Hogenakkal Falls - Tamilnadu

 Hokenagal is one of the famous waterfalls in the Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu. It means smoke and kali in Kannada. Hokenakal literally means smoke over the rocks as the mist appears over the waterfalls at large. Hokenagal is at the confluence of the two rivers Kauveri and Chinnaru and is located in the Tamilnadu (Dharmapuri district) Karnataka (Chamrajnagar district) border though the major part is in Tamilnadu. The waterfall comes inside the Woddapatti reserve forest  too in the Eastern Ghats. Hokenagal is located at a distance of 200km from Coimbatore and 344 km from Chennai. It is called as the Niagara falls of India. Hogenakkal falls are a series of waterfalls in the river. Hokenakkal is located in a scenic landscape surrounded by forests and rocky hills. The water in the falls is said to have medicinal properties and there are spots for those to take such theraupatic baths. There are two seperate are for bathing one for men and the other for women.

Pic Courteousy Outlook India

The earlier name of Hogenakal was Uguneer Kal and the name Hogenakkal was given during the Mysore Kingdom rule. There is a mention of the falls in Sangam Literature asThalaineer Aruvi. The areas around this waterfalls are called Thalaineer nadu and was ruled by the king named Adhiyamaan Nedumaan Anji. Thus said this area is very oldest one. The carbonatite rocks in this area are said to be the oldest in the world too. 

The river Cauvery drops in elevation in Dharmapuri. It becomes larger as lots of tributaries feed into the river and the waterfall is almost 66 ft and the waterfalls sounds like thunder. The soil that the river and waterfall brings in makes the area fertile. The river then flows towards mettur. The river surroundings are fertile and are home for various fauna and flora and people go for trekking and nature walks. The nearby forest area is the home to lepords, deer and hyneas. 

During the rainy season the river is in full spate and it is not good to venture into it but it is best to visit Hokenakal after the monsoon season. During the dry season boating is allowed as there is no strong wall fall and it will not distrupt the passage. The boats are parisal and they are made using bamboo and are made using waterproof materials like plastic sheets. There are a few single paddled boats  too that are bought in during the recent times. These coracles - parisals takes the visitors through the various network of streams and river tributaries and to the edge of the waterfalls. The view via this trip is definitely a thrilling experience and one can witness small rainbows being formed when they cross the waterfalls. 
There are not much eateries in and around Hogenakkal but the road side stands catch fresh fish and fry them. The TTDC hotel (Tamil nadu Tourism Development Corporation) have decent well maintained  basic rooms to stay which can be booked through TTDC website. The hotel area have ample parking and play area for kids. There is a decent restaunt too where one can have meals during thier stay. 

There are a few nature trails and trekkers use these trails for thier trekking experience. The villages in and around serve the beauty of the local culture. The trek overlooking the waterfalls is very beautiful sight and one cannot miss the charms that this place throws over to the visitors. One have to hike through rocks and greenery all along the route which makes the trekking a very fun filled experience for both the beginners and experienced trekkers.  The hanging bridge on top of the waterfalls gives a spectacular view of the falls and the surroundings. 

The Tamilnadu government have started an integrated drinking water project to provide safe drinking water to the districts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri. 

How to reach:
The nearest airport is in Salem and the travel from Chennai is one hour and from salem one need to travel by road for 2.5 hours

The nearest railway station is Dharmapuri and from there one can take a bus or rent a vehicle to Hogenakkal falls

Can rent a car or take a bus from any part of Tamilnadu

12 Jyothirlinga Temples of India

 Lard Shiva is always considered to be the one who creates, saves and destroys not just the physical form but also the various illness both mental and physical that any human being has. In most parts of India, the Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shiva Linga.

Legend says - that once there was a fight between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to who is the supreme one and to settle the debate Lord Shiva appeared as a very huge pillar of light and asked them to find the tip of his head and toe. That light later cooled down and became the holy hill of Arunachala - in Tamilnadu. 

Both Brahma and Vishnu then split themselves to the upper and the lower world to find the tip of the head and feet respectively and when Brahma returned and lied that he saw the tip of Shiva's head The story goes that the fragrant screw pine flower - Thazhampoo in Tamil was falling down from Shiva's head and when Brahma saw that he requested the flower to lie to Shiva that he took it from his head and as the flower did so, both Brahma and the flower were cursed by Lord Shiva. That the flower will not be used for Shiva's pooja any more and that Lord Brahma though the creator of the world will not have physical temples to worship.  

Jyothirlingas are the 12 Shivalinga moorthis of Lord Shiva strategically placed across the country in 12 different locations. The word Jyothi means the light. The Shiva Purana mentions 64 Jyothirlingas but amongst them 12 are more sacred and they are called Maha Jyothirlingas. 

