INTRODUCTION
TOURISM HAS BECOM ONE OF THE MAJOR INDUST RIES IN INDIA AND IN EVERY COUNTRY.IT GIVES EMPLOYMENT TO MANY PEOPLE. THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA IS PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO THIS INDUSTRY.
TOURISM AND ITS BENEFITS
IN THE COURSE OF HISTORY MOTIVATION FOR TRAVEL HAS BEEN FOR PLEASURE, RELAXATION,REST&RECREATION,HEALTH EDUCATION&CULTURE,ETHNIC&FAMILY, SPIRTUAL&RELIGIOUS STATUS&PRESTIGE,PROFESSIONAL&MISELLANEOUS.TOURISM HAS GAINED IMPORTANCE AS THE FASTEST GROWING INUSTRY OF THE WORLD,PARTICULARIY BECAUSE OF MULTIFURIOUS BENEFITS,IT ENSURES TO THE DESTINATIONS,TO THE TOURISTS THEMSELVESAND TO THE GLOBAL GEO-POLITICAL NENVIROMENT AS A WHOLE.
IN AAOTHER ECONOMIC FORCE. THE VITAL ROLE OF TOURISM PLAYS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS OF THE DESTINATION COUNTRIES IS SPECIALLY NOTEWORTHY. TO MANY COUNTRIES OF EUROPE LIKE ITALY, SPAIN, AUSTRIA AND SWITZERLAND,IT IS ALREADY THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY THAT SUSTAINS THEIR ECONOMY. IT IS HIGHLY LABOUR INTENSIVE WITH HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT MULTIPLIER OF TOURISM IS ALSO MUCH HIGHER THAN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY.
TOURISM TODAY HAS BECOME A FLOURISING INDUSTRY, EARNINGS EARNING THE HIGHEST FOREIGN- EXCHANGE. TOURISM HAS BECOME A COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SCIENCE,SINCE IT HAS CLOSE RELATIONS WITH HUMANBEINGS ALL OVER THE WORLD.IADDITION TO THIS IT HAS SOCIO-CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAI,POLITICALA AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE.FOR A COUNTRY LIKE INDIA WITH HETROGENEITY OF RELIGOINS,CULTURAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS TOURISM IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR MAINTAINING AND PROMOTING COMMUNAL HARMONY AND PEACE. EACH STATE IN THE COUNTRY HAS ITS GEO-SOCIO-CULTURAL IDENTITY.
TOURISM IN INDIA:
THE RICH CULTURAL AND CIVILZATION OF INDIA ATTRACT MANY TOURISTS, MAINLY THE FOREIGN TOURISTS TO VISIT THIS, "GOD BLESSED LAND".THOUGH THERE ARE MANY STATESAND UNION TERRITORIES,EACH HAVING A DIVISE CULTURE,CIVILIZATION,FOODHABITS,CUSTOMS,LANGUAGE,THE COUNTRY IS UNITED IN TO AN INTEGRATED NATION.THERE IS UNITY AMONG DIVERSITY.
GEOGRAPHYICALLY, INDIA IS A SUBCONTINENTAL HAVING THE HIMALAYAS AS THE NORTHEN BORDERS AND THE ARABEAN SEA, BAY OF BENGAL AND THE INDIAN OCEAN AS THE BODERS ON THE EAST,WEST,AND SOUTH.
INDIAN FAIRS AND FESTIVALS ATTRACT TOURISTS ON A LARGE SCALE,SINCE INDIA IS THE BIRTH PLACE OF MANY RELIGIOUS, SINCE THERE ARE PEOPLE FOLLOWING RELIGIONS,WE FIND MANY FESTIVALS MAKING THE LIFE OF THE PEOPLE MORE COLOURFULL.THE FAIR AND FESTIVALS ARE MOSTLY RELATED TO THE RELIGIONS.SO THERE ARE MANY MANY FESTIVALS CELEBRATED THROUGH OUT THE YEAR,ATTRACTING THE TOURISTS.
THE EXISTANCE OF MANY KINDS OF TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS SHOWS THAT INDIA IS THE BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR PEOPLE BELONGING TO DIFFRENT AGE GROUPS, NOT ONLY FOR THE DOMESTIC TOURISTS BUT ALSO FOR INTERNATIONALTOURISTS.
STATE WISE TOURIST CENTRES IN INDIA :
INDIA IS A LAND OF STUPENDOUS DIMENSIONS, COLOURFUL,EXOTIC,TRADITIONALS,MODERN ETC. ITS ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND BUILDINGS DESIGNED BY MASTER CRAFTSMAN OF BY GONE DAYS. ITS CUSTOMS, FESTIVALS,RELIGIONS,PHILOSOPHY AND ART OF ABSORBING INTRESTS. INDAI ALSO OFFERS A VARIETY OF WILDELIFE,CHARM IN FORESTS,MOUNTIN,VALLEY, CULTIVATED PLAINDESERT WASTE. NOW HERE UNDER SOME IMPORTANT TOURIST CENTRES OF ALL STATES ARE LISTED BELOW.
TAMILNADU:
OOTY,KODAIKANAL,YERCAUDE-------------- HILLRESORT
MAMALLAPURAM------------------------------ BEACHRESORT
MUDUMALAI(OOTY)--------------------------- WILDLIFE CENTRE
VEDANTHANGAL-------------------------------- WATER BIRD SANCTUARY
CORTALLAM,HOGENAKKAL-------------------- WATERFALLS
CHIDHAMBARAM,GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM,
KANCHIPURAM,KANNIYAKUMARI,KUMBAKONAM,MADURAI,
RAMESWARAM,SRIVILLIPUTHORE,SUCHINDRAM,
TANJORE,TIRNELVELI,TENKASI,DARAPURAM,THIRUVAROOR,
KUNIMIANMALAI,KALUGUMALAI,KRISHNAPURAM-----------RELIGIOUS CENTRES.
