Chinnaselam is a town in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located at 12.18°N 79.84°E, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of the state capital, Chennai. Chinnaselam is known for its temples, waterfalls, and natural beauty.
History
Chinnaselam has a long history dating back to the Sangam era. The town is mentioned in several ancient Tamil texts, including the Sangam literature.
Geography
Chinnaselam is situated on the banks of the Kallakurichi River, a tributary of the Palar River. The town is located in a hilly region with an average elevation of 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Indian census, Chinnaselam had a population of 35,558 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
Chinnaselam’s economy is based on agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. The town is known for its rice, sugarcane, and banana crops. Chinnaselam is also a major hub for the production of textiles, garments, and engineering goods.
Education
Chinnaselam has a number of schools and colleges. The town is home to the Chinnaselam Government Arts College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras.
Culture
Chinnaselam 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
Chinnaselam is a popular tourist destination, primarily due to its natural beauty. The town is home to a number of waterfalls, including the Chinnaselam Falls, the Ariyamangalam Falls, and the Kottakudi Falls. Chinnaselam is also home to a number of temples, including the Chinnaselam Murugan Temple, the Chinnaselam Shiva Temple, and the Chinnaselam Amman Temple.
Other Tourist Attractions
- The Chinnaselam Falls: The Chinnaselam Falls is a series of waterfalls that are located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the town center. The falls are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
- The Ariyamangalam Falls: The Ariyamangalam Falls is a waterfall that is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the town center. The falls are a popular spot for hiking and camping.
- The Kottakudi Falls: The Kottakudi Falls is a waterfall that is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the town center. The falls are a popular spot for birdwatching.
- The Chinnaselam Murugan Temple: The Chinnaselam Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan. The temple is one of the six Padai Veedus, or holy abodes, of Murugan.
- The Chinnaselam Shiva Temple: The Chinnaselam Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is one of the 275 Shiva temples in the Tondai Nadu region.
- The Chinnaselam Amman Temple: The Chinnaselam Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Amman. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination.
Transportation
Chinnaselam is well-connected by road and rail. The town is situated on the National Highway NH45, which connects Chennai to Kanyakumari. Chinnaselam also has a railway station on the Chennai-Tuticorin line.
Accommodation
Chinnaselam has a number of hotels and lodges to accommodate visitors.
