Thirumoorthy Dam is situated near the town of Udumalpet in the Western Ghats region of Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu. It is built across the Thirumoorthy River, which is a tributary of the Bhavani River. The dam and its surroundings are known for their scenic beauty, nestled amidst lush forests and rolling hills.

Purpose of the Thirumoorthy Dam:

The primary function of the Thirumoorthy Dam is to store water. It collects and retains water from the Thirumoorthy River, which is a tributary of the Bhavani River. The stored water is used for various purposes, including irrigation and drinking water supply to the surrounding areas.

The controlled release of water from the dam helps in sustaining crops and farming activities, which are crucial for the local economy and food production.

Some dams are equipped with hydropower generation facilities. While not all dams generate electricity, it’s possible that the Thirumoorthy Dam may have such a purpose, contributing to the regional power supply.

Boating in Thirumoorthy Dam:

Boating at Thirumoorthy Dam is a popular recreational activity that allows visitors to enjoy the serene and picturesque surroundings while cruising on the dam’s reservoir.

1.Types of Boats: Visitors can typically choose from different types of boats for their boating experience. These may include rowboats, paddleboats, and motorized boats, depending on the facilities available at the dam. The choice of boat often depends on your preference and the type of experience you desire.

2. Scenic Beauty: Boating at Thirumoorthy Dam offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The dam is nestled in the Western Ghats, and the lush greenery, rolling hills, and pristine waters create a tranquil and breathtaking atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for nature lovers and photographers.

3. Reservoir Exploration: Boating allows you to explore the reservoir formed by the dam. This expansive water body is not only functional but also adds to the natural beauty of the area. You can leisurely navigate the reservoir and appreciate the beauty of the Western Ghats from a different vantage point.

Bird Watching in Thirumoorthy Dam:

The Western Ghats region, where Thirumoorthy Dam is located, is a hotspot for bird species. The lush forests, hills, and water bodies create a suitable habitat for a wide range of birds. Birdwatchers can expect to spot various resident and migratory bird species.

Commonly sighted bird species at Thirumoorthy Dam include kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks, darters, cormorants, parakeets, bulbuls, and various species of waterfowl. Depending on the season and local habitat, you may also spot raptors, flycatchers, warblers, and other woodland birds.

Trekking and Adventure in Thirumoorthy dam:

Trekking and adventure activities in and around Thirumoorthy Dam provide an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the pristine beauty of the Western Ghats and experience an adrenaline rush.

The trek to Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is a well-known adventure trail. It typically involves a moderately challenging hike through the forest to reach the waterfalls. The journey offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats and culminates in the spectacular sight of Thirumoorthy Waterfalls. The trek allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool at the base of the falls.

Depending on the available facilities, adventure enthusiasts may also engage in activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining in the surrounding hills and forests. These activities can add an element of thrill to your adventure at Thirumoorthy Dam.

The Thirumoorthy Temple:

The Thirumoorthy Temple, also known as Thirumoorthy Malai Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Murugan (Lord Subramanya). The Thirumoorthy Temple is a place of worship where devotees come to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.

Visiting Hours of the Thirumoorthy Dam:

The Thirumoorthy Dam is open from 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

How to reach Thirumoorthy Dam:

By Air: To reach Thirumoorthy Dam, you can opt for air travel, with the closest major airport being Coimbatore International Airport, situated approximately 65 kilometers away. From the airport, you have the convenience of hiring a taxi or taking a bus to reach Thirumoorthy Dam.

By Train: Another viable mode of transportation is by train, with Pollachi Junction being the nearest railway station, approximately 40 kilometers away from Thirumoorthy Dam. Pollachi is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and various regions of India. Once you arrive at Pollachi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to complete your journey to the dam.

