in and around Theni

Munnar : Places to visit

2010-01-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

The hill resort of Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Munnar lies in the God's Own Country of Kerala. Besides being a hill resort Munnar is known a center for tea trade too. There are over thirty tea gardens in and around Munnar. Get going on a bicycle at your own pace and unwind. Let the magic of Munnar bewitch you!

The hill resort of Munnar derives its name from the fact that it lays at the confluence of three mountain streams. Literally in Tamil Munnar means "three rivers". The marvelous hill resort of Munnar lays at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Since the British rule Munnar has been thronged by tourists.

The lovely landscape, the teagardens and the pleasant weather make it a picture perfect destination. The hill resort is situated at an altitude of 1520 meters, in the eastern part of Kerala. The Western Ghats of Kerala stand close to Munnar. The highest peak of Anaimudi is quiet close to the hill resort. The hills neighboring Munnar present a spectacular sight only once in every twelve years. The Neelakurunji plant grows on the hills and bloom to cover the entire mountain range. Munnar sight seeing places are listed below

Places to visit in Munnar

Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park: 45 mins from Munnar. See Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking view.
Mattupetti Dam - 10km from Munnar, this popular picnic spot activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day especially if visiting with children.
Blossom Garden - Houses many different varities of flowers. Tourist will definitely take away good memories from this place.
Echo Point - 15km from Munnar, on the way to top station from Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls.
Anamudi Peak: The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm - Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village), Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.
Top Station: 37km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, has great views of the Western Ghats. Top station is the "top"-tourist attraction. This place gives a real 'above the clouds' experience. Regular buses go to Top Station (1 hr) from Munnar. A jeep costs Rs 400. The area is known for the Neelakurunji plant, which flowers only once every twelve years. The flower is violet.
Marayoor - Around 40km from Munnar. It is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandalwood trees, natural caves with murals, and relics from Later Stone Age civilisation. There is a sandalwood factory of the Forest Department of Kerala and a children's park extending across one hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree, all of which attract tourists in large numbers.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate - At a height of about 7130 ft, this orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world. The view of the Western Ghats is absolutely enchanting.
Salim Ali (Thattekkad) Bird Sanctuary: There are woodpeckers, Malabar gray hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, parakeets, and rose-billed rollers. This sanctuary is located 20km from Kothamangalam on the road between Ernakulam and Munnar. There are basic and mid-range hotels in Kothamangalam and an Inspection Bungalow in Boothathankettu. You can take a boat cruise from Boothathankettu to Thattekkad.

Water Falls : Check out several natural waterfalls on the way to Munnar. These waterfalls carry fresh rain water. They provide an excellent place for all tourists to have a photo shootout.

Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Munnar

Kodaikanal - Places to visit

2009-10-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Kodaikanal, situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, among the Palani Hills - the Western Ghats. Also shortly known as Kodai. Kodaikanal is one of the great tourism destinations of southern India. With its intoxicating air, breathtaking scenery and serenity that you can hardly find in any other hill station, Kodaikanal is an ideal summer resort for the travel buffs of the southern plains. The local museums here will give you a good idea about the place’s past and its relevance in the present. The relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who lived in these Palani hills are carefully preserved in these museums. The abundant pear orchards in their blooming season leave scant room for leaves on the trees, making it a wonderful site to see.

Watch this video about Kodaikanal…

Places to visit in Kodaikanal

The Lake : The star-shaped lake of Kodaikanal is one of the major attractions of this hill station. Situated at the heart of the main town area, it is also a favorite evening spot for the locals as well. Here you can also try out some boating courtesy the Boat Club that is located here. Moreover, small horse rides can also make a good pastime in the early evenings.
Flora & Fauna Museum : Located at the Sacred Heart College is a 6km hike from the town centre, but definitely worth a visit. The Orchidarium here has about 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants.

