Explore The Red Desert Of Tamil Nadu: A Guide To Theri Kaadu!

Have you heard about the desert in South India? Perhaps not, when this word comes into your mind, you only imagine Thar in Rajasthan. Let me tell you, Theri Kaadu is a place belonging to Tamilnadu, the southern state of India called the Red Sand Desert.

Theri Kaadu is a stunning destination that offers a splendid coastal landscape.

In Tamil words, red dunes are known as Theri. These red dunes consist of marine deposits formed in the Quaternary Period. Its red color attracts travelers.

Location

Theri Kaadu is situated in the Thoothukudi district of Tamilnadu State in India. This place is 15 km away from Tiruchendur. Theri is popular for its red dunes/soil and is spread over 1200 acres.

Climatic Conditions

Theri Kaadu is a coastal destination and quite warm. But it gets a good amount of rainfall every year and is better soil for palmyra palm and thorny scrub vegetation.

Best Time To Visit Theri Kaadu

May – September

If you’re looking further to visit Theri Kaadu, the red desert of Tamilnadu, India, you should visit here before 9 am and after 5 pm because this is a very hot place.

Top Tourists Attractions In Theri Kaadu

Theri Kaadu is basically known for a red-soil desert, but also offers some other tourist attractions. Here are some top tourists attractions in Theri Kaadu 

Arunchunai Kaatha Ayyananar Temple

There are many temples in this region but Arunchunai Kaatha Ayyananar Temple is a prominent one for which people come to visit. The temple is located in a fascinating place surrounded by ponds and old, tall trees. The pond is full of rainwater and beautiful lilies that create a scenic view around the temple.

You’ll also find Neer Marudhu and Naval Fruit trees. The trees are very tall and have branches that cover and overshadow the temple. 

There is also a small trail behind the temple and you can get a chance to spot some birds like white-breasted white water hens, ponds, herons, kites, and other birds around this temple. Some will chirp and you feel they are singing a song and you enjoy that lovely moment.

In addition, South India has a colorful culture and comes with many sheds. When you come to this place, feel that vibration.

Arunchunai Kaatha Ayyanar Temple does not have many restrictions, so you can take selfies and share them with your family, friends, or your social media community.

Karkuvel Ayyananar Temple

It is a Hindu temple, also called Kuthiraimozhi. It sits in Thoothukudi. This is the oldest temple.

The temple is surrounded by red soil desert and cashew and palm trees.

Furthermore, you will see God Ayyanar’s idol in this temple, as other gods are Periyandavar, Udhiramadan, Malayamman, Ivar Raja, and more.

Kallar Vettu is a prominent festival celebrated every year for five days.

Red Sand Dunes

The main beauty of this area is its red soil. This soil is abundant with ilmenite, haematite, and garnet.

Haematite gives a red color that originated from garnet. And this is the specialty of this area that is found nowhere in India except Tamilnadu.

Palm And Cashew Trees

Palm and cashew trees add beauty to this place. You can also get shrubs and can have some. The green color of the trees and the red color of the soil creates a contrast and make this place so special for visitors.

Undoubtedly, this contrast is indeed eye-catching. Palm trees in the red desert remind you of the Sahara desert.

Bird Watching

Bird watching is another enthusiastic activity over the Theri Kaadu trip. If you’re a bird lover and love spending time watching them, this is an ideal spot for you. Several migratory birds can be seen here, especially in the migratory season. 

Species like black-rumped woodpeckers, common Lora, spotted owls, green bean eaters, and white-breasted water hens are found in this region.

You’ll also spot some varieties of butterflies. Peacock corner dance makes your journey unforgettable, plus beautiful and colorful butterflies give a pleasurable and capturing moment on the Theri Kaadu trip.

Besides this, other species like the Fan-Throated Lizard can be discovered while walking. This is an important member of the unique fauna

How To Reach Theri Kaadu

Theri Kaadu is around 15 kilometers from Thiruchendur temple and the destination can be reached by road, car, taxi, or bus. However, it is the roads that connect Thiruchendur town to other parts of the country.

If you are ready to explore, then you may be able to come across Teri dune areas, particularly the Theri Sane dunes which are seen near the Thiruchendur railway station. Moreover, there is a pair of airports close to the Teri Dune complex including the Thoothukudi airport and the Mudurai airport in south Tamilnadu. 

Food And Accommodation

Theri Kaadu is a desert area and there is no food and accommodation arrangement, you have to go by road and return, otherwise, you can stay in Tiruchendur which is 15 km from Theri Kaadu.

Devasthanam temple accommodation is available in Tiruchendur. It has a large number of rooms and cottages for the convenience of pilgrims. Otherwise, you can stay near the village in this area, if someone accepts your stay.

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