Natural Arch, Tirumala hills
Natural Arch | |
---|---|
Andhra Pradesh, India | |
Nearest town | Tirupati |
Coordinates | 13°41′14″N 79°20′25″E / 13.68732°N 79.34025°E |
Width | 26.2 ft (8.0 m) |
Elevation | 9.8 ft (3.0 m) |
Natural Arch, Tirumala hills, a notified
Legend
Mythology related to the arch, linked to the famous Tirumala hills temple of Lord Venkateswara, has three versions.
According to one version, the arch resembles the hood of a
The second version is that the main deity in the Tirumala temple is of the same height as the height of the arch.[7]
The third version is that Lord
History
In the 1980s, during excavations for a
Geology
The natural geological arch has two distinct physiographical regions – southwest upland and northeast lowland. The Tirupati hills, at the foot of a picturesque range of hills, are known by several names such as 'Seshachala', 'Venkatachala' and 'Balaji'. The geological formations are categorized under four heads namely, the (1) Archeans (the gneisses), (2) the Eparchean unconformity (Quartzose sandstones Overlying the granite with a distinct unconformity), (3) Puranas (formation of Cuddapah group well developed in the valley) and (4) Quaternary deposits. The Tirumala hills essentially of
The hill ranges of the Tirumala rise to a height of 900 m (3,000 ft) (at Tirumala) from the average height of 150 m (490 ft) in the plains at Tirupati. The steep scarp of the hill ranges depicts unconformity in its topographic, structural and denudational features, which is the Eparchian Unconformity.[14]
The sedimentary thickness of the Cudappa basin is of the order of 12 km (7.5 mi) with
Specifically, the arch's origin is attributed to two schools of thought namely, a) it could be the effect of a wave action from
Visitor information
The best time to visit the arch is between 6 A.M. and 8 A.M., fog permitting. There is a well maintained garden in front of the arch should visitors wish to rest or wait until fog clears. Sunset is also a good time to visit, as the arch looks even more striking and mystifying in the light of the setting sun. Seen in the light of a full moon the arch is said to be "ethereally beautiful."[6]
Access
The location of the arch is well connected by road, rail and air routes. The nearest railhead to Tirumala hills is
See also
- List of National Geological Monuments in India
- List of rock formations in India
- Natural arch
- Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
References
- ^ "National Geological Monument, from Geological Survey of India website". Archived from the original on 12 July 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
- ^ Geo-Heritage Sites, Minister of Mines Press release, 09-March-2016
- ^ national geo-heritage of India, INTACH
- ^ "Geological Monuments of India". Geological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 15 September 2008. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
- ^ "Natural Arch in Tirumala Hills". Geological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Carved by time". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 6 May 2007. Archived from the original on 8 May 2007. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
- ^ "Last decade of Endocrinology in India". Retrieved 31 January 2009. [dead link]
- ^ "Places of Tourist interest". Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, Govt of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original on 7 March 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ "Silatoranam & a small bird zoo – Kalyan". Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ "Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple". Retrieved 27 January 2009.
- ^ T. Sadavisam on behalf of Bharathan Publications. 1979.
- ^ Early hunter - Gatherers adaptations in the Tirupati valley by Jacob S. Java Raj, pages 5–12, 112. Sri Venkateswara University T1rupati. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ N. Ramesan (1981). The Tirumala Temple. Tirumala Tirupati Davasthanams.
- ^ "Eparchian Unconformity at Tirumalai – A Study by K.V.Suraynarayana" (PDF). Venkateshwara University, Tirupati. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ "General information, Southern Region, Broad Geological features". Department of Atomic energy Atomic Minerals directorate for exploration and research GOI. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ "Tirupati Attractions". Archived from the original on 18 December 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ "Silathoranam". Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ "must see India". Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2009.