Dharmapuri Districts

About Dharmapuri Districts

Dharmapuri district, which came into existence from 02.10.1965 is situated in the North western Corner of Tamil Nadu and is bounded by Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram Districts on the east, Salem District on the South, Krishnagiri District on the north and Kaveri river on the west. The total geographical area of Dharmapuri District is 4497.77 Sq Kms, i.e. 3.46% of Tamil Nadu.

In the beginning of the 9th Century, the Rashtrakutas gained power and influenced the history of the district for the next two centuries. During the period, the Cholas also rose to power in the south and Aditya I conquered the Kongunadu in 894 A.D. During 949-950 A.D., the Cholas suffered a defeat from the Rasthrakutas whose decline started later after the death of their king Krishna III. Subsequently, the entire area in Salem District came under the rule of the Cholas. The Gangavadi was then annexed to the Chola territory and placed in charge of an Adigaman Tagadur. The 12th century witnessed the decline of the Chola empire when the Hoysalas rose to power and routed the Cholas from Gangavadi. They are said to have captured Kolar, sacked Kotayur and over ran the western parts of Kongunadu. The Baramahal and Talaget areas apparently still remained with the Cholas. But the Adigaman seems to have practically become free and owed only nominal allegiance to the Cholas. Soundrapandia-I assisted the Yadavas in driving out the Hoysala king, Vira Someswara from the Chola territory.

The history of the 13th Century revolve itself between the Hoysalas and the Pandyas. This portion may be added after when they were attacked from the North by the Yadavas, the Hoysalas retreated towards the South in Kongunadu. It is known that Jatavarman Soundrapandian-I assisted the Yadavas in driving out the Hoysalas king, Vira Someswara, from the Chola territory. But it is doubtful whether he made himself master of the Talaghat area as there are records to show that Vira Someswara’s son Vira Ramanatha later ruled the whole of Salem District and the Pandiyas were then eclipsed by the Mohammadan emissaries of the Delhi Sultanate.

The well-known river Cauvery flows through Dharmapuri and enters Tamil Nadu from Karnataka through this region. The most famous tourist spot for tourists on tour to Dharmapuri is the Hogenakal Waterfalls. Also prominent among Dharmapuri tourist attractions is the well-known pilgrim center called Theerthamalai

The district is rich in mineral deposit like apatite, copper ore, corundum, gold, iron ore, limestone, magnesite, nickel, quartz, vermiculite, black granite and grey granite. A number of industries are also located here. The major industries are Ashok Leyland, Lakshmi Automotive Looms, TVS Moped, Indian tobacco, Premier Mills, Asian Bearings and English Electricals. The district is also the largest producer of mango and accounts for one half of the mango yield in the state. The district is the second largest producer of tomato and accounts for 22% of the area in the state. Fishing is also carried in the district and many varieties of fish like katla, rohu, mirgal are available here.

History of Dharmapuri Distric

Dharmapuri District was created in 1966, when it was separated from Salem District. Krishnagiri District was formerly part of Dharmapuri, becoming a separate district in 2004.

The earliest known chieftain who ruled Tagadur (present Dharmapuri) during the Sangam era, is Adigaman Naduman Anji, whose patronage sustained the famous poetess Avvaiyar. The next we hear in the 8th century when the northern parts of Salem District were probably under the Pallavas regime. Subsequently, we hear of the Ganga Pallavas having sway over the Western parts of the Salem District. The Western Gangas are also mentioned as having ruled Baramahal during the end of the 8th century.

Educational Institutions of Dharmapuri Distric

Arts & Science:

Arignar Anna College (Arts and Science), Krishnagiri
Govt. Arts and Science College for Women, Bargur
Govt. Arts College for Men, Krishnagiri
Govt. Arts College for Women, Krishnagiri
Govt. Arts College, Dharmapuri
Don Bosco College, Dharmapuri
Harur Muthu Arts and Science College for Women, Dharmapuri
Kamadhenu College of Arts and Science, Dharmapuri
M.G.R. College, Hosur
P.M.P. College of Arts and Science, Dharmapuri
Pachamuthu Arts and Science Women’s College, Dharmapuri
Pee Gee College of Arts and Science, Dharmapuri
Sri Vidhya Mandir Arts and Science College, Dharmapuri
St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science for Women, Hosur

Ayurveda:

Hotel Management
Arignar Anna College (Arts and Science), Krishnagiri
Govt. Arts and Science College for Women, Bargur
Harur Muthu Arts and Science College for Women, Dharmapuri
M.G.R. College, Hosur
Pee Gee College of Arts and Science, Dharmapuri
Sri Sakthi Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Dharmapuri

Engineering:

Govt. College of Engineering, Bargur
Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur Taluk
Er. Perumal Manimekalai College of Engineering, Hosur
Jayalakshmi Institute of Technology, Thoppur
Jayam College of Engineering and Technology, Pennagaram Taluk
P.S.V. College of Engineering and Technology, Krishnagiri
Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Palacode Taluk
Varuvan Vadivelan Institute of Technology, Dharmapuri

Medical:

Government Dharamapuri Medical College, Dharampuri

Nursing:

Padmavathy College of Nursing, Dharmapuri
Sri Paspo College of Nursing, Dharmapuri
Sri Vijay Vidhyalaya College of Nursing, Dharmapuri
Swami Vivekananda College of Nursing, Dharmapuri

Management:

Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur Taluk
Er. Perumal Manimekalai College of Engineering, Hosur
Jayam College of Engineering and Technology, Pennagaram Taluk
Pee Gee College of Arts and Science, Dharmapuri
Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Palacode Taluk

Culture

Fairs:

The festivals of Dharmapuri are varied and add an extra spark of life to the town’s daily lives. Notable among.

