Tourism

Ayodhyapattanam :
  
10 Km From Salem. A suburban town on the eastern end of Salem City. It is supposed to have been named after Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama who is believed to have stayed here on his way from Sri Lanka at the end of the war with the demon king Ravana. Ayodhya was not only the birthplace of Lord Rama and therefore sacred to the Hindus, but was also sacred to the Jains and Buddhists. It was the birthplace of Rishaba, Ajitha, and other Jain theerth-ankarars. It was the place where the celebrated Toothbrush tree of the Buddha grew. The naming of this village may possibly have roots in the local Jain Buddhist traditions, not just the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It contains a beautiful Vishnu temple dedicated to Kothandaramar. The town includes the railway station, Ayodhya-pattanam, on the Salem-Atthur line. The weekly market, established by Taluka Board in 1895, meets on Thursdays.

Jama Masjid :
The oldest mosque in Salem, situated on the southern bank of the Thirumanimuthu Aru in the heart of the city. It was reportedly built by the Mysore ruler, Tippu Sulthan, who is said to have offered prayers here. The Masjid Inam granted to this mosque was confirmed by the British in 1862. By a special resolution in 1880. Ph : 0427-2267227.

Kailasanathar koil – Tharamangalam :
30 km from Salem. This temple is noted for sculptural works. There are statue of Rathi and Manmadhan; from the statue of Rathi we can see manmadhan. But Rathi is invisible if you look at from the statue of manmadhan. Another important feature of this temple is the place from where lord Rama attacked Vali in disguise we can see Vali from the spot of Rama; but we can’t see Rama from the place of Vali. In those days important documents were placed in the under ground portion of the temple. Recently a lingam has been consecrated for the welfare of the devotees. This lingam is called Pathala Lingam. If the childless people worship they will get child; unmarried people will get married. This is the holy place where lord Mahavishnu gave her sister Sivakami Sundari as a gift to Kailasanathar (He gave by pouring water in the hands of kailasanathar – (Tharai Varthar) So this place is known as Tharamangalam. Ph : 04290-252150.

Kandhasramam, Udaiyapatti :
5km from salem. A temple complex, constructed between the years 1970 and 1971 by Santhanandha Brahmendhra Sarasvathi Adhyavadhutha Swamy. It is situated on the extreme northern end of the Jarugu Malai mountain on the banks of stream called Kannimar Odai and is dedicated to three deities: Murugan as Skandha Guru, Lakshmi as Ashtabuja Mahalakshmi (Eighteen Armed Great Lakshmi) and parvathi as Dhurga Paramesvari.

Kottai Mariamman Temple :

This temple is one of the very oldest pilgrim in the Salem district. In every July-August Mariamman festival is very famous. This temple is located in heart of the city. Ph : 0427-2267845.

Kottai Perumal or Arulmigi Alagirinathar Temple
Located in the heart of the city near the fort. Popularly known as "Kottai Perumal Koil". The temple has been built centuries ago and has some beautiful sculptures. "Vaikunda Ekadasi" is the most famous festival in the temple and on that day, lakhs of devotees visit the temple. The village also contains temples dedicated to Azhagiri Perumal and Mariamman. In 1854, when the Perumal temple fell into ruins, the deities were removed to the Karapura Nathar Kovil. The deities returned home after the temple was rebuilt in 1865. The first zamindhari of the village was sold in 1802 to Syed Ahmad. Area 475 hectares (1981). Ph : 0427-2221577.

Kandhasamy Kovil :
Kalipatti a Murugan temple, also known as the Sundhara Kandhaswamy Kovil, one of the seven richest temples in the district. The karum sambal (black ash) that is given to the devotees is believed to cure diseases and to serve as an antidote for snake poison. The temple was founded by Pazhani Kavundar was built up by Katteri Lakshmana Kavundar in 18th centuary.

Kurumpapatti Zoological Park :
There is one small zoological park with natural beautiful environmental circumstance. Already, some animals, birds and other beings are living in this park. Now, from the Chennai, Vandalur Anna Zoological Park two white Peacock, some small cranes and multicolour cranes are broughtout here. Some other extraordinary beings also will coming soon. Sure! this park also to attract the visitors with great fascination.

Lingam (1008) Temple :
This temple is under the control of a private department of the Vinayaga Mission. This temple contains 1008 Lingam with Nandi in the ‘moolasthanam’. This temple is located in Ariyanoor.

Mettur Dam :
One of the largest of its kind in the world. It was completed in 1934. The total length of the dam is 1700 meters. The Mettur Hydro Electrical power project is also quite large. The dam, the park, the major Hydro Electric power stations and hills on all sides make Mettur a good tourist attraction. Ph : 04298-242600.

