District Tourist Places
Viluppuram is the district headquarters of
the Viluppuram District, which was bifurcated from the erstwhile composite Sourt
Arcot District from 30th September, 1993. It is the Second largest District in
the State which lies in the middle of the Tiruchirapalli to Chennai National
Highways No. 45. It is well connected by the rail road and it is major
junction. From here one can go to any corner of the Tamil Nadu as well as to
other part of India. This district is having variety of tourist spots which are
more than 100 years old. The district has temples, masques and churches which
are very old and famous. We are welcoming you to visit our district tourist
places.
GINGEE FORT
Nestled on three hills, and enclosed by a huge rampart 60 feet
thick, stands the majestic GINGEE Fort, in the Villuppuram district, which is
located on the Thindivanam to Thiruvannamalai road about 25 kms from Thindivanam
and 130 kms from Chidambaram. The indomitable courage and valour of its
erstwhile rulers, caused Father pimenta, a Jesuit priest to call the GINGEE Fort
the Troy of the East Besieged by the Mughals and battered by the British,
the fort still stands at 800ft. in height, guarded by a moat, eighty feet wide.
Much of the early history of this 800Year old fort is shrouded in mystery,as the
fort seems to have changed many hands times before it was annexed to the
Vijayanagar empire.
Gingee is known as GINGEE in Tamil. The small town of GINGEE
was once a capital city, With its province extending from Nellore in the
north to the Coleroon (Kollidam) in the south. According to local legend, GINGEE
Amman, was one of the seven virgins who were the guardian deities of the
Village. Legend has it that at around 1200 A. D. , GINGEE was fortified
by Ananda Kone, chief of the local shepherd community. In 1240 A. D.
Krishna Kone . His successor is said to have fortified the northern hill
which later came to be known as krishnagiri.The kone dynasty gave way to the
kurumbars, who established their headquarters at Sendamangalam,which later came
under the powerful Chola empire. Recorded history goes back to the
16th century, when
Gingee (GINGEE) became the seat of the Nayaka rulers, who were under the
lordship of the expanding Vijayanagar empire. Krishnadevaraya appointed
Krishnappa Nayaka, and he was considered the founder of the Nayaka line
of Gingee.
Most of the structures, fortification walls and temples were
built during this period. The fortifications and defenses were further
strengthened under chatrapati shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, was
captured Gingee in 1677 A. D. Gingee came under the hegemony of the
Moghul emperor Aurangazeb in 1691 A. D., and sarup singh
was appointed as the chief of Gingee by the emperor, under the control of
the Nawab of Arcot.
Sarup Singhs son. Raja De singh, revolted against the
Nawab of Arcot, and was defeated and killed in the war that followed. Though
Gingee became a part of the Nawabs territory in 1714 A. D . the young and
courageous De Singh became a legend and his heroic deeds were sung in the form
of popular ballads. Thus Gingee too became quite well known. In 1750 A. D.,
Gingee came under the French rule and remained so till it was
surrendered to the British in 1761
GINGEE today, with its ruined forts,
temples and granaries, presents a different picture from the glorious splendor
of its bygone days. But the remains of that valorous past, speak volumes about
the numerous invasions, warfare and bravery that it witnessed. We invite you to
this land of the brave and mighty, to witness a glorious past that still lives
in the ruins of the GINGEE fort.
The forts are located on either side of the road to T. V. Malai
. They are open from 8.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs.
Any assistance can be sought at the ASI office or the ticket counter
Fortification Walls : The massive fortification walls of
Gingee interconnect the three inaccessible hills-krishnaglri, chakkilidrug and
Rajagiri. The three hills are disported in the form of triangle, while the main
wall connecting them is 20 meters thick. The tops of the three hills form
impregnable citadels, while the inner fort contains many fortifications and
gates. The Rajagiri citadel is the highest, about 800 ft. in height, and the
most inaccessible. The 20 meters deep chasm is now connected by a
bridge.
Kalyana Mahal: Built in the
indo-Islamic style, the kalyana Mahal is one of the most attractive ruins in the
fort. It consists of a square court, surrounded by rooms for the ladies of the
Governors household. In the middle of this court, is a 27 meter high square
tower, built of stone. The tower has a pyramidal roof. The rooms in this tower
are very similar to other Vijayanagar Nayaka buildings elsewhere.
