Thirumoorthy Hills

Thirumoorthy hills

Thirumoorthy Hills form a part of the Anaimalai range of the Western Ghats. Thirumoorthy temple is situated 50 Kms from Pollachi and 20 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore.

Like other hills in Anaimalai range, this place heaven for the hikers and natural lovers. If you want to hike around Thirumoorthy hills, you should get permission from the forest department. Forest department is located nearby Thirumoorthy hills bus station and/or temple. Besides, it consists of three places of interest – Thirumoorthy Temple, Panjalinga Falls, and Thirumoorthy Dam.

Amanalingeshwara Temple

Thirumoorthy temple is situated at the foot of the hill adjacent to Thirumoorthy Dam. Importance of this temple is three Moorthy (syumbhu) Idols originate in same place.Legend says that a few thousand years ago, sage Athari Maharishi along with his wife Anushiya Devi lived here. Moved by their prayer, Lord Shiva along with Brahma and Vishnu (3 moorthis or Thirumoorthy) came in disguise to test their devotion. Overwhelmed by their appearance the couple offered them their tribute. The 3 moorthis refused to accept their offerings as such and demanded that Anushiya Devi should make the offering in nudity. She accepted their demand, and with the power of her devotion, she changed the 3 moorthis into babies and fed them. On seeing the devotion of Anushiya Devi, the 3 moorthis blessed the couple and so the place gets its name. There is an old temple here on the foothill.

Panjalinga Falls

One has to climb around 1-2 km to reach the Panjalinga Falls, but it’s worth the climb as the water there is fabulous, but only during the winter and rainy months the falls will be in full force. Little above the water falls you can find open temple. Originally there are five god statue was there. Due to heavy water rain, some of the statues were missed. During the festival time, pilgrimage from nearby areas will come to this place. There after bring “Panjalinga water” for their prayer rituals.

Panjalinga Falls

Thirumoorthy Dam

Thirumoorthy Dam is a nice place for a one-day outing from Coimbatore. It has boating, a nice place to have your lunch (of course, you should pack your lunch as there are no good hotels out there), and the drive there is ultimate. From Coimbatore, you can either go to Udumalpet and go from there or take my favourite, the more interior and scenic route that goes through the villages. The drive is simply great with the whole route surrounded by sunflower gardens, coconut groves, and paddy fields. Sometime, you can see the cinema shooting in this beautiful locations.

Thirumoorthy Dam View

Other Attractions

There is also a swimming pool and a well laid out garden near by the dam. If you have bicycle, it’s nice location for natural riding. The place has many tribal settlements around and has rich moist & dry deciduous forests.

Sunflower Fields Nearby Hills

Transportation

This is approximately 20 km from Udumalpet on the Highway from Palani to Coimbatore. Local buses are available from Udumalpet to this place. Meter Gauge Railway is passing from Dindigul to Coimbatore through Udumalpet. Through Air Coimbatore Flights connect to Chennai and other important cities.

Monkey Falls

Monkey Falls is located at 29th km junction on the Pollachi-Valparai (near the uphill ghat road) road in the Anaimalai Hills range. It’s about 5 km from famous Aliyar and refreshing natural waterfalls. The Ayurvedic water bath helps to relax and rejuvenate.

Due to lot of monkeys near by this ares, this falls call as "Monkey Falls". The Monkey Falls are the most famous and popular tourism spot. People making their travel in the area of Coimbatore or Pollachi district will never miss to visit Monkey falls are they have an outstanding scenic attraction. This Monkey falls is an ideal place for the little children to take bathe. The entry ticket fee is very low and it just cost 2 INR to enter inside the falls.

An interesting trek route at the Monkey Falls; a linear stretch of evergreen forests surrounded by rocky cliffs, is avilable and regular guided treks are conducted during favourable season. Prior notice should be given to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department before a fortnight.

Entrance

Monkey Falls

Trekking Trail near by Monkey Falls

Palani Temple

PALANI

Palani is one of the most visited and popular temple in Tamilnadu dedicated to Lord Muruga and is one of the revered 6 Padai Veedu shrines of Murugan.

