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Arittapatti - First Biodiversity Heritage Site
Arittapatti
Biodiversity Amits Fragile
Arittapatti, located in Madurai, is a remarkable hotspot for biodiversity, celebrated for its diverse range of ecosystems and species. The area’s unique rocky terrain and hilly landscapes create a variety of habitats, from scrub forests to arid stretches, each supporting distinct flora and fauna. It is home to rare and endemic species, including several threatened plants and animals, making it a critical area for conservation.
Arittapatti, located in Madurai, is a remarkable hotspot for biodiversity, celebrated for its diverse range of ecosystems and species. The area’s unique rocky terrain and hilly landscapes create a variety of habitats, from scrub forests to arid stretches, each supporting distinct flora and fauna. It is home to rare and endemic species, including several threatened plants and animals, making it a critical area for conservation.
Arittapatti, located in Madurai, is a remarkable hotspot for biodiversity, celebrated for its diverse range of ecosystems and species. The area’s unique rocky terrain and hilly landscapes create a variety of habitats, from scrub forests to arid stretches, each supporting distinct flora and fauna. It is home to rare and endemic species, including several threatened plants and animals, making it a critical area for conservation.
Arittapatti, located in Madurai, is a remarkable hotspot for biodiversity, celebrated for its diverse range of ecosystems and species. The area’s unique rocky terrain and hilly landscapes create a variety of habitats, from scrub forests to arid stretches, each supporting distinct flora and fauna. It is home to rare and endemic species, including several threatened plants and animals, making it a critical area for conservation.
Arittapatti
Biodiversity Amidst Fragility
Biodiversity Heritage
Birds Watching
Rock-Cut Temples
Cycling
Arittapatti, located in Madurai, is a remarkable hotspot for biodiversity, celebrated for its diverse range of ecosystems and species. The area’s unique rocky terrain and hilly landscapes create a variety of habitats, from scrub forests to arid stretches, each supporting distinct flora and fauna. It is home to rare and endemic species, including several threatened plants and animals, making it a critical area for conservation.
History
Timing
Equipment
Accessibility
Vehicle Parking
Site Features
Facilites
Amicability
History
Arittapatti stands as a testament to the rich natural, cultural and historical narrative of Tamilnadu, offering invaluable insights into a diverse ecosystem. It is the only biodiversity heritage site of the state under conservation. The bio diversity heritage site covers a vast area extending from the villages of Arittapatti to Mennakshipuram including reserve forest.
The local pastoral community continues their day to day activity by worshipping trees, grazing, fishing, gathering natural vegetation and honey collection. The site of visit is approximately 3 - 4kms circuitous route covering barren hillocks with springs, rock shelters and ponds. Birds of Prey can be spotted in the rocky terrain. Endemic plants dot the landscape. It is a hotspot destination for nature lovers.
Timing
6.00 AM - 6.00 PM
Best time to visit the site is winter (October to February)
when water bodies are filled up and wetland migratory birds will visit the region.
Equipment
Nature tone/ Earth tone Dresses
- Avoid bright coloured Dresses
- Outdoor Footwear
- Comapct to Birding category Binoculars
- Water Bottles
Accessibility
Car - Route:
1. Madurai - Narasingampatti - Melur Road Route
2. Madurai - Azhagarkovil - Melur Road (follow the directions of the signage to Arrittapatti)
Thar laid road turning west of Arittapatti Manthai (central gathering ground) goes to Anaikondan Tank - a signage directs towards Rock-cut Sivan Temple / Jain Bed Cave
Vehicle Parking
Roadside Parking at owners risk
Site Features
The circuitous walk begins from Ananikondan Tank heading towards the Rock-cut Sivan Temple passing by Dharmakulam. Then move further into the rocky terrain between the barren hillocks - Aaputtan Malai, Ramayi Malai, Vayuthupulla Malai, Kalinja Malai. Climbing over slopes intespessed with small water bodies and fringed by paddy fields the walk finally leads to Paloothu and Jain Bed Caves.
Amidst the scenic rock formation is the core area of biodiverse species. The biodiversity of the fragile ecosystem region includes a variety of flora and fauna:Birds: Known for its birdlife, resident and migratory birds of approximately 181 species have been sighted.
Reptiles: Various species of reptiles can be found in the rocky terrain and surrounding forests. Approximately 47 species of reptiles have been sighted.
Fishes: Remarkable number of about 24 freshwater species are found with no river flowing into the site.