Venugopala swamy Temple : Located to the west of the inner
gate of the lower citadel, the temple contains a remarkable sculpture depicting
Lord krishna playing on the flute with is two consorts. Another interesting
feature in this temple is a finely polished, broadsmooth slab found in front of
the temple
WOODEN BRIDGE TOP OF RAJAGIRI
FORT
WATCH TOWER - TOP OF THE RAJAGIRI FORT
Hanuman Temple
The Ponds: The way to the Hanuman Temple, outside
the lower fort, abounds in temple ponds and many impressive structures.
Chakkarakulam and chettikulam are the two famous ponds in this
fort.Chettikulam was built by Raja shetty during the Maratha
occupation of the place, towards the end of the 18th century. To the north of this
pond is a platform believed to be Raja Desingh funeral pyre, where his young
wife committed sati.
The famous Ranganatha
temple. Built in typical Indo-Islamic style, the Audience hall is a
damaged roof supported by a series of graceful little pointed arches. The
Magazine building is also a noteworthy structure. Built in typical Vijayanagar
style, is the famous Rangantha Temple. To the south of the watch-tower, is a big
iron cannon, roughly 4 meters long, and 2 meters in circumference. In style and
form, this cannon is very similar to the Malik-1-Maidan of Bijapur.
SAT-AT - ULLAH KHAN MOSQUE
Sad – at – Ullah Khan Mosque : This mosque was erected by
sad – at – Ullah khah to commemorate his victory over De singh and the capture
of the fort in 1713 A. D . it is located at the entrance of the inner
fort of Rajagiri. According to a Persian inscription found here, the mosque is
said to have been constructed in 1717 –1718 A. D
Kamalakkanni Amman Temple : This small shrine dedicated to
Kamalakkani Amman (Goddess Durga), a local delty, is found on the way to the
citadel on Rajagiri Hill. It contains a sacrificial altar and well-preserved
mural paintings belonging to the Nayak period.
NANDIESWARAR - THIRUVAMATHUR TEMPLE
Thiruvaamathoor :
An ancient Chola temple. Dedicated to lord
Sri Abiramaeshwarar is found here. 1500 years old temple . As the temple seems
to have changed many hands Times between. Rajaraja Chola I (AD 985-1012) and
Seerangadeva Maharayar. (1584.AD) The Amman Named Muththambigai.
ESALAM TEMPLE
Esalam
: Built by Rajendra Cholan I (1012) lord sri Ramanatha
Eswarar. The legend found in Sanskrit language and in grantha character.
Written on the periphery of the seal is as follows, Rajad-Rajanya Makuta
sreni-ratnesu sasanam Etad Rajendra Cholasya parakesari varmanah.
BRAMMA - ESALAM
shrine dedicated to kamalakkani Amman
(Goddess Durga), a local deity, is found on the way to the citadel on Rajagiri
Hill. It contains a sacrificial altar and well – preserved murul paintings
belonging to the Nayak period.
Narasimma Swamy Koil -
Ennairam
Ennairam : The Chola temple of Narasimma swamy koil
Built by Rajaraja Chola 1 (985 –1014). 8,000 samanaras were lived
in this village. Another temple Narchimma Perumal Koil found here.
Thalavanur : Shatru Malleswaralayam – Rock cut
temple built by the pallava King Mahendra Varman (B.C.580 to 630). Sculptures
and Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions are found here.
Pachchaiamman
Temple : T his was worshipped by special chittars. 7 Jadamuni shapes
are very big pachaimalai is in the back side. Medicine plants are there. This
medicine are can’t find Even in the kollimalai. Purathana temple is on the top,
no statue on there. We can see the Thiruvannamalai tower standing in the half of
the this mountain very clear.
FULL VIEW OF THE PATTABIRAMAR TEMPLE (1540-1550)
PATTABIRAMAR TEMPLE - UNJAL MANDAPAM
24 Theerthangarargl
24 Theerthangarargul
: It is 2 kms north of Gingee town. The
hillock on the western side of the road has two jaina caverns and a huge boulder
containing sculptures of all the 24 Theerthankaras 9th Century style. It is
only place where all the 24 Theerthankaras are shown in a single large
composition. A open rock nearby was the place where monk Chandranandi observed
57 days of fasting and died (5th- 6th century A.D) Another monk Ilayabhattara
observed 30 days of fasting and died in the Century A.D. The pathway leading
to the caves at the ground level has an image of Adinatha and at the top of a
figure of Mahavira.