Palani Hills

The temple of Dhandayudhapani is located atop the Palani hills, which is about 324 metres above the sea level. 690 stone steps line the mountain passage and an electric winch and cable cares also takes pilgrims up the hill. Anyhow, walking through the steps give breathe-taking view of the palani hills and temples. Further, heading towards hill through steps leads to get good view of small temples. Once you reach the top of the hill, you need to take several rounds towards temple to get the blessings from Lord Murugan. Once you came out from the main shrine, you will see the golden top of the main temple. Before get down, you should look around and see the nice view of palani and nearby areas. In addition, you can get the excellent view of Kodaikanal hills and near by Idumban hills.

Transportation

Palani is reached by just three hours drive from any of the nearest airports: Coimbatore (115 km), Madurai (122 km) and Tiruchy (156 km). Further, Palani is located about 64 km from famous hill station kodaikanal. It is an important railway station on the Dindugal-Coimbatore line.

From Dindigul, Coimbatore, Erode, Kodaikonal, Udumalpet and so on you can reach Palani through buses.

Accommodation

Travellers have plenty of convenient accomodation facilties around Temple.

Tourism Office

• Palani Devasthânam Information Centre is located at the Palani Bus Stand. Tourist Guides appointed by the Devasthânam are available at the Dandapani Nilayam.
• Tourist Bungalow Complex, West Veli Street Madurai.
• Tourist Information Centre, Railway Junction, Madurai.
  

Palani Travel Map

Palani Temple View

Palani Temple Entrance
Palani Temple Hill Top View

Palani Temple Golden Kopuram View

Cable Car

Winch

Ref : http://palani.org/

Amaravathi River, Amaravathi Reservoir and Amaravathi Chrocodile Farm

Amaravathi River

Rivers in India have very beautiful names. One of the most enchanting is Amaravathi, which invokes the greenery and Kalpavriksha tree of Lord Indra's heaven. The name Amaravathi echoes the Hinduism/ Buddhist past of southern India. The Amaravathi river swells into life in the Anjanad valley (Kerala state) of the Western Ghats, whose slopes are awash with Kurinji blossoms once every 12 years, descends to the plains near Udumalaipettai, Tamil Nadu, and flows by the village where I was born and raised (Madathukulam). It is one of the longest rivers (175 km) in Tamil Nadu, with another name, Pournami which join with the river Cauvery, near Karur. Travelling along the Amaravathi can be joy, if only to watch the fields of, coconut, sugarcane, mango trees and to walk into any temple and lave in the peaceful atmosphere glowing with the faith of simple village folk.

Amaravathi Reservoir/ Dam

Amaravathi Reservoir at Amaravathinagar is located in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary/ Indira Gandhi National Park in Tamil Nadu, India. The 9.31 km², 33.53 m deep reservoir was created by the steep Amaravathi Dam built in 1957 across the Amaravathi River about 25 km upstream and south from Thirumoorthy Dam. Capacity of the dam has shrunk from 4 tmcft to 3 tmcft due to siltation. Though built primarily for irrigation and flood control, it is used generate electric city also. There is a well laid-out park where one may climb steep steps on the dam to have a picturesque view north of the plains below and south to the Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills. The dam can be approached from Udumalpet by road 25 kms. The non-indigenous Tilapia fish was introduced here in the 1950s and subsequently this reservoir had highest fish yield. Other fish predators here include: Oriental Small-clawed Otters, Indian Cormorants and Indian Flap-shelled Turtles. Cast nets are commonly used for subsistence fishing.

Travelling Map

Amaravathi Dam shutters

Amaravathi Reservoir

Road Towards Amaravathi

Amaravathi Crocodile Farm

The Amaravathi Crocodile Farm, Established in 1976, the largest Crocodile nursery in India, is One km. before the Amaravathy dam site. The largest wild breeding population of Crocodiles in South India live in the reservoir, and in the Chinnar, Thennar and Pambar rivers that drain into it. These broad-snouted Mugger Crocodiles, also known as Marsh Crocodiles and Persian Crocodiles, are the most common and widespread of the three species of crocodiles found in India. They eat fish, other reptiles, small and large mammals and are sometimes dangerous to humans. Many adult crocodiles have been reintroduced from here into the wild. Eggs are collected from wild nests along the perimeter of the reservoir to be hatched and reared at the Farm. Many crocodiles of all sizes can be seen basking in the sun and suddenly making a stride or piled up on one another. There are now 98 crocodiles (25 male + 73 female) maintained in captivity here. Eggs are collected from wild nests along the perimeter of the reservoir to be hatched and reared at the Farm. There are now 430 animals maintained in captivity. Many adult crocodiles have been reintroduced from here into the wild. Three Forest Department personnel manage and maintain the Centre.

