Places to visit in Theni
Resounding cascades, silver-lined clouds resting a top billiard green hill tops, sheer rock faces and temples of antiquity are the stuff that distinguish the tourism destinations of the Theni District. These unique places warm the soul and provide the much-needed balm to the mind. Rustic ambience, hospitality of the local populace and their pastoral way of life make the destinations in Theni district a tourists' dream. Theni district in the Southern part of Tamilnadu is one among the choicest tourist delights and destinations with a delightful mixture of tourist attractions such as captivating dams, waterfalls and countless pilgrim centers.
Vaigai Dam
Built across the majestic River Vaigai near Andipatti, the dam with a height of 111 feet can store 71 feet of water. It is 7 kms from Andipatti, 14 kms from Theni and 70 kms from Madurai. This dam was opened on January 21, 1959.The dam is unique for the sylvan garden around it. The stillness and quiet are soothing to the mind. The garden deserves the surname "Little Brindavan". It is a popular picnic spot for the local population, particularly school children. There is a separate play area for the Tourist.
Sothuparai Dam
Sothupparai dam is located at 12 kms from Periyakulam. This dam is built across the Varaha river. It is a beautiful picnic spot. The vide expanse of stored water is an impressive sight
Kumbakkarai Falls
An amazing feet of Nature, the Kumbakkarai Falls is yet another jewel in the crown of Tamilnadu's tourist attractions. Comparatively less known, these falls offer a breath taking view of the fascinating interaction between gushing water and solid rocks. Add a verdant and wild backdrop and you have an exquisite sight.
Situated on the foothills of the Kodaikkanal hills, the falls is located at 8 kms from Periyakulam. The water from these falls is full of the goodness of mineral and herbs.
Suruli Falls
The Suruli Falls which falls from a height of 150 feet gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets to a depth of 40 feet, offering a spectacular sight of nature's raw and wild beauty. The dense forest that surround it provide an awesome backdrop. Facilities are available for men and women to bathe separately in This falls. The special feature of the fall is that it is "a round the year" fall. However, the best season to visit is June - October, when the thickness of the water column is astounding. The beauty of this fall finds mention in Tamil Epic, Silappathikaram written by poet Ilango
Kailasanathar Temple Cave is located near Suruli Falls. There are 18 caves in and around the Suruli falls. The Kailasanathar Cave Temple is situated 800 metres above the fall and lhas a spring, which possesses water of curative powers. A Dargah named after Abubacker Masthan is another important place of worship in Suruli. This is the place where the body of Abubacker Masthan is interred. This is very close to the cave temple of Kailasanatha.
Megamalai
This scenic place is dotted with tea estates and cardamom plantations. Situated at an elevation of 1500 metres above sea level, the place is rich in flora and fauna
Velli Malai
A densely forested place replete with natural flora and fauna is located 6.5 kms from Theni in the Varushanadu hill ranges
Cloud Land Falls ( Chinna Suruli)
TSituated 54 kms from Theni near Kombaithozhu Village. These falls originate in the Megamalai - This is popularly known as Chinna Suruli.
Mullaiperiyar Dam
The Mullai Periyar dam is of a unique distinction of being one of the oldest irrigation Projects in the country for diversion of water to meet out the requirements of the drought prone area of the deficit water State of Tamilnadu in the concept of Trans-basin. This dam was constructed during the year 1887-1898 across the river Periyar based on the lease deed of 1886.
Even though the catchments water spread and the dam are being located in the territory of State of Kerala, the dam is being owned, maintained and operated by Government of Tamilnadu. The water from the Periyar Lake is being diverted through the water shed cutting and a subterrancan tunnel to Vairavanar River and thence to Suruliyar & Vaigai. Before construction of fore-bay dam, all the waters were hurled out from the month of the tunnel. After constructing fore bay dam, all the water drawn from Periyar lake and fore bay dam has been let out into Vairavanar River from tail race of power house after utilization for power generation.
Bodinayakkanur
Located on the foot hills of the West Ghats, this town is popular for cardamom mango and coffee market.
Bodi Mettu
A hill resort situated at a height of 4500 feet, it is a most scenic place. It is 26 kms from Bodinayakkanur
Tiger Falls
A dainty fall on the route to Munnar between Bodi and Bodimettu from Theni