The places where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of light are regarded as the Jyothirlinga temple sites. The primary idol in all these temples are Shivalinga representing the beginningless and the endless sthamba - the pillar which represents the infinite nature of Lord Shiva. 

The 12 Maha Jyothirlingas are located in the following places:

1. Somnath, Veeruval, Gujarat

2. Rameshwar, Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu

3. Kedarnath, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

4. Nageshwar, Near Dwaraka, Gujarat

5. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

6. Mallikarjuna, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

7. Omkareshwar, Khandwa, Madhyapradesh

8. Viswanath, Kasi, Uttarpradesh

9. Bhimshankar, Pune, Maharashtra

10. Triambakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra

11. Baidhyanath, Deoghar, Jharkhand

12. Grishneshwar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Though these 12 places of worship of Lord Shiva are Jyothirlinga sites, still there are no individual significant marking to give these places a special reverence. 

Hotel Oriental Towers - Tanjore

2889, Srinivasam Pillai Road Thanjavur  613 001 Phone: 04362 – 230724 / 231467 / 231950 Email: reservations@hotelorientaltowers.com The best part of this hotel is its eleven storied high rise building which offers a breath taking view of the ancient Chola Capital. A choice of 135 centrally air conditioned rooms ranging from suite rooms, deluxe rooms and standard rooms. Mullai Restaurant is multi cuisine restaurant, serves  Indian, Moghul, Continental and tandoor foods. Marutham Restaurant serves pure vegetarian food Kurinji Restaurant serves Indian and tandoor foods. Banana Pub is there for high spirits. Four spacious conference halls for meetings, conferences, seminars and training programmes

Other facilities & Services - 24 hrs room service, modern laundry service, safety lockers, travel desk, high speed wireless broadband access facility, money exchange, doctor on call, shopping arcade & acceptance of all major credit cards

Tanjore or Thanjavur - Rice Bowl of South India

<sup>Article by Ms. Uma Sridharan

Thanjavur is known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. It was the capital of Cholas. With rich cultural heraitage, Thanjavur is full of temples most important is the Big Temple or Periya Kovil in tamil. The deity is Sri Brahadeeswar. This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola, in the year A.D 1010. The height of the temple tower or vimanam is 216 ft height.

The huge Nandhi statue at he entrance of the temple is carved out of single stone.
Manora: This eight storied tower known as 'tholla kaadhu mandapam' locally was built by Maratha King Serforji in the 1814. 

SARASWATHI MAHAL LIBRARY: Sarasvati Mahal Library is one of the few medieval Libraries that exist in the world.The Encyclopaedia Brittanica  mention this as "the most remarkable library in India. "  Started as a Royal Palace Library during the Nayak Kingdom over Thanjavar (1535-1673 A. D.). later developed by Marata Kings. There are nearly 47,000 manuscripts in palm leaves. A small museum is situated in the library to y displaying various rare artifacts.Rare manuscripts, books, beautifully decorated Thanjavur style of paintings in paper, wood, glass and canvass, illustrated manuscripts like Gaja Sastra, Asva Sastra, Mythological paintings, Botonical specimen paintings, Military costumes, Ramˆyana in miniature paintings, Rare maps, sketches and prints are displayed in this museum.</sup>

^{Thanjavur Maratha palace: originally constructed by the Nayaks, later it became the residence of Maratha Kings.}

^{Bangaru Kamakshi: Bangaru Kamakshi Temple is one of the popular religious sites in Thanjavur.The idol of Bangaru Kamakshi is made of pure gold. Bangaru means god in Telugu}

Hotels in Tiruvannamalai

Do you wish to do Girivalam in Tiruvannamalai every month? Or atleast during the month of Karthigai, here is a list of hotels where you can find accomodation.

Hotel Nala Residency No.21, Annasalai, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : 04175)-252399 Mobile: +(91)-9443222818, 9994498777 Fax : (04175)-250812

 Hotel Arunachala No.5, Vada Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-225474

Hotel Ramakrishna No.34-F, Polur Road, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-250005, 250006, 320055 Mobile: +(91)-9443163151 Fax : (04175)-250008

 Annamalai Guest house No.6A, Vada Sannathi Street Near Periya Gopuram, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601 Tamilnadu Phone : 04175)-222750 Mobile: +(91) 9245273553

Hotel Ganesh No.111-A, Big Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601 Tamilnadu. Phone : (04175)-226701, 226702, 224125 Mobile : +(91)-9443326701 Fax : (04175)-227887

Shiva Lodge 5-A, Erattai Pillaiyar Koil Street, 167-A, Car Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-253658 Mobile: +(91)-9443019200 Fax : (04175)-253658

