Hogenakkal Falls - The Smoking Rock Falls

Hogenakkal Waterfalls, known as the 'Niagara' falls of India, are not a single waterfall but a series of falls and they offer a promising holiday destination for nature lovers from within and outside the country.

Hogenakkal is a hamlet situated in Tamil Nadu bordering Karnataka.

Hogenakkal is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of the River Kaveri gets forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues on while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfalls, giving these rocks the name Hogenakkal which means "smoking rock".

Virtual Tour of Hogenakkal Falls

You can experience a virtual tour of Hogenakkal falls here....

Route Map from Bangalore

Hosur-Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri-Hogenakkal

From Coimbatore
Bhavani-Mettur-Salem-Dharmapuri-pennagaram-Hogenakkal

From Chennai
Vellore(140km) -Tirupathur(84)-Dharmapuri-(61km)-Hogenakkal(46km)

From Kerala
You can catch Yeshwanthpur express {Yesvantpur Exp (16528)} From Kannur on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and alight at Dharmapuri. From Dharmapuri you can hire cabs or take buses flowing towards Hogenakkal.

Nearby Airports
Kozhikode Airport (CCJ)
Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (IXE)
Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)
Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Kanyakumari - Must Visit Tourist Place in South India

Kanyakumari is a best tourist place and travel attraction of South India, Apart from being a famous tourist destination, it is also considered as an important Hindu pilgrim destination for the presence of some of the most sacred temples in south India like Kanyakumari temple.  It is the point of meeting of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the horizons, Kanyakumari tours has been enticing tourists for ages because of its breathtaking location. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beaches here.

Situated by the shore, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. During summers, the temperature can rise to mid thirties, while it can dip to a low twenty during winters. A tourist can indulge in a lot of adventure activities here like trekking, biking, swimming and surfing. So when you decide to spend your vacation in Kanyakumari, don't forget to pack your full traveling gear right from the swimming suit to trekking equipment all of which are sure to come in handy.


Best Tourist Places in Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari Beach

The Kanyakumari beach with multi-colored sand and rocky shoreline is definitely one of the most popular attraction of the Kanyakumari travel packages. The waves that hit the shore are quite strong and frequent, that means that one does not get to enjoy a step into the shallow water or a sea bath. The shore being rocky makes it more dangerous to venture out to the sea, so people are asked to stay within the prescribed zone. You can shop for shells that are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach. There is a lighthouse on the beach from where one can get a ravishing view of the sea.

Vivekananda Memorial Rock

Situated some 500m away from the mainland Vivekananda Memorial Rock attracts a large number of tourists and was built in the year 1970 in memory the great Swami Vivekananda. It is built on the same spot where Swami Vivekananda spent some of his time meditating. Keeping this in mind, the temple also has a meditation hall. So if you want to get rid of all the worldly tensions, take some time out and sit in the hall meditating all your problems away. From ancient times, even before the temple was built, the rock was considered a sacred place and was known as 'Sripada Parai' meaning that the rock is blessed by the touch of feet of 'Devi Kumari'. Feel the spirituality of the place by sighting the divine footprints of the Goddess, which is visible on the rock.

Fountain at Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari district, which lies in the southern most tip of Peninsular India, is famous for its majestic hills, virgin beaches, pristine rivers and meandering rivulets. The district has a fragrance of architecture culture and customs of neighbouring Kerala mixed with the rich deep traditions, culture and architecture of Tamil Nadu. However, for want of promotional campaign and lack of basic amenities most of the tourists coming to this district return back after seeing just Kanyakumari and Padmanabhapuram Palace. It was at this juncture that the district administration decided to take up tourism promotion initiatives in a major way. Attempt has been made to put up basic amenities at the virgin beautiful spots so as to facilitate the inflow of the tourists.

Gandhi Mandapam 

This is the place where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept before a portion of which was immersed in the three seas. The exemplary temple is located near to the Kumari Amman Temple and is one of the most picturesque spots in Kanyakumari. The temple is build in such a way that on October 2nd, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of sun fall exactly on the spot where the urn containing the ashes is kept. So if possible choose this day to visit this splendid monument and witness the magical moment right in front of your eyes.

Accommodation
Kanyakumari tourism packages made choosing the accommodation in Kanyakumari an easy thing. The number of hotel and lodges in the city is really astonishing. There are hotels that fit everybody choices and everybody's pocket. Pick any budget, luxury, beach resort, or a star category hotel and rest assured you would leave Kanyakumari satiated to your deepest. Hotels like Fishermen's cove, Temple Bay Ashok Beach resort and MGM Beach Resort are few that stand out in all areas of hospitality.

