CITY SIGHTS

INFANT JESUS CHURCH

Kovaipudur or rather Kuniamuthur and areas South and West of Palghat Road was earlier attached to the Cathedral parish. Bishop Visuwaram was searching for a suitable site on the National Highway of this area, but he died before it was realised. It was attached to Madukkarai Parish and since NOVEMBER1976, a Sunday mass is being conducted for the Special Protection Force. With civilian housing colonies mushrooming all over, a site was bought by the Diocese, with the picturesque back-drop of Vellingiri hills to the west. Kovai Pudur Tel: 260-7157.

GALLERY AND TEXTILE MUSEUM

Avinashi Road, Tel: 257-4110 The museum show cases types of handlooms from various parts of India as well as sketches of various types of handlooms used by American Indians, history of costumes in India from the time of Mohenjo-Daro down to the 19th century is depicted in the form of pictures, antique sarees, other textiles and artifacts, whorl wheels of Egypt and the spinning wheels of Mohenjo-Daro the growth and development of spinning and weaving is exhibited through

GD NAIDU MUSEUM

Avinashi Road, Gopala Puram Tel: 222-2548 The museum showcases engineering products and other interesting curious items. Many of them were invented by GD Naidu himself. His collection of razors, electric shavers, gas

RAMAR TEMPLE

one of the holy places that attract devotees all

lighters and photo flashes are lined up at the museum. A variety of pens, postcards, cameras and binoculars fill another side. Working models, drawings and charts give us details and also let us practically examine them.

KOVAI KUTRALAM FALLS

Located in Siruvani, about 37 km from Coimbatore, these scenic waterfalls are in the heart of a dense jungle. Which is A good place to watch birds and wildlife within the area. As very few buses are available, it is best to plan in advance if you want to enjoy the panoramic view out here.

KASTHURI SREENIVASAN TRUST ART

charts, models and actual machines in a few cases and the development of the early stages of the Industrial Revolution are exhibited in their logical sequence.

SENGUPATHI WATERFALLS

This waterfall is located 35 kms from Coimbatore on the way to Siruvani. The location is pleasant and beautiful and tourists flock to this place like bees to honey.

Situated in Ramnagar, the Ramar temple is why visitors are not permitted after 5pm.

year round. Dedicated to Lord Ram, the rituals and ceremonies are conducted regularly and with much fanfare.

PERUR PATTEESWARA SWAMY

Perur Patteeswara Swamy temple is the most popular temple in the city. Built by the King Karikala Cholan, this temple is situated 7 kms west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal, called ‘Kanchi Manadi’ by the locals. The presiding deity is Shiva and the ‘Swayambu Lingam’ is the idol worshipped here. This sanctum is the joint effort of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers during their reign. The greatest attraction is the ‘Kanaka Saba’ or the golden hall which is adorned by a gold-plated statue of Nataraja bestowing blessings upon the two sages - Gowmuni and Pattimuni. The gopurams and pillars of the hall are exquisitely carved out sculptures highlighting Dravidian architecture. The significance is unfolded in the poetic creations of Arunagiri Nather and Kachiappa Munivar. Pilgrims from all over visit this spot to pay homage to their ancestors. It is believed that the mortal remains of the dead turn into white stones after 144 days.

FESTIVALS

The Mariamman festivals, at the city’s numerous Amman temples, is a major event in Kovai in the summer. This is one of the most popular festivals celebrated along with Koniamman temple car festival. Car festivals at the Karamadai temple and the famous Avinashi temple attract a large attendance. Traditional Hindu festivals like Pongal, Deepavali are major events. Ayudha pooja is an important festival. All commercial establishments are cleaned and painted (machines and vehicles are washed), concluding with a pooja.

TOP SLIP

MUDUMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Situated 67 kms away from Coimbatore, the sanctuary’s dense vegetation and favourable climate attract a variety of wild animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, snakes and birds. Elephant rides are a major draw. Dormitory and hotel accommodation are available within the sanctuary. Velliangiri Foothills,Isha Vihar Post;

THIRUMURTHY DAM

It is situated at the foot of Thirumurthy Hills, adjoining the Thirumurthy Dam. This is about 20 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. A perennial stream flows by the side of the Amalingeswarar temple. Close to it is a refreshing waterfall. There is from the city limits. Beautiful weather, pristine clear

also a Crocodile Farm in Amaravathy Dam nearby. This place is being developed as District Excursion Centre.

THIRUMOORTHY TEMPLE

This is also a sacred place where there is a holy shrine. This lies 20 km away from Udumalpet on the Palani-Coimbatore highway. The temple is set on the foot of the Thirumoorthy Hills near the dam of the same name. A stream flows by the side of the temple and there are some waterfalls nearby. This is now being developed by the Tourism Department to make it a good District Excursion Centre.

THE SIRUVANI WATERFALLS AND DAM

This waterfall and dam are about 37 kms from Coimbatore. The water of Siruvani is known for its sweet taste. The panoramic views of the

A picturesque locale in the Annamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms from Pollachi (about 90 kms from Coimbatore).There are bungalows available within the sanctuary. For thrill seekers, accommodation is also available in a tree house.

ISHA YOGA CENTRE

Tel: 251-5345, 6am–8pm Arulmigu Vanabadrakaliamman Temple, Devikottam, Thekkampatti, Nellithurai (Post), Mettupalayam Tel: 04254-222286/225510, www.vanabadrakaliamman.tnhrce.in

MARUDHAMALAI HILL TEMPLE

At an altitude of 500 feet, Marudhamalai Hill temple is scenically located at a distance of 15 km dam and the falls are enchanting.

views of the low-lying city can be had while going to the temple. An exquisitely carved statue of Lord Murugan is worth seeing. Most buses and special buses are granted by the devasthanam for taking the devotees to the temple on top of the hill.