GENJI,THIRUMAYAM,PADMANABAPURAM--------- FORTCENTER
TRANQUBAR,POOMPUHAR,PANCHALNKURICHI------ SMALL MONUMENTS
CHENNAI---------------- CAPITAL CITY WITH MYRIAD CULTURE
PALANI,THIRUCHENTHR,THIRUPARANKUNDRUM,
SWAMI MALAI,THIRUTHANI,PAZHAMUDIRSOLAI------SIX ABEDES OF MURUGA
PITCHAVARAM-----------------MANGROVE FOREST
VELANGANNI,MANAPAD------ POPULAR CHIRISTIAN CENTRE
NAGORE------------------------ FAMOUS MUSLIM PILGIRMAGE CENTRE
THIRUVAIYARU---------------- CENTRE FOR MUSIC TRINITY FOR MUSICIANS
KERALA:
SABARIMALA,GURUVAYOOR-------- PILGIRIMAGE CENTRE
TRIVANDRUM,TRICHUR,KALADY,VARKALA,VAIKAM---- TEMPLEART
KOTTAKKAL----------- FAMOUS AYURVEDIC CENTRE
ALLEPPEY,QUILON,KOTTAYAM------ BACK WATER PLEASURE TRIP
COCHIN-------------------------- NATURAL PORT
PERIYAR WILD LIFE SANCTURY------THEKKADY
KOVALAM,VELI---------------- BEACH RESORT
PONMUDI,MUNNAR-------- HILL RESORT
CRANGANORE,TELLICHERY,PALGHAT,CANNANOORE----HISTORICAL FORTS
KALLIL------------- JAIN PILGIRIM CENTRE
GRANGANORE,MALAYATHUR,ERNAKULAM--- HISTORICAL CHURCHES
ANDHRAPRADESH:
HYDRABAD---------- FAMOUS CITY FOR MOGAL ART
NAGARJUNASAGAR,AMARAVATHI----- PICNIC SPOT AND BUDDIST PILGIRIM CENTRE
HORSELEY HILL---------- HILL RE
EPIPOTHALA ------------- WATER FALLS
PAKHAL--------------------- PICNIC SPOT
KOLANUPAKA------------ JAIN CENTRE
MAOGHINAPUDI,VISAKAPATANAM-------- BEACH RESORT
KONDAMPALLI------------------ TOYS MAKING CENTRE
MACHILLIPATNAM------------------ TEXTILE PRINTING
KARNATAKA
AIHOLE,BADAMI,BELUR,HALEBID,HAMBI
SOMANATHPUR,MAHADESHWARA HILL,TALAKAD,MELKOTE,
PATADKAL,SRINGERI -----------HINDU PILGRIM CENTRESAA AND NOTED FOR TEMPLE ARCHITEECTURE
BIDAR-------------------------------------HISTORICAL FORT
BANDIPUR,DANDELI--------------- WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
BANGALORE ------------------------- CAPITAL CITY,WHICH IS NOTED FOR GARDEN,FORT,PALACE,MOONLITH STONE STRUCTURE
GOLAR----------------- GOLD MINE
JOY FALLS, SIVASAMUDRUM -------WATER FALLS
MANGALORE,SRVASAMUDRAM ----- SEAPORT,JAIN CENTRES,PORT
MYSORE-------------------------------------- CITY OF PALACE ,GARDEN AND TEMPLE
TUNGAPATRA------------------------------- PICNIC SPOT
GOA
BETUL,PALOLEM,KOLVA,PANAJI,AQUADA,CALANGUTE,
DONA PAULA,GASPER DIAS,SRIDAO,VAGATOR,VASCODA GAMA,BOGMALO---- BEACH CENTRES
BICHOLIM,CANACONA,HARVALE,PERNAM,PONDA,PRIOL--------TEMPLE
BONDALA,COLIGAO,MOLEM -------------------WILD LIFE CENTRE
DUDHSAGAR,HARVELI ---------------WATER FALLS,ADVENTURE TOURISM
MAYEM ---------------------LAKE CENTRE,BOATING
PANAJI------- CAPITAL CITY,BEACH,PARK,CHURCHES
VELA (OLD GOA) -----------HISTORICAL CHURCHES
TEREKH0L ------------------- FORT
MARMAGOA--------------- PORT
BIHAR
BUDHA GAYA,GAYA---------- BUDDIST PILGRIM CENTRE
NALANDA,VYSALI,RAJKIR,RANCHI----BUDDIST PILGRIM CENTRE
BUXAR,DEOGAR,JAYANAGAR,KISHAGAN,SWARAJPUR,BARAGON
SITAMARHI,SONEPUR----------- TEMPLES
DEHRI.ON.SONE---------------- LONGEST BRIDGE IN INDIA
BOKARO------------------------STEEL CITY
CHITRANJAN------------------ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES ENGINES
HAZARIBAGH------------------ BIRD SANCTUARY
MANER, BIHAR EHARIFF------ MUSLIM PILGRIM CENTRE
RAJGIR,RANCHI---------- HILL STAION,BUDDIST,JAIN CULTURES
PARASNATH,VAISALI-------JAIN PILGRIM CENTRE
PATNA ------------------ CAPITAL,MOSQUES,SIKH PILGRIM
RAJASTHAN
AJMER,ALWAR,PIG,BIKANER,RIJOLIA,CHITTAURGARH,JAISALMER----FORTS
JAISALMER,JODHPUR,KUMBALGARH,ACHALGARH,POKARAM,
RANTHANBHAR
PUSHKAR LAKE------------ PILGRIMCENTRE,CAMEL FARE
SILLSERH,DIG,BUNDI,AMER,GAITAR,UDAIPUR,MANDOOR----- PALACES
JAIPUR ----------- THEPINK CITY,FORT,PALACE
MOUNT ABU -------- HILL RESORT
KEOLADO ------------ LARGEST WATER BIRD SANCTUARY
GUJARAT
GANDHI NAGAR--------------------- CAPITAL
PILGIRIM CENTRES
AMBAJI,BHAVNAGAR,BHUJI,DABHOI,DAKOR,DWARAKA,MODHERA,PAVGADH,
KOTISWAR,SHAMLAJI,CULKATIRTH,SOMNATH.