By Road: Thirumoorthy Dam boasts excellent road connectivity. You can efficiently navigate the road network to reach your destination. If you’re traveling by car or bus, consider these approximate road routes:

• From Coimbatore: Head south on the NH83 highway in the direction of Pollachi. Upon reaching Pollachi, follow the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach Thirumoorthy Dam.
• From Palakkad, Kerala: Travel east on the NH544 towards Pollachi. Upon arriving in Pollachi, take the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach your destination.
• From Tiruppur: Take the SH21 highway south towards Palladam and Pollachi. Once you reach Pollachi, proceed on the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach Thirumoorthy Dam.

Ramanathapuram district is a renowned eco-tourism destination. This lush forest is teeming with diverse mangrove species and aquatic flora, offering a perfect haven for enthusiasts of the natural world. Within this enchanting ecosystem, visitors have the opportunity to partake in kayaking, snorkeling, and boating services, immersing themselves in the captivating beauty of the mangrove forests.

Image Attribution : furious.feet

Karangadu Mangrove Forest:

Mangrove forests, with their unique blend of land and water, are vital coastal ecosystems. These forests serve as nurseries for various marine species and provide a natural barrier against coastal erosion and storm surges. Karangadu, in particular, stands out for its lush greenery and vibrant wildlife.

The mangrove ecosystem provides a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Towering mangrove trees with their characteristic stilt-like roots line the waterways. These intricate root systems not only stabilize the shoreline but also provide habitat and refuge for numerous bird species, crabs, and small fish.

Karangadu Boating Experience:

The highlight of a visit to Karangadu Mangrove Forest is the boating experience. Visitors can embark on a peaceful journey through the forest’s labyrinthine waterways. These boat rides offer an up-close encounter with the unique ecosystem of the mangroves, allowing for an immersive experience with nature.

As you glide through the narrow water channels, you’ll witness a breathtaking panorama of serene beauty. The calm waters mirror the dense canopy of mangrove trees, creating a tranquil, reflective ambiance. The symphony of bird calls fills the air, and if you’re lucky, you may spot various avian species, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers, gracefully perched on the tree branches or wading through the shallow waters.

The boatmen who guide these excursions are often locals who possess a deep understanding of the mangroves. They can provide valuable insights into the ecosystem, the wildlife, and the conservation efforts in place to protect this invaluable environment. The boating admission fee is set at ₹200, with the provision of life jackets to ensure the safety of all tourists.

Preserving Karangadu’s Natural Beauty:

Preservation efforts are essential to protect the Karangadu Mangrove Forest. Conservation initiatives have been established to maintain the delicate balance of this ecosystem. These include rules and regulations to minimize the ecological impact, such as no littering, no disturbance to the wildlife, and the prohibition of motorized boats.

Visitors are strongly urged to show respect for the environment and faithfully follow these guidelines, thereby safeguarding the opportunity for future generations to continue savoring the beauty of Karangadu.

Transportation Facilities:

Karangadu Mangrove Forest is accessible through a variety of transportation options, and here are the directions to reach this natural wonder:

• The closest airport is situated in Madurai, approximately 170 kilometers from the forest. From Madurai, you can opt for a taxi or use public transportation to make your way to Karangadu.
• When traveling by train, you’ll want to head to the closest railway station situated in Ramanathapuram, approximately 40 kilometers from Karangadu Mangrove Forest. Once you arrive at the station, you can easily secure a taxi or make use of local transportation options to complete your journey to the forest.
• Traveling by road to Karangadu is a breeze, thanks to its excellent road network. Whether you prefer private taxis, rental cars, or local buses, you have multiple options for reaching the forest from nearby towns and cities like Ramanathapuram or Madurai. The forest is easily accessible through a well-maintained road system.

Location and Overview of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the third-largest tiger reserve in the state.It was declared a tiger reserve in 2011, and since then, it has gained recognition as one of the most vital and ecologically diverse regions in southern India.
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India. The reserve is situated at the merging point of both the Western and Eastern Ghats, covering an area of 1,408.6 km².

Home for the Majestic Tiger:

One of the primary reasons for the reserve’s establishment was to protect and conserve the tiger population. The reserve is home to a significant number of Bengal tigers, a critically endangered species. These magnificent creatures roam freely in this natural haven, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat.