Entrance Fee

1 INR

Working time

9.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. every day

Travelling Approach

From Coimbatore by road – via Pollachi, Udumalpet Amaravathy nagar - 96 kms.

Nearest Airport Coimbatore, Madurai

Nearest Railway Station Udumalpet, Palani

Contact person

1) Forest Range Officer, Amaravathy Range, Amaravathy nagar.

2) Wildlife Warden, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, 365/1 Meenkarai Road, Pollachi-1. Ph. No. 04259 225356

Location

One Km. before Amaravathy dam site.

Accommodation

One Forest Rest House with two suites to accommodate four persons is available near the Crocodile farm. The rent for the same is Rs.150 for two persons per day per suite.

Indian Mugger Crocodiles

Chrocodiles in Tamil Nadu

Ref : http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/WildBiodiversity/amaravathy_croc.html

Top Slip

Introduction

The 958 km2 “Top Slip” is one of the ever green location in southern India. It’s part “Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (IGWS) ” and “Indira Gandhi National Park (IGNP)” which is located in Western Ghats. The area around this panoramic mountain is called “Anamalai” or “ Elephant Hills”. Top Slip is at an altitude of 800 meters and it’s in the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. Separated from the Nilgiri Hills by the Palghat Gap on the north, the Park is contiguous to the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to its west and to the Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Chinnar WLS to its south Indira Gandhi national park - a place known for its great swathes of forests and wildlife - birds, butterflies, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, tigers, panthers, gaurs (Indian Bison), dholes (wild dogs), king cobra and the lion-tailed macaques in their natural habitat - all within an area known as Top Slip. Further it’s heaven for the bird watchers, botanist, trekkers , hikers and natural lovers.

Meaning behind Top Slip

The name top slip comes from the practice carried out in 19th century, of sliding logs of teak timber down the hills that took place in this area. Top Slip is a little hamlet in the Annamalai hills where teak was introduced during the British Raj. In the colonial days, the harvested timber used to be 'slipped' to the plains from the hills through a narrow canal – hence the reason for its name

Location Atmosphere

Top Slip is a tiny village where you get all tourism information, it has a reception and information centre, guest lodging, a canteen run by a co-operative, a ration shop and the Forest Department's office. Since this is a restricted zone, elephant safaris and jeep rides into the sanctuary are organised by the Forest Department at a nominal cost. One could also take a walk into the jungle with the permission of the Forest Department who send a tribal guide to accompany you.

Top slip Forest

IGNP is an Indomalayan Malabar Rain forest and the Tropical Humid biome comprises primarily of wet evergreen, sub-tropical evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, semi-evergreen and montane-shola grasslands. The terrain here is thickly wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys and rolling grasslands. Altitude ranges from 340m to 2,510m and annual rainfall varies between 800 mm to 4500 mm . Both southwest and northeast monsoons occur here.. The area is drained by several perennial and semi-perennial river systems like the Kallar and Sholaiar rivers and contains man-made reservoirs such as Aliyar and Thirumurthy. The main geological formations in the area are hornblende-biotite and garnetiferous biotite gneissus, charnockites and plagiodase porphyry dykes. Soil on the slopes consists of sandy loam.

