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Dharmapuri Travel Guide

Often referred to as the city of temples and churches - Dharmapuri happens to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu. With the mighty Kaveri River flowing through its western fringes, it adds on the natural beauty of the place. While the destination is famous for its places of worship, it's also a favourite with nature lovers. In earlier times, Dharamapuri was known as Thagadur, a name derived from the south Indian word Thagadu meaning iron and Oor meaning place. Earliest historical records reveal that the place was ruled by a chieftain who possibly belonged to the Sangam era. After which the Rashtrakutas took over before passing over the control to the mighty Chola Dynasty. A prominent district headquarters in Tamil Nadu, Dharmapuri is roughly 141 kilometers away from Bengaluru that offers a lot of tourist attractions. Dharamapuri's central location makes it an ideal weekend gateways, for the people of Chennai and Bengaluru. Needless to say, travellers can choose from ample options when it comes to the must visit destinations in Dharmapuri district. From temples to churches, to museums and parks to giant waterfalls and even picnic spots-travellers will be spoilt for choice. One of the most popular tourist places in Dharmapuri happens to be the Hogenakkal Falls-located roughly 46 kilometers away from the centre of the town. Hogenakkal Falls is often referred to as the 'Niagara Falls of India' owing to its might.

An absolute natural wonder, the falls make for a majestic view of water gushing down at a rapid speed from a huge height. The falls are located at the juncture where River Kaveri enters Tamil Nadu. Expanses near the falls are renowned for their activities like medicinal baths, oil massages and hide boat rides. Such activities are hugely popular among all kinds of tourists-international as well as domestic. Apart from the Hogenakkal Falls, other places to visit in Dharmapuri include places of worship such as the Shri Teerthagirishwara Temple, the Kottai Kovil Temple, the Chenraya Perumal Temple and the Mount Carmel Church. If you want to explore the surroundings you can also head over to Adiyamankottai and offer homage at the Kalvairavar Temple. Whether you want to spend some time in solitude and introspect or you want to go for a weekend picnic with your family, there are several must visit places in Dharmapuri. On the other hand, you can even consider Dharmapuri as a romantic gateway with your significant other. Our Dharmapuri travel guide offers every detail about the places to visit and things to do in the district like taking a medicinal bath, boating, going for a picnic or offering homage at the temples sprinkled all over.

Best Time to Visit Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri experiences a tropical climate almost throughout the year. Summers can get pretty hot and humid while winter months offer a pleasant weather. If you want to experience the destination at its finest form, the best time to visit Dharmapuri is during winters. November to March is the ideal time to plan a visit to Dharmapuri. It is advisable that you keep light woollens as it gets somewhat cold post sunset.

  • Summer

    Summer

    Summers in Dharmapuri are hot and humid. Temperatures usually range somewhere between 31 degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius. Sometimes it even reaches 40 degrees Celsius making it somewhat unbearable. Owing to this, the tourist destination records less number of footfalls during the peak summer months.

  • Monsoon

    Monsoon

    July and August are two months when monsoon is at its peak in Dharmapuri. The region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall. While you can experience the greenery at its best during these months, do remember to go well equipped with umbrellas and raincoats.

  • Winter

    Winter

    Winters are the best time to visit to Dharmapuri since the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature ranges between 17 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius and makes it ideal for tourists to experience the beauty of Dharmapuri to its fullest.

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Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri is an oasis for all kinds of travellers-be it pilgrims, nature lovers or adventure seekers. The place is filled with tourist and pilgrim spots-right from significant temples to churches, to waterfalls, parks and picnic spots.

  • Hogenakkal Falls

    One of the most popular tourist attractions at Dharmapuri, the Hogenakkal Falls is often referred to as the Niagara of India. The waterfall cascades down from an average height of 750 feet above sea level from the Melagiri Hills. Surrounded by lush greenery and continuous streams, the route stretching up to the falls offers stunning scenery. Indulge in medicinal baths or go for a boat ride or simply admire its beauty-things to do at this attraction are endless.

