The Bannari Amman Temple, nestled near Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district, stands as a venerable shrine dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. This sacred place of worship venerates Goddess Mariamman as the deity of rain, often regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi.

History of Bannari Amman Temple:

The villagers of this area typically take their goats and cows to the nearby forest for grazing. Every morning, they drive the cows to graze, and in the evening, they return them to the stalls. The cows are milked twice a day, in the morning and evening, and the milk is given to the owner of each cow.The cowherd discovered that when a cow went to milk from a bar, it didn’t have a place to milk and couldn’t feed her calf.

The following day, he continued to follow the cow. Every day, He witnessed the cow pouring milk spontaneously at a specific location under a banyan tree surrounded by ganja grass. On seeing this event, the next day he told the details to the local villagers and the elders of the village and called them all and continued to follow the cow and showed the cow milking at a certain place (cow).

Everyone was mesmerized seeing this kind of event.While all the people were cleaning the place, they saw a mound surrounded by Kanang grass and near it Swayambulinga Thiruvuru under a banyan tree. Then they started praying the Thiruvuru as Bannari Amman.

Bannari Amman Temple Festivals:

Throughout the year, the temple hosts a multitude of festivals, with one of the most prominent being the Panguni Kundam festival, celebrated in March-April. This vibrant celebration draws lakhs of devotees from various directions. Notably, female devotees partake in the Thiruvilakku pooja on the last Friday of every Tamil month.

Bannari Amman Temple Timings:

Bannari Amman Temple is open from 06:00 AM to 12 :00 AM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM.

How to reach Bannari Amman Temple :

• Traveling by Air: For those considering air travel, the closest airport to Bannari Amman Temple is Coimbatore International Airport, situated at a distance of approximately 66.5 km.
• Traveling by Rail: If you prefer train travel, the closest railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station, situated approximately 45.8 km from Bannari Amman Temple.
• Traveling by Road: Bannari boasts excellent road connectivity to various major cities, ensuring convenient access to the temple through direct bus services.

Bannari Amman Temple Official Website:

The official website of bannari amman temple is https://bannarimariamman.hrce.tn.gov.in/.

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.

The Vellode Bird Sanctuary, situated near the temple town of Erode in Tamil Nadu, offers a picturesque setting for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. This sanctuary, established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India in 1996, spans approximately 0.3 square miles and is renowned for its diverse avian population. It is centered around the serene Periyakulam Lake, enhancing its appeal to visitors.

Unique Habitat of Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

• Setting it apart from other bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, the Vellode Bird Sanctuary is built around a tank rather than a woodland.
• This distinctive feature makes it an attractive destination for both migratory and non-migratory birds, providing them with rest, nesting sites, and a rich source of food.
• The sanctuary serves as a haven for thousands of birds, with migratory species arriving between October and December, while the monsoon season sees an abundance of fish, a vital food source for these avian visitors.

Community Conservation Efforts for Birds:

The Vellode Bird Sanctuary is surrounded by nearly eight villages whose residents have made a remarkable commitment to bird conservation.These communities have voluntarily refrained from celebrating Diwali with fireworks for over 15 consecutive years, recognizing the potential disturbance to the birds in the sanctuary.This inspiring initiative showcases the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region.

Visitor Experience at Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

• Visitors to the sanctuary are in for an enriching experience. They can indulge in birdwatching from observatory towers strategically placed around the sanctuary, gain insights into the avian species at the interpretation center, and relish a meal at the tourist canteen.
• The sanctuary staff also provide binoculars upon request, ensuring a more immersive birdwatching experience.
• The ideal time to visit is from November to February when the sanctuary teems with a wide array of bird species.
• Entry Fee to visit bird sanctuary is Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 1 per head for student groups and the visiting hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM.

How to reach Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

To reach the Vellode Bird Sanctuary, there are multiple transportation options.

• Travelers can take a bus from Erode bus station or hire a taxi from Erode Junction railway station.
• The Coimbatore International Airport, situated approximately 90 km away from Erode, offers convenient access for those arriving by air.

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

Narthamalai, a small town located 25 km from Trichy on the Trichy – Pudukottai highway in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. The town is renowned for the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple, an ancient temple constructed in the 9th century. This hidden gem is home to ancient rock-cut temples, lush landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Temples within Narthamalai cave complex – Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple:

• Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest stone temples in South India which showcases the Dravida style of architecture and rock-cut architecture.
• On the way here there is a headless lion. Also there is a Kudaivara temple cut for Lord Shiva at a depth of about 15 feet. Inside this sunai there is a beautiful lingam carved in a cave in the temple of Jirahareshwarar
• In the central hall of Narthamalai, there are six impressive and meticulously carved depictions of Lord Vishnu. A life-sized portrait of Lord Vishnu within the hall is bound to astonish visitors with the extraordinary skill, painstaking effort, and the considerable time invested in its creation.
• The Sattanathar Temple, the Thayumanaswamy Temple, and the Adinathar Temple are the other temples within the Narthamalai complex.