Flora: The vegetation includes a mix of tropical dry deciduous forests and scrublands, which are home for about 142 species of flora.
1. Anaikondan Tank
Anaikondan Tank is an irrigation tank of thirteenth century, still functional, The old sluice has collapsed. Water managment of the late Pandyan dynasty period is known through the inscribed columns of the sluice lying on the tank bed. It belongs to the regnal years of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan I.
2. Dharmakulam is a lotus pond which is one of the perennial source of drinking water for the villagers. The pond is condidered auspicious too. A newly wedded bride fetches water from here to prepare the first meal in her new household with a belief that she will be blessed with a child.
3. Rock-cut Sivan Temple was excavated duriing the early Pandyan period. Two life size relief scultures on either side of the rock cut temple are appealing.The seated Valampuri Vinayaka and rare Lakulisa sculptures flank the cave in which Sivalingam is carved out of the mother rock. The Dwarapalaar at the front mandapa was a later additions to the west facing serene shrine.
4. Paloothu is a natural mineral spring serving as seasonal water source.
5. Jain Bed Caves east of Kalinjamalai, harbours a natural cave apart from few rock shelters. Earliest Tamil language script known as Tamili in its evolutionary development are inscried here They mention about the cave and beds chiselled for the Jain monk, who lived here more than two millennia before.A later period sculpture of the twenty fourth Thirthankara Mahavira with remnants of mural painting adorns the rock surface next to the cave The second script of Tamil language in Vattezhuthu belonging to ninth century inscribes the old name of the hillock as Thirupinnaiyan Malai.
Facilites
Refereshments available at Arittapatti
Amicability
If you are an avid trekker and love the challenge of climbing a small hill, the experience will excite you. Hobby and professional photographers will find this place perfect for nature photography.
Group of minimum 3-4 Pax is advisable to visit the place
Madurai - Arittapatti
Find Your Way with Ease
- From Melur Taluk - 8.6 Kms via Melur - Azhagarkovil Road
- From Madurai Airport - 33.4 Kms via NH38
- From Railway Junction - 27.7 Kms via NH38
- From Madurai M.G.R. Bus Stand - 19.9 Kms via Airport-Mattuthavani Ring Rd and NH38
- From Azhagarkovil - 14.1 Kms via Melur - Azhagarkovil Road
- From Narasingam/Othakkadai - 14.2 Kms via NH38
- From Narasingampatti - 6.2 Kms via NH38
Location
Route Map
Thiruvedagam- SightSeeing
Explore Thiruvedagam’s rich heritage with its ancient temples and vibrant cultural landmarks, showcasing traditional architecture and spiritual history. Wander through serene landscapes and experience the local charm of this historical gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arittapatti is known for its ancient rock-cut temples, Jain beds, and scenic landscapes, offering a glimpse into its rich history and natural beauty.
Arittapatti offers a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
Arittapatti is accessible by road from major cities like Madurai and Trichy, with regular bus and taxi services available.
The best time to visit Arittapatti is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Arittapatti hosts vibrant local festivals, especially during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Distance
- From Melur Taluk - 8.6 Kms via Melur - Azhagarkovil Road
- From Madurai Airport - 33.4 Kms via NH38
- From Railway Junction - 27.7 Kms via NH38
- From Madurai M.G.R. Bus stand - 19.9 Kms via Airport-Mattuthavani Ring Rd and NH38
- From Azhagarkovil - 14.1 Kms via Melur - Azhagarkovil Road
- From Narasingam/Othakkadai - 14.2 Kms via NH38
- From Narasingampatti - 6.2 Kms via NH38
Frequently Asked Questions
Arittapatti is known for its ancient rock-cut temples, Jain beds, and scenic landscapes, offering a glimpse into its rich history and natural beauty.
Arittapatti offers a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
Arittapatti is accessible by road from major cities like Madurai and Trichy, with regular bus and taxi services available.
The best time to visit Arittapatti is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Arittapatti hosts vibrant local festivals, especially during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Distance
- From Melur Taluk - 8.6 Kms via Melur - Azhagarkovil Road
- From Madurai Airport - 33.4 Kms via NH38
- From Railway Junction - 27.7 Kms via NH38
- From Madurai M.G.R. Bus Stand - 19.9 Kms via Airport-Mattuthavani Ring Rd and NH38
- From Azhagarkovil - 14.1 Kms via Melur - Azhagarkovil Road
- From Narasingam/Othakkadai - 14.2 Kms via NH38
- From Narasingampatti - 6.2 Kms via NH38
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