KANDLA ---------------------- MAJOR PORT
CHORWAD,TITHAI,DUMAAS,DWARAKA,TITHAL,UHHRAT,VERAVAL,---- BEACH RESORT
GIR FOREST,VELAVADOR ----NATIONAL PARK
AHEMADHABAD,JAM NAGAR --------TEMPLES,FORT,MOSQUES
JUNAGADH --------------------------- HINDU,JAIN,MUSLIM,BUDHIST CENTRE
GIRNAR,PALITANA,DANDER---------- JAIN CENTRE
PORBHANDAR -------------------- -----GANDNIJI"S BIRTH PLACE,TEMPLES,PALACES,BEACH
RAJKHAT --------------------- GANDHIJI"S HOME,PALACES
SAPUTARA ------------------- HILL STATIONS
VADODARA ------------------- PALACES,MUSLIMS,PARKS,PLANATORIUM.
HARYANA
AMBALA ---------------------------- SIKH PILGRIM CENTRE
BADKHL LAKE,CHAKRAVARTHYLAKE---- PICNICSPOT
BHIWANI,PEHOWA,SURAJKHAND -------- TEMPLES
SULTANPUR -------------------------------- BIRD SANCTUARY
HISSAR,HAJJAR,JIND ---------------------- PALACES
KURUSHETRA,PANIPETR ------------------ HISTORIC TOWN
MORNI -------------------------------------- HILL STATION
PINJAUR,ROHTAK,SURAJKHAND ---------- BOATING
MADHYA PRADESH :
PIGRIM CENTRE :
AMARKANDAK,BHOJPUR,CHITRKOOI,MAHESHWAR,ONKAR,MANDHATA,SHIVAPURI,UDAYPUR,
UJJAIN
PALACES,GARDEN,FORT :
BHOPAL,CHIKOLD,JALAMNAGAR,DATIA,GWALIOR,ORCHA,NOWGANG.
BUDDIST CENTRE:
BAGH,SANCHI.
NATIONAL PARK---------BANDAVAGARH
JAIN CENTRE------------ CHITRAKOOT,MUTAGIRI
MARBLE ROCKS --------- BHERAGHT
PALACES -------------INDOE,JAGDAL,REWAPUR
PATNA------------------- DIAMOND MINES
KHAJURAHO ------------TEMPLE
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JAMMU AND KASHMIR
AMARNATH,BILAUR,SIRINAGAR,GANGABAL,AWANTOPURA,VAISHNAVI DEVI,KATRA
------PILGRIM CENTRE
BATOTI,KUD ------------- HILLSTATION
DRAS -------------------- GOLDEST PLACE IN ASIA
GULMARG,KHILANMARG,SONOMARG,YUSMARG----- MEDOW OF FLOWERS
JAMMU ------- WINTER CAPITAL OF STATE,TEMPLE,PALACE,TOMBS.
DAL LAKE,PAHALGAM,WULAR LAKE----PICNIC SPOT,BOATING
KARGIL,LIDDERWAT-----TREKKING,ORCHARDS
LEH --------- HIGHEST AIRPORT,PALACE,MOSQUE
HEMIS GOMPA ---------- BUDDIST CENTRE
ANCHARLAKE,TERAR SHARIT ---- MUSLIM PILGRIM CENTRE.
UTTAR PRADESH
AGRA --------- POPULAR TOURIST CENTRE,AGRAFORT, TAJMAHAL
ALIGARH ----- FAMOUS FOR LOCKS.FORT
ALLAHABAD ----- PLANETARIUM,FORT,PALACE,CONFLUENCEPOINT OF GANGA, YAMUNAI AND SARASVATHI RIVERS.
HILL STATIONS:
ALMORA, CHKRATA,CHAMOLI,DEHRADUN,LONSDOWNE,LOHAGOT,MUSSOURI,NAINITAL PITHOGARH. AYODHYA ----- BIRTH PLACE OF LORD RAMA,AND MUGHAL ARTS.
HINDUPILGRIMCENTRES:
GANGOTRI,CHITRAKUT,BADRINATH,HARIDWAR,HEMKUND,JOSHIMUTH,KARNAPRAYAG,KEDARNATH,MATHURA,VRINDAVAN,RISHIKESH,UTTARKASI,
VARANASI,YAMUNOTRI.