Conservation of the Tiger:

The tiger population in the reserve increased from 25 individuals in 2011 to 80 individuals in 2018. In recognition of its remarkable growth in tiger population, the reserve was honored with the prestigious TX2 award by the World Wide Fund in collaboration with wildlife conservation agencies in 2022.

Visiting hours of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

The visiting hours for the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve are as follows:

• Morning Batch: 7:30 am to 10:00 am
• Afternoon Batch: 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

How to reach Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport (103.2 km away). From where the taxi can be hired to reach the reserve.The nearest railway station is the Erode Railway station (90.8 km away).Bus, Taxis and rental cars can be used to reach the sanctuary if travelled by Road.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, approximately 85 kilometers south of Chennai, the state capital and 10 km from Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing world of avian biodiversity.

Description of Karikili Bird Sanctuary:

• The Karikili Bird Sanctuary comprises two rain-fed, non-perennial irrigation tanks surrounded by low ridged rocky hillocks.
• The area is blanketed by rice fields and thicketed woodlands.
• More than 100 types of birds can be seen inside the sanctuary.
• The Sanctuary serves as a critical habitat for both migratory and resident birds, providing them with shelter, food, and a safe breeding ground./li>
• Some of the prominent bird species that can be spotted in Karikili Bird Sanctuary include: Painted Stork, Spot-billed pelican, Grey Heron, Little Egret, White Ibis, Indian Cormorant and Osprey.

Conservation Efforts:

Local authorities, along with conservation organizations, are actively involved in preserving this natural treasure. Habitat Restoration, Eco-Tourism, Research and monitoring, Community engagement are some of the initiatives for safeguarding the delicate balance of the Karikili Bird Sanctuary.

Visiting Hours and Entry fee:

The visiting hours of the Karikili Bird Sanctuary is from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The entry fee for adult is Rs. 10, children are Rs. 5, additional fee Rs. 25 is charged to capture the beautiful moments with a still camera and fee of Rs.150 for using video camera.

Access to the Sanctuary :

• The nearest airport to the bird sanctuary is Chennai International Airport From there, you can take a taxi or use regular bus services from different bus depots across Chennai, Tambaram, and Chengalpattu.
• The nearest railway station to the bird sanctuary is Chengalpattu Railway station, from where you can use road transports to reach the sanctuary.
• Taxi or buses can be used to reach the sanctuary if travelled by road.

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is a protected area situated near Thirupattur in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu, India. It earned its official sanctuary status in June 1977 and spans an area of approximately 0.384 square kilometers. The sanctuary encompasses three key irrigation tanks: periya kollukudi patti, chinna kollukudi patti, and vettangudi patti.

Winter wonderland for migratory birds:

Vettangudi bird sanctuary is famous for its diverse avian population, especially during the winter months when it turns into a natural haven for migratory birds. The sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, including Grey Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, White Ibis, Asian Open Bill Storks, Night Herons, Painted Storks, Little Cormorants, Little Egrets, Intermediate Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Common Teals, Spot Bill Ducks, and Pintails. It provides a safe environment for these birds to rest, breed, and find food.

The Serene Beauty of the Sanctuary :

The sanctuary is surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and hikers. Visitors to the Sivaganga – Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary can enjoy the peaceful and beautiful environment while watching different bird species in their natural home.

Visting Hours and Entry fee of the Sanctuary:

The sanctuary is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week. The entry fee at Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is ₹25 for adults and ₹5 for children. Moreover, there is a ₹10 parking fee, along with a ₹25 camera usage fee.