How to Reach Kanyakumari
By Air
The nearest airport is Trivandrum, which is some 80-km away from here. The airport is frequented by flights from all the major cities of India.

By Rail
Tirunelvelli is the nearest rail head around 80 km away. Trains from stations of Delhi, Mumbai and Trivandrum come to Kanyakumari through a broad gauge railway network.

By Road
Kanyakumari is very well connected to all the major cities in the Southern India. Tourist buses, both luxury coaches and state transport buses ply in and out of Kanyakumari with good frequency.

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Poondi Matha Church

This Catholic shrine has dedicated to our Lady of Lourdes Basilica, which is Poondi Matha, held at the core of Tamil Nadu in South India. Poondi is the small hamlet that located in the Thiruvaiyaru Taluka which proximity to town Thanjavur. It symbolized as the Roman Catholic shrine that similar to the Velankani Church.

In the years 1714 to 1718, Rev. Fr. Constantine Joseph Beschi is a great Italian Jesuit Missionary named, in India, as Veeramamunivar has constructed the church. He named this divine shire as “Mary Queen of Immaculate Conception.” The matha in this shrine has been named Poondi Matha, Matha resembles the name of Mother in Tamil language.

Later in the year 1955, the Parish Priest has noticed the some of the damages that found in this church and so he comes forwarded to reconstruct the central roof of the church. After some days, on rainy day the roof of the church got crumpled but does not make any damages inside the church. After this miracles, there is highly increase in number of pilgrims to this church.  

  

Keywords: Mary Matha, veeramamunivar, Tamil Nadu, Roman Catholic Chruch, Velankani Church

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Tiruchendur Shrine

Tiruchendur temple is partaking of Thiruchendur Taluk, which eminent for Lord Murugan Temple along the shoreline. The tides of this place reach from Bay of Bengal. Tiruchendur temple is one of the six shrines of God Muruga named here as Senthil Andavar. It is the most popular pilgrims not only in Tamil Nadu but all around the world. 

The shrine is completely enclosed with divine feel that every one can observe to the fragrance of Lord Muruga, most of them specifies as Tamil God. The sea shore, located near the temple, describes the nature beauty. It has been recognized by the Tamil Sangam Period effort of Tirumurugatruppadai and also via 83 Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar.

All the abodes (Aruadai Vedu) of Lord Muruga are located at the top of the hills except Tiruchendur, which situated near sea shore. This place is connected by train and bus from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Taking bath in this divine sea shore is the main activity of the devotees those who visit this place. 

The important festivals celebrated in this are

• Brahmothsavam ( Febtuary to March)
• Vasanthosavam for ten days
• Visaka Visakam (May – June)
• Skandha Sashti(October – November)
• Maha Utsavams called Aavanipperunthirunaal and Maasipperunthirunaal
• Maasi festival (January – February)

Keywords: Muruga, pilgrimage, Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu, temples, holy places, sea shore, lord, divine 

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Marina Beach

Marina beach situated is the urban sea shore in the great city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, India. The tides of the Marina Beach are raised from the ocean of Bay of Bengal. The shoreline starts form the Fort St. George at the North to the South of the Besant Nagar. The length of the sea shore is 13 km that is 8.1 miles, the longest beach in India.

This beach has named as the world’s second largest sea shore, which symbolize another famous of this beach. The Marina beach seems to be the rocky formation just like the Mumbai beach named Juhu. The average width of the Marina Beach is nearly three hundred meters long and the beach stretch more than five hundred meters long. 

Bathing and swimming are best and thrilling activities in Marine sea shore. But these activities are some time stopped in due to climatic change to avoid harmful dangers. At the same time, this beach also listed under the list of beach where peoples coming in the huge amount. Nearly thirty thousands of visitors remain at this beach every day and in week ends the number raise to fifty thousands and above. 

It is the place where people use to take refuge in the time of summer season to protect them from the sun’s heat. There are many shops, malls and food stalls in and near the Marina beach. The memorials and statues, morning walk, joggers' track, lovers' spot, aquarium, and the like desire to come again and again people of all ages.

Kite flying and beach cricket are the usual sports in this fabulous beach. There are two swimming pools that are present at this area are Marina swimming pool and Anna swimming pool.

Keywords: marina, beaches, sea shores,  Tamil Nadu

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Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls is a one of the longest cascade in South India on the river Kaveri. This cascade is located in the Dharmapuri district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This cascade is also called as “Niagara of India.” The major activities of this cascade are medicinal baths and ride charters and boats. It is the foremost tourist spot in Tamil Nadu. 