FAIZABAD,FATEPURSIKRI,LUCKNOW ------MUSLIM MONUMENTS AND PALACE
JHANSI,RAMNAGAR,RAMPUR --------------- FORTS
KUSHINAGAR,SARASVTI,SARANATH ------ BUDDIST CENTRE
GORBET NATIONAL PARK,DUDHWA ------ VARIETY OF WILD LIFES.
MYSORE
The majestic city of Mysore is known as the ‘City of Palaces’. The second largest city of Karnataka state, Mysore is the headquarters of Mysore district. Among the many palaces of the city, the historic ‘Mysore Palace’ has many features that sets it apart from others. Known as Amba Vilas Palace and sometimes as the Main Palace, the Mysore Palace was designed by a British architect Henry Irwin during the reign of the erstwhile Queen-Regent of Mysore Maharani Kempa Nanjammani Vani Vilasa Sanndihana. Built in a mixed architectural style called Indo-Sarasenic style, the Mysore Palace consists of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic elements in its construction. Completed in 1912, the present palace is the fourth one to be built in the exact site. In the 14th century, the rulers of Wodeyar Dynasty built a palace exactly where the present palace is situated. Modified and preserved through the ages, Mysore Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and art works from around the world with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades. The Durbar Hall has an ornamented ceiling and many pillars with sculptures. The Ambavilasa or Diwan e Khas used by the King for private meetings is one of the most spectacular rooms. Carved rosewood doorway inlaid with ivory, stained glass ceilings, ornamented steel grills, mosaic floors beautified by precious stones, and chandeliers with fine floral motifs are some of the marvels of this public hall. ‘Gombe Thotti’ literally meaning ‘Doll’s Pavilion’ is a gallery comprising of a unique collection of traditional dolls from nineteenth and twentieth centuries and sculptures from India and Europe. A grand octagonal-shaped pavilion called Kalyana Mantapa, or marriage hall is a structure brought wholly from Glasgow, Scotland. The residential museum, temples and shrines including the Shweth Varahaswamy Temple are housed inside the walls of the place compound. There are twelve Hindu temples inside the palace compound. The Someshvara Temple, dedicated to god Shiva and the Lakshmiramana Temple dedicated to god Vishnu, are the most famous of them. The Diwan-E-Aam or the hall for public audiences inside the palace complex is another important room where the general public met with the King. The palace also has an Armoury, where the different types of arms used by the Royal family members are kept. Fourteenth century weapons like lances and cutlasses and weapons of the early twentieth century like pistols are kept preserved in this royal armoury. The time of the Dussehra festival in October is the best season to visit this historic palace. On Sundays and festive occasions, the Palace is lit up by 97000 bulbs - an remarkable sight with the dark black sky in the backdrop, perhaps the most photographed element in Mysore city
KOVALAM BEACH
Location :Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala.
Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination.
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.It has been a favourite haunt of tourists,especially Europeans,since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages,special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages,Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.Thiruvananthapuram,the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle.But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city.Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery,the Padmanabhaswamy Temple,Ponmudi hill station etc.SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium,is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.To know more about the crafts on sale here see Treasure Chest from the Archives dated 14 January '99 to 15 July '99. Getting there:
Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 16 km
Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International
THENMALA ECOTOURISM
Located about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the State Capital of Kerala, God's Own Country, the southern most State of India. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. The famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important ecotourism resource of Thenmala Ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna. Thenmala : "Then + Mala" , i.e. in local parlance "Then" means honey and "Mala" means hillock i.e. it mean honey hills. The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forest |
for more details pl . contact me muthiah72@gmail.com
Fairs & Festivals of Kerala
The colorful mosaic of Kerala festivals and fairs is as diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. Round the year the fests keep Kerala life vibrant and interludes in the mundane affairs of life.
Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.
- Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.
- Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Kochi in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.
- Muharram
Muharram is the opening month of the Hijra year. The 10th day of this month (May) is honoured by the Muslims of Kerala. As per belief, it was on this day that the Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his men were slain at Karbala.
- Onam
Onam, the harvest festival is the most popular festival of Kerala. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee.
- Sabarimala Festival
The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapa who is revered by all in India. Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January.
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August.
- Malabar Mahotsavam
Malabar Mahotsavam is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the centuries old rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The event is at Mananchira maidan (ground) in the heart of Kozhikode town from 13th to 16th January every year.
- Swathi Festival
Swathi festival is a gala event of music organised by the Government of Kerala every year in the last week of January. The venue is the famous Kuthiramalika Palace. Thiruvananthapuram, where once upon a time the great poet-king of Travancore, Sri Swathi Thirunal, composed many of his verses.
- Aarattu
Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and Arattu (Holy Bath) are part of the rituals of the festivals of some of the major temples of Kerala. The speciality of the Arattu at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is that the head of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore still provides escort to the procession of idols. The two annual ten-day festivals of the temple fall in October- November and March- April.
- Jagannatha Festival
Jagannatha Festival is a colourful eight-day festival, which is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/ March) at the Jagannatha Temple at Madathiparambu, near Thalassery in Kannur.
- Aattachamayam
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Kochi. It is a celebration of a legendary victory of the Raja of Kochi.
- Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.
- Thirunakara Festival
The Thirunakara Temple situated in the heart of Kottayam and dedicated to Lord Siva is also famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture.
- Vettukadu Perunal
The Madre De Teus Church, popularly known as Vettukadu church, is situated around 7 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The annual festival of the church is celebrated over the ten days culminating in the last Sunday of the laturgical year. Various religious rites are carried out during the festival days.
