Pollachi Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: December to February Read More

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Also Refered As:

Pollil Vachi

""Coconut Capital" of Tamil Nadu"

Pollachi Tourism

Located down south, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the town of Pollachi is a popular filming spot due to its lavish greenery and blissful sceneries. Primarily an agricultural region, Pollachi adorns vast spreads of coconut, jaggery and vegetable fields. The famous Topslip Tiger reserve and Annamalai wildlife sanctuary along with their historically significant temples gravitate tourists and wanderers from all over the world all through the year.

Bracketed by the Western Ghats, Pollachi has a constant air of unfiltered nature to breathe, along with a visual satisfaction of nature around the place. There are quite a few attractions within Pollachi, but many lie on the outskirts. One of the all-time favourites of the locals that top the to-visit list is The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It includes an array of excitements, such as bamboo rafting, jungle trekking and many more. The accommodation of tree-top houses would surely fulfil your childhood dreams of living in a tree. The state of Pollachi is not only rich in greenery, it includes other elements which would rather be absent in a city set up; such as a series of dams, green hills and the list increases only with increased exploration of this lush region.

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Places to Visit

1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Situated towards the southern Western Ghats, in the Palakkad district of Kerala, the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is around 44 km from Pollachi. An approximate 2 hour and a 10-minute drive from Pollachi, the reserve is not just rich in flora and fauna but has protected several local tribes which reside within the brackets of this massive reserve. These tribes add to the heritage of the region which complements its nature, side by side.

2. Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
The Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary is approximately 68 km, a 2 hour and 15-minute drive from Pollachi. Located at a distance of 3 km from the Topslip Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary houses a wide variety of trees such as rosewood, teakwood and bamboo. Alongside flora and wild animals, this serene getaway has other elements such as Karianshola Trek, Anaikunthi Shola, Grass hills, Manjampatti Valley, groves, waterfalls, teak forests, reservoirs and dams. However, some of these attractions would require prior permission from the respective authorities.

3. Anamalai Hills
If trekking is your sport, then Anamalai Hills is the place for you at Pollachi. The climb up the Hills stretching along the Western Ghats is a definite place to visit and witness the magnificence of the West! 

4. Topslip Tiger Reserve
Topslip, an hour and 38-minute drive is located on the Parambilukam Road, roughly 38 km from Pollachi. The highlight of this tiger forest is ironically the 'Elephant Safari', an hour-long affair. One could also spot a variety of fauna and flora on a smaller scale when compared to the other reserves of the place. Timings for the Elephant Safari is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. However, The Forest is open between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. 

5. Arivu Thirukovil (Temple Of Consciousness)
If you are looking for some inner serenity amidst the outer calmness, then this meditative centre is your choice! Located at around 25 km from Pollachi, The Arivu Thirukovil is a yogic institution devoted towards providing the visitor with more profound spirituality and direction. The centre is open on all days for two sessions; between 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. 

6. Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil Temple
One of the many architectural fascinations of the region, the Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil temple is located approximately 57 km from Pollachi. The temple is the hub of many religious celebrations and festivals of the area. 

7. Valparai
A hill station located 65 km from Pollachi, Valparai is primarily an estate-oriented region, with vast spreads of tea and coffee estates. These plantations are local employment opportunities. Many dams surround this region, providing abundant irrigation requirements, including the Aazhiyaar Dam at the foot of these hillocks. The major tourist points are the grass hills and dams around the place. 

8. Monkey Falls
The Monkey falls is located towards the north of Valparai approximately 30 km and 6 km from Pollachi and the Azhiyar Dam respectively. These waterfalls act as a great hang out spot for tourists and localities to relax amidst the waters and nature. Sometimes, you may also find children playing and bathing in these waters.

9. Loam's view point
Located on the ninth hair-pin bend on the stroll across the Aliyar Valparai Hill, is this point named after Matthew Loam, a man who marked his way back from the hills through this point in 1886. A huge tourist attraction, the Loam's viewpoint provides tourists with the chance to capture an eye-full of this delightful landscape from the hill-top. The view expands from the tenth and eleventh bend, but the ninth is the best, as it is an excellent viewpoint to capture the sunset as well.

10. Aliyar dam
The Aliyar dam is yet another tourist attraction in the region of Pollachi. At a distance of roughly 25 km from Pollachi, the Aliyar dam encloses not just a water reservoir but also a list of other activities such as a mini theme park, a garden, boating, a play area and an aquarium. An excellent picnic spot for children! The Arivu Thikukoil is at the beginning of the route to the dam. 

Local Culture of Pollachi

Pollachi Tribal Life
Many localities within and around Pollachi have sustained tribal life, this is one of the significant retained cultures of the region. Different tribal clans and families such as the Kadars, Malasars, Muduvars, Pulaiyars Malaimalasars, and the Eravallans are some of the thriving tribes of the land. These tribes compose of over 4600 lives spread across 34 regions, one such locality being, is the Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary.

Regional Religions
Although many religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism prevail, Pollachi is mainly a Hindu town.

Cattle Festival
Pollachi hosts the Cattle Festival generally during February, a competition for farmers and agriculturalists to showcase their best cattle and agricultural produce and win prizes as well.

Pollachi Fair
The Pollachi Fair is a vendor and hawker fair held every Thursday. During this event, sellers market a variety of items such as clothing, pulses, vegetables, oils, etc.

