Ambasamudram - Trip

Ambasamudram is a taluk in Tirunelveli district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This picturesque town is situated in the foothills of western ghats on the northern bank of Tamirabarani river with a twin town Kallidaikurichi or Kallidai is situated on the southern bank.

Below is the picture taken on our travel, we reached Ambai by Road.

This is one of the beautiful place in south India
Mansoon used to kickoff by June_July. Water droplet was captured using my Canon marco lens

Places of interset in Ambai are as below:

• Manimuttar Dam
• Papanasam Lower Dam & Hydel power plant 1951
• Karaiyar Dam
• Servalar Dam & Hydel Project 1987
• Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
• Agasthiyar Falls fed by lower dam, with its year round bathable water temperature
• BaaNa Theertham Falls
• Tamirabarani river with year round, bathable and swimable water temperature.

During my trips to take bath in the river, I saw thes boys chilling out, this is one of the best time pass which people look for & enjoy in Ambai, of Course 'Biriyani' by river side,.....
As the mansoon sets in, we can see the flowers blooming around.

Some interesting Pointers to this place: Guess what - these are some information researched from internet, but worth sharing!

1. Ambasamudram is famous for its "Kai Murukku" which is crispy and tasty.
2. "Rice Research Station" - Est. 1937, currently associated with "Tamil Nadu Agricultural University".
3. Kallidaikurichi is famous for its appalam.
4. Pathamadai is famous for fine grass mats called "Paai" "Grass mats still hold their own here" in Tamil.
5. Ambasamudram with its Tirunelveli flavour Tamil spoken along with its natural beauty and historic attractions have captured the imaginations of Kollywood movie makers in the recent decades. Movies like "Dum Dum Dum!,Ayya were set in Ambasamudram and its surrounding areas.
6. Mahalinga Nadar - Packiammal Trophy State-level football tournament is organized here annually at Nadar Sports Club ground, Ambasamudaram.
7. Brahmins from this town, around 150 Years back relocated themselves in a small village by name Gadi Bero in Purulia District, West Bengal on the request of the then Raja of Kazipur. They have been given vast Agricultural lands for cultivation and living. Raja got attracted with the vedic scholarship of few brahmins when they visited Varanasi where they were met by the Raja and requested them to settle down in his Kingdom with as many brahmins as they can bring with them. Krishnan Temple was built for these brahmins by the Raja.

Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple Tiruchendur

Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple Tiruchendur is situated in Tuticorin District. The temple is located within 40 KMs from Tuticorin, 60 KMs from Tirunelveli and 80 KMs from Kanyakumari.
A camera man searching for a subject to make some money.
The temple is in the shores of Bay of Bengal. People are taking a summer bath on the seas.

The Southern Railway is operating train services from Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur from 6.50 A.M., 9.20 A.M., 1.20 P.M., & 5.50 P.M., Similarly trains are running from Tiruchendur to Tirunelveli from 6.50 A.M., 1.20 Noon, 3.50 P.M., and 5.50 P.M.

Krishnapuram Temple

The Venkatachalapathy temple at Krishnapuram village on the Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur main road about 12 km from Tirunelveli is one of the few specimens depicting the architectural marvel and grandeur.
It is said that Krishnappa Nayakkar of Nayak dynasty had commissioned some famous sculptors from Vijayanagaram and they have left behind a wonderful collection of sculptures that tell us tales of heroic love and tragedy.

Many rare intricately carved sculptures made of granite stone are fine exhibits of architectural skill.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on either side.

Kodayar dam

Travelling further to the top from Manjolai, we visited the Kodayar dam. Kodayar dam which is located in the hills is noted for its wild view. The two power houses in Kodayar-Hydro Kodayar Power House I and Kodayar Power House II generates over 100 MW.

Kodayar are surrounded by dense forests with valuable trees and wildlife constituting elephants, monkeys, porcupine, snakes, wild boars, deer and many birds. Over 42 species of tropical trees are found here.

Manjolai – Hill Station

Manjolai is 57 km away from Tirunelveli at an elevation of 1162 sq. metre. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Bombay Burma Tea estate is famous one in this area. About 4000 people are working in these tea plantations.
Manjolai is noteworthy for the climate, scenery and calm atmosphere. On the way to Manjolai from Manimuthar there is a very beautiful place called Dasan Pool (the locals here pronounce this as “Tarzan Pool” :)- ) with plenty of fresh water, greens and fine climate. Though I did not get any chance to visit this pool, have heard very good reviews of the same. I will be posting more pictures on Dasan pool in the future.
We travelled as a group of 16 people from our family and I should appreciate the whole gangs enthusiasm for adventure, having said this I should also mention that the trip is difficult and dangerous ride to be made on a small or big bus.

Lunch for us was arranged at a local hotel, the cook was malayali and the preparation was as well like malayali food – but it was great taste and a treat for the trip we made.We did buy our own fresh water fish before we started our trip and left the same with the hotel – who had the same prepared for our lunch.

Below is the top slip view from Manjolai hill station