Kurinji Andavar Temple : Temple located 3km northeast of the Lake and is dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Pillar Rocks : Located about 7km from the lake, there are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400ft. the views from here are spectacular.
Solar observatory : Situated at a distance of 3.2 kilometers from the Kodaikanal lake, it is one of the only three solar observatories in the world that is more than 75 years old. Built at an elevation of 2343 meters, the Solar Observatory was built at the highest point of the town. You can have a look into the solar system by booking your tickets for the scheduled shows.
Bryant Park : Botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It was landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.
Water Falls : There are numerous waterfalls in the area such as Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls, which are popular picnic spots.

Coaker walk : Ideal place for picturesque walk. Situated at a distance of about 1 km from the Kodai lake is the Coaker Walk. It has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers. The walk offers you a fantastic view of the plains and the distant hills.
Perumal Peak : A good adventurous Trekking point in Kodaikanal. Situated at an altitude of 2,440 meters it lies at a distance of about 11.3 kilometers from the Kodaikanal town area. The peak offers excellent opportunity for trekking for the adventurous tourists.
Viewpoint : Kodaikanal has some of the best view points from where you can have a thrilling view of the entire Kodai valley. The hill station’s best view points are Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View point and the Dolphin’s Nose. You must not miss a visit to these places as they are known for their natural marvel and beauty. You could also find some of the locally made products here to take along as the memorabilia of your visit.

Kodaikanal Location Map

Banks in Theni

2008-12-24T00:37:00.001-08:00

Here is the list of Banks in Theni Allinagaram and their address, contact details etc. Click on each bank name to know the details

Textile industry : in and around Theni

2008-10-05T03:31:00.001-07:00

Textiles industry is growing on a steady state in Theni. There are many textile industries and they do spinning, weaving, and stiching . The main products are yarns, terry towels, fabrics , polyester. consumer garments, industrial garments and other textile products. These mills making have grown in and around Theni , providing jobs for many people.

Here are list of few textile industries in Theni.

Nisha Kishan Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd.
Shri Renuga Textiles Ltd.
Sarvesh Cotton Mills Ltd.
L.S. Mills Ltd.
Bhojaraj Textile Mills
Anna Cooperative Spinning Mills Ltd.
Theni Periyandavar Textile Mills Ltd.
Janakiram Mills Ltd.
Alagendra Textiles Ltd.
GGN Spinning Mill Pvt. Ltd

Paddy and coconut farms in Theni

2008-10-04T22:23:00.001-07:00

Paddy fields in Theni : Paddy fields can be built adjacent to otherwise natural areas such as rivers or marshes. They can be constructed, often on steep hillsides with much labor and materials. The fields require large quantities of water for irrigation. Flooding provides water essential to the growth of the crop. Water also provides a favorable environment for the rice strains being grown as well as discouraging the growth of many species of weeds.

Coconut farm in Periyakulam :

Theni Veerapandi

2008-10-02T00:10:00.001-07:00

Veerapandi Sri Gowmari amman temple and Sri Kanneeswara Mudayar temple are located at Veerapandi Village, situated on the banks of Mullai River (this joins Vagai river at Vaigai dam). Veerapandi is located at 6kms from Theni busstand.

Thekkady : Scenic beauty

2008-10-01T21:14:00.001-07:00

Thekkady, is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.

Thekkady is about 65 kms from Theni.

Thekkady - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. In the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. With the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. Thekkady is on the border with state of Tamil Nadu , in fact just 5 kilometers from the border town of Kumily which is very well connected by bus to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Notable among the denizens of Periyar are the tigers, the majestic Asiatic wild elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri langur. Other animals include the wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and leopards. Amongst the avifauna, the most profuse are herons, egrets, darters, kingfishers and the great Malabar grey hornbill. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience.

Attractions here are :

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the boating lake
Kumily
Murikkady
Pandikuzhi
Vandiperiyar
Mangala Devi Temple
Pullumedu
Vandanmedu
Ramakalmedy
Chellarkovil

You can go to Munnar from Thekkady : http://i-theni.blogspot.com/search/label/munnar

Medical & Engineering colleges in Theni

2008-05-28T20:34:00.001-07:00

Medical College :

1) Government Theni Medical College, Theni.
Phone no : 04526-244502/244513
Established in : 2006

Picture of Theni medical college.

