CITY SIGHTS

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 multibusiness 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 wellshaped 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

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 stained glass and the church is a unique 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 different days of the week by which one can 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.

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.

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 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 why visitors are not permitted after 5pm. 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 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.

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.

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

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.