- Nisha Gandhi Dance Festival
Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform at the Nisangandhi, an open air theatre in Thiruvananthapuram city. Classical dances of almost all the states of India are staged during the festival. Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Bharatha Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Kutchippudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Orissa), Manipuri (Manipur) and Kathak (a north Indian Classical Dance) are the major dances performed.
- Oachirakkali
The Oachira Temple is the venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira dance) held in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from Kollam.
- Easter
Easter which falls in April is a major religious festival for the Christians in Kerala. This solemn celebration of the resurrection of Christ is undertaken with religious fervour by Christians of all sects. Unlike Christmas with its festive mood, Easter has a ritualistic sobriet. The abstinence period of 50 days preceding Easter known as 'Lent', the Pal Sunday celebrations, the Holy Week comprising Maundy Thursday, good Friday and Easter, are all part of the celebrations.
TAMILNADU------ KODAIKANAL
Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows “Sunnyside” and “Shelton”. Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. The 20th century saw elite Indians enteri Kodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty and to harness its natural wealth for development.
Stages of development In 1875, the Indian railways extended its line from Chennai to Tirunelveli and a station was created at Ammaianayakkanur and this was later renamed Kodai Road, to provide a gateway to Kodaikanal. Tourists started their journey at Ammaianayakkanur Railway station upto Krishnamma Nayak Thope. This trek was undertaken to Kodaikanal, 18 kms distance away using horses and palanquins, with coolies for assistance.Today, the charm of Kodaikanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, the long stretches of forests, beautiful spots and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The climb to the various jutting rocks at Kodai is rewarding. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a must for every visitor to this hill resort
PLACES TO VISIT:
The Lake The 24-hectare lake skirted by a 5 km long black tar road, is the focal point in Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir vere Hendry Levinge (1819-1885).He was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and members of the club set sail. In 1910 a new boathouse was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourist as well in 1932.
Bryant's park This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for its flowers, both hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. The Flower Show conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festivals, should be seen by everyone.
Solar Physical Observatory It is situated 32 kms. from the lake. This observatory was founded in 1989, and it is located at an elevation of 2343 mtrs. This observatory is the highest point in Kodai. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets.
Check out visiting hours and make a prior appointment.
Coakers Walk Er.Coaker identified this hill-edged pathway in 1872. About a kilometre from the lake, Coaker's Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains Entry fee is collected here. Kurinji Andavar Temple temple situated 3 kms from the lake is a famous shrine dedicated to lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Kurinji means the hill region in Tamil literature and andavar means god.
Therefore Lord Muruga is referred to as the God of the Hill here. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
Telescope House at Coakers Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. A fee is collected to use the telescope.
Green valley View(Suicide point) is about 5.5 kms from the lake and very near the Golf Club. This point commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam. As the valley here is very deep, dense and dangerous this place was once known as “Suicide point.”
The Pillar Rocks Three boulders stand here, shoulder-to-shoulder, vertically measuring 122 mtrs, providing a majestic sight. Pillar rocks are located 7.4 kms from the lake. It has a garden with lovely flowers
Moer Point :Moer Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 kms from the Pillar rocks Berijam Lake road.
Silent Valley View :Just a little away from the Pillar Rock and the Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View, which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. Children are advised to walk carefully.
Berijam Lake View :This place provides a panoramic landscape view of Berijam Lake. This viewpoint is 19 kms from Kodaikanal Lake.Chettiar Park Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the town on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple, the Chettiar park is a charming place.
Shenbaganur Museum:The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It is a Theological Seminary founded in 1895 and devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best Orchidariams in the country.
It has over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 kms the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard contributed his many private collections to the museum.
Entrance fee is re 1/- per head.Visiting hours - 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Silver Cascade:It is 8 kms from Kodai lake. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as a 180 foot high waterfalls. Those interested can have a bath here.
ExcursionDindigul Kodaikkanal lies in the district of Dindigul. Dindigul is the district headquarters. A fort can be found here.
Dolmen Circle Located at a distance of 18 kms from the lake, pre-historic remains can be seen here. Original burial urns that were unearthed in this region during archaeological excavations and models of dolmens can be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum.
Thalaiyar Falls Also known as the Rat-Tail Falls, this is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. It is 975 foot high. It can be seen while climbing the Ghat Road to Kodaikkanal from Kodai road. It is not possible to visit this spectacular waterfall, as there is no approach route to this site.
Kukkal Caves For those looking for an adventurous holiday, this is an excellent campsite. It is 40 kms from Kodaikanal. The caves here show traces of the earliest known inhabitants of the region - the leaf-clothed 'paliyans.'
Palani :This is one of the six abodes of lord Subramanya and this is a famous pilgrim centre of the south. It is just 64 kms from Kodaikanal. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dhandayuthapani. Direct and frequent buses are available from Kodaikanal to Palani.
The Lake The 24-hectare lake skirted by a 5 km long black tar road, is the focal point in Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir vere Hendry Levinge (1819-1885).He was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and members of the club set sail. In 1910 a new boathouse was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourist as well in 1932.
Bryant's park This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for its flowers, both hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. The Flower Show conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festivals, should be seen by everyone.
Solar Physical Observatory It is situated 32 kms. from the lake. This observatory was founded in 1989, and it is located at an elevation of 2343 mtrs. This observatory is the highest point in Kodai. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets.
Check out visiting hours and make a prior appointment.
Coakers Walk Er.Coaker identified this hill-edged pathway in 1872. About a kilometre from the lake, Coaker's Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains Entry fee is collected here. Kurinji Andavar Temple temple situated 3 kms from the lake is a famous shrine dedicated to lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Kurinji means the hill region in Tamil literature and andavar means god.
