GUDALLUR / GATEWAY OF KERALA ,KARNATAKA & TAMILNADU

    Gudalur is a picturesque green valley on the way from Mysore to Ooty with a population of 32,605 (1991 census). It is a gateway to three states, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka lying equidistant from both Kerala and Karnataka. Though the history of the name has been lost, it is the place where all of the three states' boundaries meet. Some even say the name originated as 'Koodal'(Joining)in Tamil and 'Ooru'(Village),and Goodal+uru as a mysterious place. As the town is located 50 km from any other nearby bigger towns, Ooty, Sulthan Bathery an Gundalpet it can very well be called as the Joining-Place or Point.

Tea plantations dot the whole region, and the regional economy is heavily dependent on the tea industry. However, this is a place rich in flora and fauna with a variety of hill crops, though lower altitude crops such as paddy and coconut also flourish here. This area was an offspring to the exploration done by the British during the pre-independence period to cultivate tea. Various large companies own tea estates in the region. From the 1960s onwards, the region saw pioneering settlers moving in from neighbouring Kerala. Later, towards the end of the 1970s, the Tamil Nadu Government also granted refuge to a large number of Sri Lankan repatriates. This considerably changed the demography of the region. Gudalur is a place where one can see people from the two states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala live together cordially.

Tourist attractions 
Needle Rock View Point (Ooshi Malai/Soochi Malai): (Needle point rock view) It is 12 km. on the way to Udhagamandalam - Gudalur. From here one can see almost every part of Gudalur and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, Gudalur town, bandipur and parts of Mysore. On the other side you can see part of Kerala. You can also see a mountain popularly known as 'Sleeping Beauty'(also called Aanakkallu) which is exactly in the shape of a sleeping woman. 
Frog Hill View: The hill is in the shape of a huge frog. Frog hill view point is 14 km. from Gudalur on the way to Udhagamandalam-/ Gudalur road. From here one can see gigantic Frog shape of a hill view. 
Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary is in Gudalur. 
Numbalakottai Vimalagiri : 4 km. from Gudalur. A shrine of Vettakarappan with sub-shrine built in Kerala style is here. Wynad scenes is visible from here.The temple was a property of Nilambur Kovilagam and festival is conducted once in the year by the kovilagam trust .
Manvayal: 8 km from gudalur lies the heaven in this world.The people here are mainly small tea growers and are mainly engaged in agricultural activities.
Nambalakkotta : 8 km. from Gudalur. A shrine of Battarayaswamy (Lord of the hunts) with sub-shrine built in Kerala style is here. Wynad scenes is visible from here. 
Nelliyalam: 20 km. from Gudalur. A few ruins of historical Ummatur dynasty can be seen here. There are ruins of a Fort which were the seat of the erstwhile Nelliyalam Rani. 
Ponneni: There is a Vishnu Temple where 'Utsavam' were taking place once in 12 years. It was under the control of Nilambur kovilakam and it is not maintained properly after the 'Gudalur Janmam abolishment and Conversion Act, 1969' passed by the Tamilnadu State government. 
Pandalur: Capital of Pandalur Taluka. There are many tea plantations. 
Gudalur: Capital of Gudalur Taluka. There is one Government Arts College in Gudalur. Higher Educational facilities are very poor. 
Vimalagiri:The capital of Mothavayal panchayat.Its a full literacy village.A small percent of people here belongs to late system headed by Abin Sebastian P K 
ingara and Moyar: Power houses under the control of Tamilnadu State Electricity Board. Power house is under the ground. This is the specialty here. Water flows through tunnels. 
Cherangode: There is a shrine dedicated to Velankanni Mata. This is a pilgrims' centre. 
Cherambady 35 km. from Gudalur. It is extreme western corner which has plantations and mica mines. Sultan battery is very near
Cherambady is a place of hardworking people, near Kerala-Tamilnadu border, majority of people residing here are Malayalees. . 
Kunnalady: Kunnalady is a centre of Malayalees as well as Tamils. It is a centre of Tea Leaves business. Bekky is near by. The people here are mainly tea planters and life depends on the rise and fall of tea leaf value. There is a church in Kunnalady and another in Bekky. Bekky Matha Church is ancient and very famous for its feast called'perunnal'.This is a pilgrim centre. There is a temple 'Anchmbalam' in kunnalady and its 'Utsavam' is very famous. People from various places visit here during that time. Ammankavu is near by. Amman kavu utsavam is a time for the tribals to meet in a year.
Nellakotta: It is 15 km from Gudalur. A dilapidated fort is there. 
Hanging Bridges : Located on the way to Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary. It is 14 km from Gudalur. 
Genepool Garden: It is located at 15 km from Gudalur in a place called Nadugani. It has a variety of species from all over the world. 
Kariyasholai: A beautiful village encircled with forest where one half cultivated tea plantation, vanilla, coffee, cardamom etc,. The queen of hills has her daughter NEEDLE ROCK placed to the east top of the village which really makes the village a heavenly jorn. Chelakkunnu just one km away is a beautiful forest-cum-village of thodas, kurumaas, paniyaas etc. One can often see elephants wandering, deer rover, beautiful wild life on a stream walk at the location. 
Devala: A small town on the way to Pandalur from Gudalur at 18th km has the second highest rainfall in India.