N.S Lodge No.47, Thiruvoodal Street Tiruvannamalai - 606 601 Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-222750 Mobile: +(91)- 9245273553

S.M Lodge No.16, Polur Road, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-254120 Mobile: +(91)-9244232601

Kos Lodge No.68, Big Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-254452 Mobile: +(91)-9443373276, 9894316163

N.S Lodge No.47, Thiruvoodal Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-225388 Mobile: +(91)-9443233412, 9994498777

Misty Cove Home Stay in Kodaikanal

Mistycove, an exclusive homestay in Kodaikanal is located at a closer distance to Lake, Byrant Park, Coaker's Walk, Seven Road Junction, Boat Club etc. is situated in the lake front of the Kodai Lake. There are 5 cottages in a total area of 3 acres. The cottages are built colonial style. The cottages are 75 years old.  It is a great location for both young couples as well as families. The cottages have lawns and bloooming flowerbeds.

Each cottage can accomodate 4 adults and 2 kids (below the age of 7) and a there is an extra charge for extra beds. The cottages in Mistycove have one large bedroom, one small bed room, one living room which is enhanced with a fireplace, one kitchen and only one bathroom cum toilet. The bathrooms have hot and cold water facility. Option is given to the guests to cook or enjoy the food that is been served. But the food served is 100% vegetarian, and no non-vegetarian food, even that is bought from outside is allowed. Mistycove is also alchohol and tobacco free zone.

The check in time is at 10.00Am and check out time is at 9.00Am. The tariff is for per cottage and morning Tea/coffee is included in the room tarriff itself. Kids below the age of 7 are not charged for the fixed menu that is served. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner for fixed charges which is applicable at the time of booking. As an additional option, guests can avail of the pick up and drop from certain places like Kodai Road Railway station, Madurai Railway station, Madurai Airport, Coimbatore Airport and Railway station.
As the place is built exclusively for relaxation and merryment, the cottages are not equipped with a TV set. But on request, the caretaker provides one to the guests on hire. The cottages are not supplemented with generator or inverter and so, during powercuts, guests have to manage with the candle lights and wait for the power to resume. Pets are not  allowed inside the cottages but are provided safe place inside the compound.

For Booking:
'The Mistycove'F3,
1st Floor,No. 34 & 36, 7th Avenue,
Besantnagar,
Chennai - 600 090,
India.
Telephone : +91 44 24465732+91 44 24425733
Mobile : +91 9841025076+91 9381272480+91 9841025036+91 9381272481
Fax : +91 44 42625599
Email Id : reservations@mistycove.net

Silambattam - The Defense Martial Art of Tamil Nadu

Silambam or Silambattam is one of the traditional games of India, which have its origin in Tamilnadu. The kings of the south, promoted Silambattam and there were champions in this game. Silambattam is known as staff fencing dates back to 2nd century A.D. The silambam staff is one of the martial art wepons which was also one of the trading items in the ancient times. Though this game have its origin and flourishment in Tamilnadu, this is now a recreational game in the country of Malaysia too.

The young men of ancient Tamilnadu using a long staff, is a self defence game and mock-fighting games were organised in the ancient times. Almost all the young men were trained to use these staves to be used both in emergency and also as a ritual. There are 4 different types of sticks or staves used to enact Silambattam.

      1. Thin strong one which produces sonorous swishing sound.
      2. Staff tied with lighted torch at both the ends.       
      3. Short staff     
      4. Non-elastic staff that clatters.

The contest of Silambam     
There are 3 types of contest in Silambam that is practised normally. The winner of the contest is:
        1. Either one have to be dispossed of his staff.       
        2. Either one should have the maximum number of marks on his body.
        3. Skill in protecting a money pouch placed in the body.
    All these are 3 different types of contest and the looser have to place his staff on the ground in the 2nd and 3 rd contest. The winner normally leaves a mark on the forehead of the looser.
Dress code of the contestant
     The contestant wear langots, sleeveless vests, turbans (mundasus), and a chest guard made of Palmyrah tree traditionally and in the modern period real chest guard is used. Modern contestants wear canvas shoes.

Techniques of Silambam    
      Swift movements of hand and foot. Hands are normally used to weild the staff. Precise movement, momentum and force have to be developed at head, shoulder, hip and legs so that one can save these parts from getting hurt or hit during the game. One have to master the art of sweeping, cutting, thrusting the staff into the opponents area. One have to develop strong mental ability, by improving concentration. The contestants have to anticipate the movements of the opponent and use techniques accordingly. One have to master the different kinds of strokes.
     One have to learn to defend the crowd and learn to disperse the mob using different kind of strokes and hits which have to be performed swiftly. All these activities involve swift movement of hand, feet, staff swinging, jumping and a lot more. Silambam is not just a defensive art but also a combat exercise.