How to reach Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary:

• For those arriving by air, Madurai Airport is the closest, located approximately 51 kilometers away.
• Train travelers can access the sanctuary via Karaikudi Railway Station (32 kilometers away) or Madurai Railway Station (51 kilometers away).
• Road access is also available for those who prefer to journey by car or bus

Kodaikanal – The Princess of Hill Stations

Kodaikanal is a lovely lake town situated near Palani in the hills of Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is popularly known as “The Princess of Hill Stations”. The name Kodaikanal in Tamil means “The Gift of the Forest”. However, the name has four more possible interpretations based on how it is pronounced in Tamil language. It is referred to as “a place to see in the summer” owing to its pleasant climate. It could also mean “the end of the forest” in a geographical sense as it is at the summit of Palani Hills. The place is also stated to mean “the forest of creepers/wine”

Major Attractions in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal offers an array of places to visit according to one’s likings and preferences. Some of the major tourist attractions of Kodaikanal are:

Kodaikanal Lake

The Kodaikanal lake is an artificially created lake built in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry. The lake covering 24-hectare is bordered by a 5 kilometre path. Boating, horse-rides, cycling, and a stroll along the lake are the highlights of this place.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park was landscaped by a British Army Officer, Glen Bryant. It is a well maintained botanical garden found east of the lake and 500 meters from the bus stand. It covers an area of 20.5 acres. The park is open throughout the year and offers a rainbow of flowers and ornamental plants. The Flower Show conducted during the month of May every year is a real treat for the eyes.

Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal

Running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodaikanal is the 1-kilometre paved pedestrian path called the Coaker’s Walk, named after Lt. Coaker. It is at a distance of 500 meters from the bus stand. The place assures one of the best views extending to the Dolphin’s Nose in the south, the valley of Pambar River in the southeast, and the town of Periyakulam and Madurai.

Pine Tree Forest, Kodaikanal

Found southwest of Kodaikanal, Pine Forest is yet another prominent tourist spot of Kodaikanal. Here, one can witness the myriad of pine trees aligned to as far as our vision goes. The pine plantations was started by Mr. Bryant in the year 1906. Photographers and nature enthusiasts would simply love this place. Scenes from various Indian movies have been shot here.

Poombarai Village (Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple)

The scenic village of Poombarai is 15 kilometres from Kodaikanal bus stand. At the heart of Poombarai village is Kudhanthai Velappar Temple which comes under the administration of Palani Temple. The temple houses the shrine of Lord Murugan in standing posture and has a history of over three thousand years.

Green Valley View

The Green Valley View formerly called the Suicide Point is a little more than 5 kilometres from the bus stand. It offers a breathtaking view of the Vaigai Dam to the south. The valley below this point is very deep and goes down to around 5000 ft.

Shenbaganur Museum Kodaikanal

The museum also known as Fauna Flora Museum was established in 1895. It is at a distance of around 5 kilometres from the Lake. Tourists can witness over 300 species of exotic orchids and a phenomenal taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects. It’s a place best suited for people inclined towards science and facts.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum

Located 6 kilometres from the bus stand on Observatory Road at 2343 meters is the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum. A grand panorama of Kodaikanal through the Terrestrial Telescope, the popular Astronomical Science Museum, Astronomy Library are some of the captivating attributes of this place.

Pillar Rocks View Point

A set of three giant pillars standing 122 meters high, 8 kilometres from the bus stand are the Pillar Rocks Viewpoint. The beautiful view from the rocks makes it a crowded place. You could also visit the public garden adjacent to the view point.

Guna Caves, Kodaikanal

Deep narrow chambers between the three giant Pillar Rocks is the Devil’s Kitchen, now known as the Guna Caves (named after the Tamil movie Guna). Its mystery and adventure has led to many tragic incidents in the past and hence entry inside the cave is now prohibited.

Silver Cascade Waterfalls, Kodaikanal

Experience a refreshing environment at the Silver Cascade Waterfalls. At a distance of 8 kilometres from Kodaikanal, this waterfall was formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal lake. It is a perfect stop-over to have a break while on your journey from Kodaikanal to Madurai.

Dolphin’S Nose View Point

A quiet retreat to experience the beautiful valley of Kodaikanal at its best would be The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint. This viewpoint, as the name suggests, is based on a flat and protruding piece of rock similar to a dolphin’s nose. It’s a splendid way to experience the peace and tranquility in the atmosphere of a hill station.

Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple

This Murugan temple, situated 4 kilometres from the bus stand, refers to Lord Murugan as the “God of Hill”. The area surrounding the temple is famous for Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years. You could have an amazing view of Palani and Vaigai Dam from this temple.

Berijam Lake

This viewpoint is 21 kilometres South West of Kodaikanal Lake. It is a reservoir that hosts many species of animals, birds, plants and fishes. Entry is restricted by the Forest Department between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. It’s a perfect place for bird watching, amiable photography and for some quiet nature time.

Things to do in Kodaikanal

Apart from spending time in nature’s lap, Kodaikanal offers a host of other recreational activities such as cycling, pony rides, boating, trekking and angling. Ensure a safe and enjoyable trek with our comprehensive trekking gear checklist. Tourists can also shop for some quality Eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, plums and pears and woolen clothing.

Ideal time to visit Kodaikanal

You can visit Kodaikanal anytime during the year as the temperature is always moderate, however the best time would be in the months of April to June, September and October. Watch out for the Summer Festival that takes place every year in the month of May.

How to reach Kodaikanal

Buses are available from Madurai Aarappalayam bus stand and Batlagundu. Frequent buses are also available from Palani, Kodairoad and Dindigul. The nearest Railway Stations to Kodaikanal are – Palani Railway Station in the north (64 kilometres) , Kodaikanal Road Station down south (80 kilometres), Dindigul Junction in the east (100 kilometres) and Madurai Junction nearly to the east (114 kilometres). The nearest Airports are in Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli and Tuticorin.

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Ooty – The Queen of Hill Stations

The beautiful town of Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. It’s fascinating gardens and cottages, beautiful lakes and waterfalls, vast stretches of grasslands, lofty mountainous peaks and frosty weather makes it a lovely blend of adventure, beauty and romance.

Places to visit in Ooty

The small town of Ooty offers galore of attractive destinations.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens attract tourists from all over the world. The garden has an explicit collection of flowers, trees, beautiful shrubs and coloured lilies.

Ooty Lake & Boat House

Ooty Lake is behind the Central Bus stand and near to Ooty Railway station. Local ponies for jolly rides, boat races, children park, deer park are the means of entertainment for the visitors.

Rose Centenary Garden

Laid on 10 acres of land, situated in the heart of Ooty town is the enchanting Rose Centenary Garden. It is maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. Its prominent features include the unusual colours and collection of roses that will simply captivate your senses. “Nila Maadam” is located in a spot from where visitors can see the entire rose garden.

Pykara Lake & Pykara Boat House

Pykara village is 19 kilometres from Ooty. Pykara Lake is a clean and scenic lake located between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and crowd.

Shooting Spots

The picturesque meadows found at 6 and 9 miles from Ooty town are the well-known Shooting Spots. This location has been a preferred location for Indian movies. A calm lake alongside the route leading to the viewpoint, surrounded by mountains and aligned by huge trees makes it an excellent picnic spot.

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake derives its name from it being formed naturally due to a landslide back in 1823. This stunning spot is located at about 28 kilometres from Ooty. The lush green hillside landscape with clear water all around makes it a unique experience for tourists, especially for nature lovers.

Belikkal Lake

Belikkal lake is a popular tourist destination in Ooty. Spotting elephant, deer and tiger around the lake is very common, it being the source of drinking water for the wildlife living in the surrounding forest. It is also a nice spot for bird watching. Tourists can engage in trekking and hiking near the lake with the help of a proper guide.

Upper Bhavani Lake

A perfect getaway at around 48 kilometres from Ooty is the Upper Bhavani Lake. For people looking out for indulgence with nature, do not miss out on visiting the Upper Bhavani lake.

Sim’s Park

Sim’s Park is named after Mr. J.D. Sim, a former Secretary to the Government, who laid out the garden in 1874. The place has an exotic garden with many unique species of plants and shrubs. Tourists can witness the Annual Fruits and Vegetables show held every year in the month of May.

