Dindigul, India
Region: Tamil Nadu
Geographic Coordinates: 10.350000, 77.950000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 207327
Language: Tamil
Dindigul is a city in Tamil Nadu, India, Situated on the banks of River Kudavanar. The city has a population of over 2 lakh people and is known for its scenic beauty, Rich cultural heritage, And historical significance. The history of Dindigul dates back to the 2nd century AD when it was ruled by various dynasties like Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks, And Mughals. Due to its proximity to important trade routes, These dynasties fought several battles for control over this strategic location. Dindigul Fort is one of the most significant landmarks in the city.
Built by Madurai Nayak King Muthu Krishnappa Nayaker in 1605 AD at an elevation of 280 feet above sea level offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali which attracts thousands of devotees every year. Apart from its historical significance, Dindigulis also famous for its culinary delights such as biryani and spicy curries prepared using local spices like cardamom and pepper. Sweets like jalebi and laddoo are also popular.
The city boasts several parks such as Anna Park and Ramalinga Nagar Park where visitors can relax amidst lush greenery while enjoying a picnic with family or friends. Dindigul has several educational institutions including engineering colleges like PSNA College Of Engineering And Technology And RVS College Of Engineering And Technology which offer quality education to students from all over India. Overall, Dindigulis truly a gem tucked away in Tamil Nadu that offers something for everyone – from history buffs to foodies, Nature lovers to adventure enthusiasts.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of India while enjoying its natural beauty and delicious cuisine.
Important Landmarks
- Dindigul Fort
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Sirumalai Hill Station
- Thadikombu Perumal Temple
- Mariamman Kovil Temple
- Begambur Big Mosque
- St Joseph’s Church
- Berijam Lake
- Bear Shola Falls
- Silver Cascade Falls
Primary Industries
Major Industries and Businesses in Dindigul, India
- Agriculture
- Cotton
- Chillies
- Millets
- Textile Manufacturing
- Cotton fabrics
- Silk fabrics
- Leather Goods Manufacturing
- Shoes
- Bags
- Belts
- Other leather products
- Food Processing
- Spices
- Pickles
- Snacks
- Sweets
- Handicrafts
- Wooden toys
- Carvings
- Education
- Engineering colleges
- Medical colleges
- Hospitality Industry
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Retail Trade
- Groceries
- Electronics
- Clothing items
Noteable History
- The Battle of Dindigul: This battle was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore in 1790. It resulted in a victory for the British.
- Nadar Mahajana Sangam: This social organization was founded in Dindigul in 1910 by P. Theagaraya Chetty, a prominent businessman and social reformer.
- Sirumalai: This hill station located near Dindigul is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
- Periyar E.V. Ramasamy: Periyar, as he is commonly known, was a social reformer and politician who played a key role in the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. He was born near Dindigul.
- Kamarajar: Kamarajar was a freedom fighter and politician who served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1954 to 1963. He spent some time in jail during the Quit India Movement at Dindigul Central Jail.
- Thadikombu Perumal Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located near Dindigul and is believed to have been built during the Pandya dynasty.
- Palani Murugan Temple: This famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is located near Dindigul and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
- V.O.Chidambaram Pillai (VOC): VOC was an Indian freedom fighter who played a key role in launching the Swadeshi movement against British colonial rule from Tuticorin port which is close by to Dindigul.
- Muthuvel Karunanidhi – Former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu – He has contested elections from Dindigul constituency and won in 1957 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.
Museums and Things To See
- Dindigul Fort: A historical fort with a panoramic view of the city.
- Kodaikanal Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by hills and forests, perfect for boating and picnicking.
- Sirumalai Hill Station: A scenic hill station known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails.
- Thadikombu Perumal Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with intricate carvings and architecture.
- Gandhi Memorial Museum: A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and works, showcasing his personal belongings, photographs, and memorabilia.
- Silver Cascade Falls: A picturesque waterfall located on the way to Kodaikanal with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Dindigul Rock Fort Temple – an ancient temple located within the Dindigul Fort complex dedicated to Lord Murugan.
- St Joseph’s Church – a historic church built in 1866 that showcases Gothic architecture with stained glass windows and ornate interiors.
- Balasubramanian Temple – A popular Hindu temple situated at Begambur that is famous for its annual festival where people come from all over India to participate in it.
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – A wildlife sanctuary situated on Tamil Nadu-Kerala border which is home to various endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Elephant etc.
Sports Teams
- Dindigul Dragons is a cricket team franchise representing the city of Dindigul in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
- The team was established in 2016 and has been competing in the TNPL ever since.
- They have made it to the semi-finals on two occasions, namely in 2017 and 2019.
- Apart from cricket, Dindigul does not have any significant sports teams with a rich history.
- Nonetheless, many gifted athletes from this city have represented Tamil Nadu and India at different levels across various sports such as athletics, hockey, football, kabaddi and wrestling.
Cultural Events
- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahotsavam – A 10-day festival held in January to celebrate the birth anniversary of Thirumalai Nayakar, a former king of Madurai.
- Pongal – A harvest festival celebrated in January to thank the sun god for a bountiful harvest.
- Mariamman Temple Festival – A colorful and vibrant festival held in February/March at the Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mariamman.
- Navarathri Festival – A nine-day festival celebrated during September/October to honor the goddess Durga and her various incarnations.
- Kodaikanal Summer Festival – Held annually during May/June, this is a popular cultural event that includes flower shows, boat races, and other activities.
- Jallikattu – An ancient bull-taming sport held during Pongal celebrations in some rural areas around Dindigul.
- Chithirai Festival – Celebrated during April/May at Meenakshi Amman Temple in nearby Madurai city, this is one of South India’s biggest festivals with elaborate processions and rituals.
- Tamil New Year’s Day (Puthandu) – Celebrated on April 14th every year with feasts, prayers, and cultural events across Tamil Nadu including Dindigul district as well.
Cuisine
- Thalappakatti Biriyani – famous for its signature biriyani made with long-grain rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices.
- Venu Biriyani – known for its flavorful biriyani and other South Indian dishes.
- Ponnusamy Hotel – a popular restaurant chain that serves delicious non-vegetarian dishes like mutton chukka and fish fry.
- Annapoorna Sweets – famous for its traditional sweets like Mysore Pak, Laddu, Jangiri, etc.
- Nandha Mess – a small eatery that serves authentic Tamil Nadu-style meals with unlimited servings of rice and curries.
- Ayyaasami Dosai Kadai – known for its crispy dosas served with various chutneys and sambar.
- Hotel Saravana Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant chain that offers an extensive menu of South Indian delicacies like idli, dosa, vada, etc.
Parks and Recreation
- Dindigul Rock Fort is a historic fort that boasts a temple and provides panoramic views of the city.
- Kamarajar Lake is a scenic lake with boating facilities and a park perfect for picnics.
- Anna Stadium is a large stadium used for sports events and concerts.
- Sirumalai Hill Station is a picturesque hill station that features trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.
- Abirami Amman Temple is an intricately designed Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Abirami.
- Thadikombu Perumal Temple is another ancient Hindu temple known for its impressive architecture and religious significance.
- Dindigul Fort View Point Park offers stunning views of the cityscape below from its location near the Dindigul Fort.
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary provides an eco-tourism destination with jeep safaris, trekking, bird watching, camping, and more in a natural setting.
- Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park houses several endangered species of flora and fauna in another nearby wildlife sanctuary located near Dindigul.
- Kurinji Andavar Temple serves as both a popular tourist spot known for its breathtaking views of the Palani Hills as well as its religious significance as it’s dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya).