Kongu Nadu (Kongu Mandalam)

Adiyogi: Consecrated and designed by Sadhguru, Founder, IshaFoundation, the iconic 112ft face of Adiyogi - the Source of Yoga at Isha Yoga Center is the largest face on the planet. Isha Yoga Center is situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains and is the headquarters for Isha Foundation. Adjacent to the Isha Yoga Center is LingaBhairavi – an exuberant expression of the Divine Feminine, fierce and compassionate at once. Masaniamman Temple: Masaniamman, the Village God, is the Family Deity for many. It is located at the backdrop of Anamalai hence it is popularly called as Anaimalai Masaniamman Koil. Pollachi: Tender and ripe coconuts are sent to different parts of the country from here. Hence it is called “Coconut City” too. Asia’s largest Jaggery market is located here. This area has a pleasant climate due to its proximity to the Western Ghats. Popular Mariamman and Lord Subramanya temple is the religious attraction of this town. Annamalai Wildlife sanctuary: It is located at an altitude of 1400 meters at the Top Slip. Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Pangolin, Black Headed Oriole, Green Pigeon and Civet cat can be seen in this Sanctuary. Karian and Anaikunthi Sholas, Grass Hills, Waterfalls, Groves, Teak forests, Estates, Dams and Reservoirs add beauty to Anamalai Hills and attract visitors in large numbers. Elephant Safari and Van services are available at the Top slip to take the tourists around the Sanctuary. Parambikulam – Aliyar Dam project: Parambikulam Dam though it is in Kerala, was built during Kamarajar Rule and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It ranks number one in India as well as in the top ten embankment dams in the world in terms of water volume. Aliyar Dam is a charming location surrounded by Annamalai Hills with wonderful natural views. There is a well-maintained park built at bottom of the Dam. The view of the Anamalai range around the reservoir is a feast for the eyes and the view of the coconut groves from the top of the dam is amazing. Top slip is a picturesque locale in the Anamalai hills. It is about 37 km away from Pollachi. This small town is an ideal picnic spot. The best season to visit the Anamalais is between April and June. The nearest railway station is Pollachi. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: there are so many tourist attractions. Tourists can explore nature and natural sites without any restrictions. The ecotourism packages of the Parambikulam Tiger reserve are well formatted to make nature lovers appreciate how precious is our nature and wildlife. Parambikulam Forest is a paradise for nature lovers and tourists who likes to explore and get to know nature along with various activities