Nilgiris Mountain Railway

The Nilgiris Mountain Railway was built by the British in 1908. It is a 1000 mm metre gauge railway operated by the Southern Railway The train covers a distance of 26 kilometres connecting Ooty and Mettupalayam.
In July 2005, UNESCO declared the Nilgiris Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The train ride is a real delight to experience the tranquility and scenic atmosphere of Ooty.

Doddapetta Peak

Doddapeta meaning “a big mountain” is the highest peak located at 2637 meters in the Nilgiris Mountains. It is at a distance of 10 kilometres from Ooty covered by a reserved forest area around its peak. One could get an amazing view of the whole district from ‘The Telescopic House’ set up by the Tourism Department.

The Tea Factory & Tea Museum

The perfect aroma of tea could be found in Nilgiris District, home to the largest tea growing belts in India. Dodabetta Tea Factory at Coonoor was founded in 2005 and spreads out over an area of 1 acre of land. Adjacent to the Dodabetta Tea Factory is the Tea Museum.

Emerald Lake

Another very prominent tourist spot at Ooty is the Emerald Lake, located in Silent Valley in the Nilgiris District. It has a wonderful sun rise and sunset view and variety of birds in the locale. An ideal place for lovers of photography to soak in the natural beauty.

Things to do in Ooty:

Apart from visiting the spectacular locations, experiencing the joy of boating and the fun ride in the Nilgiri Mountain toy train, tourists also have the option of engaging in other entertaining activities such as fishing, golfing, horse racing and trekking. You could go shopping for handicrafts and woolen clothes. Homemade chocolates, tea, and spices are also very famous in Ooty.

Ideal time to visit Ooty

Ooty has a pleasant climate between the months of March to June. This constitutes the peak season for tourists to visit Ooty as you can venture out for sightseeing and have fun.

How to reach Ooty?

Ooty is well connected by road to major cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysore, Calicut. By rail, Ooty is connected to Mettupalayam by narrow gauge and going forward is connected to Coimbatore. The nearest airport is Coimbatore at a distance of 104 kilometres.

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Atop Shevaroy Hills in the northern part of Tamil Nadu is Yercaud Hill Station. It is at a distance of 30 kilometers from Salem. Yercaud is often referred to as the Jewel of the South. Yercaud gets its name from Yercaud Lake – “Yeri” meaning lake and “Kaadu” meaning forest in Tamil. It is greatly renowned for its magnificent beauty, lush green ambience, endemic wildlife and coffee plantations.

Yercaud hill station is situated in the Shevaroys Range of hills with an altitude of 1623mts and the highest point being the Sevarayan Temple at 5,325 feet. Just 28 km away from Salem, Yercaud is filled with scenic beauty that is totally enchanting.

Major Attractions in Yercaud

Yercaud Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens at Yercaud gives us the feel of fresh air and fragrance of flowers. Botanical Survey of India maintains an Orchidarium in Yercaud.

Yercaud Lake, Yercaud Big Lake

Yercaud Lake is a major tourist attraction. The picturesque water body is surrounded by gardens and forest area. Boating in the lake would be an unforgettable experience.

Pagoda Point, Yercaud

This place also called the Pyramid Point based on an arrangement of rocks in four piles built by the local tribes. The Pagoda Point is located on the Eastern part of Yercaud, at a distance of 5 kilometers from Yercaud Lake.

Shevaroy Temple

Located atop the Shevaroy Hills is the Shevaroy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan and Goddess Kaveri. It is believed that this narrow cave temple’s bottom touches river Kaveri. Tribals around the region and pilgrims from all over the world gather here during the Annual Festival celebration in the month of May.

Killiyur Falls

An idyllic place to visit in Yercaud during the monsoon season would be Killiyur Waterfalls. It is 3 kilometers from the Yercaud Lake.

Anna Park, Yercaud

Another prominent place to visit in Yercaud is Anna Park, located near the lake. It has a collection of the natural species of trees and plants seen around Shevaroy Hills.
Tourists gather during Flower Show conducted in the month of May every year. The thrilling Japanese garden inside the park makes it worth a visit.

