SURULI WATER FALLS

SURULI FALLS IN THENI

Suruli Mountain

Suruli Falls are about 56 kms from Theni. Suruli Falls are also known as Chinna Suruli or Cloud Land Falls. It is situated 54 km from Theni, near Kombaithozhu Village. The stream on which the fall occurs originates in Meghamalai.Originating in Meghamalai or Periyar Mountain Range, the Suruli Falls drops from a height of 150 feet gathering in a pool. From the pool these falls plummets to a depth of 40 feet surrounded by lush greenery.

Suruli Falls are also the place for Summer Festival of Tamilnadu. This Festival organized by the Tamilnadu Tourism Department welcomes people from all over the world. Near the Suruli Falls there are 18 caves which represent the Rock Cut Architecture of the 18th Century. Suruli Falls is a wonderful place to spend the entire day as there are a number of tourist attractions in the vicinity of the falls, in addition to the beautiful Falls.

The beauty of this falls finds mention in the ancient Tamil epic, Silappathikaram written by the poet Ilango Adigal.

It is one of the major tourist attractions in the Theni district and draws tourists from different parts of the state, particularly during the southwest monsoon. June - October is the best season due to monsoon activity, though there is some flow year round. This falls is relatively tourist friendly with showers and change of cloths area near the falls.

There are frequent bus services available from Cumbum and Uthamapalayam to reach this falls. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department celebrates summer festival at Suruli falls every year.

Fast Facts
· Distance - Approx 56 kms from Theni and 10 kms from Cumbum
· Nearest Medical Help - Theni, Tamilnadu
· Nearest Human Vegetation - Cumbum, Tamilnadu
· Best Time- June to October
· District - Tamil Nadu

TEMPLES IN SURULI

VISITOR INFORMATION ABOUT MEGHAMALAI

Visitor Information

Meghamalai mountain range can be approached two ways -- from Theni via Chinnamanur and from Andipatti via Kandamanayakkanur. Both Theni and Andipatti can be easily accessed by road from Madurai and Dindigul. Theni, which is 76 km from Madurai. The approach via Chinnamannur is more scenic. only forest lodges and panchayat rest house are available at the hill top. Prior reservation and permission is an absolute must. Day-trippers may stay in a number of moderately priced hotels in Theni, Chinnamanur and Andipatti. Distance from Madurai 130 km.

Getting to Meghamalai
Nearest airport: Madurai (185 km/ 115 miles)
Nearest railhead: Dindigul (165 km/ 102 miles)
Local Transport: Taxis may be hired in Madurai or Theni

Tourist information:
District Officer, District Forest OfficeTheni Forest Division, K R R Nagar, TheniPhone: (04546) 252552

Accommodation
The Cloud Mountain Bungalow and Sand River Cottage have cable television, telephone and hot water. Cellular signals are available only on BSNL. Guests are allowed use of the study, library and dining room. The Cloud Mountain Bungalow has a children's play area. Accommodation and food are available for drivers.

Tariff:

Rs 6,000 per room inclusive of all meals, plantation tours and sightseeing. Groups can rent the bungalow (all three bedrooms) for Rs 12,000. Carry liquor or place orders in advance.

Encroachment threat in Meghamalai

ENCROACHMENT THREAT

Massive encroachments in the reserved forests of almost all divisions in the district have been posing a grave threat to the eco-system of Megamalai hills. Of the total 806.86 km², about 400.77 km² was degraded forest area. A total of 292.81 km² falls under dense forest areas, of which only 22.43 km² was tree bearing. About 220 out of total 430 km² in the Gandamanur forest range under the Madurai Forest Division had been encroached for the past four decades. Large areas of Ulloothu Kavu, Anjaraipuli, Elamalaipoodu, Arasaradi, Bommarasapuram and neighbouring villages were also under encroachment. With an increase in population and their demands, vast stretches of land were either degraded or converted into unicrop areas, causing damage to the environment. The people settled in the hill tracts were solely dependent on the forests for livelihood. Conservation of natural forest in any form will help preserve biodiversity.

FALLS IN MEGHAMALAI

FALLS

The meghamalai fall (called as Clouds land fall) occurs on a stream originating from Meghamalai. The special feature of the falls is that water is flowing through twin falls round the year. Frequent visits by elephants, spotted deer, gaur and other wild animals at dawn and dusk are a feast to the eyes. Forest Department officials have plans to assist tourists to view those wild animals.

