Theni Districts

Theni Districts
About:
Theni is one of the south-western districts of TamilNadu state. It is bounded on the north by Dindigul district on the east by Madurai district, on the south by portions of Virudunagar district and Idukki district of Kerala state, and on the west by Idukki (Kerala). The district administrative headquarters of this district is location at Theni Allingaram town. It has an area of 2889 Sq.Km. and a population of 10, 49,300.Theni is one of the important tourist places located in South India. When we speak of Theni everyone remembers the pleasant and cool climate because the city is surrounded by Western Ghats. The climate in Theni is always cool. There are also many important tourist places in Theni like dams, waterfalls and numerous pilgrim centres. Theni as it is surrounded by Western Ghats the cool climate offers for cultivation of various crop plants like Coffee, Cardamom, Silk cotton which makes the place to appear green when viewed from any sight. It is connected to Temple City Madurai by Railway route. Theni is the main production center of Cotton, Chilli, textiles, etc. Andipatti is the taluk headquarters. It is a group of villages.There is a dam near Andipatti called Vaigai Dam, which is a popular tourist spot. This dam is a nice picnic spot, which has an excellent Garden and Children’s park. There is a holy shrine named Vellappar Temple, which is located in the Varushanad hill which is 20 km from Andipatti. Devadanapatti is a place where we can find the temple for Kamatchi Amman. This temple is located in the banks of the river Manjal River which is 3 km from Theni. The most important festival celebrated in this Kamatchi Amman temple is Masi Maham.Theni district is surrounded by Western Ghats. It’s mainly occupation is Agriculture. Mullai River flows through this district. Theni District is home to Theni, Bodinayakanur, Cumbum, Kudalore, Chinnamanur, and several other small villages.
Cotton Spinning Mills and Sugar Mills are the major industries in this District. In Andipatti Taluk Handloom weaving and power looms are flourishing. In Uthamapalayam Taluk, the Highwavis Estate produces an important amount of Tea. Bodinayakanur is a major market place for cardamom, coffee, tea and black pepper. This city is also called “Cardamom City” because of the large quantity of cardamom trade in this area. It has an auction centre for cardamom
Location info:
Theni Districts ,Tamil Nadu,India
Climate/Weather of Theni Districts:
The temperature at Theni, one of Tamil Nadu’s premier tourist districts ranges from 39.5oC to a minimum temperature of 25.8oC. Thus, the best time to visit the region would be almost throughout the year, though the monsoons and the winters are definitely preferable to the comparatively warmer summers.
History of Theni Districts:
Theni District was formed after bifurcation from erstwhile Madurai District on 25.07.1996. Theni is the district headquarters. The district is bounded by Dindigul District to the north, Madurai District to the east, Virudhunagar District to the southwest, and Kerala state to the west.The district is home to Theni, Periyakulam, Bodinayakanur, Cumbum, Cuddalore, Chinnamanur, and several other small villages
Educational Institutions of Theni Districts:
Arts & Science:
Sourashtra College, Madurai
Sourashtra College for Women, Madurai
The American College (Autonomous), Madurai
C.P.A. College, Theni
E.M.G. Yadava Women’s College, Madurai
Govt. Arts College, Melur, Madurai
H.K.R.H. College, Theni
M.S.S. Wakf Board College, Madurai
Madurai Institute of Social Sciences, Madurai
Madurai Kamaraj University College, Aundipatti, Theni
Madurai Kamaraj University Evening College, Madurai
Madurai Kamaraj University Evening College, Periyakulam
Madurai Kamaraj University Evening College, Theni
Mannar Tirumalai Naicker College, Madurai
N.M.S.S. Vellachami Nadar College, Madurai
Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar College, Madurai
Saraswathy Narayanan College, Madurai
Senthamil College, Madurai
Sri Meenakshi Govt. College for Women (Autonomous), Madurai
Yadava College, Madurai
Ambiga College of Arts and Science, Madurai
Annai Fathima College of Arts and Science, Tirumangalam
Arul Anandar College (Autonomous), Madurai
C.S.I. Darling Selvabai Thavaraj David College of Arts and Science for Women, Madurai
Devasagayam Annathaiyammal Arts and Science Women College, Madurai
Fatima College (Autonomous), Madurai
Jayaraj Annapackiam College for Women (Autonomous), Periyakulam
Jeyaraj Chelladurai College of Arts and Science, Theni
Lady Doak College (Autonomous), Madurai
M.A.V.M.M. Ayira Vysiar College, Madurai
M.K. University College, Madurai, Madurai
Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai
Mangayarkarasi Arts and Science College for Women, Madurai
N.M.S. Sermathai Vasan College for Women, Madurai
Nadar Saraswathy College of Arts and Science, Theni
P.K.N. Arts and Science College, Madurai
S.P. College of Science and Arts, Madurai
Sri Adi Chunchanagiri Women’s College, Theni
Sri Nagalakshmi Ammal Arts and Science College, Madurai
St. George’s Jayaraj Chelladurai College for Women, Madurai
Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathi College of Science, Madurai
Theni College of Arts and Science, Theni
Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai
Vivekanandha College (Autonomous), Madurai
Langauge
Three languages namely Tamil, Telugu and Kannada are predominantly spoken in this district.