Utthama Chozhapuram :
“City of Utthamachozha”, a small town on the Thirumanimuthu Aru. Temples dedicated to Azhagiri Perumal and Mari Amman. In 1854, when the Perumal temple fell into ruins, the deities were removed to the Karapura Nathar Kovil. The deities returned home after the temple was rebuilt in 1865.

Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park :
It is located at a distance of about 16 km from Salem city near Mallur on the NH-7 Trichy Main Road in the midst of cool hilly region surrounded by green trees in a calm atmosphere. Some of exciting water games, Wave Pool, Activity Pool, Rain Dance, Karting & Biking, Baby Fun Toys,Video Games, Science Park, Water falls, mist world and Jallikattu. An exciting water adventure for the entire family.
Ph : 0427-2913819

Oothumalai - Sathya Narayana Sithar Beedam :
Situated 6 km from Salem. It has special features as Sri Sathya Narayana Temple which is present on hills, similarly not found anywhere in Tamilnadu. Oothumalai hill also has the feature of Swami Muruga Temple. Located : Oothumalai, Seelanaikanpatti, Salem - 636 201.

Sri Sugavaneshwara Temple
This temple is located near old Salem Bus stand. This is one of the important holy places of Salem. Legends record that sage sugha brahmarishi worshipped the lord here. Arunagirinadhar has sung a song on Lord Muruga in Sugavaneshwarar temple. This is one of the famous and big temples in Salem. There we can find so many historical monument and statuette inside the temple. Hundreds of devotees worship in this temple for Maha Shivarathiri. Ph : 0427-2450954.

Sankakiri Fort :
30 km from Salem. The Sankakiri Fort is one of the important historic places in Salem District. This fort has been constructed on the hill of Sankakiri. This fort has ten compound walls having individual name for that. Inside of this fort, there are 6 platforms and 5 Temples, 2 Mosques. The Weapons, Pistol and Jewels used by the emperor Tipu Sultan, Theeran Chinnamalai were found there. On the way to Sankakiri Fort we can see one Christian Church in the name of St. Antony.

Siddhar Temple
Kalangi siddhar is one among the eighteen Tamil Siddhas. There is one temple dedicated to this, Suddha at the foot of Kanja Malai. Perennial wells and small reservoirs and waterfalls are there around this temple. It is beloved that bathing in the water of these wells and falls will cure any disease.On new moon day and full moon day special poojas are offered Location: Located at the foot of Kanja Malai 12 km from Salem on the way to Ilampillai. Ph: 0427-2491389

Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Belur
Temple is situated at 35 km from Salem. The variety of sculptures are famous here. Ph : 04292-241400.
Glory of ‘Magic’ Inscription :

Anchettipatti is a small village near Sanka Giri in Salem District. Archaeological Department has excavated one inscription which will cure the cattle from disease. It In various places of Tamilnadu we can come across this kind of inscriptions; its name is ‘Althindu kutrikal’. When the cattles come back after breeding in the forest they rub against the stone cutting and they get rid of the illness.


Yercaud Places of Interest

Anna Park :
The park is situated next to the Lake. It is typical park used to host the “Flower Show” in the month of May. The “Japanese Park” inside Anna Park is a must see. Children can play around and elders can take rest. The entrance ticket will be Rs. 2/- for adult and Rs 10 /- for Camera. The minimum time can be spent: 30 min for laymen.

Arthur Seat :
A bird’s eye view of the Big Lake, Yercaud Town and the Shevaroyan Peak is available from this vantage point, which is reached by taking the steep road going north from the centre point of town 1 km from town.

Bear’s Cave:
This is situated within a private coffee estate owned by a Mettur based business man. The main part of the cave is situated about 7 feet below the ground level and contains a deeper gorge which is believed by the local people to lead up to the cave situated in the Shervaroyan Temple.

Bears Hill :
This hill is the one diagonally adjacent to Monfort on the South Eastern side of Yercaud. It also lies to the East of Sacred Heart Convent; one gets a panaromic view of the portion of Yercaud covered with Schools and Seminaries. 2 km from Yercaud Town.

Botanical Survey of India :
Well maintained Botanical Garden by the BSI contains a rich collection of plants. It is a treat for “Botany” Students. A “Bell Rock” in the BSI campus makes bell sound when you hit with stone. You have to climb to reach the rock. The entrance ticket will be Rs. 3/- for adultand Rs 10/ for Camera.

Horticulture Farm :
It has “Rose Garden” and “Children Seat”. The Rose Garden is filled with various varieties of Roses from Button Rose to Very Big Rose. A “Green Rose” plant is grown along with beautiful rose plants. Saplings of various plants are available at reasonable price. The entrance ticket will be Rs. 2/- for adult and Rs 10 /- for Camera.

