Sirumalai Hills – Places of Interest
Sirumalai is a region of 60,000 acres
(200 km2) situated 25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul and 40 km (25 mi) from Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. There are many high hills in the
area. Hillock International School is located in Sirumalai. Sirumalai is a
dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an
altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and
fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends.
Sirumalai Hills has several scenic natural attractions
which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular destination. They are
described below;
Annai Velankanni Church
The church is on a slope at the top of the hill. It is 2
kms from the nearest bus stop. Residents observe the festival for "Our
Lady of Good Health" annually in September, with a flag hoisted prior to
the festival.
Sirumalai Lake
Sirumalai Lake contains a small lake that was
artificially created in the year 2010. This Lake is a man made one. This lake here
bordered by tall green trees. Boating facility is available too for those
who want to slowly glide through the placid waters of the lake.
Boating is available in the lake mostly during the weekends when there is
enough water in it.
Observation Tower
An Observation tower located on seventeenth Hair Pin
Bend offers a (much needed) place for a stopover. At this point, there is
nothing better you can do other than enjoying the jaw dropping scenery below.
Sanjeevani Hills
The hill became famous when Lord Hanuman had to search
for a certain herb, and not finding it, had to take the entire hill with him to
cure Lord Laxmanan. On his way back from Sri Lanka with the hill, a piece fell
down here and it came to be known as Sanjeevani Hills. This Hill is part of Sirumalai
Hills.
Saathiyar Basin
Saathiyar River originates from Sirumalai hills
and flows southward and empties into Vaigai River. The basin covers an area of
819 square kilometres (316 sq mi). The total ayacut of the sub-basin
is 4,279.89 hectares (10,575.8 acres). Near Vadipatti, Saathiyar Dam has been constructed across
this river for irrigation purpose. This is the catchment area of the Saathiyar
Dam in Madurai.
Vellimalai Murugan Temple
The famous Lord Murugan temple (Vellimalai Murugan
Temple) is located in the mountain which is away from 45 minutes climbing over
the valley. This temple is renowned throughout the neighbouring villages and
towns.
Khandige Estate
The Khandige estate spread across 1000 acres is located
in the Sirumalai hills, an isolated group of hills in the Dindigul district of
Tamil Nadu drained by three rivers of which 2 are perennial which flow through
the Khandige estate before flowing into the plains as a series of waterfalls. The
region receives an average of 120-132 cm rain during the months of October and
December. Surrounded by about 20-30,000 Acres of reserve forest, this estate
has a natural wealth of flora and fauna, particularly medicinal plants, which
has been left primarily untouched. The primary aim of this estate is to
conserve the bio-diversity of the Western Ghats and to prevent or at least
stall the destruction of this rich eco-system due to rampant deforestation.
The estate is surrounded by dense forest and is a popular
place for the wild animals. There are a lot of medicinal plants and three
rivers, of which, two are perennial. There are a series of waterfalls. The aim
of the estate is to conserve the bio diversity of the Ghats.
Hillock International School
The School is situated at Sirumalai, the cool
environment and feeling of well being adds to the richness of the place.
Selvi Koil Point
The place offers a panoramic view of Dindigul and
Chinnamalai town. At dusk, the Selvi Koil Point unveils a view of the beautifully
illuminated Dindigul and adjacent Chinnamalai town down below, which appear
oval-shaped.
Agastya Puram
Agastya Puram is located in Sirumalai Hills named after
the prominent Agastya Siddhar. In the region of Sirumalai the Agasthiarpuram is a
holy place where siddhas (monks) have lived since ancient days. The area is
surrounded with medicinal herbs and plants. In the tip of the hill there is
historic Shiva Lingam, which dates back at least 500 years.
Silver Hills
Located in Agastya Puram is Silver Hill, this is the
tallest hill in Sirumalai. It is said that the peak of the Silver hill was made
up of Silver but to avoid man's destructive actions during the Kali
Yuga the hill was transformed via Alchemy in to stone by Agastya Siddhar, hence it got the name silver hill. The
hills silver glitter can be still seen in the sun light. In the peak of this
Silver hill is a 500-year-old Shiva Lingam, walk to top of the hill is about 30 - 45 minutes.
Agasthiyar Siva Sakthi Sitthar Beedam
Agasthiyar Siva Sakthi Sitthar Beedam is an ashram located at the silver hill in Agastya Puram. Food
is served daily (Annadhanam), lodging is available at the ashram. The ashram
aims to promote various voluntary campaigns such as cleaning of the hills.
Waterfall
The hill contains a small waterfall as well. The
waterfall goes dry in the summer or in the absence of rain. Good place to spend
time with families.
Nearby Attractions
Kutladampatti Falls:
For brief details, please
refer below link;