How the contest is performed
        The contest is started with a salutation; to the God, to the Guru and also to the audience. Points are awarded for different acts performed. For every touch on the body 1 point is awarded and at times for a touch above the waist 2 points are awarded.
    According to the rules that is made during the beggining of the contest, the winner is the one who touches the opponent's body thrice, or who makes a mark in the opponent's forehead or the one who disposses off the other's staff.
    Silambam is normally fought on an even and hard surface and the area is normally circular with a radius of not more than 20 to 25 ft. Normally 2 players are involved in the contest and the contest duration is between 6 to 10 mins with 4 quarters. An interval of one minute is given after the 1st and 3rd quarter. And after the 2nd quarter an interval of 3 mins is allowed.
    An defense art of ancient times is now regarded as an ancient martial art form of performing arts. 

Shenbagathoppu Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary - Shenbagathoppu is about 8 km west of Srivilliputhur. This sanctuary is the home of the endangered species of Grizzled giant squirrel. The wild life sanctuary is spread in about 480kms and was established in Srivilliputhur. On the south-west of this forest lies the Periyar Tiger Reserve and on the north-west lies the Megamalai Reserve forest. This place is a shelter for many tribal communities too.

This is a good trekking site in south India. As the place can be reached only two wheeler or cycle alone this happens to be a best cycling zone too. There are lots of waterfalls enroute and one can enjoy taking bath in them. People from Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam and Sivakasi visit Shenbagathoppu regularly. Meenvetti Parai falls is very famous place enroute to visit during winter and rainy seasons.

One can find the forests of Shenbagathoppu in the eastern side of Western Ghats. One can find a lot of rare species of plants and animals. 

Arupadi Veedu Temples

Arupadai veedu temples are the 6 temples of Lord Muruga. All these temples are in Tamilnadu and many go on tour to all these temples either individually or together.

The six temples are located at:
1. Dhandayuthapaani temple - Palani, Dindigul
2. Subramaniya Swami temple - Thiruparamkundram, Madurai
3. Subramaniya Swami temple - Thiruchendur, Tuticorin
4. Swaminatha Swami temple - Swamimalai, Tanjore
5. Subramaniya Swami temple - Solaimalai, Azhagarkoil, Madurai
6. Subramaniya Swami temple - Thiruthani, Thiruvallur

Regent Hillside Resort Yercaud

A colonial cottage turned into a homestay is the Regent Hill Side Resort Home stay. Inside a coffee plantation of the Shervaroy hill range, , the stay at Hill Side Resort is a perfect holiday stay place. The current owner Mr. Vishnu have purchased it from one Miss. Kinipel, have maintained the house with high roofed colonial ceiling and colonial decor. The whole place is surrounded by bonsai trees.
The host Mr. Vishnu arranges for pickup and drop facilities on prior notice. The house is fully wi-fi enabled, and so one can relax and surf any where any time. A small well stocked library is maintained and the visitors can make use of it. Doctors are arranged on call. Fire warmth can be arranged as there are fire places in all the rooms.

The host arranges for treks and picnics arround Yercaud. On request a sumptuous picnic meal is arranged. There are many indoor games for both kids and adults. Sight seeing trips`
The house is established in 1860 and famous people like Charles Dickens, Sir Robert Clive, Nizam of Hyderabad have stayed here.

Kaalikesam|Kalikesam - Unexplored Charming Beauty

Kaalikesam or Kalikesam, is a beautiful place located 20 kms from Nagerkoil.This is a really wonderful tourist place near Kanyakumari but many don’t know much about this place. This place is quite dense with forest and rubber plantations. Though there are buses to this place, there is no use in taking risk to go to this place by bus, but can go there straight away, if there is own transport. The entire stretch of traveling either from Kerala or from Kanyakumari is quite breath taking. One will never hesitate to stop enroute to take pictures.