BRIDGE

VELLIMALAI

VELLIMALAI

Vellimalai (Silver Mountain, 1,650 m) area is a heart of Meghamalai. Silver-lined clouds seem to rest gently on green hilltops and nestled somewhere in this region is the place where the river Vaigai originates. This lovely place will give an opportunity to see wild animals and aesthetically and scientifically managed tea gardens.

Vellimalai is famous for the Lord Murugan Temple called as "Bala Subramaniya Swamy Koil" located atop of the hill Vellimalai. The temple attracts lot of pilgrims from the surrounding areas. The famous festivals of the temple are "Sasti Sura Samkaram"- killing of Suran, the demon leader by Lord Bala Subramaniya Swamy and Vaikasi Visakam. From the top of the hill the major part of the green Kanya Kumari District can be viewed, which will be a mind blowing experience for nature lovers.

VELLIMALAI BALASUBRAMANIYA SWAMI TEMPLE

Significance:

The 200 feet high Vellimalai hill is located in the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent 7 miles west of Nagarkoil. South of this hill is the ocean and north of the hill are the western ghats. In this scenic area is located the ancient Balasubramanya swami temple on top of the Velli malai hill.

The Temple:

The presiding deity here is Balasubramanyar enshrined as a monolithic image facing east in the sanctum of the Vellimalai temple which is accessed through a flight of steps.

The temple is a small one, the image of Balasubramanyar is said to face the Shiva temple (Sthaanumaalayan) at Suchindram . On top of the hill are the Nandippadam and the Murugappadam believed tobe imprints of the feet of Nandi and Murugan here.

Local belief has it that barren women go on to deliver healthy children upon worshipping at this temple.

FORESTS IN MEGHAMALAI

FORESTS

The places, Upper manalaru, Maharaja mettu and Iravangalaru are fringed by forests with rich flora and fauna.

Being very close to the forest, a number of wild animals can be seen roaming here. Megamalai is also host to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. The most commonly seen animals are Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Sloth Bear, Grey Jungle Fowl, Smooth-Coated Otter and Flying Squirrel.

Resident and migratory elephants can also be seen wandering in groups here.It is also an ideal place for bird watching. In the forests over 100 species of birds have been identified. The Meghamalai ranges are also the birth place of the Megamalai fall. This fall descends from a stream originating from the hills. It is also known as the Clouds Land Falls and serves as the rendezvous of many wild animals. Megamalai falls are round-the-year falls that do not run dry. Another important range around Megamalai is Vellimalai, also known as the Silver Mountain.

The forest area in Theni district is about 33.70%. There are 27 forest areas in Theni district constituting a total area of 795.81 km2 (307.26 sq mi). 19 areas fall under the Reserve Forest category with 255.44 km2 (98.63 sq mi), 8 areas under Reserve Land category with 540.37 km2 (208.64 sq mi). Total area of forest under green cover classification was 806.86 km2 (311.53 sq mi). Dense forest and Sparse forest are 292.81 km2 (113.05 sq mi) and 22.43 km2 (8.66 sq mi) respectively. There is no Unclassed Forest type in the district. About 44.65 km2 (17.24 sq mi) of Man Made Forest Area are cultivated in the district. Wattle, Softwood, Fuel wood, Cashew, Neem, Tamarind are the main forest plantation species in Theni district.

MEGHAMALAI

MEGHAMALAI

Meghamalai, popularly called High Wavy Mountains, is a cool and misty mountain range situated in the Western Ghats in Theni district, Tamilnadu, South India. It is a place of natural beauty dotted with cardamom plantations and tea estates. The place is situated at an elevation of 1,500 m above sea level and it is rich in flora and fauna.

TEA ESTATES AND DAMS

Highwavys is a view point that will afford a wonderful view of the entire mountains range of Varusanadu Hills. There few large private tea, spices and coffee plantations all around, notable include The Highwavys Estates owned by The Woodbriar Group, Ananda Plantations ,Ponsiva Plantations and Feildmede Estate have the largest holdings of plantations in Meghamalai, an artificial lake and plenty of scope for making leisurely walks. Six dams on the hill and originating place of Suruli Theertham (Suruli falls near Cumbum town) are popular attractions for tourists. From Manalar dam, one can view the deep Cumbum Valley and the villages of Theni district. The Department of Tourism has planned to introduce boat or ferry service to enable tourists to enjoy the pristine beauty of the hill.

FORESTS

VELLIMALAI

FALLS

ENCROACHMENT THREAT

VISITOR INFORMATION

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