Kiliyur Falls:
3 km from the Yercaud Lake and should be visited after the South West or North East Monsoon. The surplus water from the Yercaud Lake and the other reaches of the Shevaroys Hills fall deep into the Kiliyur Valley in a breath taking 300 feet fall.

Kottachedu Teak Forest:
The hills tribes who cultivated these lands are said to have abandoned this area after plague struck the area. These lands utilized by the Government for Teak Wood plantation. Vaniar River passes through this Teak forest and leads to the Vaniar Dam. Bisons are frequently seen in the Teak Forest. 11 km from town.

Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat :
This is a cluster of Rocks on the South West of the Yercaud hills over looking the ghat road and the town of Salem to the South. There is a natural rock formation in the form of a seat where reportedly a white English Lady spent her evenings viewing the magnificent panorama.

Monfort School:
School was established in 1917. Its vast campus with attractive buildings, spacious play grounds, well planned and beautiful gardens, and a swimming pool which is the envy of all the schools in the South. Ph : 04281-222228.

Pagoda Point:
This lies on the Eastern side of the Yercaud hills and is also known as Pyramid Point. The name comes from the hill tribes having made four piles of random stones in a Pagoda or Pyramid formation reportedly to mark some event. Today there is a Rama Temple which lies between these Pagodas. One can get a grand view of Attur and Ayothiapattinam from this picnic spot. 5 km from town.

Retreat:
The Retreat belongs to a Religious Society founded by St. Don Bosco (1815-1888). The Saint wanted his spiritual son, popularly known as Salesians of Don Bosco, to work for the poor land abandoned youth through schools, technical institutes, agricultural and trade schools. The Retreat serves as a Novitiate house where students of the religious order stay and study.

The Big Lake (Boating) :
The first thing one sees as you enter the Yercaud town is this placid lake in a wonderful surrounding of hills and natural shoals. It has boating facility. This lake is the only natural lake among all the hill station lakes in the South. The lake is surrounded by a “Deer Park” and “leisure park” and “Tamilnadu Hotel”. Boat services are available at reasonable rate. You have to pay the same amount as caution deposit. Ph: 04281-222273.

Shevarayan Temple:
The Shevarayan is a flat-topped hill with a plateau. The view from the summit on all sides is magnificent, one looks down on a mass of mountains and hills far and near, with the plains spread out like a map between the Shevarayans and the nearest hills. The Yercaud town and Nagalur is well seen from this hill. The Shervarayan Temple is situated at the top of this hill. It is dedicated to Lord Shervaroyan. The temple itself is a narrow and dark cave and seated inside are god Shervarayan and goddess Kaveri representing the Shervaroyan Hills and the river Kaveri. The annual festival in the month of May is a colour event in which thousands of tribal people of the hill take part.

Silk Farm & Rose Garden :
One can see the cultivation of Mulberries, the growing of silk worms and the method of spinning silk. The Rose Garden - one can see a good collection of colourful Roses and also purchase nursery plants from here 2 km from town.

Tipperary View Point:
One can reach this southern most view point of Yercaud by taking the Tipperary Road. From there one can see the Elephant Tooth Rocks. Which are reportedly said to be the remanents of a meteorite which fell to earth. It is pure white rock compared to the Black Granite available on these hills. The Estate adjoining known as Tipperary Estate was once a posh hotel catering to the elite of British India from 1930 to 1940. The night view from this spot-with the lights of Salem in the distance is mesmerizing. 2 km from town.

Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple :
This is said to be the goddess of all gods in the Hindu Pantheon and by praying to her one can attain wealth and prosperity and be elevated to higher levels of spirituality.

The Grange :
This is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud, built some time in the 1820s MD Cockburn the then Collector established the first commercial plantation in this area and planted Coffee, Oranges, Apples and other fruit trees brought from South Africa.

White Elephant Tooth :
One is located on the Southern Spur of the Shevaroys below the villages of Guntur and the other is located in the east overlooking the Ghat road, above the 60' bridge. The larger one next to Guntur has two rocks about 120' high and consists of pure white quartz, which is in stark contrast to the greenery around and the black of the granite available around. 9 km from town, it is a days trek up and down.

Yercaud Town :
The Yercaud town is situated at an altitude of 4700 feet. The Taluk headquarters is located in Yercaud. The town has a number of seminaries and convents where brothers and sisters of various religious orders have their training schools. The Monfort School and Sacred Heart Convent are famous in the country. There is a large native Shandy (bazaar) every Sunday and a smaller one on Wednesdays, where vegetables (Chiefly native produce) and fruits are sold.

No comments:

Post a Comment

iii