Quick Bytes :

Location : Tamil Nadu

Languages : Tamil, English, Telugu

Major Attractions : Athiyamankottai, Hogenakkal Waterfalls

Area : About 11 square kilometers

Temperature : In summers, Maximum temperature is 32 degree Celsius; in winters a minimum of 14 degree is reached.

Best Visiting Time : Any Time

A prime attraction of Tamil Nadu, Dharmapuri is famous for its renowned temple that a draws a large crowd of the tourists from South India. As it is forms north part of Salem district, it is also called "North Salem". Flanked by Arcot in the eastern direction and Bangalore in the west, the place is an important administrative center.

History :

The place is linked with a British Officer called Thomas More; he was the follower of Anjaneya Swami. More was famous for his daily visits to the temple; at the premises, he used to light the lamps in reverence to the deity. Being benevolent, he used to serve his family, friends, office fellows. As his job took him to Dharmapuri, he built a temple there which still stands intact.

Attractions :

Sri Theerthagirishwarar Temple :

An epitome of the Chola Architecture, the temple is one of the prestigious ones that existed at that time. Special celebrations are carried out on the occasion of Mahashivarathri.

Hanumanthathirtham :

A destination that lies 10 kilometers from here and is related to the incidents of Ramayana is Hanumanthathirtham.

Hogenakkal Waterfalls :

At a distance of about 48 kilometers from Dharmapuri lies Hogenakkal Waterfalls. This water source is situated at an altitude of 250 meteres and is the main attraction of the destination. Picnicking at this area is a good option. The backdrop of the place is formed by fascinating mountain ranges.

Athiyamankottai :

Traveling on the highway connecting Dharmapuri- Salem, you will see an archeological site called Athiyamankottai. The site is under the authorization of archeological department. Here, you will see a temple called Chennakeswar  this temple was constructed by Hoysala rulers. On the walls, beautiful scenes from epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana have been illustrated; these were created in 13th century. The temple is named after a ruler of Thagadur named Athiyaman Neduman.

Kottai Kovil :

It is Shiva temple and houses a number of rare paintings, sculptures etc. The "Hanging Pillar" here will strike you. As per the belief, the temple had a hidden passage that connected it to Athiyamankottai.

Subramanya Shiva Memorial :

He was a freedom fighter that was an inspiration to many freedom fighters. While in jail, he wrote a number of accounts describing his experiences of living there. When he died in 1925, a memorial was built in to commemorate his life and works. It is a site worth visiting.

Churches :

There are several cathedrals at Dharmapuri, these include Sacred Heart, Mount Carmel, Zion Church.

Accommodation :

Though luxury hotels are not present here, you can look for some medium and low budget ones.

Other Tidbits :

For more information on tourism, you can contact Tourist Office at Dharmapuri district.

Cities Nearby :

Krishnagiri (45 kilometers), Hosur (77 kilometers), Harur (16 kilometers), Erode (100 kilometers), Salem (53 kilometers).

Clothing :

In summers, light cotton clothes and in winters, light woolens are recommended.

Dharmapuri is a fine place to spend your vacation time; on a visit to Tamil Nadu, you can include it as one of your destinations.