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Dharmapuri District, on the northwestern part of Tamilnadu,
was established on 2nd October 1965. River Cauvery flows on its
western side. It is located between latitudes N 11 47° and 12 33 ° and longitudes
E 77 02° and 78 40° . The total area of Dharmapuri District is 4500 Sq Kms.
It is divided into Dharmapuri, Palacode, Pennagaram, Harur, Pappireddipatti
Taluks. 70 % of the work force is dependent on Agriculture and
Mango Production fills the Horticultural side. Inland Fishing
is another avenue for revenue.
Pennagaram, Harur and Palacode blocks
are famous for its High Quality Black Granite. Quartz is available
in Kendiganapalli, A.Velampatti, Pethampatti; and Malibdinum
identified as Good Conductor is available in Harur.
The climate of the Dharmapuri District is generally warm.
Maximum Temperature : 38°C in April and
Minimum Temperature : 17°C in January. Dharmapuri District receives
an annual rainfall of 896 mm. The District Population is 15,02,900
and the Town’s Population is 2,60,381.
On the Tourism Front Hogenakal and Theerthamalai
are the most popular tourist and leisure locations in Dharmapuri District.
HOGENAKKAL FALLS : It is majestic and beautiful water falls from
an altitude of 750 ft. It is 46 kms from Dharmapuri with Melagiri Hills
in its backdrop. Cauvery , one of the major and perennial rivers of India flows
through this town. The Two Kannada words HOGE means smoke
and Kal is rock as a whole it means Smoky Rock.
Some even call it as Niagara of India. It is a perfect
visual Treat with gushing Cauvery and lush green hilly area. The water fall rushes
through many medicinal herbs and shrubs. Bathing underneath gives a refreshing feeling
and also cures many diseases. The area is filled with Mulberry Fields.
Ayyanars [guardian/protector of village] terra cotta Images
are located near the falls. Hogenakal water spreads for miles around. Hence local
boats called parisal gives the tourists an opportunity
to go for a ride around the waters for thrill and also experience the scenic beauty.
Apart from the falls here, there are oil massage units by the locals around and
many tourists use them too. Fish caught from the waters here is tastily cooked by
the locals and served to the visiting tourists. The Forest department maintains
a Zoo and a Crocodile park here. Full Moon days in the month of Thai [Jan-Feb]
and Adi [ Jul-Aug] and Adi Perukku festival
or the 18th day of Adi Month [Jul-Aug] attracts more crowd to this area.
 Theerthamalai
: It is an important and sacred temple, 16 kms from Harur in Dharmapuri
District. Theerthagiriswarar temple located here can be
reached by the one Km steep trekking path. Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here.
There are five springs around the temple and hence this place is called
Theerthamalai. Bathing in these springs is believed to wipe off
the sins and its ill effects. Rama Theertham is believed
to have been created by the arrow of Sri Rama. It rushes down from 30 ft height
and it is a perennial water source. The other theerthams
are in the names of Agasthya, Agni, Kumara and Gowri.
Besides these theerthams there is Hanuman Theertham 16
kms from the main temple on the banks of River Pennar. Even during the dry days
of the river, water flows down from this falls. Vashista theertham
is another theertham found atop the hill. Close by this are the granite sculptures
of Saptha Kanyakas, which can be viewed only through the
hole in the rock. The Ten day festival in the month of March is the most important
festival.
The temple has inscriptions in Telugu and Kannada that
relates to Vijayanagaram and Chola rulers. Sila Naicken had his well fortified garrison
atop the hill from where the entire surroundings can be viewed.
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