Things to Do In and Around Pollachi

1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Jungle Safari, Jungle Trekking (Elephant Song Trekking Trail, Pugmark Trekking Trail and Bearpath Trekking Trail), Jungle Camps (accommodation within the reserve)
Prices: (per person)
Jungle safari
Indian and Foreign adults - INR 200
Children ( 5 to 10 years) - Free
Elephant trekking and Bearpath trekking
Indian Adult - INR 1200
Foreign Adult - INR 2400
Indian Children ( 5 to 10 years) - INR 200
Foreign children of the same age - INR 500
Pugmark trekking
Indian adult - INR 3600
Foreign adults - INR 6100
Children ( 5 to 10 years)
The prices for the Jungle camps vary depending on your choice of room stay.

2. Jeep Tourism
Take a jeep ride to explore the town and various attractions!
Prices for Jeep tourism vary depending on the places and added accommodation facilities (you could choose both or any)

3. Safari rides within the tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuary.
Topslip Tiger Forest
Elephant Safari prices - INR 200 per person (45-minute safari for four people)
Short trekking - INR 200 per person for 2 hours (requires a minimum of 5 bookings per trip)
Medium trekking - INR 500 per head for 4 hours (5 reservations per tour)
Long trekking - INR 1000 per person for 6 hours (5 bookings per tour)
Eco trip van safari - INR 120 per person, for 45 minutes (requires a minimum of 25 bookings).
4. Trekking - Anaimalai Hills

Food and Restaurants

The staple food cultivated in the region are jaggery, coconut, vegetables and vanilla. The diet of people of Pollachi is mostly South Indian food such as rice, sambar, dosa, idli, vada and the like. However, Pollachi does not have any specific food item as its exclusivity. The restaurants here usually are multi-cuisine. Some of the all-time local and tourist favourite eating houses are The Slaves, The Palm, Express Dhaba-ed, to name a few.

Architecture

Temple Architecture
Pollachi architecture thrives on temples. One such temple is the Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil Temple, structured in the traditional "Gopura" style of temple architecture, consists of intricate chiselling and designing of rocks in an array of colours. This preserved piece of construction holds a value of the heritage of the place.
Agricultural Structures
Since Pollachi is primarily an agricultural city, it encompasses a broad series of dams, built for various agricultural purposes. It took ten whole years to build the Aliyar dam across the Aliyar river. Some of the well-known dams of the place are the Thunakadavu Dam, Sholayar Dam, Upper Nirar Dam, Thirumoorthy Dam.

Itinerary

Day 1
Reach Pollachi at 6:00 AM and check-in to resort. Freshen up and leave at around 8:00 AM to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Reach the reserve at approximately 10:00 AM. You could pick up some snacks or food from the canteen within the premises. You could have lunch around the reserve at places like - Noorjahan Restaurant, Ygary's JUZU, Kapilavastu, Sultan of Flavors, Burger Tree etc. Leave restaurant to Arivu Thirukovil at around 3:00 PM, would reach the centre approximately at 5:00 PM. Spend as much time required and leave back to resort in Pollachi.

Day 2
Leave Pollachi at 7:00 AM to Topslip Tiger Reserve, reach reserve at approximately 7:30 AM. Leave Topslip Tiger Reserve at around 10:00 AM to Anamalai Wild Life Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, reach the latter at roughly, 12:30 PM. Lunch in or around the reserve. Stay overnight at the tree-top house or go back to Pollachi.

Day 3
Leave Pollachi at around 6:00 AM to Anaimalai Hills for a trek, use four-wheelers or two-wheeler transportation facilities, as bus routes are not convenient. Reach the hills approximately at 8:15 AM. After the trek, brunch at a nearby restaurant, some of which are - Hill Station (33-minutes drive from slopes), Saravana restaurant (33-minute from hills), Anaimalai Club (50-minute journey from hills). Leave restaurant at around 3:00 PM to Arulmigu Subramanyar Thirukoil Temple. Reach temple at about 5:15 PM. Depart from the temple back home.

Traveller Tips

  • For any cottage reservations, book it in person and save up on brokerage or extra commission demanded by middle-men.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and footwear as most of the visiting places in Pollachi require a lot of walking.
  • Visiting the temple may require a dress code.
  • Carry a reasonable amount of cash as there may be a deficit of ATMs around.
  • You may have to pay to carry cameras along.
  • Monkey falls is inevitably filled with monkeys. You would have to take care of the parking, as these monkeys are capable of opening the tank and emptying your petrol.
  • While at the falls, take precaution to not go too close to the waters as it may be slippery.

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FAQs on Pollachi

What is famous about Pollachi?

An efficient educational tour, Pollachi is a great family hang out spot as well. Photographers could visit Pollachi to capture some fascinating shots.

What is not so good about Pollachi?

Mismanagement of attractions, especially reserves and accommodations. Not all temples would be welcoming to a general crowd. Sometimes, you may not be allowed to take a safari ride, as they may be shut due to lack of the required number of visitors.

Who should visit Pollachi?

An efficient educational tour, Pollachi is a great family hang out spot. Photographers could pay a visit to capture some fascinating shots.

What is the best time to visit Pollachi?

The best time to visit Pollachi is between December and February, as the temperature would be cooler and travel-ready. Summers in Pollachi hit up to 35 degrees celsius and is generally not a touristy time. Monsoons begin around July and extend up to October, due to rains it may not be feasible to explore the land.
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What are the places near Pollachi?

The top places near to Pollachi are Ooty which is 53 km from Pollachi, Coonoor which is located 42 km from Pollachi, Coimbatore which is located 1 km from Pollachi, Munnar which is located 103 km from Pollachi, Palakkad which is located 42 km from Pollachi

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