Business in the time of pandemic

Mask-Sanitiser-Social Distance – How Covid has redefined the rules of behaviour

BY SMITI JAIN NARAYAN

As unprecedented as the Covid pandemic has been, the seemingly ubiquitous lurking coronavirus has changed the rules of the game whether in doing business or in social situations. What was once considered the norm is no longer acceptable. The world has changed irrevocably under the onslaught of this new pandemic that has been sweeping across the globe since more than half the year with no end in sight.

Never before in our lifetime has business been brought down to its knees the way this microscopic C-virus has done. Society has transformed worldwide from being essentially gregarious to becoming isolationist, at least in principle if not always in practice. The term “social distancing” was coined as best behavioural tactic to avoid contact with other human beings so as not to contract Covid from known or asymptomatic carriers.

Still, life has to go on, and go on it must. How long can mankind sit inside their home indefinitely? It is commerce at the end of the day that keeps the wheels of the world oiled and turning. The business community has to pick up the pandemic pieces and get back on its

feet slowly and steadily.

Working within the framework of the ‘new normal’, shops, offices, restaurants, hotels, entertainment zones and commercial establishments have reopened after a few initial tentative false starts. While it’s not ‘business as usual’ as customers still prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid going out to the extent possible, yet people have begun to venture out, masks firmly in place, to get back the reins of their lives in their own hands once again to carry on the business of living.

In the business and commercial space, strict safety norms are being applied by company, shop or any other commercial outfit, and even apartment complexes. At the entrance, sanitiser is

first offered to customers to rub on their hands as the first and immediate line of defence. Many places have installed the foot operated sanitiser spray bottle so one can sanitise without handling anything directly.

Most establishments have also started keeping a temperature gun as a higher than normal temperature is one of the main indicators of Covid. From being pointed at the forehead where one felt they were faced with a hold-up with an actual gun, it has evolved to pointing the temperature gun at the wrist level now which feels less alarming! (Though the lurking suspicion is still there about the efficacy of the gun itself, as no one has been stopped at any entrance and told to step aside due to abnormal temperature).

Then comes the third and most important part of maintaining social distancing with the recommended ideal being six feet distance, often a hard to follow act given the physical limitations of the space itself.

However, if we follow the a little protocol, maintain the mask-sanitisersocial distance routine meticulously and avoid any physical contact with people or exposed surfaces, then we can consider ourselves battle-armoured and defence-ready against the deadly virus.

As it has been seen that even in densely populated countries like Japan, the spread of the pandemic is very limited because of the scrupulous hygiene being maintained and masks being absolutely de rigueur the moment one steps out of the house.

Social restraint, rigorous hygiene standards, prescribed protocols are the name of the game now, and with a little conscious control and self-discipline one can resume the business of life.

And the business of commerce can flourish once again to keep the earth turning on its axis!

M

M Mahaveer THE SILK PEOPLE

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WORLD STANDARDS OF COMFORT & LUXURY Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Resorts...

With Coimbatore on the textile and industrial map, you have non-residents flooding in to cut deals, attend conferences or just take a slice of India. For business visitors on short trips, budget hotels are a smart option. These places offer no frills in terms of room service or conference facilities, but more than make up in smart, clean, comfortable accommodation with ensuite bathrooms. The many four-star and five-star hotels dotting the Coimbatore cityscape offer the best amenities in luxury, style, and convenience, making your stay a true home away from home.

FIVE STAR DELUXE HOTELS LE MERIDIEN

762, Avinashi Road Tel: 236-4343 Rs 7400-50,000. 254 trendy rooms of world class facilities and amenities in its guestrooms and meeting rooms. 3 signature restaurants, 3 splendid bars, 3 meal restaurant, café and a wellequipped business centre.

THE RESIDENCY TOWERS

1076, Avinashi Road Tel: 224-1414, Rs 5500- 10,900 ++. 5 star deluxe luxury hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with thematic interiors. Located on a major arterial road which is just 20 minutes drive from the airport.

FIVE STAR HOTELS VIVANTA - COIMBATORE

105, Race Course Road Tel: 668- 1000, Rs 8,000-50,000. A high-tech business hotel with 178 rooms cutting across categories. Plus, a spa, banquet hall, a fitness centre and five meeting halls. Features an all-day dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a high energy bar.

WELCOMHOTEL COIMBATORE

1266/44, West Club Road, Race Course Tel: 222-6555. Rs 7000+ tax. WelcomHotel Coimbatore features 103 well-appointed rooms with a refreshing contemporary style that incorporates elements of the heritage of the city.

RADISSON BLU COIMBATORE

164-165, Avinashi Road, Peelamedu Tel: 222-6000, 95855-95315 Rs 600025,000+tax. International upscale hotel with 135 luxury rooms, with motto ‘to provide exemplary service’. In-house restaurant The Kabab Factory, plus a lounge bar, cake shop and tea lounge. Centrally located, close to Codissia, Tidel Park.

FOUR STAR HOTELS ALOFT COIMBATORE

483, Kamaraj Road, Upplipalayam, Singanallur Tel: 665-6000,Rs 30008000++. Experience life in one of the 167 bright and breezy Aloft rooms. Whether you’re retiring for the night or heading out in the day, you’ll find plenty of perks that plug you in and help you make the place your own.

FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT

469/2B, Sitra, Airport Road Tel: 664 -4300. Rs. 4800 ++