Architecture of Narthamalai Cave Temples:

• Rock-cut temples : These temples are carved out of natural rock formations, which allows for a harmonious blend of architecture with the surrounding environment.
• Intricate Carvings: The carvings depicted various deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings is a testament to the artistic prowess of the craftsmen of that era.
• Pillared Halls: The Pillared halls with beautiful carved columns were used for various religious ceremonies and gatherings.
• Frescoes: Some of the temples also have remnants of ancient frescoes on their walls and ceilings.
• inner sanctums: Inside the temples, visitors can explore the inner sanctums, which were once the focal points of religious activities. These sanctums often house the main deity of the temple and are considered sacred spaces.
• Gopurams (Entrance Towers):While the rock-cut temples do not have towering gopurams like traditional South Indian temples, they do feature modest entrance towers that are adorned with decorative elements, including sculptures and ornamental designs.

Natural Beauty of Narthamalai:

Narthamalai, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, is an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Hiking up the hills gives you beautiful views of the nearby countryside and a sense of peace and quiet, which is very different from the busy cities nearby.

How to reach Narthamalai:

Narthamalai is accessible from various nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Trichy, which has an airport and railway station. From Trichy, it’s approximately a two-hour drive to Narthamalai. Buses and taxis are readily available for the journey.

Ashta Lingams Temple is situated around the Arunachala Hill in Thiruvannamalai. Each of these temples is located around the octagonal perimeter reflected by the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. As per legend, it is believed that the cardinal points represent the vital aspects and qualities of life.

The Eight Temples

Arunachala hill is surrounded by eight Lingam Temples, each temple built in one of the eight directions. Moopanar Swamy played a vital role in the renovation and restoration of the Ashta Lingam Temples.

Temple located at the Cardinal Points:

• North – Kubera Lingam Temple
• East – Indra Lingam Temple
• West – Varuna Lingam Temple
• South – Yama Lingam Temple

Temple located at the Intercardinal Points:

• North West – Vayu Lingam Temple
• North East – Esanya Lingam Temple
• South West – Niruthi Lingam Temple
• South East – Agni Lingam Temple

Each of the Lingam is dominated by Navagrahas (the nine planetary deities) to whom they are associated with. It is believed that, by worshipping a particular Lingam, devotees receive blessings that are associated with the respective Navagraha. Here’s a look at each of the Ashta Lingam.

Kubera Lingam (North)

• The Kubera Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Kubera (The God of Wealth) and is located on the north side.
• The temple is located on the girivalam or circumambulation path around the Arunachala Hill.
• Kubera Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Brihaspati (Guru or Jupiter).
• Devotees are believed to be blessed with peace of mind and economical growth on worshipping this deity.

Indra Lingam (East)

• The Indra Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Indra (The God of Heaven) and is located on the east side.
• The temple is found on Car Street close to the eastern tower of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
• Indra Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deities – Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Shukra (Venus).
• Devotees are believed to be blessed with long life and prosperity on worshipping this deity.

Varuna Lingam (West)

• The Varuna Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Varuna (The God of Water and Rains) and is located on the west side.
• The temple is located on the outer girivalam or circumambulation path about one kilometer before the village of Adi – Annamalai.
• Varuna Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Shani (Saturn).
• Devotees are believed to be cured from illness, freed from committed sins on worshipping this deity.

Yama Lingam (South)

• The Yama Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Yama (The God of Death) and is located on the south side.
• The temple is located beside the cremation ground on Chengam Road.
• Yama Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Mangal (Mars).
• Devotees are believed to be blessed with long life and to get rid of financial constraints on worshipping this deity.

Vayu Lingam (North West)

• The Vayu Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Vayu (The God of Wind) and is located on the north-west side.
• The temple is located on the girivalam or circumambulation path about one kilometer before the village of Adi Annamalai.
• Vayu Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Kethu (Neptune).
• Devotees are believed to find relief from illness on worshipping this deity.

Esanya Lingam (North East)

• The Esanya Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Esanya (one of the Rudra forms of Lord Shiva) and is located on the north-east side.
• The temple is located on the old girivalam path beside the cremation grounds.
• Esanya Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Budha (Mercury).
• Devotees are believed to be blessed with peace of mind on worshipping this deity.

