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FESTIVALS
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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.
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. 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 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.
TOP SLIP 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
Velliangiri Foothills,Isha Vihar Post; 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 from the city limits. Beautiful weather, pristine clear 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.
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 dam and the falls are enchanting.
COIMBATORE
2021 MARCH | 26
