COVER STORY

Trusted, Timeless, Trendy

Adorn with latest designs in beautiful gold and silver jewellery with complete trust at Shri Arthi Jewellery By Smiti Jain Narayan Since 1988, Shri Arthi Jewellery has been winning the hearts and trust of Coimbatore customers in gold and silver jewellery with certified purity. Located in the heart of the city at Gandhipuram, the showroom is spread across 1500 sq ft, catering to generations of ladies. The initial customers have been returning over the years with their daughters and even their grand-daughters, so Shri Arthi Jewellery has evolved into a trusted family jewellery store for Coimbatore ladies. Founded by the venerable gent Nagamanickam, Shri Arthi Jewellery brand has successfully entered the 35th year of business. In 2015, it was partnered by Gowthaman Haribabu, a second-generation entrepreneur with

comprehensive experience in the retail business. He has taken the store into an expansion mode, building the trusted brand to further heights, to bring their loyal clientele a greater variety of designs and styles in jewellery, while maintaining the fine balance between the traditional and the trendy, catering to different and changing tastes and likes. Shri Arthi Jewellery specialises in all kinds of pure gold and 925 silver jewellery items. The jewellery variations include nagas jewellery, Jaipur kundan jewellery, lightweight rose gold jewellery which is very much in demand these days, and recently even 18k gold jewellery has been introduced to cater to popular trends. Gemstone jewellery is a speciality at Shri Arthi with beautiful gold necklaces, earrings, bangles embedded with precious gemstones like rubies, emeralds, sapphires and others. Gold wedding ornaments with many options are available with full bridal collection including traditional jewellery,

kasumala, ottiyanam (hip belts), mangalyam, nagas necklace, antique jewellery, rose gold bangles, chandbali, jhumkas, dollar necklace and lots more

in alluring designs. Bangles, bracelets, necklaces, rings, gold coins, chains, pendants, studs, haram necklaces in rose gold, yellow gold, pink gold and regular gold – you name it and you will find the most beauteous designs to choose from at Shri Arthi. The newly introduced 18k range and rose gold jewellery using Swarovski crystals are lightweight and pocket-friendly in trendy styles. The designs and prices of this range appeal to younger women, millennials, working ladies for their practical daily wearability and lasting durability.

Close-setting traditional jewellery with gold and precious gemstones are the all-time classical designs in pure gold for marriages, occasions, and investments. Silver jewellery is also very popular with 925 purity for daily use and trendy wear, as well as for gifting purposes. As Shri Arthi steps into its 35th year of establishment, there is a not-to-be-missed offer – buy gold, and get equal weight of silver complimentary! There is also a sensible savings scheme called Swarnakshaya for a systematic purchase of gold ornaments, paying monthly for 11 months, and in the 12th month you can purchase your jewellery with the labour and wastage waived off. By mid of next year, the plan is to expand exclusively for gold and silver articles, antique jewellery and a dedicated bridal items space.

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.

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.

GD NAIDU MUSEUM UKKADAM PERIAKULAM LAKE

The Ukkadam Periyakulam/“I love Kovai” makeover was included in the Smart City plan powered by the Government of India and inaugurated virtually by CM Edappadi Palanisamy in June month of 2020. One of the recently renovated places which attracted people all over TamilNadu which is located in Ukkadam. You can experience the colorful lights which makes the place more beautiful during nighttime. The lake is a paradise for bird lovers.

BOAT RIDE

Boat rides begin at Valankulam and Ukkadam Big Tank in Coimbatore on Sep 3’2022. There are cycling,peddling boats and motor/speed boats available. Timing: 5am-8am and 3pm7pm. Entry: Adults Rs 250, Kids Rs 200.

KOVAI KUTRALAM FALLS

Avinashi Road, Gopala Puram Tel: 222-2548 The museum showcases engineering products Located in Siruvani, about 37 km and other interesting curious items. Many of from Coimbatore, these scenic waterfalls are them were invented by GD Naidu himself. His in the heart of a dense jungle. Which is why collection of razors, electric shavers, gas lighters visitors are not permitted after 5pm. A good and photo flashes are lined up at the museum. place to watch birds and wildlife within the A variety of pens, postcards, cameras and area. As very few buses are available, it is binoculars fill another side. Working models, best to plan in advance if you want to enjoy drawings and charts give us details and also let the panoramic view out here. us practically examine them.

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.

KASTHURI SREENIVASAN TRUST ART 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 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.

RAMAR TEMPLE

Situated in Ramnagar, the Ramar temple is one of the holy places that attract devotees all 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.

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.

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.

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

The Isha Yoga Center situated at the foothills of Velliangiri, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, is the headquarters for Isha Foundation. Isha is a scenic spiritual destination and sacred space for self-transformation, where you can come dedicate time towards your inner growth. The center offers all four major paths of yoga-kriya (energy), gnana (knowledge), karma (action) and bhakti (devotion), drawing people from all over the world. The Center is dedicated to fostering inner transformation and creating an established state of wellbeing in individuals. It provides a supportive environment to shift to healthier lifestyles, seek a higher level of selffulfillment and realize your full potential.

Address: Velliangiri Foothills, Isha Vihar Post Tel: 251 5345, 6am-8pm.

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.

ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Thuvaipathi Village, Tadagam Road, Anaikatti; Tel: 257-2222 www.nilgiribiopark.com.

ISKCON TEMPLE

The ISKCON Temple in Coimbatore is a wellknown pilgrimage centre located in the heart of the city. It aims at spreading the science of Krishna consciousness with the help of the Bhagavad Gita. Spread across an area of 20,000 sq ft, the temple has an array of beautiful deities belonging to Radha Krishna, Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra Devi and Prabhupada. Built in typical Tamil architecture, the temple complex has a gallery showcasing the different founders of ISKCON movement. The best time to visit the ISKCON temple.

INDIRA GANDHI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Annamalai Sanctuary, is a favoured site for wildlife enthusiasts around Coimbatore. A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary is known for its rich flora and fauna. The wildlife reserve is a natural habitat for animals such as panthers, tigers, elephants, spotted deer, civet cats and wild boars. The region is also referred to as a bird’s paradise as it houses different varieties of birds, including the Black-headed Oriole, Rocket-tailed Drongo, Tree Pie, Spotted Dove and Red Whiskered Bulbul.