Lady’s Seat, Yercaud

Present in the form of a seat, are a group of rocks located on the Yercaud Hills, the names of which are Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat. Lady’s Seat overlooks the winding ghat road and provides an enthralling view of Salem.

Things to do in Yercaud

Yercaud is famous for coffee, citrus fruits like oranges, pears, banana, and jackfruits, etc.

Tourists can benefit from the salubrious climate of Yercaud anytime during the year. It is also a good spot for trekking, bird watching and to relish the fairs and festivals during summer season. Plan your next adventure with our ultimate trekking gear guide.

Ideal time to visit

The ideal time to visit Yercaud is from October to June. It usually takes 1-2 days to visit all the places in Yercaud.

How to reach Yercaud

Yercaud has frequent buses running between Salem and Yercaud. The nearest rail head is Salem Junction which is 31 kilometres from Yercaud. Salem is well connected to all the major cities in India. The closest Airport is at Salem (38 kilometres), Tiruchirapalli (165 kilometres) and Coimbatore (195 kilometres).

Semmozhi Poonga or Semmozhi Park is a botanical garden in Chennai situated on the Mount Road junction. It was set up and maintained by the horticulture department of Govt. of Tamil Nadu. It was opened to the public in November 2010 by then chief minister Dr.M.Karunanidhi. It is the first botanical garden in the city. It was set up with millions of cost on importing exotic species of plants and the park currently has more than 500 species of plants. In fact, green thumbs can rejoice at the effort they’ve put in to cataloging each of the species and placing placards with their scientific names next to them.

There’s tall trees, small groves, lush vines, exotic flowers like orchids, green lawns. In the course of the construction, the garden has received nearly ₹ 800,000 worth plants from China. The arch near the entrance plaza is a vertical garden which is a unique feature of the botanical garden. The vertical garden, with an inbuilt irrigation and drain system for easy maintenance, is 22 feet long and 14 feet high intended to improve the scenic beauty of the park at the entrance.

A butterfly garden near the cascade fountains along the Anna flyover has been carved up into the shape of a butterfly, with flowering plants of more than 30 species completely fenced.

It is an ideal place for a family day out. which makes sense because the pretty walkways, chirping birds, and overall calm is inviting and there’s plenty of nice places to take photos. It is also great for a walk or a run in the morning, or for a post-work de-stressing stroll while sunset. Ticket prices are fairly nominal with an adult ticket costing INR 15. INR 25 fee for carrying a professional camera.

If a picnic is what you’re thinking, be advised that you’re not allowed to bring outside food/drink into the park. There is, however, a small food court inside the park that you can eat at or buy food from. Kids have their own playground with swings, slides, scaffolding to climb on and a sandpit to play in.

There is a small pond/tank, a fountain and a rock-garden (with water falling down some rocks). In the center of the garden, there’s a small open-air stadium/amphitheater to host social and cultural functions. It is a must-visit place if you’re willing to spend time with nature. It is a place to spend a lazy evening in a calm atmosphere and a decent crowd.

Mettur Dam – Salem

Mettur Dam situated in Salem is one of the largest dams in India and is the largest dam as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned.

With a capacity of 93tmcft, it caters to the water needs of Tamil Nadu for drinking and other purposes. Constructed across the river Cauvery, in the year 1935, it creates the Stanley reservoir and the construction of the dam took 9 long years to be completed. The maximum height and width of the Dam are 214 and 171 feet respectively.

The maximum storage height is 120 feet. With all that, the Mettur dam has two hydroelectric power stations which are big and was constructed during the British rule and the other one was constructed by the Indian Republic.

The dam is surrounded by hills, a park called Ellis Park etc., which has made the place the best place to visit in Salem.

Hogenakal Falls is close to this Dam. Mettur Dam is two times larger than the KRS dam located in Karnataka that was built by Sir M. Vishveswaraiah. Visit the place and explore the area for your reviews. If you visit during the monsoon season, you can spend more time to see around.

Mettur Dam Park

Mettur Park is located below the foot of the Mettur dam. Maintenance is very good, more games there and Kids will love it.