Tourism in Dharmapuri: Things to do in Dharmapuri

Location

Situated on the northern western part of the state of Tamil Nadu, the beautiful district of Dharmapuri is bounded by the Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram Districts on the east, Salem District on the South, Krishnagiri District on the north, while the Kaveri River flows on its western fringes. One of the prettiest districts of Tamil Nadu, a tour to Dharmapuri is a must-include if you are planning a trip to Tamil Nadu.

History

Perhaps the earliest mention of Dharmapuri can be found during the Sangam Era when a chieftain who ruled Tagadur, which is known as present-day Dharmapuri kept written accounts of his reign. In the period which followed, Dharmapuri saw the reigns of the Rashtrakutas, Cholas and the Pandyas. Soon under the realms of the valiant Tipu Sultan, the province also came under the rule of the British, a period which saw the district as being incorporated as a “taluk” or part of the Salem District.

Fairs & Festivals of Dharmapuri

The festivals of Dharmapuri are varied and add an extra spark of life to the town’s daily lives. Notable among these are :

Pongal: Like all the other regions of Tamil Nadu, Pongal is one of the most important festivals of Dharmapuri.
Mahashivaratri: If you are planning a tour to Dharmapuri, one of the best times to visit would be during February when the festivities of Mahashivaratri promise to add a dash of special flavor to your vacation.

Best Time to Visit Dharmapuri

The hottest period in Dharmapuri usually occurs during the months of March to May when the temperature ranges around 38 degrees Celsius. Decembers are cool with the pleasant weather continuing till February when the mercury touches a happy minimum of around 17 degrees Celsius. Thus, the best time to visit Dharmapuri would be during the months of winter.

How to Reach Dharmapuri

By Train

BY RAIL -

Dharmapuri is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities via important rail heads. These cities include Chennai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Madurai, Tirupathi, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, Quilon as well as Rameswaram Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, Kanyakumari and Mangalore.

By Road

BY ROAD -

Dharmapuri is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads.

Tourist Attractions in Dharmapuri

The major tourist attractions of a tour to Dharmapuri include:

Theerthamalai: One of the most sacred places of Tamil Nadu, this is the site of the revered Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple, which is regarded by history to be one of the most respected temples of the Chola and the Vijayanagara Kings. This is also the site for the celebrations of the Mahashivarathiri, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.
Hanumanthathirtham: Closely associated with the Theerthagirishwarar Temple, Hanumanthathirtham is located at a distance of 10 Km from Uthangarai. According to an ancient legend, this place has strong associations with the Ramayana and is believed to be one of the most sacred places in Tamil Nadu. A must visit if you are planning a tour to Dharmapuri.
The other places of worship in Dharmapuri include Agasthya Theertham, Agni Theertham. Kumara Theertham, Rama Theertham, Vashista Theertham and the Gouri Theertham.

Places Around Dharmapuri

The important places of tourist interest located around Dharmapuri are :

Hogenakal Falls: Located at the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Hogenakal Falls is situated at a distance of around 46 kms away from Dharmapuri. An important tourist attraction of Dharmapuri, the Hogenakal Falls earns its importance for being the point where the River Kaveri enters Tamil Nadu.
Krishhnagiri Dam: Situated around 7 kms from Krishnagiri, the Krishnagiri Dam is located between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri and enjoys a reputation for being one of the most scenic spots of Dharmapuri.
Thally: Situated on the borders of Karnataka, Thali is home to a famous temple built as a mark of reverence for Venugopala Swami.