Therefore Lord Muruga is referred to as the God of the Hill here. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
Telescope House at Coakers Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. A fee is collected to use the telescope.
Green valley View(Suicide point) is about 5.5 kms from the lake and very near the Golf Club. This point commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam. As the valley here is very deep, dense and dangerous this place was once known as “Suicide point.”
The Pillar Rocks Three boulders stand here, shoulder-to-shoulder, vertically measuring 122 mtrs, providing a majestic sight. Pillar rocks are located 7.4 kms from the lake. It has a garden with lovely flowers
Moer Point :Moer Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 kms from the Pillar rocks Berijam Lake road.
Silent Valley View :Just a little away from the Pillar Rock and the Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View, which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. Children are advised to walk carefully.
Berijam Lake View :This place provides a panoramic landscape view of Berijam Lake. This viewpoint is 19 kms from Kodaikanal Lake.Chettiar Park Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the town on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple, the Chettiar park is a charming place.
Shenbaganur Museum:The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It is a Theological Seminary founded in 1895 and devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best Orchidariams in the country.
It has over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 kms the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard contributed his many private collections to the museum.
Entrance fee is re 1/- per head.Visiting hours - 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Silver Cascade:It is 8 kms from Kodai lake. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as a 180 foot high waterfalls. Those interested can have a bath here.
ExcursionDindigul Kodaikkanal lies in the district of Dindigul. Dindigul is the district headquarters. A fort can be found here.
Dolmen Circle Located at a distance of 18 kms from the lake, pre-historic remains can be seen here. Original burial urns that were unearthed in this region during archaeological excavations and models of dolmens can be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum.
Thalaiyar Falls Also known as the Rat-Tail Falls, this is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. It is 975 foot high. It can be seen while climbing the Ghat Road to Kodaikkanal from Kodai road. It is not possible to visit this spectacular waterfall, as there is no approach route to this site.
Kukkal Caves For those looking for an adventurous holiday, this is an excellent campsite. It is 40 kms from Kodaikanal. The caves here show traces of the earliest known inhabitants of the region - the leaf-clothed 'paliyans.'
Palani :This is one of the six abodes of lord Subramanya and this is a famous pilgrim centre of the south. It is just 64 kms from Kodaikanal. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dhandayuthapani. Direct and frequent buses are available from Kodaikanal to Palani.
Summer Festival
Celebrated in May Every year. Boat Pageant and Flower Show are also held during the summer festival. It is a major attraction for tourists.
August 15th is the Salette Matha Festival.
In December, a Winter Festival with Cultural Programmes is also held.
HOW TO REACH THERE:
You can come to coimbatore by air,rail and road.From there you can visit ooty and come back to coimbatore and then go kodai by road. It takes around 5 hrs. FOR all help pl. contact
Called the Queen of Hill Stations picturesque, green Udhagamandalam better known, as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the South. Located in the Western ghats at a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two ghats ranges meet. Nature has been generous with this region, which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like confiers, eucalptus, pine and wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its encirons. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first inhabitants of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. But the credit for modernising Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.
Ooty with smaller hill stations of Coonoor - 19 kms and Kothagiri 31 kms from Ooty are the other hill stations of this district. Nilgiri is India's first biosphere. It has been declared as one of the 14 'hotspots' of the world beavke of its unique bio-diversity. Nilgiri presents a truly breath taking kaleidoscope of visual treats and soul stirring experience.
Ooty Lake : The Ooty Lake is the pride of the Blue Hills. It is Central and strategic attraction. Mr.John Sullivan formed this artificial lake in the year 1824 the then Collector of Coimbatore. The Ooty lake which extends to an area of 65 acres. Earlier the entire lake was used for fishing as a major activity. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation on behalf of the Tourism Department took the possession of the lake for pleasure boating facilities in the year 1973. Another added attraction of the Ooty lake is the Mini Train.
Deer Park : The Ooty Deer Park is a unique wilderness situated on the fringes of the Ooty lake. It is one of the high altitude animal park in India. The park is a beautiful place and offers a unique opportunity to observe and study wildlife in near natural habitat. It was inaugurated in the year 1986. The total area of the Deer Park is 22 acres out of which an area of 6 acres has been developed and is open to public. This park is maintained by Tamilnadu Forest Department.
Government Museum : The Government Musuem situated in Ooty - Mysore Road has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu.
Art Gallery : Lalith kala Academy : It is situated about 2 kms., from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.
Places Around Ooty
Doddabetta : It is highest peak (2634 metres) in the Nilgiris and is about 10kms. from Ooty bus stand. The name Doddabetta literally means 'big mountain' which is so in reality. It lies at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges. It is surrounded by dense sholas. One can have a magnificent panoramic view of the landscape and the whole of the district and even beyond through the Telescope House run by T.T.D.C., which is an added attraction.
Pykara Lake And Water Falls: It is situated about 21 kms. on the Ooty - Mysore road of well protected fenced shoals, toda settlement, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, the reservoir, waterfalls and the Boat House attracts many tourist.
Kalhatty falls : It is located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13 kms. from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. The height of the water falls is about 100 ft. Kalhatty - Masinagudi slopes is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambers and different types of hill birds.
