Sivagiri, Tenkasi

Sivagiri is a town and a tourist place in Tenkasi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sivagiri is located at a distance of 50 km north to Tenkasi, 20 km south to Rajapalayam, 95 km north-west to Tirunelveli, 95 km south to Madurai, 540 km south to Bangalore, 150 km north to Thiruvananthapuram and 580 km south to the state capital Chennai.

History

Sivagiri was founded by the Nayaka rulers in the 16th century. The town was named after the Nayaka king, Sivagiri. Sivagiri was a major trading center during the Nayaka rule.

Geography

Sivagiri is situated on the banks of the Chittar River, a tributary of the Tamirabarani River. The town is located in a hilly region with an average elevation of 120 meters (394 feet) above sea level.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Indian census, Sivagiri had a population of 28,458 people. The majority of the population is Hindu, with a small minority of Muslims and Christians. The town is multilingual, with Tamil being the official language and the most widely spoken language. Telugu, Kannada, and Urdu are also spoken by significant minorities.

Economy

Sivagiri’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The town is known for its rice, sugarcane, and banana crops. Sivagiri is also a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and its temples. The town is also home to a number of small-scale industries, including textile mills, food processing plants, and engineering firms.

Education

Sivagiri has a number of schools and colleges. The town is home to the Sivagiri Government Arts College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras.

Culture

Sivagiri has a rich culture and heritage. The town is home to a number of temples, festivals, and traditions. The town is also known for its handicrafts, which include pottery, weaving, and wood carving.

Tourism

Sivagiri is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and its temples. The town is home to a number of waterfalls, including the Sivagiri Falls, the Ariyamangalam Falls, and the Kottakudi Falls. Sivagiri is also home to a number of temples, including the Sivagiri Murugan Temple, the Sivagiri Shiva Temple, and the Sivagiri Amman Temple.

Transportation

Sivagiri is well-connected by road and rail. The town is situated on the National Highway NH45, which connects Chennai to Kanyakumari. Sivagiri also has a railway station on the Chennai-Tuticorin line.