Monkey Falls: It is a refreshing natural fall that attracts both children and Elders. Valparai: Valparai route has 40 hairpin bends. It is a Hill Station located at an altitude of 3500ft on the Anamalai Hills Range of the Western Ghats landscaped with Tea Plantations, remaining area is the out-of-bound virgin forest zone. Solaiyar Dam: second largest rock dam in Asia. This is the deepest dam with a storage capacity of 165 ft. The Solaiyar dam is split into two reservoirs. One is called the Upper Solaiyar dam with access and the other is called the Lower Solaiyar Dam deep in the Jungle. Nirar Dam: Valparai is utilised for both irrigation and hydroelectric power production. There is a famous waterfall situated near this dam, which resembles the Silver Cascade Waterfalls in Kodaikanal. Balaji Temple was built and maintained by the Peria Karamalai Tea industries. Pujas are formed as per Tirupati Balaji Temple Traditions. The Sidhi Vinyagr Temple is 5 km from Valparai built and maintained by Jaya Tea Industries and people visit this temple regularly. Vellamalai Tunnel River: One of the most tranquil places to visit in Valparai is the Vellamalai Tunnel River, which is locally known as the Koolangal River. The freshwater of the river is clean and pure and is ideal for swimming, relaxing and taking in the views. You should come here during sunset to watch the sun's rays descend over the waters. It is also very beautiful during dawn. Chinna Kallar Falls is a natural reservoir of fresh water and is mainly surrounded by narrow, rugged bushes. This region is also known as the theCherrapunji of South India as it receives the third-highest amount of rainfall in the country after Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. The area also attracts elephants and barking deer, but you have to be careful about the whereabouts of the wild animals since they roam freely near the waterfalls. The Birala Waterfalls, also known locally as the Birla Waterfalls, is one of the major Valparai attractions in the area. The stream of this waterfall originates in the springs located in the Grass Hills of the Valparai Ranges and is fed by the perennial Nadumalai River, which flows through Valparai. The Birala Waterfall is a very popular tourist destination for its scenic natural beauty and is a great location for avid photographers. Grass Hills National Park: Grass Hills National Park is a protected area in the Western Ghats, India, and a part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, forming its boundary with Eravikulam National Park in neighbouring Kerala state. The landscape is a combination of peaks and high plateaus above 2000m MSL composed of a montane shola grassland ecosystem that is unique to the higher ranges of the Western Ghats of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Nallamudi Poonjolai Viewpoint is located in one of the private tea estates, Nallamudi estate. On your way, you may see fresh elephant dung, pugmarks & droppings of leopards and bears that visit here regularly at night. Nallamudi Poonjolai offers an excellent view of Anaimudi peak (the tallest peak in south India located in Rajamalai National Park near Munnar), several waterfalls, tribal settlements and a valley that is over 1000 feet deep. Loam’s viewpoint is a beautiful viewpoint at an elevation of 780m above sea level located in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, in India. It's situated in the 9th hairpin bend towards Valparai from Pollachi on the Valparai Ghat Road. Akkamalai estate is a beautiful estate in which this estate looks full of grass. While the coming tourist can come to this place by first going to Balaji temple. Tiger Valley It provides a spectacular view of Kadamparai and the upper Azhiyar projects. Windmills situated on the plains can be a feast to the eyes. An exotic view of evergreen forest, Upper Aliyar Reservoir, Udumelpet Wind Mills, etc. Sri Ammanalingeswarar Temple is located on the hillock of Thirumoorthy Hills and nearer to Thirumoorthy Dam. There is a perennial stream and water near the Ammanalingeswarar Temple. Thirumoorthy Dam: The beautiful hills of Thirumoorthy are located near the Thirumoorthy Dam. These hills are known to have a huge rock which is worshipped as Thirumoorthy, along with a sculpture of a Jain priest. It is also a perfect place for tourists who love boating. Pancha linga waterfalls are situated near Udumalaipettai. This place is famous for meditation, waterfalls, temples and dams. Amaravathi Dam at Amaravathinagar is located in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in Tiruppur district. It is notable for the significant population of Mugger Crocodiles living in its reservoir and catchment basin. There is a well-laidout park where one may climb steep steps on the dam to have a picturesque view north of the plains below and south of the Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills above. Amaravathi Crocodile Farm The largest wild breeding population of Crocodiles in South India lives in the Amaravathy reservoir and in the Chinnar, Thennar and Pambar rivers that drain into it.

Palani: It is located at an altitude of 150m, 100 km from Coimbatore. One of the special Abode of Murugan is called Arupadaiveedu. Built by King Cheraman Peruman. Murugan is called as Dandayuthapani. The special feature of the main deity is that it is made of Nava Pashanam or Nine Herbal poison [processed - and poison removed]. It is one of the Sidha Elixirs available for us. Electrically-operated Winch service is available to transport devotees up the hill. Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are important festivals of this temple.Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and fauna. The hill has18 hairpin bends. Sirumalai Hills has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular destination. They are described below:Sirumalai Lake was artificially created in the year 2010. This lake here bordered by tall green trees. A boating facility is available too for those who want to slowly glide through the placid waters of the lake. Boating is available in the lake mostly during the weekends when there is enough water in it. Observation Tower located on the seventeenth Hair Pin Bend offers a place for a stopover. At this point, there is nothing better you can do other than enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery below. Sanjeevani Hills The hill became famous when Lord Hanuman had to search for a certain herb, to cure Lord Laxmanan. This Hill is part of Sirumalai Hills. Vellimalai Murugan Temple The famous Lord Murugan temple (Vellimalai Murugan Temple) is located in the mountain which is away from 45 minutes of climbing over the valley. Khandige Estate Surrounded by about 20-30,000 Acres of reserve forest, this estate has a natural wealth of flora and fauna, particularly medicinal plants, which have been left primarily untouched. Selvi Koil Point The place offers a panoramic view of Dindigul and Chinnamalai town. At dusk, the Selvi Koil Point unveils a view of the beautifully illuminated Dindigul and adjacent Chinnamalai town down below, which appear oval-shaped. Agastya Puram is located in Sirumalai Hills named after the prominent Agastya Siddhar. The area is surrounded by medicinal herbs and plants. Silver Hills, is the tallest hill in Sirumalai. The hill's silver glitter can be still seen in the sunlight. At the peak of this Silver hill is a 500-year-old Shiva Lingam, walk to the top of the hill is about 30 – 45 minutes.