The water come out from this cascade is extremely used for the project regards with drinking water. This region is highly rich in Carbonatite rocks that considered as the oldest of this category in South Asia. At this place, the falls and cascade water spreads for miles around. Another best activity held in Hogenakkal is Hanging Bridge.

The water falls in this place falls from the height of twenty meter of long. In a little while after the water that falls and the river takes a southerly course and enters the Mettur Reservoir.  The river carries residue that makes the downriver land fertile.

At Hogenakkal cascade, the river spreads out in excess of a wide area of sandy beaches, then flows towards the Mettur Dam and creates a 60 sq mi (160 km2) of lake named Stanley Reservoir. From the year 1934, the pure water project has been used for the irrigation process and also for hydropower that proposed by Tamil Nadu government. 

Hogenakkal cascades are a good-looking tourist spot along with its waters supposed to be having curative powers. Bathing at the Hogenakkal falls seemed as the sacred bathing place and a spa-like health resort.

Earlier than reaching Hogenakkal, the river flows throughout a forest that contains herbs and this traditionally believed to develop health. Hence bathing in these waters is believed to be healing for many ailments.  

Boating is the best water activity in Hogenakkal region. In some occasion, there is the clear passage for the boats that made in this area. Good qualities of charters are operated from both the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka banks of the gorge, which bring more income for these boat operators. The charters are nearly 2.24 m in diameter and it has the capability to carry a load of eight persons in a moment. 

These charters are made up of bamboo, and with all materials available take about a day to build and most of them are waterproofed along with the plastic sheets. The usage of plastic is completely averted in this district to keep away the city from pollution.

Keywords: South India, hanging bridge, boating , Tamil Nadu 

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Velankanni Church

This devotional church is located in Nagapattinam District at Tamil Nadu and it is under the part of Tanjore Roman Catholic Diocese. At the same time, Church is located at the shoreline of Bay of Bengal, which exists 12 km from Nagapattinam. The church in this divine place is significant for the Roman Catholic holy place for the Goddess of Good Health.   

The millions of devotees visit this holy place often to pray our Lady for various needs and thanking her for the favors got via mediation. Mother Mary appeared with the Infant Jesus in this small costal hamlet at the end of the 16th or in the early 17th century. After that, Vailankanni is the most central pilgrimage and nearly the synthesis of all Marian Sanctuaries for the holy place in the globe.

The devotees of Mother Mary come from all around the world. Day by day, the number of devout pilgrims visiting this holy place is goes on increasing. The fame of Vailankanni Matha spread gradually. 

The Franciscan priest Fr. Rozario has been prolonged the small church of 24 ft. x 12 ft. constructed by the Portuguese sailors, to 70 ft. x 22 ft. by extending the nave of the Church. But the prehistoric little sanctuary and the Altar were conserved intact. As the years goes on, the Catholic faith has strengthened by ardent missionaries functioning at Vailankanni.

After some years back, even this construction has found to be inadequate. In the year 1917 Fr. Sebastio Xavier de Noronha lengthened the Church by another 20 ft. from the nave of the Church. In addition, two gothic domes of 82 ft. each one on either side of the opening facing the ocean were also constructed. At the same time, a two-story parochial construction with competence for pilgrims was also built.

Keywords: Velankanni, Roman Catholic, Tamil Nadu, church, Mother Mary 

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Nellaiappar Temple

Nellaiappar temple is the biggest Shivan shrine in Tamil Nadu. This eminent shrine in Tamil Nadu shaped in custom and history and also recognized for its musical pillars and other gleaming sculptural magnificence this is one of the largest temples in South India. The temple is constructed in behalf of Lord Shiva and Parvathi.

  

Shiva in this sanctuary held to have been worshipped by Agastya in a bamboo grove by Rama after having destroyed Mareecha, nine miles away from at Manoor. There is another holy place for Vishnu in close proximity to the sanctum, which signifying the trust that Nellai Govindan (Vishnu) visited Tirunelveli to oversee the godly marriage of Shiva and Kantimathi.

There are thousands and thousands of visitors are visiting this holy place each and every day. The musical pillars in Mani Mandapam will regulate sound for various pitches.  This temple comprises Somavara Mandapam that constructed with thousands of pillars. Some of the other mandapam’s are Tamra sabha, Vasantha Mandapam, and Sangili Mandapam. 

The important festivals celebrated in Nellaiyappar temples are Navaratri, Tirukkalyanam in Aippasi, Arudra Darisanam, Kaarthigai, Thaipoosam etc. the temple is located at the place named “Tirunelveli Town.”

Keywords: tamil nadu, south india, temple, nellaiyappar temple 

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Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the historic palaces that indicate the rich and admirable cultural legacy of India that has been constructed before many centuries. Padmanabhapuram is a prehistoric area and also one of the four municipalities in Kanyakumari district, which located about thirty kilometers from the district capital.