Culture:
Festivals:
The Ramzan peru naal thozhuhai at uthamapalayam in theni dist very famous for the district. The celebration of Gowmariyamman temple festival at Veerapandi during the month of May, Veerappa Ayyanar festival at Theni, Kamatchi Amman festival at Devadhanapatti and Saneeswaran Temple festival at Kuchanoor are the most important festivals of the district. Theni district is known for its brilliant celebration of Pongal, which is considered to be one of the most important festivals of Tamil Nadu. Pallavarayanpatti is very famous for its Jallikattu during the Pongal festival. Another important festival is Chitra Pournami festival, which is celebrated at Sri Mangala Devi Kannagi temple, on the Western Ghats near Gudalur during the month of May. Other important festivals of the region are the festivals of Masi Maham and Shivarathri which are celebrated in the Kamatchi Amman Temple during the months of February-March.Adi Amavasya (Blue Moon) and Thai Amavasya are celebrated with gaiety. There is also an annual festival in the month of Chithirai
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station: A number of railway tracks link Theni to most of the cities and regions of Tamil Nadu. Theni is also the main route for the tourists traveling from Madurai to Kochi via Bodinayakanur and Munnar and from Madurai to the Thekkadi wildlife sanctuary.
Nearest Airport:Madura airport
Road Transport:Theni is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads. The roads connecting Theni are well-maintained and comfortable which help in adding an extra dash of fun if you are planning a tour to Theni.
Tourist Attraction of Theni Districts:
Andipatti:
Theni is the district headquarters. It is a business centre for cotton, chilli, textiles, etc. It is connected by Rail and Road to Madurai. The nearest Airport is Madurai. Good network of Road links all destinations within the District, State and Country.Andipatti is a taluk headquarter, comprising a number of villages including small hamlets in the ghat section of Varushanad hill ranges. Handlooms, textiles are popular here.Vaigai Dam:
Built across the majestic River Vaigai near Andipatti, the dam with a height of 111 feet can store 71 feet of water. It is 7 kms from Andipatti, 14 kms from Theni and 70 kms from Madurai. This dam was opened on January 21, 1959.The dam is unique for the sylvan garden around it. The stillness and quiet are soothing to the mind. The garden deserves the surname “Little Brindavan”. It is a popular picnic spot for the local population, particularly school children. There is a separate play area for the Tourist.Mavoothu:
The main attraction in Mavoothu is the Vellappar Temple. This holy shrine is situated in the Varushanad hill ranges, 20 kms from Andipatti. Nestling among the hills, the temple is atop a peak, surrounded by natural vegetation. Transport is available up to the foothills only. Rainwater gathers around the mango trees near this temple and flows downhill in torrents. This has given the place the name “mavoothu” which in Tamil stands for “spring of the mango grove”. This place has a perennial water source.Vellappar Temple Legend:
The main vigraha (idol) of this temple was discovered by the local tribes called “Paliyars” while the temple was constructed by the then Kandamanur Zamindar. The temple has shrines of Vinayaka and Saptakannikas.Curative Powers:
It is believed that a ritual bath in the spring and eating food cooked in the water will cure the incurable of diseases.Devadanapatti
The main shrine in Devadanapatti is Kamatchi Amman Temple. It is situated on the banks of the Manjal river. This temple is 3 kms from Devadanapatti in Theni District. In this temple, the doors to the sanctum sanctorum are never opened, and all the pujas are offered only to the portalsThe special puja performed in the evening to the accompaniment of local musical instruments is a spectacular audio-visual feastPeriyakulam:
Periyakulam is an important town in Theni District. It is situated 16 kms from Theni and located in the foothills of Kodaikkanal. Mangoes of this town are very popular. Mango is the largest harvest here, considered second only to Salem, and is exported to foreign countries. During summer the climate is cool at night, like Kodaikkanal. Periyakulam is connected with all major towns in Tamil Nadu by road. Nearest Airport is Madurai (80 kms). Budget accommodation is availabBalasubramaniya Temple:
One of the important temples in Periyakulam is Arulmigu Balasubramanya Temple. This was constructed by Rajendra Chola nearly 2000 years ago. Once king Rajendra Chola went for hunting in Agamalai near the banks of the Varaha river. There a pig was feeding milk to its young ones. The king unknowingly killed the pig. Seeing the hunger of the young pigs, Lord Muruga fed the piglets. King Rajendra Chola saw this amazing sight, and constructed this temple in memory of this Divine event. This temple is considered equal to Kasi. Since Brahma theertha runs in this river it is believed that any incurable disease is cured when we have a bath in this river water.The idol of Lord Muruga with six faces seems to have been pierced from the ground-under. Lord Muruga, seen here with his consorts, blesses all his devotees. The old name of Periyakulam is Kuzhanthai MaanagaramSothupparai Dam:
Sothupparai dam is located at 12 kms from Periyakulam. This dam is built across the Varaha river. It is a beautiful picnic spot. The vide expanse of stored water is an impressive sightKumbakkarai Falls:
An amazing feet of Nature, the Kumbakkarai Falls is yet another jewel in the crown of Tamilnadu’s tourist attractions. Comparatively less known, these falls offer a breath taking view of the fascinating interaction between gushing water and solid rocks. Add a verdant and wild backdrop and you have an exquisite sight. Situated on the foothills of the Kodaikkanal hills, the falls is located at 8 kms from Periyakulam. The water from these falls is full of the goodness of mineral and herbs.Kannagi Temple:
Kannagi temple which witnesses a single day festivity during Chitra Pournami day is in the interstate border.Veerapandi:
Gowmariamman Temple which is located here attracts many pilgrims. This 14th century temple was built by the Pendya King Veerapandi.The Pandya Kind is said to have regained his vision by praying to Govmariyamman and Kanneeswaramudaiyar. Close by the temple, the perennial Mullai river runs its course. The temple is nearly 8 kms from TheniKuchanur:
Saturn or Saneeswarar is the main deity worshipped in Kuchanur. In this temple Lord Sani is present in splendid isolation bereft of the other planets. Here he is known as Kuchanooran. The Temple is located at Kuchanoor near Chinnamanur of Theni District on the bank of main channel of River Surabhi.The Chief deity Seneeswaran in the man God and its Genesis was on it own and not created (Suyambu). In all temples Saneeswaran in either of Navagrahah or he remain in separate sannithi. Where as in kuchanoor the Lord exists as prime deity Saneeswaran is other wise called as “Kuchanooran” King Dinakaran ruled “Kulinga” country with its capital Mainagar. His son chandravathana through astrology predicted that his father was suffering for seven and a half-years, which could be overcome by praying Lord Saneeswaran Chandravathanan ventured into forest, created Lord Saneeswaran’s image out of iron and started prayering Lord Saneeswaran. Impressed by his devotees’s prayer before him at Kuchanoor where the present temple is locatedChinnamanur:
This was formerly known as “Harikesarinallur” and it is mentioned in “Tholkappium”. This municipal town is a business hub for the nearby villages. Weekly Shandy here is very popular. Sivagamiamman Temple located on the banks of the Mullai river is worth visitingTheertha Thotti:
This natural spring is located on the Madurai-Kochi national highway between Theni and Bodinayakkanur. Subramanya Temple here is a popular pilgrim centreUthamapalayam:
Uthamapalayam has two old temples one dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Kaalahasthiishwara Swami temple, and the other one to Lord VishNu, Sri Narasimha Swami temple. Sri Kaalahasthishwara Swami temple is situated on the bank of river periyaaru, where it runs uththaravaahini (towards north), which is considered quite auspicious. It is amid of green paddy fields.It is said that one of the devotee here used to go to Kaalahasthi regularly. When he became old he was not able to go to Kaalahasthi to pray the Lord. So the God of Kaalahasthi appeared in this village to bless him. Hence the place is called Dhakshina Kaalahasthi or ThenKalathasthi.It is a history that three kings who ruled the nearby regions came to a war pact and started constructing the temple at this place. The temple also lodges some nice paintings belonging to Naayakkar dynasty.Sri Narasimha Swami temple is situated inside the townSuruli Falls:
The Suruli Falls which falls from a height of 150 feet gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets to a depth of 40 feet, offering a spectacular sight of nature’s raw and wild beauty. The dense forest that surround it provide an awesome backdrop. Facilities are available for men and women to bathe separately in This falls. The special feature of the fall is that it is “a round the year” fall. However, the best season to visit is June – October, when the thickness of the water column is astounding. The beauty of this fall finds mention in Tamil Epic, Silappathikaram written by poet Ilango Kailasanathar Temple Cave is located near Suruli Falls. There are 18 caves in and around the Suruli falls. The Kailasanathar Cave Temple is situated 800 metres above the fall and lhas a spring, which possesses water of curative powers. A Dargah named after Abubacker Masthan is another important place of worship in Suruli. This is the place where the body of Abubacker Masthan is interred. This is very close to the cave temple of Kailasanatha. Abubacker was a Muslim mystic who lived around the 1630s.One more temple for Lord Kartikeya is also located near the falls which is called Suruli Velappar Temple. Devotees carry pots of milk on Saturdays in the Tamil month of Chithirai to this templeMeghamalai:
This scenic place is dotted with tea estates and cardamom plantations. Situated at an elevation of 1500 metres above sea level, the place is rich in flora and faunaVelli Malai:
A densely forested place replete with natural flora and fauna is located 6.5 kms from Theni in the Varushanadu hill rangesCloud Land Falls ( Chinna Suruli):
Situated 54 kms from Theni near Kombaithozhu Village. These falls originate in the Megamalai – This is popularly known as Chinna Suruli.Mullaiperiyar Dam:
The Mullai Periyar dam is of a unique distinction of being one of the oldest irrigation Projects in the country for diversion of water to meet out the requirements of the drought prone area of the deficit water State of Tamilnadu in the concept of Trans-basin. This dam was constructed during the year 1887-1898 across the river Periyar based on the lease deed of 1886.Even though the catchments water spread and the dam are being located in the territory of State of Kerala, the dam is being owned, maintained and operated by Government of Tamilnadu. The water from the Periyar Lake is being diverted through the water shed cutting and a subterrancan tunnel to Vairavanar River and thence to Suruliyar & Vaigai. Before construction of fore-bay dam, all the waters were hurled out from the month of the tunnel. After constructing fore bay dam, all the water drawn from Periyar lake and fore bay dam has been let out into Vairavanar River from tail race of power house after utilization for power generation.Bodinayakkanur:
Located on the foot hills of the West Ghats, this town is popular for cardamom mango and coffee market.Bodi Mettu:
A hill resort situated at a height of 4500 feet, it is a most scenic place. It is 26 kms from BodinayakkanurTiger Falls:
A dainty fall on the route to Munnar between Bodi and Bodimettu from TheniKodaikkanal:
Situated at the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western Ghats, this beautiful hill station is one of the most famous tourist spots in the South. At a height of 2133 m above sea level. Kodai, as it is popularly known, is set amidst the wooded slopes and “Shola” forests of the ghats, making for a very pleasant climate throughout the year. This hill resort is known for hill plantains and plums. Several varieties of flowers abound here, including the Kurinji, which blossoms once in twelvePalani:
This is one of the most famous pilgrim centers of the South. The temple is situated on a hill top and is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. The presiding deity here is called Dandayathapani and the idol is made of medicinal herbs. There is an electrically operated winch from the foot to the top of the hill for those pilgrims who prefer not to use the stepsMadurai :
Madurai is more than 2500 years old and was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 A.D., when the Pandyas made it their capital. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning commercial centre and temple cityPlaces of interest:Meenakshi Amman Temple
Tirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Gandhi Museum
Mariamman Teppakulam
Koodal Azhagar Temple
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Theni Districts:
Hotel Vijay:122, Tirupparankunram Rd, Vasantha Nagar, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:045 22336321Taj Garden Retreat:Madurai, Madurai, Tamil NaduPh:0452 2371601Royal Court India:Madurai, Madurai, Tamil NaduPh:045 2435 6666The Madurai Residency:15, west Marret Street, Madurai,Tamil Nadu,Ph:0452 43800000
Links:
http://www.southindiatourtravel.com/tamil-nadu/tourist-places-tamil-nadu/theni-tour.htmlhttp://dietupm.org/dist.html

Image Gallery of Theni Districts

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