Thiyagadurgam Hills – Kallakurichi

Thiyagadurgam is a town panchayat in the district of Kallakurichi. At the centre of the town is a mountain range known as the Thiyagadurgam range. It is a small mount marked by many rocks.

The place was inhabited by Jain Saints before the 7th century AD. Later in the 9th century AD, Thirthankar and Shri Kooshmandini idols were installed by the Jains. The idols are still found and worshipped in their originally carved form. The cavern temple by name Sri Bhagavathi Malayamman Temple is maintained and offering are made following Hindu traditions.

The hill also has a fort which was under the control of rulers such as Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, until it served as a base for British rulers. The fort is now under the control of the Archaeological Department of the Government of India.

Thiyagadurgam is located on the Kallakurichi road, 12 kilometres west of Kallakurichi. The town is well connected through district roads and national highways NH 65 and NH 45, to other major cities that include Viluppuram, Pondicherry, Cuddalore and Salem. National Highway NH 68 Chennai to Salem also passes through the town. The nearest railway station is at Ulundurpet (around 26 kilometres) and the nearest airport is at Trichy (around 152 kilometres).