TRAVELLER

MUCH TO SEE, SIGHTSEE & SEEK Dams, waterfalls, landmarks, spiritual & religious shrines…

With Coimbatore, the sobriquets keep getting added up. From Textile Hub to Engineering Capital, from Retail City to

Manchester of India, this hitherto small town is today a dynamic multi-business city and well on its way to becoming a sprawling metropolis.

That’s not all. Kovai is also a travel haven and a great transit point. Check out the waterfalls, dams, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries on the city outskirts for a wonderful outing. Also, not to be missed are the Agricultural University and Crocodile Farm. Happy exploring.

ANNAMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Just 90 kms from Coimbatore, this sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Western Ghats, near Pollachi. Spread over 958 sq. kms, it has various kinds of exotic species like elephants, gaurs, tigers, panthers, sloth bear, pangolins, black headed orioles, green pigeons and civet cats. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Annamalai range has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karain Shola, Anaikunthi shola, Grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs. Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the sanctuary on elephant back or by van.

ARULMIGU EACHANARI VINAYAGAR

Located 10 kms from Coimbatore on Pollachi Road, it is one of the oldest temples in Coimbatore and dates back to 1500 AD. The Moolavar was meant for Perur Patteshwarar temple and since it got stuck on its way from Madurai, Eachanari became the blessed place. The deity’s height is 6 feet and the width is 3 feet. It is one of the biggest in South India.

ARULMIGU POONDI VELLIYANGIRIANDAVAR THIRUKOIL – POONDI

Velliyangiri is a beautiful temple situated in one amongst the five hills of historical importance, just 20 kms from Kovai. The five hills symbolically represent the five different faces of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple where Panchalinga can be seen.

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

One of the best institutions of its kind in south Asia, the Agricultural University was originally established as an agriculture farm in Saidapet, Chennai. The location was moved to Coimbatore in 1907 and

the name was changed to Agricultural College, which later became Agricultural University. It is 5 km from the railway station. Tel: 661-1268. Timing: 9am-5pm.

CROCODILE FARM

This is located in Amaravathi Dam which is 25 kms from Udumalpet. This place is at present being developed as a District Excursion centre.

AVINASHI TEMPLE

This temple is 40 km from Coimbatore and is known as a pilgrim city and ‘the Banaras of the South’. The Cholas built the Avanashilingeswarar temple during the 12th century. It is the biggest temple of the district and the minute and well-shaped carvings and sculptures are a joy to watch.

AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

The holy Ayyappan temple is revered by both the locals and tourists alike. The magnificent temple was constructed in 1976 by the Sri Dharma Sastha Baktha Jana Sabha. It bears striking resemblance to the Ayyappan temple in Sabarimala.

CSI ALL SOULS’ CHURCH

different days of the week by which one can The CSI All Souls church is 138 years old and one of the oldest buildings in Coimbatore. This structure reflects the gothic revival style of architecture with its pointed arches and is characteristic of an Anglican Parish. The building was consecrated for worship on NOVEMBER27, 1872 by Bishop Gell. Reverend Henry Pope was the first resident Chaplin. The walls are of Ashlar masonry and the steeple houses the belfry. A Porch was added at the western end in 1902 in memory of King Edward VII. The windows are of exquisite example of a British church built with materials of the region.

DHYANALINGA

The Dhyanalinga Multi-Religious Temple is situated at Vellingiri foothills about 30kms from Coimbatore. Dhyanalinga was consecrated by mystic and yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev after three years of ‘prana prathista’ (process of charging the idol). Measuring 13 feet, 9 inches, Dhyanalingam is assumed to be the largest mercury-based live linga in the world. In its presence, it requires only minutes to make even those unaware of meditation to experience a state of deep meditative trance and feel the divine energy that overflows from this glorious form. The free-spanning dome that enshrines the Dhyanalingam measures 77 inches diameter and is the largest of its kind in the world. It is said that this divine instrument radiates seven different qualities on seven

stained glass and the church is a unique derive various benefits.

FLOWER MARKET

Coimbatore’s art of garland-making and its garland makers hold a special place in south India. The art has grown to such prominence that it has fuelled a dedicated flower market. The fragrance of lilies, jasmines, roses, lotuses and native flowers like shenbagam are a treat to the factory senses. One can spend hours watching the nimble movement of the flower artists as they tread wreaths, hair adornments and garlands.

FOREST COLLEGE MUSEUM

Spread over 66 hectares, the Southern forest ranger’s college is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Situated 3.5 kms from the Coimbatore Railway Station, it is worth a visit to see Museum of Natural History which is housed within the College campus. The museum and the neighbouring Botanical Garden have nearly 300 species of rare and endangered plants. Apart from plants, the museum also has an interesting collection of different minerals, rocks, pests, snakes, insects and fungal diseases that afflict plants and trees.

KALA GRAM

4/1, Attukal Road, Raj Bhavan,Thondamuthur Coimbatore Tel: 98420-14569

Raviraj began work on this new centre of fine arts in 2012. Situated at the foothills of the mountains, students get to learn the arts in the lap of nature. Over here, you can buy art pieces, learn the fine arts and hold cultural performances. With a nominal entry fee, it’s affordable to all. The promoters intend to create professional artistes. The idea is to recreate a Gurukul-style of learning atmosphere with residential facilities. This will lead to a better interaction between the students and teachers. There will be no exam, but the students will be continuously assessed. They will also get a chance to interact with the students of Lalit kalakshetra alongside. The promoters intend to fund the course fees and provide free accommodation for deserving students. And that will be after a three-month assessment by the teachers.