How to reach:
       From Nagerkoil one have to cross the villages of Puthery, Thittuvilai, Alagiyapandiapuram, Thadikarankonam (there is a straight road from the north end of this village, that leads to Kalikesam), Keeriparai, Kalikesam. At Keeriparai, there is a bridge and once crossing the bridge there is a junction of two roads cutting at V angle where the right side road leads to Balmore estate and Vattaparai falls and the straight road or the left side road leads to Kaalikesam after a traveling distance of 2 kms. The end of the road is Kalikesam. The road ends in the Kali temple on the forest river shore (did this place got the name because of the temple?). The second half of May and early half of June says the native inmates there. When the monsoon starts in Kerala, the forest river starts getting water. Though the water is ankle deep one have to be very careful with the swirls. The forest river is a real wonder to see and step in during the summer but when there is heavy rain, it is absolutely unadvisable to go to this place. Infact the bridge at Keeripaarai, gets submerged in the forest floods.The Kali temple is the main devotee for some of the families in the nearby villages and on Tuesdays and Fridays, people come to offer pujas. The Tamil month of Aadi is very significant and women make kozhukattai and maavilakku and offer it to Kali. The only other building to be seen in this area is the Tea stall or the canteen on the opposite bank. There is a bridge constructed from one bank of the river, funded by MLA fund. People can walk or can go in bicycle. When we go up the hill in a distance of 1km there is a beautiful waterfall. It is better not to stay back after dark, as there are lots of wild animals seen wandering after sunset.

Beware, even in this technology improved decade, there is very remote chance of your mobile phones getting a signal

Tourism Information Offices of Tamilnadu

Chennai 
Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex,
No.2, Wallajah Road,
Chennai - 600 002.
E-Mail Id : ttdc@vsnl.com
044-25368358, 9176995863

Chidambaram
Railway Feeder Road,
Chidambaram - 608 001.
04144-238739

Dharmapuri
District Development Council Complex,
Dharmapuri - 636 705.
04342-230705

Kanniyakumari 
Beach Road,
Kanniyakumari - 629702.
04652-246276, 9176995866

Kodaikanal 
Poet Thyagaraya Road,
Kodaikanal - 624 101.
04542-241675, 9176995867

Madurai 
1, West Veli Street,
 Madurai - 625 001
0452-2334757, 9176995868

Mamallapuram
Kovalam Road,
Mamallapuram - 603 104.
044-27442232, 9176995869

Poompuhar 
Poompuhar Tourist Complex,
Poompuhar - 609 105.
Nagapattinam District.
04364-260439, 9176995843

Rameswaram 
Pamban Road (near Bus Terminus)
Rameswaram - 623 526.
04573-221371
9176995871

Salem
Hotel Tamil Nadu Complex,
Ramakrishna Road,
Salem - 623 007.
0427-2316449

Thanjavur 
Hotel Tamil Nadu Complex,
Thanjavur - 613 001.
04362-230984, 9176995873

Thiruchirappalli 
101 Willams Road,
Cantonment,
Thiruchirappalli - 620 001.
0431-2460136, 9176995874

Thirunelveli 
Collectorate Complex,
Kokkara Kulam
Thirunelveli - 627 002.
0462-2500104, 9884742223

Udhagamandalam
Wenlock Road,
Udhagamandalam - 643 001.
0423-2443977, 9176995875

Vellore
Vellore Fort Complex,
Vellore Port, Vellore – 632 004
0416-2217974, 98653 23653

Coimbatore
Hotel Tamilnadu Complex,
Dr.Nachiappa Road,
Coimbatore – 641 018
0422-2303176

Karaikudi 
13,kannadasan Manimandapam Complex,
Karaikudi-1
04342-230705

Tiruvannamalai
13,Manthoppu,Road,
Tiruvannamalai – 606 601
9176995843

Tourist Offices in Other States
Agra 
50-D, Idgah Colony,
First Floor,
Near Sheetal Lodge
Agra - 282001.
0562-2421183

Jaipur
Govind Bhavan,
Opp. Hotel Swagatam,
Jaipur - 302 001.
0141-2570763

Kolkatta 
G-26, Dakshinappan Shopping Complex,
2, Gariaghat Road, (South),
Kolkatta - 700 068.
033-24237432

Mumbai 
G.2A, Royal Grace,
Lokmanya Tilak Colony,
Marg No.2,
Dadar East,
Mumbai - 400 014.
022-24110118

New Delhi 
C-1, State Emporia Complex,
Babha Kharak Singh Marg,
New Delhi - 110 001.
011-23366327

Panaji, Goa
Shop. No.7,
Rayu Chambers,
Panaji,
Goa - 403 001.
0832-2226390

Tourist Information Centres in other States
Bangalore 
Tourist Information Centre,
Bangalore City Railway Station,
Bangalore - 560 023.
Ph: 080-2286181, 080-22286181

Ahmedabad 
Tourist Information Centre,
G3, Ground Floor,
Homkoot Complex,
Opp : to Capital Commercial Centre,
Near Nehru bridge,
Ahmedabad - 380 009.
Gujarat.
079-26580317

Hyderabad 
Tourist Information Centre,
No-3-369/A 2-1-1 Street,
No.1. Himayat Nagar,
Hyderabad - 500 029.
Andhra Pradesh.
040-27667492

Orissa 
Tourist Information Centre,
"Panthaniva Bhubaneswar" Lewis Road,
Bhubaneswar - 751014.
0674-2430169

Thiruvananthapuram 
Tourist Information Centre,
TC 25/1641, Thambanoor,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001.
0471-2327310

Kurumba Village Resort - Ooty

The Kurumba Village Resort is located adjacent to the ghat road between Ooty and Mettuppalayam in an area known as Upper Burliar. The resort is about 14kms from Coonoor and 34 kms from Ooty on road. The resort is named after one of the 5 ancient tribes of Nilgiris the Kurumbas. These tribes are the inhabitants of the areas around Burliar.

