Tirukoshtiyur:(46 kms.) A heritage Vaishnava temple and a centre of attraction for pilgrims and visitors. Though it is a Vaishnava temple, it has shrines for Shiva. Subramanya, Vinayaka and Devi. Tradition says that all the gods assembled here in a group Koshti to pray for Maha Vishnu. Thus, it acquired… Continue reading
Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary: (55 kms.) This is a well known spot for the bird watcher as it abounds in large number of migratory birds during the winter months. It is also an excellent place for picnic. Continue reading
Suruli Water Falls: (128 kms.) On the way to Periyar Wild life Sanctuary, the river Suruli takes a plunge at this place to form a beautiful cascade and present an enchanting view with the wooded surroundings. This is also a popular picnic spot. This is said to be the best… Continue reading
Vaigai Dam: (70 kms.) This is a beautiful picnic spot on the way to Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary in Kerala. Below the dam a beautiful garden with many artificial fountains has been laid out which will be illuminated during weekends. Continue reading
Annamalai Hills: (10 kms.) This place has the ancient caves where the Jain monks lived in the olden days. There are a few inscriptions in Brahmi script and some idols of Jain Tirthankaras. Continue reading
Pazhmudir Cholai: (25 kms.) This is also one of the six shrines of Lord Subramanya. According to tradition, it is said that Lord Subramanya offered black berries at this place to his devotee, the famous Avvaiyar, the great Tamil Saint. Continue reading
Alagar Kovil: (21 kms.) Here is the shrine of Vishnu dedicated to Azhagar, also known as Soudararaja Perumal, because of his immense beauty. It is said that Vishnu came down to this place to give away Meenakshi in marriage to Sundareshwarar. The beauty of the temple lies in the exquisite… Continue reading
Tiruparankunram: (8 kms.) This place is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya – Padai Veedugal. It was here that Lord Subramanya married Devayani, the daughter of Indra. On the hill is the rock-cut cave temple. Out of live rock, whole structures are hollowed out complete with pillars ambulatories,… Continue reading
Tirumala Nayakan Palace: Another place of interest in Madurai from the architectural point of view, is the Tirumala Nayakan Palace, an imposing monument built in the 17th century. It is famous for the stucco work in domes and arches. This Indo- Saracenic building has massive white pillars. The main attraction… Continue reading
Vandiyur: On the outskirts of the city is the Mariamman temple dedicated to the village goddess. The huge tank at this place is called Teppakidam which has a small Vinayakar temple in the centre developed as an island. The annual float festival of Meenakshi Sundareshwarar is held in this tank. Continue reading