  • Theerthamalai Temple

    Among the top places for sightseeing in Dharmapuri is the famous Theerthamalai Temple. Built in the 7th century, the temple saw immense contribution by the Chola and the Pandya Kingdoms. It is considered one of the sacred places of worship in South India. Situated atop a hillock, the temple is located in the Harur Taluk area of Dharmapuri. The temple is thronged by devotees every year on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

  • Kottai Kovil

    Also referred to as Mallikarjuneswara Temple, the Kottai Kovil is a prominent place of worship and sightseeing in Dharmapuri. The temple is located on the northern part of Dharmapuri. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrine is popular among tourists for its unique architecture, rare sculpture and beautiful paintings that adorn its walls. A major highlight of the temple happens to be a unique piece architecture known as the 'hanging pillar'.

  • Adiyamankottai

    A small village, Adiyamankottai is one of the popular places to visit in Dharmapuri. Located roughly 8 kilometers away from the main tehsil, Adiyamankottai is famous for the revered Kalavairavar Temple. The temple was built roughly 1200 years ago. According to legends, King Adhiyaman Neduman Anci built this temple upon the suggestion of the royal astrologer. Another attraction near the area are the ruins of a fort.

  • Kaveri River

    Kaveri River abounds the western part of the town which again makes for a major tourist attraction in Dharmapuri. One of the major rivers of South India, its great place for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Boating tours are available. Go boating across the river and send some time on an island on the river, opt for private tours and explore the Shivasamudra Waterfalls and the ancient locale of Somnathpur.

  • Chenraya Perumal Temple

    A revered place of worship, the Chenraya Perumal Temple attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims at the same time. Located along the Salem-Dharmapuri Road, the temple is situated in the ancient capital of the Adhiyamans, the ancient rulers of Tagadur. This holy shrine is believed to have been built by King Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of the Tulavu Dynasty.

  • Subramanya Siva Memorial

    The Subramanya Shiva Memorial, a major tourism place of Dharmapuri is a place of historical interest. Located in the Papparapatti town of the Krishnagiri district, the memorial is dedicated to Subramanya Shiva, a well-known freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu. Born in 1884, Subramanya worked relentlessly for India's freedom and was the first political prisoner from Madras Presidency. The memorial dedicated to him offers an insight into the life of the freedom fighter.

Where to Stay in Dharmapuri?

Owing to its popularity as a tourist destination, accommodation options are easily available in Dharmapuri. One can choose from ample options. Whether it is budget hotels at Dharmapuri or mid-range hotels, travellers will be spoiled for choice. Other accommodations in Dharmapuri include holiday rentals, guest houses and specialty lodging. Whether you choose a guest house or a hotel, online booking is easily available.

How to Reach Dharmapuri?

Dharmapuri is located at a distance of 141 kilometers from Bengaluru and roughly 300 kilometers from Chennai. The area is well-connected by roadways from these two cities and also other major cities of south. Once in Dharmapuri, one can easily avail the local transport to explore in and around the town.

  • By Air

    Bengaluru Airport happens to be the closest to Dharmapuri. One of the busiest airports in the country, Bengaluru can be easily reached from almost anywhere in India. Once you are at the Bengaluru Airport, you can easily hop on to the multitude of public transport available such as buses and taxis that will drop you at Dharmapuri.

  • By Rail

    Bengaluru is the nearest railhead to Dharmapuri which is around 141 kilometres away. Once you have reached Bengaluru station, you can easily avail buses, taxis and a few other modes of transport that will take you to Dharmapuri. One of the major railheads of the country, Bengaluru is very well-connected by trains from major parts of the country.

  • By Road

    Dharmapuri is very well-connected by roadways from major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru and other important cities of south India. The road conditions to Dharmapuri is quite good and one can choose from a wide range of options-from private buses to government buses. Other possibilities include AC and non-AC buses that ply on a regular basis.

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