Cottage Bedroom 

The Kurumba village resort is built without tampering the rain forests and one can see the mountain stream bordering the resort. The guests can expect the wonderful Tamilnadu Hospitality.

Balcony at cottage

The Resort have about 15 self sufficient cottages which are airy and built with tribal style (thatched cottages). All the rooms have their own balconies and have king sized beds.

Open air bathroom at cottage

The suites at Kurumba Village Resort are two storeyed with the bedroom upstairs and the dressing room downstairs. The guests can dine at the large 30ft tall thatched roof ceiling restaurant which serves multicuisine spread. The Guests can participate in different indoor activities like Chess, Carrom Board, Table Tennis, Pool Table etc and a vareity of outdoor activities that include trekking, Golfing, Tea estate Touring, Boating and lots more.

Dining room at Kurumba Resort

Address:
The Kurumba Village Resort
Ooty Mettupalayam Road
(between the 4^th and 5^th hair pin bend)
Hill Grove Post
Kurumbadi - 643102
The Nilgiris
Tamil Nadu - INDIA

For Reservations Contact

Mobile : + 91 9443998886      
Tel :       +91 - 423 - 2237222       / 2231222
Fax :      +91 - 423 - 2231222
Email : nilgiris@kurumbavillageresort.com 

Conoor - The Tea Garden City

Next to Ooty, the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris is Coonor. Between Mettupalayam and Ooty, Coonoor offers lots of tourist attractions which includes bird watching. Located at about 1800 m above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its tea plantations and activities like trekking and hiking. There are large number trekking and hiking trails around Coonor. One can get to see a panaromic view of the beautiful Nilgiris from Coonoor. One can reach Coonoor both through road and also through Toy Train. The entire journey in both the routes are breath taking and those who love nature are sure to fall in love with it. 

      Coonoor is famous for its Residential schools. Brindavan Public School, Holy Innocent High School-Wellington, St. Joseph's Boys Hr. Sec School, St. Joseph's Convent for Girls, Mountain Home School, Stanes Hr. Sec. School, Arignar Anna Hr. Sec. School. There are two colleges in Coonoor; Providence College for Women, Riga College for Hotel Management.

Though majority of people depend on Tea for their trade and commerce, one can get to see a lot of Ayurvedic products and forest products too. Coonoor is famous for itsSericulture (Government runs a silk farm with a large research facility). Floriculture andstrawberry collection also are quite famous in here. 

Attractions in and around Coonoor:

Sims Park:

Located to the north of Coonoor Railway Station, this park have a large number of individual tree specimens and different kinds of animals and bird species. The park have winding footpaths all over the higher slopes which is naturally made and that gives a distinctive look to the park. 

Pasteur Institute:      

Established in 1907, this institute's research laborotary manufactures Polio Vaccines and also does research on Rabbies. 

Pomological Station:      

The Horticultural Department maintains this and the other 2 fruit gardens in Burliar and Kallar which are experimental fruit gardens. Fruit trees like Apples, Plums, Peaches, Persinments, Lemns, Apricots and Pomegranates are grown here for research purposes. Public can get to taste the fruit based Jams prepared here along with Surplus fruits that are sold in the counter.

Silk Rearing Station:    

 Sericulture of Coonoor is done in this institute which is close to the Pasteur Institute. 

Laws Falls:      

A beautiful picnic spot where one can enjoy a water fall from about 180 ft. The surrounding areas are Bird Watchers and Nature Lovers' paradise.

Dolphin's Nose:      

An enormous rock structure which resembles like a Dolphin is located at a distance of 10kms from the Town. The rock gives an unique view point of the town. 

Lamb's Rock:      

Enroute to Dolphin's nose is this Lamb's Rock and it gives a great view point towards the plains region of the Coimbatore district.

Lady Canninng's Seat:      

A tourist spot that gives views of the tea estates and plains below.

The Droog:      

Tippu Sultan used this place as an outpost and this place is now a picnic spot. Located at a distance of 15kms from Coonoor, this place is a trekking spot and one have to trek for about 3 kms to reach this.