Angala Parameswari -
Melmalayanur
Melmalayanur: The temple of Angala Parameswari is 32
kms from Gingee, the special deity of the Sembadavars. Here festival occurs in
February-March. A special feature of this festival is the Simimasana kollai.
The people who attend the festival cook large quantities of grain of various
kinds and set them out in the burning ground and offer them to goddess who is
brought there. Every Ammavasai (New Moon day) there will be the Lakhs of
devotees throng here. situated here. In the inner sanctum there is a snake pit
which is being worshipped. There is a congregation of devotees on every new moon
day
Singavaram : The temple of
Lord Ranganatha, the tutelary god of Raja Desingh is on a hill top. It is a good
specimen of south Indian type of rock – cut shrine. The idol of Lord Ranganatha,
in a reclining posture, measures 24 ft, in length which together with the inner
sanctorum, is carved out of a single rock. It is said to be bigger than that of
Theidol in Srirangam.
Venkataramana Temple
Venkataramana
Temple : This sprawling temple, with its striking sculptures and
carved pillars, narrates the aesthetic skills of the Nayaka dynasty. Built by
MuthialuNayaka (1540-1550 A. D ) this is the largest temple to GINGEE. The later Vijayanagar period. The temple
abounds in gopuras, mandapas and sculptured panels depicting gods and goddesses
in scenes from the Hindu epics. Many Tamil inscriptions are also found in the
walls of the Mandapas.The temple seems to have faced hard times during the
French occupation (after 1761 A .D.) From this period the temple
experienced forms of decay and old archaeological wealth was plundered by
subsequent invaders.
Krishnagiri Fort
Krishnagiri : This is a small
hill made up of granite boulders, located to the north of Rajagiri on the main
road from GINGEE to Tiruvannamalai. The citadel on this hill, can be reached by
climbing a flight of steps over a steep slope. Within the citadel are two
stone-built granaries, a pillared hall, two temples and an edifice built of
brick and mortar known as the Audience Chamber.
Full view Durbar Mandapam
Melnaariyappanoor
Church
Melnaariyappanoor
Church - The 100 year old famous church is situated in Chennai - Selam
highway and 8 km from Chinna Salem. The church is constructed by the Kunchaan,
a devotee of St. Anthoniyar.
Mandagapattu - A
famous Archeological Temple site is 20 kms from Viluppuram and 17 kms from
Gingee. It is a 100 ft hillock, where the Mahendraverma (I) of Pallava kind,
(580-630 made a cave temple.
Mel Chittamur - Which
is 20 kms of Thindivanam and 10 kms east of Gingee. Head quarters of Digambara
sect in Tamilnadu with the JINAKANCHI MATHA presided over by the Pontiff. Two
temples, one dedicated to Parsvanatha and other known as 'Mailanatha temple was
originally a boulder containing roc-cut images of Bahubali, Parsvanatha,
Adinatha, Mahavira and Ambika yakshi carved in the 9th century AD. Rebuilt in
the 16th century and renovated in the present century.
Thirunarungondai - It
is 16 kms northwest of Ulundurpet and 21 kms east of Thirukkoilur. Hillock at
the village contains a Jaina cave and two temples dedicated to Parsvanatha and
Chanraprabha. Cave served as the monastery of the monks of Virasangha in the
8th - 9th century A.D. Rich collection of bronze images found in the temple.
Annual festival (Jan-Feb) celebrated on a grand scale and attended by Jains from
all over Tamilnadu.
Auroville - an international township. This town of
tomorrow now in the making - supported and encouraged by the Government of
India, and endorsed by UNESCO - is sited just across the Puducherry border in
Tamil Nadu. Representing an experiment in international living, it was launched
in 1968 at the behest of the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at an inaugural
function attended by representatives of 124 nations and all the States of
India. This "City of Dawn" is still in its initial stages of development,
though the Matrimandir, the central building intended for silent concentration,
is now functional, as are many other major facilities, such as its Visitors
Centre, Town Hall, etc. The near-2000 Auroville residents from some 40 countries
live in 100+ scattered settlements spread around the landscape, either in
the city area or surrounding Green Belt. The aim of the project is the
achievement of an actual human unity in diversity, while at the same time
researching into new approaches to education, health care, alternative energy
usage, environmental regeneration, and sustainable living in general. Each
inhabitant of Auroville contributes in his or her own way towards building the
township. For more detailed information see the Auroville website www.auroville.org .
