Theni is a district in Tamilnadu state known for its pilgrimage centres as well as its natural beauty. Theni was created as a result of a bifurcation of the Madurai District in the year 1996. This charming district surrounded by Western Ghats is at a distance of 498 km from Chennai.
Mesmerizing waterfalls, verdant green landscape and several magnificent pilgrimage centres of Theni makes it a preferred tourist’s destination. There are a number of places of tourist attractions in Theni.
Andipatti
Andipatti is located in the Ghats section of the Varushanad hill ranges. This place consists of a number of small hamlets which are known for their handicrafts and handlooms.
Vaigai Dam
It is 14 kms from Theni. The dam is built across River Vaigai and has a height of 111 feet and can store 71 feet of water. The sylvan garden around the dam is also a major attraction and is a famous picnic spot. Vaigai is the main source of water for irrigation in Madurai district.
Mavoothu Vellappar Temple
The temple is situated in the Varushanad hill ranges about 20 kms from Andipatti. The temple complex includes shrines of Vinayaka and Saptakannikas. Perched on top of a hill this place also is a source of perennial water source.
Balasubramaniya Temple
It is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. The shrine has an idol of Lord Muruga with six faces which seems to have been pierced from the ground-under. This ancient temple was constructed by Rajendra Chola.
Bodinayakkanur
This beautiful town is located in the foot hills of Western Ghats. This place is famous for cardamom, tea, pepper which grows in abundance here.
Bodi Medu
This is a beautiful hill station located about 4500 m above sea level. The place is known for its enchanting natural beauty.
Cloud Land Falls (Chinna Suruli)
The falls is situated 54 kms from Theni near Kombaithozhu Village. The falls is surrounded by green dense forests from Megamalai and is known for its mesmerising beauty.
Devadanapatti Kamatchi Amman Temple
The Kamatchi Amman Temple is 3 kms from Devadanapatti in Theni District. It is situated on the banks of the Manjal River. The unique feature of this temple is that the doors to the sanctum sanctorum are never opened, and all the pujas are offered only to the portals and all the offerings are placed at the entrance.
Suruli Falls
Suruli Falls situated is about 8kms from Cumbam and 56 km from Theni. Situated in the midst of dense forests this falls attracts many tourists. The hill is famous for its herbal springs. Kailasanathar Temple Cave is located near Suruli Falls. The beauty of this hill has been mentioned in the literatures like "Silappadikaram".
Kumbakkarai waterfall
This water fall is situated at 9 Km from Periyakulam and is located in midst of dense forests. The waterfall originates from Kodaikanal hills.
There are many other places around Theni worth visiting like the Tiger Falls, Theertha Thotti, Sri Saneeswaran Temple, Kuchanur, Sothupparai Dam, Seran’s Fun Park, Meghamalai, Periyakulam etc. One can also go on short excursions from Theni to Kodaikanal, Madurai and Palani.Famous tourists’ destinations like Thekkadi (80km) and Munnar (95km) are also close to Theni.
How to reach Theni
The nearest airport to Theni is at Madurai. Theni is connected by number of railway tracks with the other major cities and towns of Tamil nadu. Theni is connected to neighbouring cities and towns by a good network of roads. Many state transport buses connect Theni with major cities and towns of Tamilnadu.
Accommodation
Some good accommodation options are available in Theni. Hotels catering to different budgets are present here that offer comfortable stay to the tourists.