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Theni Tourist Places and Attractions

Theni district in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu is one among the choicest tourist destinations. There are many tourist attractions such as captivating dams, waterfalls and countless pilgrim centres. These unique places warm the soul and the rustic ambience and hospitality of the local people make the destinations in Theni district a tourists’ delight. Resounding cascades, silver-lined clouds resting atop green hilltops, sheer rock faces and temples of antiquity, are the stuff that distinguish the tourism destinations of Theni District.

This district is surrounded by the Western Ghats, with it green stretches of cultivated lands and tea gardens. Silk cotton, soft towels, coffee seeds, cardamom, mango, are the main produce of the district.

Theni district is the main route for the tourist bound from Madurai to Kochi via Bodinayakanur and Munnar and Madurai to Thekkadi wildlife sanctuary.

Theni This is situated at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with an area of 360 square kilometers. It is a reservoir surrounded by forest area in which several animals are having their natural habitat. The place is a beautiful natural area with the lake and green hills in a calm atmosphere. It is a sanctuary of animals like elephant, wild boars, deers etc. For visiting various near by sites like Mangala Devi Hills, Mullakudi,Thanaikudi,Vellimalai etc; the forestry department arranges jeep facilities to the tourists.The forest area can also be visited by a paid elephant ride. There will be small entrance fee (Rs.10/-) to the Thekkady area. Both facilities are also arranged by Kerala and Tamil Nadu Tourism Departments. Several articles are famous here for purchasing, scent materials of good quality, spices like cardamom, pepper, ginger, tamarind, coffee seeds and tea etc. There are bus facilities to go to Thekkady from Madurai (139 Km), from Cumbum(26 Km) and also Kumuli (Vans and Jeeps are also Plying), Dindigul, Palani,Theni, Trichy etc. There are several lodges near Thekkady apart from alarge number of boarding and lodging houses in Kumuli.

The Kumbakarai Falls is a tourist spot in natural surroundings. It is situated at 9 K.m. from Periyakulam. The water originates in Kodaikanal Hills and flows along the rocks and finally reaches the foot hills. This place is called Kumbakarai. The falls creates a lot of noise along with the nice , soft and beautiful songs of several birds. The travelers come here and take bath in the falls. The water flows throughout the year; but in rainy seasons the flow will be very heavy. Some of the travelers walk along the falls in the ghat road and will reach Kodaikanal. There are town buses available from Periyakulam to the Kumbakarai. The bus fare is Rs.2/- at present. There is no boarding & lodging facilities for the tourist.

The Suruli Hills is at a distance of 8 K.m from Cumbum in Theni district.The hill is famous for its herbal springs. The temple for Suruli Velapparhas been built under these environments. The temple is about half Km. inside ghat road. This is a cave temple. Pure water falls from above in this temple.The holy water is said to cure several diseases. The Festivals during the months of Adi Thai and Chitrai are important ones. This hill has been mentioned in the literatures like "Silappadikaram". 

The main tourist spot Vaigai dam is constructed across the river of Mullainear Andipatti village, 25 Km away from Theni. The main source of water for irrigation in Madurai district is from Vaigai. The Children park, Zoo etc. are fast developing at the Dam site.

How to reach Theni

By Air : The nearest airport to Theni is at Madurai. 

By Rail : A number of railway tracks link Theni to most of the cities and regions of Tamil Nadu. Theni is also the main route for the tourists traveling from Madurai to Kochi via Bodinayakanur and Munnar and from Madurai to the Thekkadi wildlife sanctuary. 

By Road : Theni is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads. The roads connecting Theni are well-maintained and comfortable which help in adding an extra dash of fun if you are planning a tour to Theni.