Transportation, Entrance and Accomedation

There are regular buses from pollachi a fair sized town south of Coimbatore. The usual route is to travel by road from Coimbatore (40 km) )/ Palakad (40 km)/ Palani (68 km) to Pollachi to the Wildlife Warden's Office and then by road to Top Slip (35 km), the entry point to the Park. There are regular buses from Coimbatore and Palani to Pollachi and there are two buses a day from Pollachi to Top Slip leaving Pollachi at 6 am and 3 pm. The bus returns to Pollachi at 12 am and 8 pm. Hired cars/taxis are also available at Pollachi. Other wise you can take other buses (frequency is higher) to Sethumadai ((23 kms from Pollachi) and take taxi to Top Slip. Top slip has plenty of awesome government lodges, wooden hosuses and rest houses, which require prior permission from the Department of Forestry in Pollachi (Wildlife Warden Office, 178 Meenkarai Road, Pollachi (near by railway station), Ph: 04259-225356) and these are very convenient for over night stay. Even though food is served in the canteen. Better you can bring some snaks and crackers. While require permission you can choose the type of the accommodation as per your convenient (Mt. Stuart Rest house ,Horn-bill, Tree-top hut, Chital house, Bison house, Ambuli Illam). There are Forest Rest Houses at Top slip Varagaliar, Amaravathi, Sethumadai.The Ambuli Illam Guesthouse, at Top slip, 2km from the reception center, is the best place to stay. It has a restaurant. The Public Works Department (PWD) Rest houses at Udumalpet and Amaravathi, Electricity Board (TNEB) Rest House at Attakatti. Accommodation is usually limited to only one or two nights at a location. Alternatively, one could stay at Pollachi or Coimbatore where there are several places to stay and do day trips to Top Slip. Sakthi Hotel , Coimbatore Rd, Pollachi has rooms for INR 370- INR 750. with A/C ( Tel: 04259 2223060). Hotels like City Tower and Surya International have been recommended at Coimbatore. On the way to the “Top Slip” you need to give your documents and/or application forms in forest check-post. Approximate one hour journey will bring you the IGNP reception centre.

Camps

Kothalai camp is around 6 kms inside the forest. The charges in this camp are around 1000 for a group of and in addition to it 2 guides and a gunman. 12 kms from the kothalai camp is the kottaivali which also has the same charges as kothalai camp. Both these camps are in karimalai range. Then there is the orukombankutti camp also in the orukomban range. This camp is around 12 kms in the jungle and has the same charges as of the above mentioned two camps. The cheapest camp is however the bison valley lodge which charges only rs 150 per head. There is also a community hall for large groups. This hall can accommodate 30-35 people and per head one has to pay rs 80.it is compulsory to hire a jeep to enter any of these places. While on a visit to Anaimalai these camps are an excellent option to stay. In the midst of the nature these camps prove helpful in bonding one with nature.

Herbal House

There is also is “Medicinal Plants Interpretation Center” at Topslip, the first of its kind in India, cultivates medicinal plants. The center displays information about endangered and endemic medicinal plants and Indian systems of medicine by qualified ayurvedic and siddha vaidyas (doctors).

Wildlife in Indira Gandhi National Park

· Lion tailed macaque

· Bonnet macaque, Common Languor

· Nilgiris Langur

· Malabar Giant squirrel

· Grizzled giant Squirrel

· Tiger · Panther

· Elephant

· Gaur

· Pangolin, Sambar

· Spotted Deer

· Barking Deer

· Mouse Deer

· Wild Boar

· Dhole

· Sloth Bear

· Porcupine

· Nilgiris Tahr

· Civet Cat

· Toddy Cat

Birds in Indira Gandhi National Park

A large number of people all over the world enjoy bird watching in India. There are over 1200 species of birds found in the India and at least 500 species alone in the Indira Gandhi Sanctuary or Indira Gandhi National Park. In here birds are colorful, lively and interesting to listen to. Bird watching does not require a lot of equipment; just a good pair of binoculars and a field guide that helps identifies the bird.

The birds of this particular region are: -

· Racket Tailed Drongo

· Black Headed Oriole

· Paradise Flycatcher

· Whistling Thrust

· Emerald Dove

· Green Pigeon

· Tickell's Flower Pecker

· Rufus Wood Pecker

· Rose Ringed Parakeet

· Black Eagle

· Great Indian Malabar Pied Horn Bill

· Fiary Blue Bird

· Green Billed Malkhoha

Getting Started: The best way to start bird watching is to go with someone who has been birding for a while in Indira Gandhi Sanctuary. You will find many local birding clubs. Many good bookshops in Tamil Nadu have a selection of books, magazines and tapes on bird watching. A person will identify common local species using their field guide.