Festivals:

Pongal :Like all the other regions of Tamil Nadu, Pongal is one of the most important festivals of Dharmapuri.

Mahashivaratri :If you are planning a tour to Dharmapuri, one of the best times to visit would be during February when the festivities of Mahashivaratri promise to add a dash of special flavor to your vacation.

Tourist Attraction of Dharmapuri Distric

Hogenakal Falls:
Located 46 kms from Dhramapuri, the Hogenakal Falls are the most favored tourist destination in Dharmapuri. Hogenakal marks the place where river Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu as a big river with water gushing in the form of natural falls. At Hogekanal, the water spreads for miles around and cruising along these waters on country made dinghies (boats) is a favorite activity for tourists.

Krishnagiri Dam :
The Krishnagiri dam located between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri at a distance of 7 Kms from Krishnagiri, is a popular tourist spot for visitors on tour to Dharmapuri. The dam is used for irrigating thousands of acres of land.

Theerthamalai:
It is an important religious place in Harur taluk of Dharmapuri District. The historical Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple, located on the top of a hillock is the main attraction here. Thousands of devotees visit the temple during the festival of Mahashivarathri.

Thally:
Located 25kms from Hosur near near Karnataka, Thally is a hilly region sporting a chilly climate throughout the year. The Venugopala Swami Temple is the most famous site here and numerous devotees throng the temple during the Car festival held annually.

Hanumanthathirtham:
Located on the banks of Pennaiyar at a distance of 10 km from Uthangarai, Hanumanthathirtham is a holy place associated with Tirtamalai. The water in the region is considered very sacred and during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) many tourists visit this spot.

Yelagiri Hills:
Yelagiri hills, is an idyllic place for a short holiday. Green hills and picture post-card scenery greets you here. It is called the princess of hill stations and is the most pristine and unpolluted among the hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri Hills is a backward area with few glaring developments like cottages and farm houses, yet a place that has maintained its ‘remote’ label. Its called likely ‘Mini Ooty’

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Dharmapuri Distric

**Sterling Yercaud Resort:**P.Box No,11,Lady’s Seat,Salem Dist,Tamilnadu, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu,Ph:022 66181940

**Grange Resort:**Pakoda Point Road, Five Roads, Yercaud,Tamilnadu, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu,Ph:022 66181940

**Hotel Pearls:**No 12/ 278 A Raman Road, Near Vasan Eye Hospital, Opp New Bus Stand, Salem, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0427 2447503

**Shevaroys Hotel:**Hospital Road, Yercaud, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu,Ph:04281 222288

**Svayambh Villa:**Lady Seat Road, Yercaud,Salem, Tamil Nadu, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu,Ph:022 66181940

Links

http://www.dharmapuri.tn.nic.in/census.htm

http://www.collegesintamilnadu.com/Tamil-Nadu-Districts/Dharmapuri-Colleges.asp

Climate & weather

The climate is generally warm and the temperature varies from 12o C to 35o C. It receives an annual rainfall of about 80 cm.

How to reach Dharmapuri Districts

Nearest Railway Station:Dharmapuri is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities via important rail heads. These cities include Chennai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Madurai, Tirupathi, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, Quilon as well as Rameswaram Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, Kanyakumari and Mangalore.

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore Airport

• **Road Transport:**Dharmapuri is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads.

Best time to visit Dharmapuri Districts

November to February when the weather is pleasant for travel and exploration. The district can be visited year-round, but summer (March–June) can be very hot.

Timings & opening hours

The district is accessible year-round. Government offices operate 10:00 AM–5:30 PM on weekdays. Tourist attractions within the district have their own hours.

Entry fee & tickets

There is no entry fee for the district. Individual attractions within the district may have separate charges.

Duration needed

1–2 days to cover the main towns and attractions within the district. A comprehensive visit exploring rural areas, temples, and natural sites may require 2–3 days.

Location info

Dharmapuri Districts is a district in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is located approximately 400 km from Chennai and is known for its cultural heritage, agricultural produce, or industrial significance..

Safety tips

Standard travel safety precautions apply. In rural areas, avoid travelling alone after dark. Keep vehicle maintained for long-distance travel within the district. Carry water, especially during summer months.

Things to carry

1. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
2. Comfortable Footwear: For walking and exploring.
3. Camera: Capture memorable moments.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.

Nearby visiting places

Neighbouring districts, major cities, and tourist attractions within a 50–100 km radius.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: the nearest regional airport serving the district. The district has railway connectivity and a network of state highways. Regular bus services connect all major towns within the district.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Near Dharmapuri Districts, local restaurants and eateries serve authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine including idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and rice-based meals. Visitors can also find North Indian and Chinese options at multi-cuisine restaurants in the nearest town.

Things to do at Dharmapuri Districts

Explore the district’s towns and villages to experience authentic Tamil culture. Visit the district’s temples, historical sites, and natural attractions. Learn about local crafts, agricultural practices, and traditional industries.

Things to visit & highlights

The district’s main town or city, key temples and historical landmarks, local markets showcasing regional products, and rural areas offering a glimpse of traditional Tamil life.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police: 112. Ambulance: 108. The district headquarters has a government hospital with emergency services.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available at the district headquarters town and along major highways throughout the district.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Dharmapuri Districts district? November to February offers the most comfortable weather for travel. Summer months (March–June) are very hot.

How can I travel within the district? Local buses connect major towns within the district. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in towns for local travel.

What is the local economy of Dharmapuri Districts district known for? The economy varies by district — some are known for agriculture, others for handlooms, textiles, or small-scale industries.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Districts