Deer Park : The Ooty Deer Park is a unique wilderness situated on the fringes of the Ooty lake. It is one of the high altitude animal park in India. The park is a beautiful place and offers a unique opportunity to observe and study wildlife in near natural habitat. It was inaugurated in the year 1986. The total area of the Deer Park is 22 acres out of which an area of 6 acres has been developed and is open to public. This park is maintained by Tamilnadu Forest Department.
Government Museum : The Government Musuem situated in Ooty - Mysore Road has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu.
Art Gallery : Lalith kala Academy : It is situated about 2 kms., from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.
Places Around Ooty
Doddabetta : It is highest peak (2634 metres) in the Nilgiris and is about 10kms. from Ooty bus stand. The name Doddabetta literally means 'big mountain' which is so in reality. It lies at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges. It is surrounded by dense sholas. One can have a magnificent panoramic view of the landscape and the whole of the district and even beyond through the Telescope House run by T.T.D.C., which is an added attraction.
Pykara Lake And Water Falls: It is situated about 21 kms. on the Ooty - Mysore road of well protected fenced shoals, toda settlement, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, the reservoir, waterfalls and the Boat House attracts many tourist.
Kalhatty falls : It is located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13 kms. from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. The height of the water falls is about 100 ft. Kalhatty - Masinagudi slopes is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambers and different types of hill birds.
Wenlock Downs This Vast expanse of undulating landscape has the Gymkana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and the Hindustan Photo Films Company and provides great pleasure for a long stroll on quiet roads.
Western Catchment It is about 20 kms from Parsons Valley. It contains Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with temperate sholas occupying depressions and valleys. The landscape is extremely picturesque and should be Zealously protected and preserved to maintain primevial beauty and grandeur of tract.
Glenmorgan It is about 17 kms from Udhagamandalam and it is an ecologically rich forestry spot. There from is an Electricity Board (E.B). Winch carries staff from Glenmorgan viewpoint to powerhouse at Singara. The entire 4 kms of the Winch track passes through undisturbed sholas and wildlife habitat. Prior permission of E. B. authorities should be obtained to enter the viewpoint zone.
Upper Bhavani is about 10 kms from Korakundah and about 20 kms from Avalanche. This is a naturalist's paradise. Some of the best sholas like sholas lie enroute. The area is a rich and undisturbed wildlife habitat. From Bangithapal via Sispara one can trek to the silent valley. Permission from the Forest Department is necessary.
Avalanche Located at a distance of 28 kms from Ooty. A beautiful lake surrounded by a thick shola where even sunlight cannot penetrate the thick foliage and the forests have an abundant with a wide variety of avifauna and it is a nature lover's paradise.
Elk Hill : In the olden days there were quite a number of sambars in this area and the earliest Europen arrivals on the hills used to call these animals as 'Elks'. The hill is about 500 ft. above the town and is less than an hour's walk from the Chating Cross and one gets a panoramic view of Udhagamandalam and its environs.
The Mukurthi Peak & Mukurthi National Park is about 40 kms from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the southeastern corner of the Nilgiris mountains. The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Tahr Hamitragus hilocrius. The silent valley is located on the western side of these ranges. A fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is the variety and similarities that compare well to the flora and fauna of the Himalayan ranges A fascinating feature of the Mukuruthi Sanctuary is its endemism and relationship with Himalayan Flora and Fauna.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary : This is the first Sanctuary to be set up in India and forms part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Park. It is located 36 kms from Ooty via Kalhatty and 67 kms via Gudalur. From Mysore it is 91 kms away. This Sanctuary extends over an area of 321 sq. kms in the junction of the three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,Kerala. It is at an elevation of 1,140 mtrs. A variety of habitat ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands swamps are found here.
It is rich in wildlife, like Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panthere, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Barking Deer,wild boar, Porcupine etc., birds like-Minivets,Hornbill,fairy blue birds, jungle fowls etc., and reptiles like python, monitor lizards flying lizards etc. You can take a ride into the jungle on the elephant back or take a vehicle ride along designated visitor's route inside the jungle. The elephant rides have to be booked at Ooty.
The Mayor river and the life around it is an experience by itself. The Theppakadu elephant camp is a popular tourist attraction.
It is rich in wildlife, like Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panthere, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Barking Deer,wild boar, Porcupine etc., birds like-Minivets,Hornbill,fairy blue birds, jungle fowls etc., and reptiles like python, monitor lizards flying lizards etc. You can take a ride into the jungle on the elephant back or take a vehicle ride along designated visitor's route inside the jungle. The elephant rides have to be booked at Ooty.
The Mayor river and the life around it is an experience by itself. The Theppakadu elephant camp is a popular tourist attraction.
Trekking : There are excellent opportunities for trekking in the Nilgiris with a country rising from 300 metres in the North and South to 2600 metres in the West. It is possible to enjoy some of the most magnificent sceneries in the world; observe Wildlife in its many forms: study a great variety of tropical plants and trees; in a wide range of usually favourable climatic conditions.
Trekking area is divided as per the geographical regions with very different climatic conditions like the Western area with a temperate climate consists of montane wet temperate forests, the North and Eastern region with a tropical climate consists of dry deciduous broad leaved and scrub forest.
For more details and permission has to be obtained from the District Forest officer(s) North and South Division and wildlife warden, Ooty.
Coonoor Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17 kms from Udhagamandalam, this is the first of the hill stations. Coonoor is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, which is a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in the other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Lady Canning's Seat, Dolphin's Nose, St Catherine Falls, Law's Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog.
