Sirumalai

Sirumalai is a region of 60,000 acres (200 kms) situated 25 km (16 miles) from Dindigul and 40 km (25 miles) from Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. There are many high hills in the area. Hillock International School is located in Sirumalai. Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends.

Sirumalai Hills has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular destination. They are described below:

1. Annai Velankanni Church

The church is on a slope at the top of the hill. It is 2 kms from the nearest bus stop. Residents observe the festival for “Our Lady of Good Health” annually in September, with a flag hoisted prior to the festival.

2. Sirumalai Lake

Sirumalai Lake contains a small lake that was artificially created in the year 2010. This Lake is a man made one. This lake here bordered by tall green trees. Boating facility is available too for those who want to slowly glide through the placid waters of the lake. Boating is available in the lake mostly during the weekends when there is enough water in it.

3. Observation Tower

An Observation tower located on seventeenth Hair Pin Bend offers a (much needed) place for a stopover. At this point, there is nothing better you can do other than enjoying the jaw dropping scenery below.

4. Sanjeevani Hills

The hill became famous when Lord Hanuman had to search for a certain herb, and not finding it, had to take the entire hill with him to cure Lord Laxmanan. On his way back from Sri Lanka with the hill, a piece fell down here and it came to be known as Sanjeevani Hills. This Hill is part of Sirumalai Hills.

5. Saathiyar Basin

Saathiyar River originates from Sirumalai hills and flows southward and empties into Vaigai River. The basin covers an area of 819 square kilometres (316 sq mi). The total ayacut of the sub-basin is 4,279.89 hectares (10,575.8 acres). Near Vadipatti, Saathiyar Dam has been constructed across this river for irrigation purpose. This is the catchment area of the Saathiyar Dam in Madurai.

6. Vellimalai Murugan Temple

The famous Lord Murugan temple (Vellimalai Murugan Temple) is located in the mountain which is away from 45 minutes climbing over the valley. This temple is renowned throughout the neighbouring villages and towns.

7. Khandige Estate

The Khandige estate spread across 1000 acres is located in the Sirumalai hills, an isolated group of hills in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu drained by three rivers of which 2 are perennial which flow through the Khandige estate before flowing into the plains as a series of waterfalls. The region receives an average of 120-132 cm rain during the months of October and December. Surrounded by about 20-30,000 Acres of reserve forest, this estate has a natural wealth of flora and fauna, particularly medicinal plants, which has been left primarily untouched. The primary aim of this estate is to conserve the bio-diversity of the Western Ghats and to prevent or at least stall the destruction of this rich eco-system due to rampant deforestation.

8. Selvi Koil Point

The place offers a panoramic view of Dindigul and Chinnamalai town. At dusk, the Selvi Koil Point unveils a view of the beautifully illuminated Dindigul and adjacent Chinnamalai town down below, which appear oval-shaped.

9. Agastya Puram

Agastya Puram is located in Sirumalai Hills named after the prominent Agastya Siddhar. In the region of Sirumalai the Agasthiarpuram is a holy place where siddhas (monks) have lived since ancient days. The area is surrounded with medicinal herbs and plants. In the tip of the hill there is historic Shiva Lingam, which dates back at least 500 years.

10. Silver Hills

Located in Agastya Puram is Silver Hill, this is the tallest hill in Sirumalai. It is said that the peak of the Silver hill was made up of Silver but to avoid man’s destructive actions during the Kali Yuga the hill was transformed via Alchemy in to stone by Agastya Siddhar, hence it got the name silver hill. The hills silver glitter can be still seen in the sun light. In the peak of this Silver hill is a 500-year-old Shiva Lingam, walk to top of the hill is about 30 – 45 minutes.

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