Dindigul City - Salient FeaturesDindigul, popularly referred as the "City of Locks and Tanneries" was initially within the limits of Madurai but in the year 1985 it was conferred as a separate district. The city is famous for manufacturing of locks and has a lot of textile industries in and around. Apart from this, from a very early period Dindigul was a major trading centre for tobacco and also it was one of the leading manufacturers of cigars. It has a wholesale market for onions and groundnuts. A number of factories being associated with the city offers lot of potential in employing people in these sectors for work. It is an educational hub at the heart of Tamilnadu located on the NH-7 and NH-45 roads connecting Bangalore, Chennai, Tuticorion, Coimbatore and other prominent cities of Tamil Nadu.
A well developed irrigation facilities in Dindigul also results in good agriculture for the town which accommodates nearly four dams namely Palar, Porandalar, Varathamanathi and Maruthanathi. The places surrounding Dindigul are also unique for many features like Nilakkottai, famous for brass vessels, jewellery, flowers and grapes.Ottanchatram situated at a short distance from Dindigul is famous for vegetables and export of butter. Batlagundu is an important market for tomato. Pattiveeranpatti is a place noted for cardamom and coffee. Dating back to history the place was ruled by the Muslim King Tipu Sultan and the fort here was built by Naik King Muthukrishnappa Naicker. Adding to the tourist attraction of the city-Kodiakanal, the famous hill station and Palani the pilgrim centre are located in the District.
Dindigul is the centre of Tamil Nadu, is bounded on the north by Erode, Karur and Sivaganga Districts. Tiruchi District on the East. Madurai District on the South. Theni, Coimbatore Districts and Kerala State on the West. All South-bound trains starting from Chennai to down south of Tamil Nadu will touch Dindigul Railway Junction.
Dindigul was initially under the reign of the great Muslim King Tippu Sultan and then it came under the Naickers of Madurai. As a matter of respect and tribute to the Naickers and in their memory till 1999 the government transport corporation in the city was named as “Rani Mangamaal Transport Corporation(RMTC)”. During the period of the Naickers, the famous historical Rock Fort was constructed by King Muthukrishnappa Naicker. Dindigul was under the rule of Tipu Sultan from 1784 to 1790. During Tipu's period in 1784, commandant Syed Ibrahim did some maintenance work of the fort. However, in the year 1790 Tipu was defeated by the British in the Mysore war and Dindigul came under the latter. During the period of British a famous church was built which is now the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dindigul.
It is one of the India's most beautiful hill stations located at an altitude of 2,133metre.The charm of Kodiakanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. Mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, long stretches of beautiful spots and flocks of sheep grazing on green pasture are a perennial source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The 'Princess of Hill Stations' is how sometimes Kodai kanal is referred to. It also has the distinction of being the only hill station in India which was established by Americans. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years.
Palani is situated at a distance of 50 km from Dindigul and is one of the most sacred places for devotees of LORD MURUGAN.This temple is located on the top of a hill nearly 500 ft high. One can either reach this temple by the steps or travel by the winches. This place is quite famous for traditional Indian medicine known as ‘Siddha Vaidyam’.
Sirumalai is a small hill station situated on the way to Natham.It is a very good place for trekking and mountaineering and ideal for bird watchers. Sirumalai bananas are famous and popular as they have the taste of honey. It has been recently announced as a tourist centre of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.
Thadikombu is quite famous for the Soundararaja Perumal Koil which is situated at a distance of about 7 km from Dindigul.The temple is very famous for Sorna Agarsha Bairavar Booja known as “The pirai ashtami puja” in every month. Also it is famous for “Chakarathalwar” and “Hiagreewar” who are worshiped specially for students for a good memory power. The temple is situated very close to SreeVee Business School.
Nadupatti Anjaneyar Temple is situated at a distance of about 35 Km from Dindigul on the banks of a river.It is considered to be a savior for long travellers. Those who travel on long distance on Chennai – Dindigul High way, stop there for a while and start their journey ahead.
This church was constructed by Thomas Fernando, a British and is more than 100 years old.
St. Antony's shrine which is nearly three hundred years old is situated in Marambady and is known throughout
India. Every year in the month of January, there is a feast held for St. Antony the Hermit and it goes for about
three days. It is the biggest shrine dedicated to St. Antony in India and abroad as well.
In short, Dindigul is an amalgamation of all castes and creed.
By Air : The nearest airport to Dindigul is Madurai and Tiruchirappalli.
By Rail : The nearest station to Dindigul is Dindigul Junction.
By Road : It is well connected by road to most of the cities in Tamil Nadu.