Sims Park : This garden was laid out in 1874 Mr.J.D. Sim, the then Secretary to Government and Major Murray, acting Superintendent of the Nilgiris forest and the park was named after the former. Though this was started as a pleasure resort for the residents and visitors, the park has now developed into Garden. This garden is spread over 12 heactares of undulating land and possesses a number of natural advantages at an elevation of 1768 - 1798 metres above M.S.L.
The park cum botanical garden contains many species of trees and shrubs not found in Ooty. Annual Fruit and Vegetables show is held every year in May here attracts tourists in large numbers. Pomological research station located near Sim's park can also be seen which do research on nursery plants and fruits. The Pasteur Institute may also be seen just across Sim's Park which produces anti-rabi Vaccine, DTP, DT, and TT.
Dolphins Nose : Ideally visited in the morning, this view point is located about 12 kms from Coonoor near Tiger Hill. Amidst dense Sholas Criss-Crossed by winding road, you can get a beautiful view of the Catherine falls from here.
Lamb's Rock : This view point is within a reserve forest about 8 kms from the Coonoor Bus Stand. Overlooked a sheer precipice of several hundred metres with a phenomenal view of vast stretches of forests all the way to the Coimbatore plains. Between January and March, the trees become extremely colourful.
To be one with nature in the Nilgiris, you have to get into the wilderness and trek. The Grasslands and Sholas of the Nilgiris form a unique eco-system and a wonderful terrain to trek through. Endemic species like the rare Nilgiris Marten (dog like arboric animal) the Nilgiris Black Buck, the Mouse Deer, the Nilgiris Tahr amongst others and a wealth of bird life like the Nilgiris Pippet, etc make Nilgiris a dream destination for nature lovers. Explore the wealth of this land revel in the experience. Best time to visit through out the year expect when the sanctuary and National Park are closed normally between Mid-January and Mid-April.
FOR ALL KIND OF SERVICE IN OOTY PL. CONTACT,muthiah72@gmail.com.
MADURAI
The Meenakshi Temple The Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple (twin temples) is one of the biggest temples in India. The original temple built by Kulasekara Pandyan was in ruins. The plan for the current temple structure was laid by Viswanath Naikar and was completed by Tirumalai Nayakar.
There are 12 massive gopurams in the temple, the four tallest gopurams at the outer walls. The golden lotus pond (Potraamarai Kulam) is located to the left of the Meenakshi shrine. Sundareswarar gives darshan in the form of a linga.
The thousand pillared hall (Aayirangaal Mandapam) is an architectural & engineering marvel, built in the 16th century. The pillars have the Yazhi figure sculpted on them. There are musical granite pillars here, which when struck yield different musical notes.
Koodal Alagar Temple is a Vishnu temple located 2km west of the city, that has three altars, one on top of the other, in which Lord Vishnu is in three different poses: sitting, standing, and reclining. The main deity of the temple is Koodal Alagar, who is in a sitting posture. Above the shrine of this deity are the altars of Sri Ranganatha, in a reclining pose, and Sri Surya-narayan Perumal, in a standing pose.There are intricate woodcarvings here, including one of Lord Rama's coronation. This is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples. There is a Navagraha (nine planets) enclosure in this temple.Lord Alagar's (Vishnu) procession to the bank of the Vaigai River on the full moon day is one of the most interesting events of the festival. Lord Vishnu rides on a real-gold horse-chariot to his sister's wedding. Meenakshi is considered to be the sister of Lord Alagar.
Mariamman Theppakulam was built in 1636.This huge tank also known as the Mariamman tank is at the eastern end of the city and is almost equal in area to that of the Meenakshi Amman temple. There is a mandapam in the centre of the tank enshrining Lord Vigneswara.
This idol was found here when earth was being dug for the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. A tank was created in this area with the Ganesha idol. This tank is fed with water from the Vaigai through an ingenious system of underground channels. A colourful float festival is held on Thai Poosam day (in January/February) to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tirumalai Nayakar. Various temple deities are taken in decorated floats.
Thiruparangundram At a distance of 8 km south of Madurai is Tirupparankundram. You can find the Pandyan rock-cut shrines dating back to the 8th century and the later Nayaka Hindu temple here. The temple has a wide range of Hindu gods carved on the walls. The Subramanya cave temple has a shrine dedicated to Durga, with the figures of Ganesh and Subramanya on either side. Located atop a hill, the temple is believed to be one of six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
Alagarkoil Since the presiding deity is of the temple is Alagar (the beautiful), the temple is called Alagar Koil. This is an important Vishnu temple, about 18 km northeast of Madurai, at Alagar Hill. This is one of the most ancient temples in India and round the temple are ruins of an ancient fortified town. The recently renovated gopurams of this temple look resplendent.The Mahabharata says that this temple was visited by both Yudhisthira and Arjuna. It is said that Koorattalwar, the chief disciple of Ramanuja, regained his eyesight by worshipping the deity here. Don't miss the 2,000 years old Sudarsana-chakra in this temple.
Solai Amman Temple This is one of the six of the holiest of Murugan shrines refered to as the Aarupadai Veedugal.
Unlike the other five temples, there is no grand edifice surrounding the central shrine of worship. However, this is a holy shrine venerated by the Skanda puranam and by Nakkeerar’s Thirumurugatrupadai of the Sangam period. Arunagirinathar's Thirupugazh also reveres this shrine.
This shrine is located on a hill adjacent to theKallazhagar Temple in the outskirts of Madurai, a fortified temple complex, revered as one of the 108 abodes of Vishnu glorified by the hymns of the Alwars. Also near Madurai is another of the Aarupadai Veedu shrines, Tirupparamkunram.
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