Top 6 Places to visit in kongunadu in 2024
Yercaud is a Hill station in Salem District, in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 metres (4970 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, at 5,326 feet (1,623 m).The hill station is named owing to the abundance of forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest. The total extent of Yercaud Taluk is 382.67 km2, including reserve forest. The entire county is administered as a township. Yercaud also has a village council.
The Sarabanga River is a river flowing in the Salem district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The origin of the river is traditionally placed at the Servarayan hills in Tamil Nadu. The river fulfills demands for agricultural irrigation in Danishpet village. The Periyaaru river originates from Pattipadi, Yercaud and is fed from many small streams along the way as it flows westwards. It creates the Kiliyur waterfalls at Kiliyur before reaching the Vattakaadu Eri weir. The river then continues to flow westwards, before joining the Sarabanga river. The Melaaru starts from the Karadiyoor hills, a part of Servarayan hills, however it flows towards north downhill and leaving the foothill at Attur Chat R.F. on the north-west side. The river then runs through Danishpet, Kadayampatti, Pannapatti before joining the Periyaaru at Omalur. From Omalur, the Sarabanga river flows south-westwards, passing through K.R. Thoppur, Chinnapampatti, Dhadhapuram, Edappadi, Thevur, while feeding number of lakes. The Sarabanga river joins the Kaveri river in Pullagoundampatti.
Mettur Dam is situated on the River Kaveri (Cauvery) in the town of Mettur, which is in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Salem is the nearest major city. The primary purpose of Mettur Dam is to impound water from the River Kaveri for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The dam plays a crucial role in the agricultural activities of the region. The dam forms the Stanley Reservoir, which is one of the largest reservoirs in Tamil Nadu. The reservoir has a vast storage capacity and is a significant source of water for downstream areas. Mettur Dam also has a hydroelectric power station that generates electricity. The power station utilizes the water released from the reservoir to produce hydroelectric power. The water stored in the Stanley Reservoir is released for irrigation purposes, benefiting agricultural lands in the downstream areas. The dam and the canal network contribute to the irrigation needs of the region. Mettur Dam is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who come to admire the dam's structure, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and witness the release of water during certain seasons. There is a park and garden near the dam, providing a pleasant place for visitors to relax and enjoy the view. The area around the dam is often frequented by both locals and tourists. The annual release of water from Mettur Dam is a significant event in the region. It marks the beginning of the agricultural season, and farmers downstream eagerly await the water release for their crops. In addition to the hydroelectric power station at the dam, there is also the Mettur Thermal Power Station nearby, contributing to the region's power generation. Visitors to Mettur Dam can access viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the dam, the reservoir, and the surrounding landscape.
Kiliyur Falls is situated in the Yercaud hill station, which is a popular tourist destination in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Yercaud is known for its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and natural attractions.Yercaud is approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Salem, a major city in Tamil Nadu. Salem serves as a gateway to Yercaud, and visitors can reach the falls by traveling from Salem to Yercaud. Kiliyur Falls is known for its picturesque setting in the midst of dense forests. The waterfall is surrounded by greenery, creating a tranquil and refreshing environment. To reach Kiliyur Falls, visitors often need to undertake a short trek. The trekking path may involve walking through the forested area, adding to the adventure and natural experience. The waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season when the water flow is more robust. However, it's essential to check local conditions and safety guidelines before planning a visit. The trek to Kiliyur Falls is a popular activity for nature enthusiasts. The trail takes visitors through the scenic landscapes of Yercaud, offering glimpses of the surrounding hills and forests. The water from Kiliyur Falls cascades down from a significant height, creating a series of steps. The sight and sound of the falling water add to the overall appeal of the place. There are viewpoints near the falls that provide panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. These viewpoints are ideal for capturing photographs and enjoying the serenity of the location. In addition to Kiliyur Falls, Yercaud offers other attractions such as Lady's Seat, Pagoda Point, and the Yercaud Lake. Visitors can explore these places to make the most of their trip to the hill station.
The Kurumbapatti Zoological Park at a distance of 6 km from the city Salem is a relatively small zoo wildlife. Among the other specialties of this zoo, it is known for the variety of bird species available in the park including the signature white peacock and small sized multicolor cranes. The neat and well-maintained park is well suited for families to come along with their children, who can come here and learn a lot about the different species of birds and animals found here. The park with spotted deer, sambar deer, white peacock, bonnet macaque, grey pelican, little egret, greyheron, turtle, marsh crocodile, star tortoise, plum headed parakeet, rose ringed parakeet, a 58-year-oldelephant Andal and yellow-footed green pigeon treron phoenicoptera are the main attractions for the visitors.
Hogenakkal Falls is situated in the Dharmapuri district, approximately 46 kilometers from Dharmapuri town. The falls are close to the border between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The falls are formed on the Kaveri River as it plunges over multiple rocks and cliffs, creating a series of cascades. The name "Hogenakkal" translates to "Smoky Rocks," referring to the mist and spray that rises from the falling water. Hogenakkal is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The rocky terrain, turbulent water, and lush greenery surrounding the falls make it a picturesque and popular destination. One of the unique features of Hogenakkal Falls is the availability of coracle boat rides. Local boatmen skillfully navigate circular, basket-like boats known as coracles through the turbulent waters, offering visitors a thrilling and memorable experience. The water from the falls is believed to have medicinal properties, and locals often refer to it as the "Niagara of India." Tourists can take a dip in the shallow areas, and some believe that the water's mineral content has therapeutic benefits. The journey to Hogenakkal Falls from Dharmapuri involves a scenic drive through picturesque landscapes. The road takes visitors through small villages and provides glimpses of rural life. The region around Hogenakkal Falls is part of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and visitors might spot various bird species in the area. The volume and force of the falls vary with the seasons. The monsoon season, generally from July to October, witnesses increased water flow, making it an especially impressive time to visit. Apart from Hogenakkal Falls, there are other nearby attractions, including the Melagiri Hills, the Mettur Dam, and the Pennagram Village. The Hogenakkal region has facilities for tourists, including accommodation options, restaurants serving local cuisine, and guides for boat rides.