The entire palace is assembled by the wood that focused as the peculiar features of this palace. The area of this gorgeous fort is enclosing nearly about two hundred acres. This palace is under the control of the Kerala state government though this palace constructed in ambit of Tamil Nadu. Each day the number of tourist visiting this palace is goes on soaring. 

Some of the interesting aspects of this fabulous fort are listed below:

• Three hundred year old clock is placed at this palace and running till now
• Big hall that comprises more than thousands persons gather at the time of festivals
• There is a secret passage through which the king and his family members used to go away in the event of any emergency. This secret passage extends to some kilometers 
• More than three bathing ponds are constructed inside this palace
• Various curios, Chinese jars and other Indian and Chinese interesting objects are seen here
• Tourist can able to glance olden days swords and daggers in the museum
• Brass lamps, wood and stone sculpture, a range of furniture and outsized mirrors made of polished metal are seen in this palace
• Tourist may go through some excellent paintings, wooden cots, medicine tree trunk, stone cot 

Keywords: kanyakumari, tamil nadu, Indian culture

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OOTY- The Queen Of Hill Stations

Ooty, is also known as "Udhagamandalam" is abe best tourist place in south India. It’s been rightly titled as the as Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty, the headquarters of The Nilgiris district is one of the famous hill station tourist place in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above mean sea level. The word Nilgiris means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and had been a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. There are plenty of interesting tourist places like Botanical Gardens, Lakes, Boat houses, water falls, shooting spots, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea estates and many more.

Awesome Journey in Train to reach Ooty

The Queen of Hills is connected to the Chennai City (Capital of Tamilnadu state) by a train at night hours. The train called as Nilgiris Express or Blue Mountain Express which leaves from Chennai at night, and reaches Mettupalayam a small town at the foothills of the Nilgiris early the next morning around 6.30am. The train The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) leaves Mettupalayam at7.10am. The train is very smaller one and can only accommodate few passengers. A through ticket from Chennai to Ooty will ensure a place in the smaller train, although many prefer the faster route of taking a cab or a bus from Mettupalayam.
The steam train takes a very scenic route, and the pace of travel will let you take in the beautiful scenery at leisure with stops at stations for the engine to take on water (the journey takes about 5.1/2 hours compared to 2 hours by road). The train often travels only at 5 - 10 Kmph, allowing some adventurous passengers to disembark from the train and walk along the train.

Mettupalayam can prove to be a bottle-neck during the peak season of April-June with cabs charging exorbitant rates. The train is often quite regular in this part of the country, and is by far the most comfortable way to get here. There are other trains from Chennai to Coimbatore also.

Tourist Places in Ooty
Black Thunder- Fun Never Ends - Asia's No 1 Theme Park near Ooty 

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Madurai Meenakshi Temple - Biggest temple in Tamil Nadu

Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, is known for its world renowned Meenakshi Temple. This temple is famous for its intricate carvings and scriptures. The city of Madurai is situated at the bank of river Vaigai and boasts of a rich culture and heritage. More than 2,500 years old, it is one of the most ancient cities of India. Once the capital of Pandya kings, Madurai is considered to have been built by Pandyan King Kulasekara, in the 6th century BC.

It is situated at a distance of 427 km from Bangalore and is one of the must visit tourist destinations in South India. Often known as the Athens of the East, the city comprises of a number of temples and historical monuments. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit Madurai every year in search of spiritual peace. Apart from temples, tourists can also visit other such examples of Tamilian architecture in British and Islamic styles. There are also a number of mosques and cathedrals in the city, where people can receive divine sermons.

Madurai has something for everybody. The famous Float Festival is of great religious importance and attracts pilgrims from across the country. The adventurous lot of tourists can visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Megamalai tea estates, while the nature lovers can go to Kodaikanal, Suruli and Kumbakkarai Water Falls. Thus, Madurai presents a beautiful blend of art, culture, spirituality, technology and entertainment, thus making it a popular tourist destination.

More information about Madurai
Virtual Tour of Madurai Meenakshi Temple

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Kodaikanal - The Favourite Honeymoon Destination in South India!!!

Kodaikanal is the most beautiful and popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the famous Palani Hills in Western Ghats and is known as the Princess of hill stations. Kodaikanal is situated about 7,200 feet above the sea level. 

Kodaikanal is the most sought after honeymoon destination in South India because of its scenic beauty and it has the attribute to leave any nature lover mesmerized by its charms.

Favourite Sight Seeing Places in Kodaikanal

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