Annamalaiyar Temple & View Point, Yercaud
Annamalaiyar
Temple & View Point is located at a distance of 8 km from Yercaud Lake in
the village of Thalaisolai, is a popular vantage point. The Temple is built at
a height of 1400 m; the temple commands a panoramic view of the Shevaroys hills
along with the Shervarayan temple, coffee plantations, spice gardens and orange
groves.
The
temple has nothing to do with this viewpoint but only adding an ingredient to
its quiet, calm and scenic location with awesome views on the Shevaroys or
Shervarayan Hills. The calm and serene surroundings make this view point a
preferred picnic spot for the whole family. The more adventurous can explore
the numerous trails by walking through the coffee and cardamom estates nearby.
Annamalaiyar
Temple is a beautiful Shiva Temple with a single tower sculpted with colourful
idols and a pyramid like lamp tower which is brightly painted in red. The lamp
tower is lit on all full moon days in the evenings. This is the best time to
visit this view point as one can enjoy this ritual as well. To get better views
of the valley, climb up this lamp tower and you will not be disappointed.
Situated
well within the city limits, cars and autos can be hired to reach Annamalaiyar
Temple View Point. One can also visit Pagoda View Point, another spectacular
vantage point located in the vicinity.
Named as
Annamalaiyar Temple, for anyone it would remind Thiruvannamalai but it has no
connection with the popular Siva temple out there which is renowned for the
grand festival - Karthigai Deepam. Anyhow, perhaps, it seems to shares a custom
of lighting lamp on the full moon day, similar to Thiruvannamalai Deepam that
lit on the Annamalai Hill. Being a summer vacation, the children from the
nearby villages were playing around the temple and some even take advantage of
climbing the pyramid like lamp tower.
The
temple is also a simple yet beautiful structure with one small and moderate
towers decorated with idols and painted in various colors. There was also a
pretty well on one corner of the viewpoint with great scenery at background;
the courtyard of the temple has a nice lawn created by natural green.
Other Places of Interest in Yercaud
For brief details, please refer below link;