Engineering Colleges:

1) Bharath Niketan Engineering College , Theni.
Thimmarasanayakanur
Theni - 625536
Phone : 04546-242970 , 291624

Courses offered : Computer Science & Engineering, Information Technology, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

2) Odaiyappa college of Engineering & Technology, Theni
P.T.R.Palanivelrajan Nagar,
Theni-625531

Courses offered : Bio Medical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology

An interesting history about Periyakulam

2008-01-24T00:53:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting story of Periyakulam, that I read in wikipedia.
--

Vadakarai ('north bank') is part of Periyakulam municipality which lies north of the Varahanadi, but it was once the chief village of a palaiyam of the same name. According to one of the Mackenzie MSS, the original founder of this was Ramabhadra Nayaka, a Balija nayak by caste, who came from the Vijayanagar country with Kotikam Nagama Nayakkan of the same Balija caste.

Ramabhadra Nayaka seems to have been greatly trusted, as he was appointed to act for the latter while he was away on a pilgrimage to Benares; subsequently helped to arrange matters between him and his son; and was eventually made Military services and collector of the revenue of Madura. Later on he showed much personal bravery in an attack on the fort of Kambam, pressing forward notwithstanding a wound in the face and being the first to plant a flag on the ramparts. For this exploit he was granted the Vadakarai estate.

A successor of his was Machi Nayaka subsequently given charge of one of the 72 bastions of Madura. One of the best remembered of the poligars who followed is the Machi Nayaka who succeeded in 1549. He is said to have obtained an addition to his estate by his prowess in shooting an arrow across the Teppakulam in Madura in the presence of Tirumala Nayakkan and all his court, an achievement which none of the other poligars could equal. The event is still annually celebrated in Vadakarai by a general beat for small game (known as ' Machi Nayak's hunt') followed by a visit to his tomb in Kaikulankulam. A later Machi Nayaka is stated in the Mackenzie MS. to have helped Tirumala Nayakkan about 1638 against the rebellions Setupati of Ramnad; and his paternal uncle and successor Narayanappa Nayaka is said to have assisted Chokkanatha Nayakkan in his expedition against the Tanjore Nayakkan.

When the Mysoreans threatened Dindigul the then poligar of Vadakarai summoned a council of his commanders to devise measures of defence. It was not a success, as Gantamanayakkanur said that Vadakarai was taking too much upon him, and invaded his property and cut off his head (whence the two families still decline to dine together), but tradition has it that the Mysore people bore the matter in mind and confiscated the Vadakarai estate when they eventually captured the country.

In 1750 its owner assisted Bodinayakkanur in opposing the Collector's march through this part of the district. In 1859 it was resumed for arrears of peshkash and the poligar was granted an allowance which descends to the eldest son. He had considerable property independently of the palaiyam and when, in 1881, his son died, leaving an heir (the present holder, M.R.Ry. Dewan bahaddur V. Ramabhadra Nayudu Garu, Zamindar of Vadakarai and doddappanaikanur, Periyakulam, Madura District) who was a minor, the Court of Wards managed his estate until he attained his majority in December 1894. He has since distinguished himself as a patron of education, a protector of the Beautiful topes planted by his forebears in the neighbourhood, an experimenter in scientific agriculture, and the chairman of the Periyakulam municipal council.

--

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramabhadra_Nayak

Suruli Falls

2007-12-27T06:54:00.001-08:00

Suruli Falls situated near Cumbam of Theni District. The Suruli Falls which falls from a height of 150 feet gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets to a depth of 40 feet, offering a spectacular sight of nature''s raw and wild beauty. The dense forest that surround it provide an awesome backdrop. Facilities are available for men and women to bathe separately in this falls. The special feature of the fall is that it is a round the year fall. However, the best season to visit is June - October, when the thickness of the water column is astounding. Suruli falls is one of the major tourist attractions in Theni district which has drawn tourists from different parts of the State during the southwest monsoon. Kailasanathar Temple Cave and Velappar temple is located near Suruli Falls. Tourists visiting Thekkady, the Vaigai dam and Kumbakarai falls doesn't fail to visit the Suruli falls.