Choosing a Bird Guide: The guide includes information about habitats and maps showing range of different birds found in Tamil Nadu and where and when they migrate and what their song or call sounds like. The better guides show seasonal color changes, similar appearing species, and provide information on how to tell them apart. The guides also give information about the various birding sites in Indira Gandhi Sanctuary.

Range Maps shows areas in Indira Gandhi Sanctuary or Tamil Nadu, inhabited by a particular bird. This is helpful in eliminating similar appearing species. Range maps also tell when the species are in the area. Some birds are year round residents in this sanctuary, some are found only in the summer or winter, some pass though during migration to other parts of Tamil Nadu or India or maybe even overseas. Through the use of different symbols and colors, range maps can tell a the visitor about these things

Flora in Indira Gandhi National Park

The variety of India's climate and geography is reflected in its rich flora & fauna. The beautiful land of jungles is the best place in the world to see. India has for years on attracted the attentions of wildlife specialists.

The vegetation or Flora in Indira Gandhi National Park comprises some 8,000 species of plants. The jungles in Indira Gandhi Sanctuary are thick and wooded with the flora to back up the fabulous fauna. There are evergreen forests in Indira Gandhi National Park, which are moist and deciduous forests and the lagoons and estuaries, sheltering unique forms of plant and animal life. The dry deciduous, the semi-evergreen, and the wet temperate habitat of this park contain teak, rose wood and many miscellaneous tropical species.

Some of the rare and endangered species of flora, which are found in, this sanctuary is: -

· Combretum Ovalifolium

· Dispyros nilagrica

· Gymnopteris Contaimirans

· Habebarai reriflora.

· Polypodum pleroupus

· Alsophila

· Bulbophyllum sp

· Lasianthus uenuloses

· Angiopterris Erectra

· Gnetum Ula

· Impaliens Elegans

· Lycopodium cernum

· Ranunculus reniformis & Osmunda Regulis.

The best time to visit the park is from January to February and June. It is suggested that you have your own vehicle to visit the park. It can be chilly in the winter. The rains start in the month of July in Tamil Nadu and measure from 500 mm to 5000 mm, the least rainfall is on the eastern slopes and most rainfall is on western slopes.

Trekking in Top Slip

This place is greatly known for its scenic nature and it is also a right place for any visitor who desires to give an initial kick-off in trekking. Trekking in this hill will be the best start for a novice! You can follow quite different trekking routes and each trekking route will differ from simple to difficult trek! Quite few simple treks that could be taken are Pandaravara is merely 8 km, Kozhikamuthu is 12 km (Kolambumalai (5 hrs moderately difficult trek), Karian Shola forest (2 hrs easy trek)). These places are merely easy to trek whereas the difficult places of trekking include the Perunkundru, which is 32 km. To start your trek, you must have to get permits from the respective Range authorities at the Topslip.

Mt Stuart Block is located a short three kilometers from Top Slip and is home to an ancient forest department bungalow. The grave of Hugo Wood can be found there. Hugo Wood was a British officer that made sure that teak wood saplings were planted to replace any teak timber that was harvested. His tombstone is inscribed with a Latin phrase that translates to mean “If you want to see me, look around". This area has many bears there, so sighting one is definitely a possibility. Be cautious where you step though, because so many bears mean a large amount of droppings and pug marks.

Elephant Camps

Kolikamuthi Elephant Camp

The Kolikamuthi Elephant Camp is a rather exclusive place that elephants are kept trained and housed. There are 50 Malisar tribe families that live at this particular camp. The Malisar tribe belongs to the elephant handler's caste, so these families are especially skilled in working with these Asian elephants. The only way to travel into this remote elephant camp is by forest jeep. You must also receive special permission from the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary Rangers to even travel into this elephant camp. These requirements make this elephant camp an especially intriguing experience since relatively few people actually get to visit there.

