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Excursions in Madurai

VAIGAI DAM (70 KMS)
This is a popular picnic spot. Man-made gardens on one side of the dam contrast with the rugged terrain on the mountains. On Sundays the dam is illuminated.

KODAIKANAL (120 KMS)
Kodai is a hill station 2130 m above sea level in the Western Ghats. Wooded hills, pleasant walks, picturesque waterfalls and a magnificent lake, make Kodai one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. For organising Trekking this is an ideal place. The Tourist Officers, Madurai and Kodaikkanal, may be contacted for further details.

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (THEKKADI) (155 KMS)
The forests of this beautiful sanctuary slope down to a manmade lake. On motor launches from this lake, one can view wildlife in its natural habitat. Elephant, Gaur, Sambhar, Bear, even Tigers and Leopards come down to drink waters of the lake.

MEGAMALAI
Megamalai, 130 kms from Madurai, lies 1500 m above sea level. One has to climb up from Chinnamanur side. There are many cardamon estates and tea plantations in the hills. Wild animals like sambhar, Elephant, Tiger, Cheetah, Gaur and Spotted Deer are found amidst thick vegetation.

SURULI FALLS
Saruli waterfalls lies 123 kms from Madurai on the way to Thekkadi via Uthamapalayam. The location of the falls, in a salubrious setting makes it a good picnic spot for domestic tourists.

VIRAGANUR DAM
Viraganur Dam with a picturesque garden lies 8kms from Madurai and not far from Vandiyur Mariamman tank. This is a nice picnic spot.

KUMBAKKARAI WATER FALLS
It is 105 kms from Madurai and 6 kms from Periyakulam, Kumbakkarai water falls is an ideal picnic spot. This area can serve as a Base Camp for trekkers in the Kodai Hills.