Arulmigu Kalyana Pasupatheswarar Temple: Pasupatheeswarar Temple is the landmark of Karur City. A Group of sculptures representing Pasupatheeswarar Lingam, a milk oozing cow and a Rangamatha are adding more attraction to the temple. Chennimalai: It is an important handloom weaving centre in the Erode district. Close to this town, there is a temple on the top of a hill. Originally there was an idol of Subramanya with six faces here. Sivanmalai Temple is a unique Temple in Kangeyam. Many devotees displayed their belongings including, guns, Gold, Money, Sand, Water, Salt and much more. They also claimed that they got the expected result after the blessings. Kodumudi: The special feature of this town is Lord Siva Called Muchukundeswarar, Vishnu called Veera Narayan Perumal and Brahma are installed as Trinity, in the same temple complex. Thindal Murugan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu Temple of Thindal Murugan is one of the most popular travel places in Erode. Situated atop a hillock, 50 meters above the ground, one needs to climb 150 steps to reach the temple. This 750-year-old temple was the chief place of worship of the Kingdom of Mysore during yesteryears. Vellode Bird Sanctuary: If you are a nature lover, then the Vellode Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit tour in Erode you. Spread over an area of 77 hectares, the sanctuary lies slightly on the outskirts of the city. It is home to a lot of avifauna-including both resident and migratory ones. Bird watchers and nature lovers can have an awesome time here spotting pelicans, teals, darters and many more avifauna species. Kalingarayan Anicut is a dam constructed on the Bhavani river (a tributary of the Kaveri River) in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located just before Kooduthurai where Bhavani combines with Cauvery, in Bhavani. Bhavani: The Sangameshwarar Temple at Bhavani is located at the confluence of rivers Bhavani, Kaveri and ‘Agaya Gangai’ [invisible water source]. This is also called as the Triveni [confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswathy riverAllahabad] of the south. Also known as Kooduthurai among the locals. It originates from the Silent Valley of Kerala, crosses over other districts and towns and flows through this town.

Bargur Hills is a very serene and peaceful environment inside a dense forest. It is the perfect escape for hill and nature lovers. It is situated at 1200 MSL and it is the highest place at Thamaraikarai hill station. The Wildlife Safari is a must-experience here at midnight. A nature walk in the early morning is a must-do thing to experience the dawn beautifully. A magical destination for a holiday trip and weekend funs in this mighty hill land. Some of the places of interest are Thamaraikulam Pond, Eretty Waterfalls, Maniyachi Waterfalls, and Varatu Pallam Dam. Kodiveri Dam: It was constructed by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th Century. It has two channels called as “Arakan Kottai Channel” and “Thadapalli Channel”. Pariyur: Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, Amarapaneeswarar temple dedicated to Lord Siva and Adinarayanasamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu are the important temples of this town. Bannari: 300 years ago this was known as the Dhandanyakkan forest and it is popularly called “BANNARI”. Temple of Bannari Mariamman located here. Elephants, Wild pigs, Bears, Deer, Hares, Monkeys and Peacocks are found in the nearby forest area. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve has got a high diversity of flora and fauna owing to its location which is a confluence of Eastern and Western Ghats. Apart from Tigers, the region is noted for Elephants, Gaur, Black Buck, Four Horned Antelope, Leopard, Hyena, Wild dog, White Backed Vulture, a variety of primates, deers, civets, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fishes and other creatures. The Tiger Reserve area is rich in floral composition owing to its location. The region comprises 5 forest types which include primarily deciduous forest combined with Thorn forest, tropical hill forest and Riparian forest. Bhavani Sagar Dam: This dam has been built on the Bhavani River. It is one of the world’s largest earthen dams.