Varagaliar Elephant Camp

The Varagaliar Elephant Camp is in as remote of an area as is possible. It is located right on the fringe of the core forest. 21 domesticated elephants claim this camp as home. These elephants have not been trained to be used with tourists. Instead, these elephants are primarily used to assist with any conflicts that occur between wild elephants and man in the nearby Valparai Plateau. At this location it is becoming more and more common for elephants to intrude on tea gardens. It is very rare for someone to receive permission to visit this particular elephant camp. If permission is to be obtained, you must talk with the Deputy Conservator of Forests. Only a forest jeep can get you into this remote location.

Tribes settlement around Topslip

There also exist tribal settlements within the sanctuary—the Kadar settlement of Erumaparai is located 1.5 km from Topslip, and the elephant camp at Varagaliar is inhabited mainly by Malasars and Pulayars. The 2 sites are 23 km apart by road. These Dravidian tribes are very much attached to their social tradition and systems are abided by all village. Society has important role to deal with the disputes. They are traditionally hunter gathers. Speak poor (early stage) language of Tamil and Malayalam mix. Possess good knowledge of forest medicine but keep them secret. These Malasars religiously attached to spirits and worship Vana Devata (forest god). Yearly two times they worship in the same time they also punish the god for any unwanted happening in the village by getting rid of the deity and change the place of idol. That way even God is accountable. During rituals they get in contact with spirits for communication and dance. Main traditional dance is Kummi attam (Similar to this dance also is popular in Tamilnadu and Kerala) view the clip by clicking woman with child photo. Women too participate in all social gatherings and rituals. Traditionally, marriage with other community is discouraged.

Entry formalities:

1. If you are visiting the park for the day you can go directly to Top Slip (Entry INR 50). The Sethumadai checkpost is the entry point to IGNP.

2. In case you plan to stay at Top Slip, accommodation must be booked in advance at the: Wildlife Warden Office. ( Open Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm)

3. Park entry time is between 6.30 am and 6 pm.

Park details and tips:

1. Private vehicles can be drive to the park. Top Slip is best enjoyed if a car is hand at all times. However, inside the Top slip you can not use your own vechecle. On the other hand, you can enjoy the transportation facilities from forest department vechcles.

2. It is possible to walk around the park. You must have a Park Guide with you and you are allowed to walk in the park for a maximum of four hours for INR 70 per person.

3. There is provision for a conducted bus ride from the Park Reception Office and riding elephants may also be available.

4. Local food and refreshments are available at the facility run at the Tourist Complex, Top slip. 5. Ticks and leeches can be a serious menace, specially in the summer months. Carry protection and stick to tracks.

6. Many lone male elephants at Top Slip are known rouges, travel on foot with a guide.

7. Accommodation in the Park is very basic and it is best to carry sleeping bags and emergency supplies.

8. A booking at a particular guesthouse may not assure you of accommodation at it. The final allocation decision is left to the Department staff at Top Slip. A provision shop functions near the reception area and reasonably stocked for necessities.

9. Tourism seems to be low priority at this Park - be prepared for inadequate support from Forest Deptt. staff.

Summary

Name of location

Top Slip, Pollachi, TN, India.

Longitude

76°00' - 77°56' E; Latitude: 10°12' - 11°07' N

Temperatures

Min 2°C (winter); Max 25°C (summer)

Season

Between May to June and October to March

Off – Season

March/ April to May (Mostly park will be closed )

Transportation

Flight Service - Coimbatore

Train Service - Coimbatore & Pollachi

Bus Service - Pollachi & Sethumadai


Features

Mountain walks/Hiking, Excellent safari around the periphery of the National Park , Herbal/ Nature walks

Birding Watching, Wildlife Safari at Top Slip , Visit to Tribal Villages

Nearby Tourist sides

Anamalai, Aliyar, Monkey falls, Chinnar, Grass hills,

Amaravathi reservoir (popular for crocodiles), Attakatti etc.,


Language

Tamil, English

Informations & Forest permission

Wildlife Warden Office, 178 Meenkarai Road, Pollachi Near by railway station (10 min bus ride from bus station) Ph: 04259-225356

Links

http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/WildBiodiversity/ws_igws.html http://www.indiawildlifeportal.com/indira-gandhi-sanctuary/index.html

Journey To Top Slip

Wild Lifes in National Park

Accomedations


Elephant Paradise

Wildlife Warden Office in Pollachi

Wooden Houses