Kamarajar sagar dam, Athoor : Offbeat Tamilnadu

As summer is drawing near, it's time to feel the heat, and a change of scenery would be a welcoming respite from the approaching summer months (March to May). All across India, April and May is peak holiday season with schools and colleges shut and excited families heading to the hill stations.

As a leisure traveler and budget backpacker who hates crowds, I believe Feb-March is an ideal time to head to the hills just before peak season vacationers get here.

Previous blog~  7 holiest sites in Kerala

Overnighter from Kanyakumari to Madurai

After an amazing 2 days at Kanyakumari, I boarded the general compartment of an overnight train leaving for Madurai the next day. Failing to get a berth, and the thought of being a single woman on a night train for the first time was unsettling. There were only 2 other women in the ladies boogie, and someone advised us to move to the general boogie which had comparatively more people including some Israeli backpackers. Following suit with the Israelis, I spread a cover on the uneven seats for some sleep, but kept getting disturbed now and then.

Tip : As an alternative to trains, Tamilnadu state-run buses for long trips run round the clock. Even if one were to reach the busstand at 2/3 am you can find it busy and there are bus services. The best part is the safety angle, I travel solo myself and have seen many girls traveling alone even at odd hours.

Madurai to Kamarajar valley dam, Athoor

Madurai --> Dindugul --> Athoor --> Kamrajar nagar

Madurai has a hot and arid climate for most part of the year, not to mention being also crowded, dusty and noisy. Due to it being landlocked and surrounded by granite hills that heat up faster, summers can be severe - highest recorded temperature is 44 ℃.

Reaching early morning was comforting. After finding some breakfast I boarded the earliest bus to Dindigul (approx 40 km/ 1 hour) to escape the scorching Madurai heat.

The idea of checking into a resort @3500 rs/ 1 night- yeah that's right! - has been by far my most expensive consideration so far. And as I boarded yet another bus from Dindugul to Athoor, I comforted myself by saying 'It's good to splurge on yourself from time to time'. Then I hired an auto from Athoor that drove the last 6 km to my destination for the day.

Offbeat places in Tamilnadu (a blog)

Where to stay at Kamarajar sagar dam

Kamarajar nagar is a valley surrounded by mountains, a place so desolate and beautiful. Apparently there are only 2/3 exclusive resorts around, thus making it a perfect place for those who seek solitude.

One such resort is spread over a large area with a swimming-pool, serene surroundings and amazing cottages. Originally built by a British guy named Joe Homan the house has an old-world British charm. It is now owned and run by an Indian enterprise and is named 'Lakeside guesthouse'.

friendly dogs at the resort in Kamarajar sagar dam, Athoor

picturesque view of the lake and surroundings from a resort at Kamarajar dam, Athoor

Peering out from the balcony, it seemed like a great deal of the uninhabited surrounding area could be explored.

The few resorts around Kamarajar Sagar dam are a big draw with elderly British and Dutch tourists, who come here to escape the heat, dirt and grim of crowded towns.

Meanwhile, the aroma and sound of sizzling food from the kitchen got my appetite back. Lunch was delicious  with good use of fresh local ingredients.

Sadayandi caves temple trek 

There are 2/3 trails I was told~ one is a short hike to the orchards nearby and the other is an uphill hike to Sadayandi caves temple. The later by the way is a good landmark to reach here. Each year during Aadi Amavasai (festival season), the festivities attracts 1000s of local residents.

After a short siesta, I set out for the Sadayandi caves trek (guide charge extra 600rs). The uphill climb, I found a bit tricky here and there~ at places which challenge my fear of heights. But having a good and encouraging guide helps in times like this.

Tip:- wear good non-slip sole shoes as the some patches are slippery.

The cave on Sadayandi hill is unique in a way and is used as a temple. My tamil-speaking guide explained that festival revellers (kids, women and elderly) climb this hill quite easily. They bring with them goats and hens to be sacrificed at this temple 😨 hoary stuff. I personally think if people need to sacrifice anything, it should be their evil thoughts and deeds, instead of an innocent animal or bird.

The hill cave temple offers a splendid view of the lake and the Kamarajar sagar dam area below.

Day 2... Next destination Kodaikanal

I woke up at 6 am to the sound of birds, made a quick cup of tea and headed for an early morning exploration of the nearby  surroundings.

Who would have thought that a leisurely early morning walk with just the sound of nature for company can give one such a high!! The ground resembled more like a lake/ river bed, and perhaps I could be right.

I was told there is a good chance of spotting deer, and variety of birds like peacocks and kingfisher, but had no luck so far.

After awhile I found a nice spot to sit down and watch a live show of our guesthouse brave 🐕 who was strategically working out a clever 'exit plan' from neighborhood bullies (he finally did escape).

breakfast of toast, omelet and juice at a resort in Kamarajar sagar dam, Athoor

It was almost time for breakfast, and I had made plans to go beyond these mountains- to Kodaikanal, my next destination. 

Meantime, I do hope you enjoyed this blog. Do subscribe and follow my 'hills episode' through the summer months. Bye for now!

Next blog~ Top 7 things to do in Kodaikanal