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Matrimandir
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Urn contains a hand-full of soil from
124 countries
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Thirukkoilur - is
situated on the Cuddalore - Chittoor trunk road and 37 kms from Viluppuram. the
presiding deities of the Vishnu Temple are Ulagalanda Perumal (Thiruvikrama
Swami) and Pushpavallithayar. Kabilar Kundru is also yet another picnic spot
at Thirukkoilur which is situated in the middle of the river Pennayar. Kabilar
was saint here and his last resting place, is maintained by the state
Archaeological Department.
Kalrayan Hills- It is
one part of the Eastern ghats, lies on the western side of the Kallakurichi
Taluk. This area spread over an area of 600 sq. kms. approximately with the
height ranging from 1000 ft to 3800 ft from the sea level. The History of
Kalrayan hills with its Jagirdars run back to the time of Krishna Deverayar the
Emperor of 'Vijaya Nagar Kingdom'. The emperor Krishna Deverayar given the
rights to the tribes to enjoy this land but imposed many taxes on them. About
the hill tribes it is said that warriors belonging to 'KARALAR' community had
come from Kanchipuram and settled in kalrayan hills. after sometimes they over
ride the tribal people called 'Vedar' (hunter) and married their wives. The
communities of karalar and vedar who at present are called 'Malayali' and they
call themselves as 'Goundars'. Kalrayan hills Possesses innumerable tourism
Potentialities like water falls, jungle streams, rivers and rivulets and lovely
jungle walks. The place is a veritable paradise for trekkers. It is also
called as 'Poor man's hill station' of Tamil Nadu. Every year the District
Administration is conducting the Summer Festival to create the awareness among
the tribes.
Mayilam - Arulmigu Subramaniya
Swami Temple located on small hillock at Mailam is a famous place for
of pilgrimage. It is about 32 kms from Viluppuram on the Puducherry -
Thindivanam road. The Panguni Uthiram festival held in March - April fascinates
a large crowd of devotes from all over Tamil Nadu.
Thiruvakkarai - A
Geological park is about 40 kms from Viluppuram and 25 kms from Puducherry. A
national geological park with large number of petrified tree trunks known as
fossil are found here. There is a temple for Lord Siva constructed by the
famous Chola queen Sembiyan Madheviyar. Arulmigu Chandramoulisvarar and
Tenambikai are the presiding deities here. Arulmigu Vakkaralingam and Arulmigu
Vakkrakali for whom every full moon day and night of the year special prayers
are conducted and thronged by pious devotees throughout the night. The Temple
was sung by the Thirugnana Sambandar. Excellent sculptures and car/chariot like
Mandapam is also existing here with huge Nandhi and Ganesha. It was connected
by Thindivanam and Puducherry by regular buses.
Thiruvennainallur - It
is 20 kms from Viluppuram on the Thirukkoilur road which is the birth place of
Sadayappar, the patron of Kambar (The greatest Tamil poet and author of the
Tamil Epic Kambaramayanam) There is also an ancient temple dedicated to Lord
Siva.
The hills straddle a number of Tamil Nadu districts, extending northeast from the Salem District.[1] The range serves as a boundary between the Salem and Villupuram districts.[3] The Kalrayans are divided into two sections — the northern section, referred to as the Chinna ("little") Kalrayans, and the southern section, called the Periya ("big") Kalrayans. The Chinna Kalrayans average 2700 feet in height, while the Periya Kalrayans average 4000 feet.[3]
The range as a whole is fairly smooth, with soil well-suited for plant growth.[3] Scrub jungles reach up to 400 metres in altitude, while deciduous forests can be found between above 800 metres.Sholas, a type of high-altitude stunted evergreen forest, can be found growing on isolated plateaus.[1] Though the forest stand is growing, due to "habitat uniqueness, human impacts and cultural tradition," conservation efforts are needed.[4]
WAY TO KALRAYAN
How to reach villupuram to kalrayan. By bus first reach the kallakuruchi any time the bus are available in villupuram. Then to board in vallimalai bus with in one hour we reach the periyar falls.In kalrayan there is two falls periyar and mega malai falls. Maga malai is near to the periyar with in 20 minitues we reach the periyar falls
The falls reach water to komuki dam in kachira pallayam near kallakuruchi the water is used to land for agriculture.Here we irrigating the rice,paddy,urdu,cotten,sugar cane,ground net,turmeric etc......
Mainly this water is used for irrigating the sugar cane,rice in kachirapallam areas
Mainly this water is used for irrigating the sugar cane,rice in kachirapallam areas