SHOLAVARAM LAKE
Located in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, Sholavaram Lake was constructed in 1877 during the reign of the British Empire to cater to the needs of surroundings cities and towns. Today, this reservoir lake serves as one of the major sources for supplying water to the Chennai city.Being a rain-fed reservoir, the water rises up to its maximum level during the monsoon season, thereby, enhancing the overall natural beauty of the surrounding.
CHEMBARAMBAKKAM LAKE
Chembarambakkam Lake is located on Adyar river at a distance of around 30 km from Chennai and is spread over an area of 15 square kilometres.It is also a rain-fed reservoir and is one of the few reservoirs which have been supplying water to the Chennai city.It is believed that this reservoir lake has been in existence since the times of the Chola Period hundreds of years ago.
BERIJAM LAKE
Berijam is located near Kodaikanal and is one of the prime attractions in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Berijam Lake is also one of the few freshwater reservoirs in Tamil Nadu and hence, it also offers drinking water to several nearby villages and towns. Located in upper Palani Hills, it was originally a swamp area which later on, was turned into a proper reservoir lake by creating a spillway on a dam.
PUZHAL LAKE
Also known as Red Hills Lake, Puzhal Lake is the major source of water for Chennai. It is also one of the oldest reservoirs in India and dates back to the year 1876. The lake is spread over an area of 18 square kilometres.
VEERANAM LAKE
Built during the reign of the Chola Era, Veeranam Lake is settled in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.It is also set to cater to the water facilities of nearby towns and cities.As it draws water from the Cauvery River, it supplies water to the Chennai city for drinking purposes.
MOUNTAINS, HILLS AND PEAKS
DODDABETTA PEAK IN OOTY
At 2,623 mts above MSL, Doddabetta is the highest Peak in the Tamil Nadu. The name Doddabetta literally means ‘Big Mountain’ in the Badugu Language.
It is at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of Nilgiri Hills range. It is surrounded by dense Sholas.
Altitude Approach Habitat Zone Flora Animals Birds 2634 Mts 10 km. From Ooty Montane Sholas Tourist Rhododendron, Ferns, etc., Bison, Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Langur Nilgiri Verditer Fly Catcher, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Black Bird.
KOLARIBETTA PEAK TAMIL NADU
Located at the height of 2,630 metres, Kolaribetta Peak is the 2nd highest peak in Tamil Nadu and is located at a distance of 10 km from Avalanche Lake in Ooty. It is known to be home to various wildlife and floral species. One can spot Bison and Nilgiri tahr over here.Altitude Approach Habitat Zone Flora Animals Birds 2629 Mts. 10 Kms. from Avalanche Montane Sholas & Grass land Restricted National Park Rhododendron, Mahonia Bison, Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Tahr White eye, Nilgiri Verditer flycatcher, Black bulbul
MUKURTHI PEAK
Mukurthy peak is located at a height of 2,554 km, it is a part of the Mukurthi National Park. It lies 45 km to the west of Ooty. There is an emerald lake as well. Nilgiris Tahr or elephants can be spotted here.Altitude Approach Habitat Zone Flora Animals Birds 2554 Mts.. 60 Km from Udhagamandalam Montane Sholas & Grass land Restricted National Park Rhododendron, Mahonia,Grasses Elephant, Tiger,Nilgiri Tahr Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Verditer,Flycatcher, Nilgiri Verditer flycatcher, Painted
VANDARAVU PEAK
Located close to the Kodaikanal and Munnar hill stations, Vandaravu Peak lies at a height of 2,533 metres. A trek through the roads to the peak will showcase various coffee plantations, gushing waterfalls and dense rainforests. The Pampadum Shola National Park lies at a trek of 8 km from it where giant squirrels and Indian gaur can be spotted.
PERUMAL PEAK FROM KODAIKNAL
Laying among the hills of Kodaikanal, Perumal peak is at a height of 2,440 metres. A part of the majestic Western Ghats. It is at a distance of around 18 km from Kodaikanal. Along with this, Perumal peak also offers captivating view of the surrounding Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills.
VELLIANGIRI MOUNTAINS
Velliangiri peak is situated at a height of 1,778 meters and is located at 40 km to the east of Coimbatore. The caves and trek to the Shiva temple at the peak is one of the major highlights. Although it provides for some scenic views amidst the Shapthagiri hills, it also holds historic and religious importance with the famous temple at the top.
NILGIRI PEAK
Nilgiri is the name given to a range of mountains spread across the borders among the states of Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The nilgiri hills are part of a larger mountain chain known as the Western Ghats. The district is contained mainly within the Nilgiri Mountains Range. The administrative headquarters is located at Ooty. The Blue Mountains were likely named for the widesperead blue strobilanthes flower or the smoky haze enveloping the area.
Altitude Approach Habitat Zone Flora Animals Birds 2476 Mts. 60 Km from Udhagamandalam Montane Sholas & Grass land Restricted National Park Rhododendron, Orchids, Elephant ,Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr Nilgiri Pipit,Nilgiri Verditer Fly catcher,Painted bush Quail .
RANGASAMY PEAK
Rangaswamy peak is located at a distance of near about 12 kms form Kotagiri hill station. It is a conical shaped mountain peak and has a height above 5,885 ft. The peak can be viewed clearly from Kodanad View Point. Rangaswamy pillar is found on the North West side of Rangaswamy peak. The height of the pillar is about 400feet.
Rangaswamy peak and pillar is one of the most sacred places in Tamil Nadu state of India.This holy place is revered for the legend of Lord Rangaswamy who used to reside in this place. Rangaswamy peak is a sacred place for thousands of families in and around Kotagiri town. This holy place is also visited by locals and a number of tourists from varied distant places. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rangaswamy is one of the famous ascetics known for his devotion and meditation. Originally Lord Rangaswamy used to reside at Karamandai in Coimbatore district. After a domestic quarrel with his wife, he decided to leave his familyforever and began to reside on the Rangaswamy peak where he could meditate for the rest of his life. The hill top has two-foot prints which reiterate the legend. These footprints are revered in all the surrounding areas. Altitude Approach Habitat Zone Flora Animals Birds 1786Mts 30 km. From Kothagiri Montane Sholas Tourist Grasses, Orchids, Naval Bison, Giant Squirrel, White-eye, Ashy wren Warbler, Pied flycatcher Shrike
NEEDLE ROCK PEAK
A major tourist destination in Gudalur in the Nilgiri mountain ranges in the state of Tamil Nadu.The Needle Rock View Point is also famously known as Soochimalai. Gudalur is situated 51 kilometers on the west of Ooty and the Needle Rock viewpoint at about 8 kilometers from Gudalur on the way of Gudalur-Ooty National Highway-67. The place has another name which is Oosi malai. It gets its name from its conical shape. The word “Oosi malai” has originated from Tamil Language where “Oosi” means “needle” and “Malai” means “Mountain”. A mountain which is commonly known as the Sleeping Beauty is also witnessed through its way. It is also sometimes called as “Aanakkallu” which is exactly in the shape of a sleeping woman.This spectacular destination derives its name from a cone-shaped rock which is one of the major features of the region.As the place is majorly a forested area, there are higher chances of spotting wild animals which tend to come out after sunset.
