Krishnagiri – Places of Interest
Rayakottai fort
It is located in
Rayakottai, 30 Kms from Hosur & 75 Kms from Bangalore. Rayakottah
is one of the protected historic monuments. Rayakottah is a hill fort which
withstood the Mysore wars. It was a strategic fort for the British, who stationed
at this fort till 1861. Rayakottah, which marks the border of Palaghat Plateau,
is at a distance of 30 km from Hosur.
The fort is situated
within the town of Rayakottai which is one of the ancient fortresses in the
Krishnagiri district. It is now one of the protected monument by the
Archaeological Survey of India. In the 18th century Hyder Ali and Tipu sultan ruled this fort. The fort was captured by Major
Gowdie during the third Anglo-Mysore War in 1791. According to the Treaty of
Srirangapatna, this fort came into the hands of the British.
The ramparts and the
bastions of the fort are more or less intact. The fort is a protected monument.
Trekking in this place is a wonderful experience.
Time to Visit: The cooler months of September to February are the best time to
trek in Rayakottai as it can get very hot in summer days, and should be
avoided. This trek can be done during monsoon also.
There is a temple on
the hill which could be a point for having packet-lunch and to take rest in
shade.
Please carry the
following without fail while visiting this fort;
Ø 2 litres of water (Mandatory)
Ø Raincoat/Poncho (During monsoon)
Ø Cap/Hat
Ø High energy-giving food & drinks like
Snickers, glucose etc. (Mandatory)
Ø Camera (optional)
Ø Shoes
Ø Sunscreen Lotion (Optional)
Ø Tissue papers (Avoid carrying plastic)
Krishnagiri Dam (KRP Dam)
Krishnagiri Reservoir
Project (KRP Dam) is the prime attraction of Krishnagiri. This Dam is situated
between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri at a distance of 7 km from Krishnagiri town.
It is built across Thenpennai River to meet the irrigation purpose of
Krishnagiri. Krishnagiri Reservoir Project is also a popular picnic spot,
as it has landscaped gardens and lush greenery.
This dam was dedicated
to the state by the then Chief Minister K.Kamarajar in 1958 and irrigates nearly thousands of
acres of land. It also supplies drinking water to Periyamuthur, Sundekuppam, Thimmapuram, Chowtahalli, Gundalapatti,
Mittahalli, Errahalli, Kaveripattinam, Paiyur and other villages in
Krishnagiri. To make it a tourist attraction and picnic spot, exotic
landscaping and a children’s park maintained by the Public Works Department of
the State are in place there. There is also an Agricultural Research Centre
established in Krishnagiri. This is a famous tourist spot too. This dam is
flooded with tourists during the week ends.
The River Ponnaiyar
takes its source near Nandidurg in Karnataka state South India at an altitude
of 1000 m above MSL draining through Southeastern slope of Chennakesava Hills.
In Karnataka it is known as ‘Dhakshina Pinakini’. After traversing through the
Devanahalli and Hoskote taluks of Karnataka, it enters the Tamil Nadu state at
a place near Bagalur village of Hosur taluk. The River is called Ponnaiyar from
this point in Tamil Nadu. The Krishnagiri reservoir was constructed across the
Ponnaiyar River near Periyamuthur village about 7 km from Krishnagiri town in
Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. It is located at the latitude of 12º 28'
North and the longitude of 78º 11' East. Krishnagiri district is in the
Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states.
The execution of the
KRP dam was started on Mar 1955, completed and opened for irrigation on Nov
1957, in less than 3 years. The reservoir is now more than 50 years old and
continues to serve this region successfully. This reservoir is one of the
earliest projects constructed in post independence India in the dry and barren
areas of the state. Since then, the reservoir serves as the life line for the
region serving multiple uses of water from irrigation to fish culture. Krishnagiri
Reservoir is medium size storage and distribution structure with an initial
capacity of 68.2×106 m 3 and irrigates 3642 ha of wet crop area supplying water
through left and right main canals. The length of the Dam is 1000 m and at FRL,
the reservoir has a water spread area of 12.32 km2 and height of 22.8 m from
the river bed. The dam has 8 spillways, 3 river sluices and 2 canal sluices.