Source : Tour and photos

Hotels in Theni

2007-11-27T00:13:00.000-08:00

The url [Theni hotels] gives you the details/contacts of all hotels in Theni. A good collection.

Area of Theni Taluks

2007-11-25T23:18:00.001-08:00

Total area of Theni district is 3070 Sq. KM - and here is the area of each taluk in Theni district.

Name of Taluk	Area in Sq. Km
Theni	230.22
Periyakulam	390.30
Andipatti	792.41
Bodi	643.04
Uthamapalayam	1020.33

Information got from : http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/DtProfiles/theni.pdf

Famous Film personalities

2007-11-25T22:33:00.001-08:00

Famous Cinema personalities from Theni

Illayaraja, the IsaiGnani is from Pannaipuram of Theni district
Bharathiraja, the famous director in Tamil film industry is from Allinagaram
Vairamuthu, the Tamil poet from a village of Theni district.
Kasthuriraja, who is also known for Village subjects belongs to Theni.

Educational Institutions in Theni

2007-11-22T00:31:00.001-08:00

Medical College

Government Medical College and Hospital, Theni

Engineering Colleges

Odaiyappa College of Engineering and Technology, Theni
Bharath Niketan Engineering College, Andipatti
Soniya Jeyavenkatesh Engineering College

Agricultural College

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Nalla Karrupan patty, Periyakulam.

Government Aided Arts and Science Colleges

Cardamom Planters Association College, Bodi
Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam
Jayaraj Annpackiam College for Women, Periyakulam
Madurai Kamaraj University College, Andipatti

Self-financing Colleges

Jayaraj Chella Durai College , Nalla Karuppan Patty, Periyakulam East
Nadar Saraswathi College of Arts and Science, Theni
Sri Adi Chunchanagiri Women's College, Cumbum
Theni Arts and Science College, Veerapaandi, Theni
Jeyavenkatesh Arts and Science College, Keppurenganpatti

Theni Aravind Eye hospital

2007-11-22T00:25:00.001-08:00

Established in August 1985, Aravind-Theni is the first satellite of the Aravind Eye Hospitals. Situated in Theni, it serves an area within a 50 km radius, covering a population of 1 million. It has facilities to accommodate 130 free and 20 paying patients. The hospital is outfitted with the latest equipment, including phaco and YAG lasers for cataract and minor eye surgeries. The hospital provides preventive, rehabilitative and promotive services through comprehensive eye care services through a unique project launched with support from Sight Savers. Aravind-Theni also contributes to the development of eye care delivery by serving as a tangible model, for the delivery of rural hospital services, to visiting eye care workers from around the world.

Aerial View of Theni

2007-11-19T23:46:00.000-08:00

A very nice picture of Theni by Manuel : http://www.flickr.com/photos/e-den/2071794511/

Madurai Tourism - Places to visit

2007-11-12T02:29:00.001-08:00

Sri Meenakshi Amman - Sundareswarar Temple

History of Madurai evolves around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple. The Meenakshi Temple is one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD).

Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. View from any angle these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural masterpiece indeed In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones. When it is tapped, each pillar produces different musical note.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

About 1.5 Kms from the Meenakshi temple, this palace was built in 1636 by the Mannar Thirumalai Nayak. The imposing appearance is famous for the moldings and decorative work on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorgavilasam (Celestial Pavilion), constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of indo-Saracenic architectural style. Among other striking features of the palace are the massive white pillars, several of which line the corridor that runs along the courtyard. Connected by high decorated arches, these pillars measure 20m in height and have a circumference of 4m. Elsewhere, there are polished black stone pillars of varying heights. It was King Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson who demolished much of the fine structure and removed most of the jewels and woodcarvings in order to build his own palace in Trichy. The palace was partially restored, and the subsequent restoration works carried out several years ago, today, we get to see the Entrance Gate, The Main Hall and the Dance Hall.