Masinagudi:    

Going through over 35 hairpin bends, one can reach Masinagudi from Coonoor which is at a distance of 18 kms. Masinagudi is an elephant's paradise and one can see few here and there. The entire route is a scenic beauty. 

Some of the places to stay in Coonoor:

Green Acre's Resort

Great Grand Father's Holiday Home stay

Spring Sany Cottage

Fair Stay Holiday Resorts

Viralimalai - The Peacock Sanctuary in Tamilnadu

Want to enjoy the dance of Peacock in its natural habitat, then the best place to visit is Viralimalai. It is a green paradise where the peacocks dance to the nature's tunes.

 Viralimalai is situated at 30kms from Tiruchirapalli. Viralimalai is famous for its Peacock sanctuary and Shanmuganathar temple on top of the granite hill. Viralimalai is abundant with peacocks, National Animal of India. Peacocks can be seen in the natural hillocks of Viralimalai. Viralimalai is famous for its Kuravanji dance drama.

The Viralimalai sancturary have atleast 6 different species of peacocks. The peacocks roam here very freely in its natural habitat.

How to reach:
     Viralimalai can be reached from Tiruchirapalli and Pudukottai via road. Regular busses are plyed from these places.

Best time to visit
      October to April

Ooty - The Queen of Hills

The Queen of hills is always a place of tourism interest for many

especially for people of Tamilnadu during the summer. The Ooty - capital of Nilgiris district is 105 kms away from Coimbatore. It is at an altitude of 2240 mtrs above the sea level. Nilgiris - is known as Blue Mountains and this place have lots of picnic places to visit. It is a scenic beauty to see the tea plantations lined up on the slopes along with houses built in the slopes.

One have to go through lots of almost 14 hair pin bends, from Kallar to Coonor in the ghat road. To reach this place, one have to reach Coimbatore either through train or through plane and from there travel either through the ghat road or take the toy train that chugs through the hills.

There are lots of tourist places to be seen in Ooty

Botanical Garden which covers a vast area of over 55 acres. The entire area is green with well maintained lawns and have many rare species of trees too. The garden is maintained by the Horticulture Department of Tamilnadu. Every Summer especially during the month of May, the Summer Festivals are held and the plants and trees and the beautiful roses are great attractions to the tourists.

Ooty Lake
The Ooty lake stretches from the Main Bus stand to about 2 kms. Tourists enjoy going on boat rides in this lake. The boat house is located on the far end and the tourists can rent out any kind of boat.

During summer boat race takes place. A small area near the boat house is converted into children's park with a toy train and it have become a great hit. The deer park which is just near the children's park is also a major attraction. Ponies are also found outside the boat house to go on for a ride.

This Ooty lake is not a natural lake but an artificial one which was formed in the year 1823 to dam the mountain stream water during the rainy season.

Dhoddabetta
The tallest peak in the Nilgiri hills hae always been a great attraction to tourists. The natural beauty in the surrounding is unbeleivable and stunning.There is a telescope house from which people see all around the hills. Tourists never forget to take a snap of themselves in this area.

Government Museum
This museum hosts a lots of tribal objects.

Pykara Falls
On the road from Ooty to Banglore, the Pykara falls is situated. This is quite close to Mudumalai also. There is a dam built on the river and the falls have formed a lake where it falls from the mountain. There is a forest rest house and the dam is protected with fence. Just near the dam is the Toda settlements, and wild life habitats. There is a boat house and it also have an restaurant attached to it.

Trekking is a major sports attraction in Ooty. From the base cap at Parsons Valley, one can start their trekking.

Ooty is a shopping paradise too. One can get almost anything in Ooty. Fresh vegetables are available all through the year. The Tibet market is also a famous place in Ooty for a great shopping experience. One should definitely have the art of bargaining to shop in this market.

Shopping never ends without getting the different flavours of Tea and the Eucalyptus Oil.

Kothagiri - Natural destination to improve your health

Kotagiri or Kothagiri is the place which is one of the places suitable for stay during the summer. Kotagiri - The name means the lines of houses of Kotas. Though the Kotas have been moved to a settlement the place still retains the name. The Kotas are artisans who are expert in pottery and terracota arts. the Kotagiri is about 30 kms east of Ooty and 23 kms from Coonooor and 33 kms from Mettupalayam. Kotagiri is one of the places which is protected by the Doddabetta range from the south west monsoon. This makes the place warmer than Ooty and so Kotagiri is a great health resort. Kotagiri is full of tea estates and thick Shola forests.

Tea Estate Kothagiri

Kotagiri is a great place for hiking. The entire Nilgiri slope offers best hiking opportunities and there are lots of trails in and around which are used by hikers for a long time.

