Sports and Tourism

Papanasam

Papanasam is a famous picnic spot in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. It falls under the Ambasamudram Taluk. It is situated 60 km from Tirunelveli. The site is popular with tourists attractions like Thamirabarani River, Agasthiyar falls, Siva Temple, Papanasam dam and Hydro Electric Power Plant.

Tourist attractions

Manjolai Hills

Located between elevations ranging from 1000 to 1500 Metres, the Manjolai area is set deep within the Western Ghats within the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli District. Located on top of the Manimuthar Dam & the Manimuthar Water Falls, the Manjolai area comprises Tea Plantations, Small settlements around the tea plantations; Upper Kodaiyar Dam and a windy view point called Kuthiravetti
The Tea Plantations and the whole of Manjolai Estates are tea operated by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd on Forest Lands leased by the Government of Tamil Nadu. There are 3 Tea Estates within the Manjolai area - Manjolai Estate, Manimutharu Estate & Oothu Estate. The Estates are located on elevations ranging between 2300 Feet to 4200 Feet. The estates, road & the settlements in the Manjolai area are managed by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd

Banatheertam:

This is one of the first locations that we came to know of, right after we documented Athirapilly Falls. As we were planning for a trip to this place, we thought of posting about this location after the visit. Now, after having visited the falls, I can easily say that the waterfalls in full flow will leave you awestruck. As the Hindu article states, December – January is the peak and our trip coincided with that time period, as visited the falls during the first week of January. The view from the lake as we approach the falls is even better than the view from upclose. If you are in Tamil Nadu, there is no reason why you should not go to this falls.

About the location :
Situated in the Western Ghats, Banatheertham is part of the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and lies above the Karayar dam. A 20-minute boat ride (costing Rs 20) takes one from the dam across the lake. A 10-minute trek takes one to the magnificent waterfalls.

Not many people knew about the waterfall as it was inside the forest. However, Roja (released in 1992) changed all that and hundreds now visit the waterfalls every day. Unlike Courtallam, which is season-oriented, the Banatheertham fall is perennial, with December and January being the peak season. Surrounded by dense forests, the waterfalls present a magnificent sight when viewed from the lake. The boat ride also offers a breathtaking view of the adjoining hills. This range is also known for its plant diversity. The legendary Sage Agasthiya, who is called the father of the plant-based Siddha stream of medicine, is believed to have roamed these hills collecting herbs. In fact, an idol of the sage can be found installed on the hill that abuts the dam.

Movies shot at this location:
Chinna Chinna Aasai/ Dil Hai Chota Sa from Roja
Kallil Aadum TheevE from Anandha Thandavam

Karayar Dam:

Karaiyar Dam is located 49 km from Tirunelveli. This is a beautiful picnic spot. The natural beauty of Papanasam a place, 38 km west of Tirunelveli is enhanced by the Agasthiyar falls by which the Tamirabarani river descends into the plains. The water drops from a height of 100m over a wall of rock, covered both sides by forested hills of the Western Ghats. The water here is believed by Hindu Devotees to wash away all sins and there is a legend that close to the falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiyar. The Papavinaswehwara temple is situated near the waterfall.

The Kalakkad Mundathurai sanctuary:

The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was created in 1988 by combining Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary (251 km²) and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (567 km²), both established in 1962. Notification of 77 km² of parts of Veerapuli and Kilamalai Reserve Forests in adjacent Kanyakumari district, added to the reserve in April 1996, is pending. A 400 km² (150 sq mi) core area of this reserve has been proposed as a national park.
The continuation of "Project Tiger" in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve for fiscal year 2010-2011, at the cost of Rs. 194.33 Lakhs, was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority on 28 August 2010

Agasthiyar Water Falls:

The Agasthiar Falls, on the banks of the Thamirabarani river.It is the only falls in which the water comes all the years. It is not like kuttralam in which the water comes only in the season. This falls called all time kuttralam

Papanasar Temple

The Papanasar temple the famous shrine in Papanasam which lies in the bank of Thambaraparani river where the main deity is Lord Shiva in the name of Papanasar (Destroyer of Sins). The name of the Goddess is Lord Loganayaki who is also known as Ulagambigai.
This Papanasar temple is first among the NavaKailayams where the Navagraha known for this temple is Surya (The Sun). Papanasar is mainly known for his healing powers where he seems to be the medicine for any diseases in the world. He has the power to cure any diseases for his disciples who really have the love and affection on him.
The temple is famous for its Chittirai Peruvila where the Urchavam used to happen for 13 days. This is in memory of Saint Agasthiyar where he got the Kalyana Dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvathy in RishabaVahana along with his wife Ulobamuthirai.
The body of Lord Papanasar is wholly and naturally made of Rudraksha who is also known as Rudrakshanathar. The old name of Papanasar is VairajaLingam.

Manimuthar Falls:

Location : Kallidakurichi, Tamil Nadu

Manimuthar Falls is a natural waterfalls flowing through out the year situated above the Manimuthar dam. The falls near by has a pond which has a depth of 90 feet. It is really a picturesque place. It is just in 35 km from Tirunelveli city. There is no public transport service to go this place. The private cabs are offering the service from Tirunelveli. It would be an adventurous feeling driving to the place.