn out fort is located 6,000 ft above the plains. Today, only a wall remains of this military outpost. Tradition says that this fort was used by Tippu Sultan as an outpost. With such an impressive location that allowed the fort to command impressive views in all directions, no wonder it was used as an outpost. In order to get to this site, you must travel through the Nonsuch Tea Estate. Droog Fort is also referred to as Bakasura Malai. This name links it to the legend of a local demon, Bakasura.

* Hidden Valley
The Hidden Valley is in the region that surrounds Coonoor. This valley is known for being both impressive and beautiful. Access to this valley is not readily available. Instead, it is necessary to trek to this particular valley. The green, lush landscape combined with the breathtaking mountain views make this trek worth all of the physical exertion. The valley is fantastic when you get there, but half of the fun and enjoyment come from the actual trekking experience. Fabulous views abound as you make your way toward the Hidden Valley. You will not regret for on minute that you choose to take on this excursion.

* Ketty
Ketty is a small village near Coonoor that remains almost untouched. The beautiful landscape is one of the biggest reasons to visit this small village. The flowers that abound in the area make it a most picturesque location. The St Michael Convent is the largest draw to the area after the beautiful scenery. The convent creates a pretty picture with its green roof. This building is then set among the local cabbage fields. The effect is charming to say the least. It is also important to note that this particular convent also has a large statue of a silver angel.

* Kotagiri
Nilgiris' oldest hill station is Kotagiri. It is located in the same general area as Coonoor. This village is set in what looks like the typical tea plantation with its gently sloping hills. Kotagiri is partially in the shade of the Dodda Betta Range, so constant sunlight everywhere is not a possibility. The Rangaswami Rock and Pillar, St Catherine Falls, and Elk Falls are all places that are near Kotagiri that are worth seeing. By far the most popular attraction in the area is the Kodanad Viewpoint. This one vantage point provides you with exceptional views of the plains, the blue hills, the Moyar River, and the mysterious rising mist.

* Lamb's Rock
Lamb's rock is an excellent picnic spot near Coonoor. It is a point on the way to Dolphin's Nose. It was named after the man Captain Lamb who tried in earnest to open a path to that particular point. With such a view, no wonder this man put forth such a valiant effort to reach the point. The rock is a jagged cliff that drops down several hundred feet to the lush jungle below. On the right hand is the Hulical ravine. It is possible to see the Coonoor stream some 5000 feet below. This vantage point also provides you with an excellent view of the Coimbatore plains.

* Law's Falls
The Law's Falls is a small waterfall located on the Coonoor river near its junction with the Mettupalayam Ghat Road. It is named after a man named Col. Law. This was the man who traced and who was behind the construction of the new Coonoor ghat. Even though it is a relatively small waterfall, it attracts a lot of visitors. This is because it is one of the prettiest locations anywhere in the area. The surrounding landscape is extremely rocky and wild. Such a setting is a huge draw for naturalists. In fact, this location is almost heaven to such enthusiasts.

* Sim's Park
Sim's Park is an unusual botanical garden that was developed back in 1874 by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray. Naturally occurring trees, shrubs and creepers, are in the park as are many unusual species of plants that have been brought in from a variety of places around the world. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the northern side of Coonoor and covers twelve acres of undulating land. The well though out park has a beautiful lay out. There is an annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in the park that is well attended.

* St George's Church
St. George's Church is a Raj relic. It is an excellent example of a typical Cantonment Church. It was built in 1826 and was designed by Colonel J.T.Boileau. It is made of yellow ochre stucco with white dressings. The entrance of the church must be approached through a small vestibule with niches. The interior contains six Ionic columns that carry a slightly vaulted roof. These columns divide the interior into a central nave and side aisles. The chancel at the east end was altered to a more gothic style at a later date with a carved white sandstone screen, and the altar was enriched with marble inlay work.

* Wellington's Golf Course
Cantonment of Wellington is located in the near vicinity of Coonoor. It is in Wellington that the well-respected Defense Services Staff College is located. The Wellington Golf Course is a popular place to stop and enjoy a civilized round of golf. In the midst of the exotic landscape, the touch of normalcy surrounded with the unusual location makes golfing at Wellington's an attractive possibility for many people. This golf course is especially popular with film crews who film in the area. During the filming of a movie, the relaxing motion necessary for golf can counteract the stress that occurs in the filmmaking process. No wonder Wellington's Golf Course is a popular place to visit.

* Shopping
It may not be one of the most well known shopping locations, but it should be. Exceptional petit point embroidery can be found here. Coonoor is also famous for its tea, hand made antiques, Indian handlooms, and shawls. Irish and Belgian table sets and shadow-worked bed sheets are also readily found in the Coonoor shops. With such fine cotton clothes available here, many like to stock up on household clothing items at such stores as the Fine Things boutique. The stores in Coonoor are also known for the outstanding fruit that can be obtained there. Such items as fruit nectar, mulberry fruit, passion fruit, and ambrosia can all be found in Coonoor.