There are 16 villages
that directly benefit from this reservoir for irrigation and other purposes. In
addition, the LMC and RMC supply water to the already existing tanks in these
villages, where culture of fishes is also taken up. There is water supply from
the reservoir for a period of 10 months in a year, and this ensures that
culture operations completed successfully. 29 There are two spring channels
that supply water to ayacut even earlier to the construction of the reservoir,
and the farmers have acquired riparian rights and water supply is ensured for
these original command areas through spring channels throughout the year. The
LMC (Left Main Canal) take off near the spillway, while the RMC (Right Main
Canal) off take is on the western part of the water spread on the earthen bund
part of the Dam structure. During its span of half a century of useful life,
the reservoir encountered environmental problems in later years probably due to
industrial and agricultural developments in the catchment area.
Facts:
Ø Time required 1h 0m
Ø Timings 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Ø The Best time to visit this place: Between November
and March.
Government Museum
Government Museum is
one of the popular attractions of Krishnagiri. Government Museum of Krishnagiri
has galleries on traditional culture, art and architecture, heritage and
history, related especially to Krishnagiri. This museum, situated on Gandhi
Salai, was established in the year 1993. The museum displays many ancient artifacts
which are related to the history of Krishnagiri.
This museum is one of
the popular attractions of Krishnagiri. It has galleries on culture, art,
architecture, heritage and history related to this area. This museum, situated
on Gandhi Salai, was established in the year 1993. The museum displays many
ancient arte facts which are related to the timeline of this zone. It is merely
not a place of tourist interest but serves as a center of Education too.
Thali
Thali is one of the
prime attractions offered by Krishnagiri. Thali is a scenic destination
situated towards the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, at a distance of 25 km
from Hosur. Thali was often referred to as ‘the Little England’ during the
British Raj as the place is noted for its cool climate and landscape of hills,
valleys and cliffs. The cool and cloudy weather at this place, throughout the
year, makes it a popular summer retreat at Tamil Nadu. Bangalore,
Ramanagaram, Malur, Magadi are the nearby Cities to Thali. Tamil is the Local
Language here.
It is situated in the
land of valleys and cliffs. The climate is very cool and pleasant. It
experiences cold and cloudy weather resembling England. Hence it is popular
with the name 'Little England' since British Regime. The area is covered by a
number of hills. The climate is chill round the year. The taluk headquarters is
Denkanikottai. The fort at Denkanikottai is built by Palayakarar in 1530 AD.
The fort is destroyed during war with Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan. There is a
temple for Venugopala Swami. Car festival is held during the month of May every
year. Thousands of devotees visit during this festival.
It is located 72 Kms
towards west from District head quarters Krishnagiri. It is a Taluk head
quarter. Thali Pin code is 635118 and postal head office is Thali.
Thali is surrounded by Kelamangalam Taluk towards East, Hosur Taluk towards East, Kanakapura Taluk towards west, Bangalore Rural Taluk towards North.
Thali is surrounded by Kelamangalam Taluk towards East, Hosur Taluk towards East, Kanakapura Taluk towards west, Bangalore Rural Taluk towards North.
There is no railway
station near to Thali in less than 10 km. How ever Bangalore CY Jn Rail
Way Station is major railway station 50 Kms near to Thali
Kelavarapalli Dam
Kelavarapalli Reservoir
Project is one of the prime attractions at Krishnagiri. Kelavarapalli Reservoir
Project or Kelavarapalli Dam is situated at a distance of 10 km away from Hosur
and 8 km from Karnataka, across the River Ponnaiyar, which originates from the
eastern slopes of Chennakesava Hills.
Kelavarapalli Reservoir
Project, built in 1995, has become a popular picnic spot at Hosur. It is noted
for its children’s park and landscaped gardens. It attracts picnickers in large
number from the state of Karnataka also.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Kelavarapalli Dam
has been built across the Ponnaiyar River that originates from the Chennakesava
Hills & the spot has become a great picnic spot, with landscaped gardens
and a children's park as well. The dam waters help to sustain the farmlands and
provide water to the nearby areas as well. The Kelavarapalli dam stands at a
height of 13.5 meters, punctuated by beautiful hills and landscapes all around.