Niruthi Lingam (South West)

• The Niruthi Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Niruthi (The Lord of Asuras/Demons) and is located on the south-west side.
• The temple is located on the girivalam path near to Shantimalai compound.
• Niruthi Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Rahu.
• Devotees are believed to be blessed with health, wealth and fame on worshipping this deity.

Agni Lingam (South East)

• The Agni Lingam temple is dedicated to Lord Agni (The Lord of Fire and Knowledge) and is located on the south-east side.
• The temple is located on the right side of girivalam path, close to Seshadri Ashram on Chengam Road.
• Agni Lingam is believed to be dominated by the Navagraha Deity – Lord Chandra (Moon).
• Devotees are believed to be blessed with long life and better health on worshipping this deity.

Sathanur Dam, one of the major dams in Tamil Nadu, is located around 30 kilometers from Thiruvannamalai. The dam is constructed across the Pennaiyar or Thenpennai River in Thandrampet Taluk of Tiruvannamalai District.

Image Attribute : Jeganila

More about the Sathanur Dam

• The dam was constructed in the year 1958.
• The dam is 119 feet high, and the water is used primarily for irrigation purposes.
• There is a fish grotto and a crocodile farm near the dam.
• Botanical garden, Children’s Park, mini zoo, flower park and swimming pool add to the attraction of the place.
• The dam and its picturesque surroundings offer a visual treat to the tourists.

How to reach Sathanur dam

Sathanur dam is well connected on the road from Thiruvannamalai. The nearest railways station is at Thiruvannamalai (around 39 kilometres away) and nearest airport is at Chennai (around 203 kilometers away).

Beemanmadavu Waterfalls also known as Bheema Falls, are the most prominent and frequent waterfalls in Javadu Hills. The falls are located 5 kilometres from Jamanamaruthur village and 80 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai.

Reference to Mythology

Beemanmadavu is believed to have been named after one of the Pandavas brother Bhima. Bhima is said to have worshipped the Sun God at this location. According to legend, Pandava brothers (of the epic fame Mahabharata) had visited this region during their exile from kingdom.

More about the Waterfalls

The altitude of the Beemanmadavu Falls ranges from 300 to 1000 meters. The water in the falls cascades for more than 8 months in a year. The falls is at its best during the rainy season. To reach the falls one has to trek for about 12 kilometres in the thin forest. The trail leading upto the falls is a great place for hiking, trekking and photography. Tourists are allowed to take a refreshing bath in the pool under the cascade.

How to reach Beemanmadavu Waterfalls

Beemanmadavu Falls is located at a distance of 80 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai and about 218 kilometres from Chennai. The nearest railway stations are at Thiruvannamalai (79 kilometres away) Katpadi (89 kilometres away) and Villupuram (140 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Chennai (209 kilometres away).

The Javadu Hills spread across parts of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts in the northern part of Tamil Nadu. The Javadu Hills is a total of about 3600 to 3800 feet above sea level. The hills exhibit a purple colour due to the colour of the bluish-grey granite. The hills are sparsely populated with some spectacular views to offer.

Why should you visit Javadu Hills?

• It is a far less crowded place when compared to other hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
• The dense forests cover a wide variety of flora and fauna that include some rare and endangered ones. It’s a perfect place for wildlife lovers and photographers to explore.
• Tranquil villages, silent streams, water bodies and perceptible trails are some of the striking features of Javadu Hills.
• Venture into the distinct landscape of Javadu Hills by travelling through the river, jungle and finally the rocky cliffs.
• Trekking through the rocky cliffs, enjoying a bath in the falls and climbing up the rocks affirms a wholesome experience for nature lovers.
• The region is home to numerous indigenous tribes that are involved in growing plantations that include gooseberry, coconut, jackfruit, tamarind, guava and mango. We can also find beautiful farm fields enroute.
• Be it the tranquility of the forest or the innate sounds of nature, Javadu Hills in the Eastern Ghats is a trail worth exploring.

Nearby Attractions

Beemanmadavu Waterfalls – Near to Javadu Hills and 5 kilometres from Jamanamaruthur village is the Beemanmadavu Waterfalls. It is the most frequented waterfalls in Javadu Hills.

Kavalur Observatory – It has Asia’s largest telescope, the Vainu Babu Telescope, named after the famous astronomer Vainu Babu. The telescope offers a view of the baffling horizon of sky.

Amrithi Forest – It has some very intriguing places for trekking.

Komutteri/Kolappan Lake – A perfect place for having a picnic and enjoy a boat ride. There is a man-made island in the center of the lake.

How to reach Javadu Hills

Javadu Hills is located about 75 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai and about 208 kilometres from Chennai. The nearest railway stations are at Katpadi (around 78 kilometres away) and Villupuram (around 145 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Chennai (around 198 kilometres away).