PICNIC SPOTS AROUND MADURAI

PICNIC SPOTS AROUND MADURAI Kodaikanal or Kodai as this popular hill station is called, is located at an altitude of over 2133 metres (7000 ft.) in the Western Ghats. It is 120 kms from Madurai and 80 kms from Kodai Road Railway Station. Suruli Waterfalls is 123 kms from Madurai on the way to Thekkadi where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located. This is also a good picnic spot. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkadi The sanctuary is located in the neighbouring State of Kerala, along its the border with Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary offers game-watchers an exciting prospect of viewing elephants, bisons, sambhar, the Barking Deer, Wild Boar etc., in their natural habitat. It is 155 kms from Madurai. Vaigai Dam This impressive dam on the River Vaigai is 69kms from Madurai on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary near Andipatti. It is and ideal spot for a picnic. Festival of the Cradle During this festival, the deities Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) are taken in procession to a mirror chamber. For nine days they are placed on a swing, which is set rocking gently.