Timings : The Palace is open for visitors between 0900 hrs and 1300 hrs and again between 1400 hrs and 1700 hrs.

Mariamman Theppakulam

Mariamman Theppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 5 kms East of Meenakshi Temple. The tank is the scene of the colourful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank. The deities of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed in a float, called “Theppam”, decorated with flowers and illuminated with hundred of lights. This float is taken around the tank to the sound of traditional music. On the Northern side of the tank a temple is dedicated to Mariamman , a famous deity of Tamil Nadu.

Gandhi Museum

Housed in the old Palace of Rani Mangammal, the Gandhi Museum depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and contains a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement. Also can be seen are a gallery of relics, Khadi and village industries section and South Indian Handicrafts section.

Timings: 1000 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1730 hrs. (Open all days)

Alagar koil

About 21 Kms North East of Madurai, stands a celebrated Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Alagar. The temple is situated on a hill amidst panoramic surroundings. The shrine is know as Alagarkoil and the hill , Solaimalai. The temple also contain some beautiful carvings and makes the visit rewarding. Palamudirsolai, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya is located atop the Hill.

Thirupparankundram Temple

It is located 8 Kms South of Madurai Railway Junction. The temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya . Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

Places of interest

2007-11-01T00:31:00.001-07:00

Places of interest around Theni

Vaigai Dam (~20 km from Theni)
Suruli falls (~50 km from Theni)
Meghamalai Hill (~67 km from Theni)
Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary (~70 km from Theni)
Munnar (~80 km from Theni)
Kodaikanal (~100 km from Theni)
Vellimalai Forest (~70 km from theni)
Bodi Mettu Hill (~45 km from Theni)
Kumbakarai Falls (~24 km from Theni)
Sothuparai Dam (~24 km from Theni)
Shanmuganathi Dam (~50 km from Theni)
Top Station (~70 km from Theni via Bodimettu)

Theni district in TN map

2007-11-01T00:29:00.001-07:00

Theni district

2007-10-31T22:51:00.001-07:00

Theni town is located nearly 450 kms south from Chennai, the state head quarters. Theni town is the District head quarters of Theni District. Theni-Allinagaram town lies 18 km south west of Periyakulam town and 75 km west of Madurai city on the Rameswaram - Cochin National Highway Extension No.49. It is situated on the bank of river Theni admist a stylus setting with in Western Ghats, which separate Theni District from Kerala state, forming a back drop. It is situated between 10° 37’ north latitude and 77° 20’ on east longitude. Being a first grade municipality with an area of 22.23 sq. km. The town has a population of 85498 as per the 2001 census.

Now, Theni District has been constituted as a separate District, bifurcating the erst while Madurai District. Theni Vaigai River flows along the southern boundary of the town. Another physical feature is the Madurai - Bodinayakkanur meter gauge railway line, which runs parallel to the Madurai - Theni road, bifurcating the developed area of the town. The lands which lies in between railway line and Theni river, are mostly of wet lands which restrict the development of the town in the southern direction. The town is likely to expand along both sides of Periyakulam and Madurai roads only. Madurai road has been elevated as NH 49 (Extension) (Rameswaram to Cochin) passing through this town is an important feature of the town.

Blogged with Flock

தேனி மாவட்டம் (Theni district)

2007-10-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

1996-இல் தேனி மாவட்டம் உருவாக்கப்பட்டது. இதற்கு முன்பு இது மதுரை மாவட்டத்துடன் பலகாலம் இணைந்திருந்ததால், மதுரை மாவட்டத்தின் வரலாறு தேனி மாவட்டத் திற்கும் பொருந்தும். வடக்கில் திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டத்தையும், கிழக்கில் மதுரை மாவட்டத்தையும், தெற்கில் கேரள மாநிலம் மற்றும் விருதுநகர் மாவட்டத்தையும், மேற்கில் கேரள மாநிலத்தையும் தேனி மாவட்டம் எல்லைகளாக கொண்டுள்ளது. பெரியகுளம், ஆண்டிப்பட்டி, தேனி, அல்லிநகரம், போடி , சின்னமனுர், உத்தமப்பாளையம், கம்பம், கடமலைக் குண்டு, மயிலாடும்பாறை - இம்மாவட்டத்தில் உள்ள சில முக்கிய ஊர்கள்.