Facts
Full Reservoir
Level 831.50 M C.
Ft
Total height of the
Dam
13.50 Mts
Capacity
480 M C. Ft.
Ayacut
8000 Acres
The Dam is constructed
across Ponnaiyar River. Ponnaiyar River originates from the eastern
slopes of Chennakesava Hills, North West of Nandi Drug and flows towards south
east for a distance of 88.8 Kms to reach the dam site.
After flowing through
the dam, it flows through the districts of Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Vellore and
Cuddalore (331.2 Kms) and empties into the sea near Cuddalore Town.
The dam is having cannels
both at the left and right sides. Left cannel runs up to Soolagiri
Village (25.5 Kms) parallel to NH 7. Right cannel runs up to Thorapalli
Village (Birth Place of Statesman Rajaji) i.e. 22 Kms.
The dam has a park with
children play equipments. Migratory birds like Spoonbills, Pelicans
etc., from foreign countries visit the dam and breads at Chennathur
village adjacent to the dam site. The park seems modeled on Brindavan gardens
although the water works are not many. There are many safe areas here that one
can use to play in the water.
The park itself was a
big one and a busy one since there were many families here. There is a child
play area and some hawkers with basic food / items outside the park.
Venugopala Swami Temple
Venugopala Swami temple
is a popular destination at Krishnagiri, which is located in Thali. This temple
is famous for its Car or Chariot festival which is held annually during the
month of May.
Venugopala Swamy Temple
in Thali attracts tourists from across South India. Venugopala Swamy an avatar
of Lord Krishna has been enshrined in this beautiful, serene temple. Venu
translates as flute in Telugu and the temple personifies the melodious tune of
the Lord’s flute. The vast area of the temple broken by numerous columns and
pillars made of stone afford an onlooker a glimpse into the glorious past of
India. Sounds reverberate across the stone floor and become a part of the
sounds of nature surrounding the temple. The temple stands not as an intrusion
into nature, but as an integral part of nature.
The month of May is
special for the Venugopala Swamy temple because of the car or chariot festival.
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, then the month of May may not be
ideal as thousands of devotees visit the temple during the month of May.
Shree Parshwa Padmavathi Shaktipeet
Tirth Dham
Shree Parshwa
Padmavathi Shaktipeet Tirth Dham, known also as Krishnagiri Shaktipeetam, is
one of the major attractions at Krishnagiri. Krishnagiri Shaktipeetam,
dedicated to Sri Padmavathi Devi, was founded by Sri Vasanth Gurudev-Ji and it
focuses on Mathru Upasana of Sri Parshwanath Bhagwan, the 23rd Thirthankar of
the 24 Thirthankars of Jainism. Krishnagiri Shaktipeetam is situated at a
distance of 7 km from Krishnagiri town at Orappam Village.
Krishnagiri
Shaktipeetam is a spiritual organization, which promotes peace and harmony
across the world and elevates its devotees from a sense of fake materialism to
pure spiritualism through its different endeavors. As Jain dharma gives
prominence to Atma Sadhanam or the search for one’s true self, the motive of
Krishnagiri Shaktipeetam is to make one realize his/ her inner self through
divine mediums like performing puja and offering bhakti. As Krishnagiri
Shaktipeetam works on building one’s inner harmony, it becomes one’s final
refuge to find love, peace, harmony and goodness in a world of hatred and
terrorism.
Krishnagiri
Shaktipeetam has been conducting countless good deeds like anna dhanam for the
poor, needy and organizing huge events to promote peace and harmony. They have
achieved various records in the international forum to promote peace further.
As an ambassador for peace and harmony, SRI SRI SRI VASANTH GURUDEV JI has been
taking part in several global peace conferences and plays a significant role in
rising humanity from the clutches of evil and depravity.
