Visiting Places & Sightseeing in Anthiyur

Discover the serene mountain getaways, picturesque reservoirs, and ancient sacred shrines in and around Anthiyur.

Bargur Hills Hill Station 25 km • 40 mins
16°C to 24°C • 1,050m Altitude

Bargur Hills ("Mini Ooty")

Towering over Anthiyur, Bargur offers pristine Shola grasslands, cool morning mists, 33 thrill-packed hairpin bends, and panoramic valley viewpoints. Perfect for bike rides, weekend escapes, and nature photography.

Varattupallam Dam Reservoir 10 km • 15 mins
Sunset Point • Family Picnic

Varattupallam Dam & Reservoir

Built at the base of Bargur Hills, this tranquil reservoir captures rainwater runoff from the ghats. Visitors enjoy strolling the dam embankment, watching migratory birds, and admiring the mirror-like reflections of mountains.

Gurunathaswamy Temple Historic Shrine 2 km from Bus Stand
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Sri Gurunathaswamy Temple

Located in Pudupalayam, this revered 600-year-old temple hosts the famous annual Aadi car festival and horse market. The granite sanctum preserves ancient Pandya emblems and deeply peaceful spiritual vibrations.

Thamaraikarai Forest Hamlet 32 km • 50 mins
Bargur Plateau • Tribal Culture

Thamaraikarai Plateau

A serene settlement atop the Bargur Hills surrounded by dense tropical dry evergreen and deciduous forests. Home to tribal honey-gatherers, mountain coffee estates, and gentle trekking trails.

Ennamangalam Lake Lake & Groves 8 km • 12 mins
Bird Watching • Countryside

Ennamangalam Lake

A scenic rural freshwater lake lined by sprawling coconut groves and lush paddy paddocks. Flocks of egrets, kingfishers, and herons frequent its edges during dawn and dusk.

Anthiyur Temples Ancient Deities Town Center
Town Guardian • 800 Yrs

Badrakaliamman & Chelliswarar

The guardian deity temple of Anthiyur, Sri Badrakaliamman Temple draws thousands during Panguni/Chithirai festivals. Nearby Sri Chelliswarar Temple houses historic 800-year Chola inscriptions.

Gundri Forest Wildlife Belt 38 km from town
Elephants, Deer & Rare Birds

Gundri Reserve Forest

A pristine forest zone on the eastern edge of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Known for dramatic cliff landscapes, rare medicinal herbs, and frequent sightings of spotted deer, peacocks, and wild elephants.

Eretti Waterfalls Waterfalls 30 km • Post-Monsoon
Best Time: Sep to Jan

Eretti & Bejalatti Waterfalls

Tucked inside the Bargur forest tracts, these pristine cascades come alive during the northeast monsoon, creating natural splash pools surrounded by wild green foliage and rocky cliffs.

Essential Travel Tips for Sightseeing in Anthiyur

  • Best Visiting Months: October to March offers cool, pleasant mountain weather. August is the best time for cultural vibrancy during the Aadi Horse Fair.
  • Ghat Road Driving: Bargur Ghat road has 33 sharp hairpin bends; honk on curves, descend in low gear, and avoid driving late at night due to wild animal crossings.
  • Forest Department Regulations: Plastic littering is strictly prohibited in Bargur Hills and Varattupallam dam.