Dharmapuri

Overview

Dharmapuri is a district in the hilly northern interior of Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka. Formed on 2 October 1965 from Salem district, it was the first new district created in Tamil Nadu after independence. It covers about 4,497 sq km and had a population of 1,506,843 at the 2011 Census. With a literacy rate of 68.54%, it recorded the lowest district literacy in Tamil Nadu. Known for mango cultivation, granite and sericulture, the district also contains the spectacular Hogenakkal Falls on the Cauvery River.

Tourism

Tourism in Dharmapuri centres on the Hogenakkal Falls, often called the 'Niagara of India,' where the Cauvery River cascades through carbonatite rock formations and coracle rides are a major draw. The Theerthamalai hill temple and the Adhiyamankottai fort and temples are notable heritage sites. Reserve forests and the district's hilly terrain also attract nature tourists.

Temples & heritage

The Theerthamalai Theerthagireeswarar Temple, a hill shrine to Shiva associated with legends of Rama, is among Dharmapuri's most important temples. The Chenraya Perumal Temple at Adhiyamankottai, built during the Vijayanagara period, is noted for its architecture. Numerous village and hill temples reflect the district's rural devotional traditions.

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