தேனி (Theni): இந்நகராட்சிக்கு தேனி-அல்லிநகரம் எனப் பெயர். அல்லிநகரத்தின் ஒரு பகுதியே தேனி. கம்பம் பள்ளத்தாக்கில் அழகுற அமைந்துள்ளது. பொள்ளாச்சிக்கு அடுத்தப்படியாக தமிழ்நாட்டின் பெரிய சந்தை தேனிச் சந்தையாகும். குன்றுகளின் அடிவாரத்தில் இருப்பதால், ஆரோக்கியமான இயற்கைச் சூழல் இங்கு நிலவுகிறது. இங்கிருந்து வைகை அணை, மஞ்சளாறு அணை, பெரியாறு நீர் மின் நிலையம், சுருளி நீர்வீழ்ச்சி, கும்பங்கரை அருவி, கொடைக்கானல், குரங்கணி, சபரிமலை முதலிய சுற்றுலாத் தலங்களுக்கு அடிக்கடி பேருந்துகள் செல்கின்றன. இந்நகரத்தில ஞாயிற்றுக் கிழமைகளில் பொதுச் சந்தையும், வியாழக்கிழமைகளில் ஊர்ச் சந்தையும் கூடுகின்றன. நுற்பு நெசவாலைகள், பருத்தி, நெல் அரவை ஆலைகள், எண்ணெய் ஆட்டும் ஆலைகள், கடலை உடைக்கும் ஆலைகள், சிமெண்டு தூண்கள் செய்யும் தொழிலகம், வங்கிகள், தரகு மண்டிகள், சுங்கத்துறை அலுவலகம் ஆகியன இந்நகரில் அமைந்துள்ளன.

பெரியகுளம் (Periyakumlam): வராக நதிக்கரையில் அமைந்த இவ்வூரை, வடகரை-தென்கரை என்றும் பிரிக்கின்றனர். கொடைக்கானல் மலையின் அடிவாரத்திலிருந்து 18கி.மீ. தொலைவில் இவ்வூர் உள்ளது. இவ்வூரில் அரசினர் பழப்பண்ணை, கல்லூரி, உயர்நிலைப்பள்ளி, நகராண்மைக் கழகம், கோட்ட ஆட்சியர், வட்ட ஆட்சியர் அலுவலகங்கள் ஆகியன உள்ளன.

கம்பம் (Cumbam): இங்கே வேளாண்மையே பெரிய தொழிலாக விளங்குகிறது. இவ்வூரருகே குண்டலக் கண்மாய் ஆற்றின் குறுக்கே அணை கட்டப்பட்டுள்ளது. மலையடிவாரத்தில் லோயர்கேம்ப் (LowerCamp) என்ற ஊரில் பெரியாறு ஏரித்தண்ணீரைக் கொண்டு மின் உற்பத்தி நிலையம் அமைத்திருக்கிறார்கள். தேக்கடிக்கு அருகே, மலையைக் குடைந்து சுரங்கப்பாதை வெட்டியிருக்கிறார்கள். பெரியாற்றின் நீர் மின்சார நிலையத்தில் புகுந்து அங்குள்ள மூன்று பெரிய மின்னுற்பத்தி இயந்திரங்களைச் சுழலச் செய்கிறது. பிறகு இந்த நீர் வைகை அணையில் போய் விழுகிறது. கம்பத்திலிருந்து குமிளி 20கி.மீ. தொலைவில் உள்ளது. இந்த ஊருக்குச் செல்லும் மலை வழியில் இருபுறமும் இனிய இயற்கைக் காட்சிகளைக் கண்டு மகிழலாம்.