How to Reach Kotagiri:
Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore. There are daily flights from Chennai, Banglore and Trivandrum. From Coimbatore, it can be reached by bus.

Catherine falls Kotagiri

Rail: Ooty is connected by toy train with Mettupalayam. There are trains from Chennai to Mettupalayam.

Road: Ooty is connected with lot more places by road and there are regular bus services from all the major towns of South India.

Navagraha Temples around Kumbakonam

In Tamilnadu, in and around Kumbakonam, there are 9 different temples for the Navagrahas. The Navagraha temple tour is the first temple to be visited in the tour.  These temples are also called Chola mandala Navagraha kshetrams.

Vaitheeswaran koil - Mars(Angarakan)
Thiruvenkaadu - Mercury (Budan)
Aalangudi - Jupiter(Guru)
Kanjanoor - Venus (Shukran)
Tirunageswaram - (Rahu)
Keezhperumpallam - (Ketu)
Tingaloor - Moon (Chandran)
Suryanar Koil - Sun (Suryan)
Thirunallar - Saturn (Shani)

Wydra Holiday Bunglows - Kodaikanal

Wydra Holiday bunglows have 3 different independent houses situated close to each other. They accommodate any type of guests. Family members, groups of families, honeymooners who need privacy all are welcome to stay in this Home stay.    The three types of houses are: 1. Chill House which is a 5 bed roomed house with 2 bedrooms in the first floor with a hall and open fireplace and a kitchen with dining which is perfect for two families or two couples. If needed the families can cook their own food in the kitchen. The ground flor have 2 bedrooms with an attached bath rooms. The rooms are equipped with latest amenities and are decorated with carpet from wall to wall.  2. Cool House an 8 deluxe roomed house with 4 rooms in both the floors. All the rooms have wooden floors and have attached bath and a view of the surroundings.  3. Villa Wydra is a 3 bed room independent bunglow which can be used by one single family with 3 couples or 3 different couples who want privacy.  Wydra Holiday Bunglows have a well equipped kitchen and they serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared by their inhouse chef. Tea or coffee in the morning, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served according to the tastes and wishes of the guests either in the garden or in the lounge as per the mood, comfort and convenience. The charge is around Rs. 2000/= to Rs. 15000/=. They also provide laundry services and also provide outdoor camping, trekking and camping services. Email: chillhousehomestay@gmail.com Website: wydra.kodaikanal.com Ph : 04542- 243642 / 094433 22710 / 094863 01068 Address: Wydra Bungalows 3B, Wydra Housing Society Observatory Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India.

Wydra Holiday bunglows have 3 different independent houses situated close to each other. They accommodate any type of guests. Family members, groups of families, honeymooners who need privacy all are welcome to stay in this Home stay.   The three types of houses are: 1. Chill House which is a 5 bed roomed house with 2 bedrooms in the first floor with a hall and open fireplace and a kitchen with dining which is perfect for two families or two couples. If needed the families can cook their own food in the kitchen. The ground flor have 2 bedrooms with an attached bath rooms. The rooms are equipped with latest amenities and are decorated with carpet from wall to wall.  2. Cool House an 8 deluxe roomed house with 4 rooms in both the floors. All the rooms have wooden floors and have attached bath and a view of the surroundings.  3. Villa Wydra is a 3 bed room independent bunglow which can be used by one single family with 3 couples or 3 different couples who want privacy.   Wydra Holiday Bunglows have a well equipped kitchen and they serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared by their inhouse chef. Tea or coffee in the morning, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served according to the tastes and wishes of the guests either in the garden or in the lounge as per the mood, comfort and convenience. The charge is around Rs. 2000/= to Rs. 15000/=. They also provide laundry services and also provide outdoor camping, trekking and camping services. Email: chillhousehomestay@gmail.com Website: wydra.kodaikanal.com Ph : 04542- 243642 / 094433 22710 / 094863 01068 Address: Wydra Bungalows 3B, Wydra Housing Society Observatory Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India.

Ooty Youth Hostel

Ooty Youth Hostel is at a distance of 7 minutes walk from Ooty railway station and Central bus stand.

Non AC dormitory, AC Suites and Non AC Suites are available. 

More details can be available at www.yhaindia.org; email - ootyyouthhostel@hotmail.com

Address of Ooty Youth Hostel:  Ooty Youth Hostel, 

                                                 42 South Lake Rd. Fern Hill, 
                                                 Ooty 643004

The youth hostel is open all through the year. The check in time is 11.00 am and check out time is 11.00 am on any day.  The hostel have to be booked 3 days in advance and in case of cancellation 2 days prior should be intimated. 

Groups Welcome

Family Rooms

All Meals

Cafe/Bar

Common Rooms

TV Rooms

STD/ISD

Laundry