The temple while being
colorful and festive is a sanctuary of peace and quiet motivating devotees to
find their own inner peace and calm, to be balanced so that humanity as a whole
maybe balanced and harmonious. The founder, Sri Sri Sri Vasanth Gurudev Ji has
participated in numerous global peace conferences and promotes spiritual
well-being through supporting the needy. The temple regularly organizes “Anna
dhan” for those devotees in need of a good meal. A visit to the temple can certainly
help restore some measure of peace and calm to life.
Rajaji Memorial
Rajaji Memorial is one
of the main attractions at Krishnagiri. This memorial was established to
commemorate Rajaji, a great freedom fighter. The home where Rajaji was
born was converted to a memorial. This memorial is situated at Thorapalli, the
birth place of Rajaji, which is about 10 km away from Hosur at Onnalvadi. Some
of his belongings and a photo gallery depicting his various walks of life are
displayed here.
Hanumanthathirtham
Hanumanthathirtham is
one of the religious attractions at Krishnagiri. Hanumanthathirtham is situated
at a distance of 10 km from Uthangarai on the banks of River Ponnaiyar.
This place is situated
on the bank of Pennaiyar at a distance of 10 Km from Uthangarai and
traditionally associated with Tirtamalai. It is believed that Hanuman who was
instructed by Lord Rama to get the water from the Ganges for his penance at
Tirtamalai which he could not do it in time. So Rama was said to have done
Asthrapryogam and got it. Disappointed at this, Hanuman was said to have thrown
down the vessel in which he brought the holy water and this spilled water is
believed to be the ‘Hanumantirtham’. The water is considered sacred and during
the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) people frequent this spot.
It comes under Katteri
Panchayath. It is located 52 km towards East from District head quarters
Krishnagiri and 241 km from Chennai.
By Bus: Buses are available from all places in Uthangarai Taluk to reach this Hanumantheertham.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Samalpatti (7 km from Uthangarai) in
NH-66 to Krishnagiri. After reaching railway station taxes and buses are
available to reach Hanumantheertham in Uthangarai Taluk.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Bangalore International
Airport which is 91 km to Krishnagiri and Salem Airport which is 110 km to
Krishnagiri. After reaching Krishnagiri travel up to Uthangarai Taluk. Buses
and taxies are available to visit Hanumantheertham.
Mallachandram
Mallachandram is one of
the historical places offered by Krishnagiri. Mallachandram is one of the
protected sites in Tamil Nadu, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of
India. Mallachandram Dolmens is one of the most significant dolmens found in
the state of Tamilnadu. Mallachandram, which is 19 km away from Krishnagiri and
4 km from Samalpallam, is well-known for the Megalithic specimens called
dolmens. These dolmens are the burial chambers of the megalithic
people. This is a protected site maintained by the Archaeological Survey
of India. A must visit site, especially for lovers of history and archaeology.
Experts say present day
Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts were the nucleus of the megalithic culture
in the state, which existed about 3,500 years ago. The megalithic era
materials, including dolmens, cairn circles and urn burials discovered form
nearby areas in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are testimony to this.
Archaeologists say that
due to large-scale migration during the Neolithic period (stage before
megalithic), one group settled in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and the other
moved to Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts in present day Tamil Nadu. It is
believed that geographical factors might have prompted them to settle in these
places. While the Western Ghats were inaccessible with mighty mountains and
thick forests, the Eastern Ghats had several intersections and water bodies,
plains and valleys. Since these hillocks were accessible and provided enough
opportunities for hunting and gathering, they settled here,
A large number of
dolmens and gradual development of architecture from flat granite slabs to
decorated moon-shaped slabs show that a huge community had settled here for a
long period. Mallachandram was a unique settlement, which was used as an
habitation rather than a burial ground. The size of dolmens and spacious
interiors indicate that the community might have used it as shelters, probably
during rainy seasons, he said.
It is the only
megalithic site in Tamil Nadu where you can find four types of dolmens, large
number of megalithic paintings and pottery. Contrary to the general perception,
megalithic people never buried dead bodies. The bodies were left in the open
ground and bones were collected later and placed inside the dolmens.