போடி (Bodi): போடி முப்புறமும் உயர்தோங்கிய மலைகளால் சூழப்பட்டுள்ளது. மதுரையிலிருந்து 90கி.மீ. தொலைவில் இவ்வூர் உள்ளது. ஏலக்காய் விளைச்சலிலும், ஏலக்காய் வணிகத்திலும் இந்நகர் பெருமை பெற்றது. ஊத்தம்பாறை ஆறு, கூவலங்காறு, கொட்டக்குடி ஆறு, வலசை ஆறு, முத்துக்கோம்பையாறு என்றும் ஐந்து ஆறுகள் பாய்வதால் பஞ்சநதி என்றும் இவ்வூருக்குப் பெயர் உண்டு. தமிழ்நாட்டில் இலவம் பஞ்சு உற்பத்தியில் போடிநாயக்கனுர் முன்னணியில் உள்ளது. இவ்வூரில் ஏலக்காய் பயிரிடுவோர் சங்கம் செயல்படுகிறது. சென்னைத் துறைமுகத்திற்கு தேயிலைப் பெட்டிகளை அனுப்புவதற்காகவே மதுரை -போடிநாயக்கனுர் இரயில்பாதை அமைக்கப்பட்டது.

இம்மாவட்டத்தில் வைகை அணையும், சுருளி நீர்வீழ்ச்சியும் சுற்றுலாத் தலங்களாகும்.

சுருளி நீர்வீழ்ச்சி: தேனியிலிருந்து தேக்கடி செல்லும் சாலையில், கம்பத்திலிருந்து 10கி.மீ. தொலைவில் சுருளி நீர்வீழ்ச்சி அமைந்துள்ளது. சுருளி நீர்வீழ்ச்சியில் 50 அடி கீழேயும் 20 அடியிலும் இரண்டும் தட்டுகளாய் நீர் கொட்டுகிறது. சிறிதும் வற்றாது ஆண்டு முழுவதும் நீர் விழுகிறது. இந்த நீர்வீழ்ச்சியும், அங்கு கட்டப்பட்டுள்ள அணையும் கண்களுக்கு விருந்தளிப்பதாய் அமைந்துள்ளன. குளிக்க வசதி செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இது ஒரு சுற்றுலாத் தலமாகும்.

வைகை அணை: மேற்குத் தொடர்ச்சி மலைகளில் உள்ள பெரியார் பீடபூமியில் தோன்றி வடகிழக்காகப் பாய்ந்து, வடக்கே பழனி குன்றுகளாலும் தெற்கே வருசநாடு குன்றுகளாலும் அரண் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ள கம்பம் பள்ளத்தாக்கை அடைகிறது.பின்னர் வருசநாடு குன்றுகளின் கிழக்கு மூலையை அடைந்ததும், தென் கிழக்காகத் திரும்பி மதுரை மாநகர் வழி பாய்ந்து ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டத்தில் வங்காள விரிகுடாவின் பாக்கு நீரிணையில் கலக்கிறது. பொதுவாக மழைக்காலத்தில், குறிப்பாக வடகிழக்குப் பருவமழைக் காலங்களில் மட்டும் இவ்வாற்றில் நீர்ப்பெருக்கு ஏற்படும்.பிற காலங்களில் பொதுவாக வறண்டே காணப்படும். மதுரையிலிருந்து 69 கி.மீ. தொலைவில், ஆண்டிப்பட்டிக்கு வடக்கே 7 கி.மீ. தொலைவில் உள்ள நரசிங்கபுரத்தில் வைகை அணை கட்டப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த அணை கி.பி 1955 இல் அடிக்கல் நாட்டப்பட்டு 1958இல் கட்டி முடிக்கப்பெற்றது. நீர் கிடைக்கும் பகுதியின் பரப்பு 870 சதுர மைல். வைகை அணையை அடுத்து ஓர் அழகிய பூங்கா அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. நீர் வளமிக்க காலத்தில் இங்கு செயல்படும் கண்ணைக் கவரும் ஒளி அமைப்புகள் நெஞ்சை அள்ளும் அழகுச் சூழலை உருவாக்கு கின்றன. இதனால் வைகை அணை சிறந்த சுற்றுலா மையமாகவும் விளங்கி வருகிறது.