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NELLIAMPATHI-PALAKKAD-KERALA

         Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala, a small state in south India. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and has excellent weather conditions. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheel. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.

            The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season. The lush valleys in the region have very valuable teak plantations with extraordinary height and girth. The orange estates on the Nelliampathi Hills produce high quality oranges. Nellikota or Padagiri is the highest peak in the region. A picturesque picnic spot near the Sithargundu Estate offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
         Nelliampathi is a popular hill station with excellent trekking trails. It is a 3 hour, 75 km trip away from Palakkad (Palghat) and, at 1600 mts above sea level, is surrounded by panoramic views of hills draped by plantations of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom. On Nellikotta and the other peaks grow huge great teak trees value for their wood. Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations.The height of the hills ranges from 467 mts to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 mts. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palakkad (Palghat) is a sensation on its own, as one negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.En route, 17 kms from Palghat, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make the ideal stop over. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below - a wide-angled vision of a third of the entire Palghat area. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The Community Hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for trekkers.

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TAMILNADU TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN TAMILNADU | ALL ABOUT TAMILNADU | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN TAMILNADU | TOURIST SPOTS IN TAMILNADU

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TOURIST SPOTS IN KODAIKANAL / MOST POPULAR HILL RESORTS IN INDIA / TREKKING IN KODAIKANAL / TREKKING ROUTES KODAIKANAL / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KODAIKANAL / TOURIST PLACES IN KODAIKKANAL -TAMILNADU

            Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.

The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji'(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor and is frequented all through the year.

Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.

HOW TO REACH AT KODAIKANAL

• Nearest Airport - Madurai is 120 kms, Coimbatore 170 kms and Trichy 195 kms
• Many trains pass through Kodaikanal road station,which is nearly 80 kms to Kodaikanal.
• Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Park
Coaker walk
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kodaikanal - Physical Observatory
Kodaikanal - 40 Miles Rounded
Kodaikanal - Falls
Kukkal Caves
Pillar Rocks
Vembadi peak
Dolphin Nose
Palani Hills
Shenbaganur Museum

Kodaikanal - Trekking Routes

          Motorable roads have the terminus in bold face, merely jeep ones have them in italics, approximate distances are indicated in brackets when known; when no roads exist, the time required for footing the distance is indicated.

In general some 9 hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) were spent to cover the distance but this includs the time for plants collecting. Freelance trekking should need only 2/3 of the time.

Kodaikanal-Batlagundu (55 Km): Law's Ghat Road.

Perumalmalai-Palamalai(8km) - Thalayar (90 mins.) - Manjalar (150 mins.)-Devadanappatty(6km).
Shembaganur-Korappur-Adukkam(180 mins.) - Selumbathope (120 mins.) - Kumbakkarai - Periakulam (10km).
Shembaganur-Vengayapparai (Coolie or telegraph path); A.G.Bourne's "Kodaikanal Ghat" (4 hours)-Kumbakkarai - Periakulam (10Km)
Kodai-Dolphin's Nose-Vellagevi-Vengayapparai (left of Vellagevi) (300 mins.)-Kumbakkarai-Periakulam(10Km.)
Kodai-Dolphin's Nose-Vellagevi-Kumbakkarai (right of Vellagevi) (300 mins.)-Kumbakkarai-Periakulam (10 Km).
Kodai-Green Hut (12Km) (along the ridge for 30 mts) - down to Chinnur-Periakulam (300 mins.)
Kodai-Thoppithookkipparai (near Berijam) (16Km) - Periyur (3 hours) - Sothupparai - Periakulam (10 Km).
Kodai-Karthirikkai Odei (40Km) - Sinna Sothupparai - Athirikkarappankoil - Oral muthu - Valasal aaru -
Bodinayakanur (6 hours).
Kodai-Berijam (23 Km) - Konalar (5 Km) - Sebastian Odei (3 Km) - Marion Shola (2Km) - Kathirikkai Odei
(1 Km) - Kambippalam (3 Km) - Pulavachiar (5 Km) - Vandaravu (10 Km) - Top Station (10 Km) - Central Station (2 hours)
Kurangani (Bottom Station) 3 hours - Bodinayakanur (17 Km).
Kodai - Mannavanur (35 Km) - Keelanavayal (90 mins.) - Manjampatty (3 hours) - Thalinji (2 hours) -
Champaked ( 90 mins.)-Chinnar (5 Km) - Udamalpet (32 Km) - Palani (37 Km).
Kodai - Paricombai (27 Km) - Kukkal (8 Km) - Kuthirayar-Pappanpatty-Kavalapatty (7 hours) - Palani (23 Km.)
Kodai - Puthur (43 Km) - Bonthampally (24 mins.) - Kavalppatty (9Km) - A-Kalaiamputhur (9Km) - Palani (5 Km.)
Kodai - Pallanghi (10 Km) - Thalamalai - Porandalar-Palani.
Kodai - Vilpatty (8 Km) - Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope (240 mins.) - Palani (13 Km)
Kodai-Perumalmalai (13 Km) - Pethupparai (6 Km) Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope (240 mins.) - Palani (13 Km).
Kodai-Perumalmalai-Palani Ghat road (60 Km).
Kodai-Tandigudi (40 Km) - K.C.Patty (20 Km) - Asarippatty - Bethelpuram-Parappalar-Thalayoothu - Viruppachi.
Kodai- Tandigudi (40 Km) - K.C.Patty (20 Km) ........... Pachalur (10 Km) - Oddanchatram (31 Km).
Kodai - Tandigudi (40 Km) - Adalur (15 Km) - Panrimalai (4Km)-Alagumalai (5 Km) - Puducombai (14 Km) -
Karisalpatty (7 Km) - Vattapparai (4Km) - Melpatty (2 Km) - Anandarayamkottai-Pithalapatty (2Km) - Dindigul (7Km.)
Kodai - Tandigudi (40 Km) - Thadiankudisai (10 Km) - Btlagundu (33 Km.)