The main purpose of the
dolmens was to offer worship to ancestors. Bones and tools used by the man were
placed at the centre and the four sides were covered with huge flat slabs. The
top was covered with another huge slab. In one of the upright slabs, a circular
hole was made and bones and belongings were pushed inside. One dolmen was used
for a family for generations by placing the remains though the open hole. The
varying shapes may be because of social stratification that prevailed in the
society then. It also shows the development of megalithic architecture.
The Ancestors cult was
worshiped by the Megalithic people in the ancient period. In Krishnagiri
District three kinds of memorials are observed and they were named a Cairn
circle, Dolmen and Urn burials.
Smaller dolmens are
erected around the big dolmen. In other words a big dolmen was surrounded by
the small dolmens. It looks like a group of people found around the head man.
Few dolmens are having white color painting in the western Ortho-stat and it is
facing in the eastern side. These painting are painted in the megalithic
period.
Dolmens such as those
found in Mallachandram are also found in Marayoor, Kerala. Mallachandram is a
history enthusiast’s paradise. It is one of the very few places on planet earth
that connect ancient history to modern day and keeps human kind connected
beyond the realm of time and space.
Mallachandram ‘Marana
Paarai Kal Thittai’ ancient Stone Age remains is located near Shoolagiri –
Melumalai – Malla Samuthiram village.
It is located 19 km
from Krishnagiri and 4 km from Samalpallam. Samalpallam lies on the
Krishnagiri-Bangalore Road N.H 7.
Facts
Season: Throughout The
Year
Operating Hours: 08:00
AM - 04:00 PM
Tourism Tips: Take A
Villager As A Guide To The Top Of The Hill.
Period Built:
Megalithic Period
Chandra Choodeshwara Temple
Arulmigu Maragathamigai
Chandra Choodeshwara temple is one of the popular pilgrimage attractions at
Krishnagiri. This Shiva temple, situated on a hillock on the Krishnagiri -
Bangalore Road N.H 7, is a frequent destination of people from both Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu.
The temple also has a
children’s park and an observatory in its vicinity, which were set up by the
tourism department of Tamil Nadu.
This is first temple of
Shiva which I have seen on a hillock in Tamilnadu, temple is in heart of Hosur
city. You can either walk of drive up to the temple. Chandra Choodeshwara means
the Lord who adorns Chandra on his hair. View of the city atop is hill is worth
seeing in the night fall.
Pooja Timings: Morning: 5.30 to 12.00 Evening: 4.30 to 8.00
Phone Number: 04344-292870
Thala Varalaaru: Arulmigu Chandra Choodeshwara and his wife Maragathambal, while
coming from Kailasam, Chandira Choodeswarar became Lizard. Maragathambal was
following the Lizard, which was so decorative and beautiful. They reached this
place after traveling through hills and forests. There were two scholars by
name Muthkalar and Uthchayanar, who were on meditation. Through their
meditation power they identified the Lizard as God and they planned to catch
the Lizard. As these scholars tried to catch the Lizard, the Lizard
disappeared.
Maragathambal got angry
over the scholars and she hates them to become Deaf and Dumb. After that she
meditated and then Chandira Choodeswarar appeared to them.
Pambar Dam
Pambar Dam is located 4
km away from Uthangarai and one can take a short break and unwind in the Nature
of Pambar River. Pambar reservoir has constructed after independence. This dam is
located amidst lush green villages Marampatti Village is located near this dam.
It is a beautiful village with Coconut and mango trees.
It is a town in the
Krishnagiri District, 48 kms from Krishnagiri and 35 kms from the Bangalore
city. Hosur was part of Mysore Kingdom until Tippu lost the war against the
British in 1799. Crops produced here include tomatoes, cabbages, onions, mangoes, capsicum, carrot, cucumber, beans dispatched
to different parts of South India. It is an Industrial hub on the border of
Karnataka supported by a good and pleasant climate. Industrialization of this
area during 1980’s began with the establishment of SIPCOT and Hosur transformed
to an Industrial Town since then. These industrial units uplift the status of
the Krishnagiri District. Electrical,
Electronics, Automobile, Chemical, Iron and Steel industries flourishes
here because of its proximity to Bangalore and also with good local
infrastructure.
