Places of Interest in and around Pollachi
Pollachi is about 40 Kms from Coimbatore on the way to Parambikulam – Aliyar Project. Next to Coimbatore it is the leading town of the district and an important commercial centre. A temple dedicated to Mariamman and another to Subramanya are located here. There are beautiful stone carvings like a five hooded serpent, a Yali with a chain from its mouth and carved zodiacal signs in the Subramanya temple.
Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary
Situated at an altitude of 1400 metres and in an area of 958 Sq. Kms in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (90 Kms from Coimbatore), this sanctuary has various kinds of fauna like Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Bear, Wild Bear, Wild dog, Flying squirrel, Jackal, Pangolin, Civet Cat and birds like Rocket-tailed drongo, Red-whiskered bulbul, Black headed oriole, Treepie, Spotted dove, Green pigeon, etc. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. Other places of scenic beauty include Karainshola, Anaikunthi shola, Grass hils, Waterfalls, groves, Teak forest, estates, dams and reservoirs.
Topslip
Top Slip is a National park and a medicinal plant conservation area in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 90 Kms from Coimbatore. It is famous for its elephant camp at kollikamuthi and its wild life. For Thrill Seekers Tree top accomadation are also available on trees.
Masaniamman Temple
A place near Pollachi was earlier ruled by a king called Naanan. He had a very special mango tree in his farm on the riverside of Aaliyar, which he was so fond of. He was so particular that nobody was allowed to use neither the mangoes nor its leaves.
Once, a group of girls were having their bathe in the Aaliyar river and saw a mango floating on the river which belonged to nanans tree, on anxiety one of the girl picked the mango and ate it, even after several pleadings made by her father, the king sentenced her to death. After some time the villagers in that particular area formed a female figure in lying state in rememberance of the innocent girl on the graveyard sand and started worshipping her. In due course she was worshipped by the name “Maasani”. Later Kozhinkhosargal defeated king Naanan and destroyed that particular mango tree. It is beleived that Lord Rama on his way in search of Seetha, was absorbed by the power of this temple, stopped here and performed his meditation adding glory to this temple.
Parambikulam – Aliyar Multipurpose Project (PAP):
This project consists of a series af dams interconnected by tunnels and canals at various elevation in order to harness the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunkadavu, Thenkkadi and Palar rivers, laid for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. It is located in Anamalai range.
Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil – Pollachi
Located at Pollachi 40 Kms from Coimbatore. This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva known as ThiruVahatheswara Mudayar in early stages.This temple was established tentatively around 700 years ago and this temple was constructed in different stages during the period of KongaCholas. Due to the glory of Lord Subramaniyar this temple is now called as “Subramaniyar Kovil” and it is popularly known for its architectural excellence.