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KASARGOD TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN KASARGOD / KASARGOD TOURISM

TOURIST PLACES IN KASARGOD

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KERALA TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA

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KANNUR TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN KANNUR-KERALA

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CHEMBRA PEAK-HRIDHAYA SARASS-WAYANAD / SOUTH INDIA TOURISM / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH INDIA

       Chembra peak At 2100 mts above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is ideal for trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full dayThe scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating. The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo oppurtunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. 
TREKKING FEE. RS: 100
ENTRY FEE: RS: 10
PARKING FEE: RS: 10
Trekking time 8 am to 1 pm.
Distances from: 
Kalpetta -14 Km, 
Sulthan Bathery -42 Km, 
Mananthavady-52 Km

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JOG FALLS-KARNATAKA

           Jog Falls, the second-highest waterfall in India is the creation of the Sharavathi River in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located near Sagara, Karnataka Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls,Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. Cascading from a height of 253 meters (829 ft), the waterfall is also known as Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. The history of the falls goes back to the year 1800, when the site was first discovered by Buchanan during one his journeys.

          Jog Falls mainly comprises of four different streams of the River Sharavati, plunging down a steep incline in the district of Shimoga. The significance of Jog Falls is that in this waterfall, the water does not stream down the rocks in a tiered fashion. On the contrary, the water thunders down the slope losing contact with the rocks, thus making Jog Falls the tallest untiered waterfall in the country. This is the reason why Jog Falls is a famous tourist destination frequented by almost every tourist visiting India. The area around the fall is excellent for trekking. 
        There are four different streams or tracks into which the River Sharavati is split, comprising the entire structure of Jog Falls, and these streams are: Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. 
The best season to visit this waterfall is the monsoons when this gigantic body displays its maximum charm. Though one will find dense vapour engulfing the waterfall, but when the mighty waterfalls the vapour evaporated in an ethereal manner. The best look of the waterfall can be had by lying down and looking over the giant from the slabs of rock near the Bombay bungalow. Watkin’s platform is another spot from where the view is splendid. 
               The Sharavati, flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja. A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill. 
         The Jog fall is an important source of water for the Mahatma Gandhi hydro Electric project that was started way back in1948. At present the water of this fall provides 120 MW capacity of electricity and today serves LDPH (55MW), SGS(1035 MW) and Gerusoppa Tail race(240MW) generating stations. 
         Located at a mere distance of 200 kms from Bangalore, the fall is easily accessible by road. While Shimoga (105 kms) is the nearest railhead, the nearest town are – Sagar (30 kms) and Taluguppa (16 kms). One can avail buses from Bangalore. When coming by a private vehicle one can take the NH 206 to reach Shimoga and Sagar.

HOW TO REACH JOG FALLS:

• Nearest Railway Station (& distance to the location):
• Talaguppa and SAGAR(SRF) : For Sagar 30 km
• Nearest Bus Station: Siddapur
• Nearest Airport (& aerial distance to the location):DomesticHubli Airport (HBX) : 130 km
• Mangalore Airport(Formerly Bajpe Airport) (IXE) : 135 km
• Pune Airport (PNQ) : 500 km
• International
• Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) : 340 

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LAKKIDI-PALAKKAD-KERALA

LAKKIDI-PALAKKAD

          Lakkidi is a small village in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Kunchan Nambiar, the great poet of Malayalam was born here. There is a railway station present in Lakkidi, where only passenger trains stop. River Bharathappuzha flows through the southern border of Lakkidi village. Lakkidi is accessible by bus connecting Thrissur and Ottappalam. Lakkidi can be reached from Palakkad by catching a bus that is going to Ottapalam, Pattambi or Shoranur.Lakkidi is divided in to three. Lakkidi Koottupatha, Pazhaya Lakkidi and Lakkidi Gate. Lakkidi is famous for the birth of great Malayalam Poet and discoverer of "Thullal" a traditional art. Major regional festivals are Chinakkathoor Pooram, on which all the people of a family have a get together

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