Pollachi - Mudi Konda Chola Nallur

November 3rd, 2008

IAM PROUD TO BE A POLLACHIANIn ancient times Pollachi was known as ‘Pollil Vaichi’ which means "The land of natural Wealth and Prosperity" or ‘Porull Aatchi’ (The Land of Wealthy Government). In olden days it was said that everything is sold and bought in market including elephants in a form of barter system.During the period of Kulottunga Chola III , Pollachi was known as Mudi Konda Chola Nallur (Crowned King). The Subramanyar temple is one of the most ancient temple in Pollachi with a history of about 8 centuries back. You can also come across the name ‘Pollil Vaichi’ in Lord Subramanyar temple. It is also believed that this temple was once a Shiva temple, enshrining Agastheeswaram Udaiyaar, with the festival idol Subramanyar. 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. This town 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.

Anamalai: This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 mts in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 Kms from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq.kms.
Masaniamman Temple: Masaniamman Temple is situated at a distance of 15 miles away from Pollachi. This sanctified shrine attract large number of devotees.
Sholaiyar Dam: It is about 30 km from Valparai town. It is one of the longest dam in Asia. The length of the dam measures about 6-7 km. It lies in the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala. This dam is constructed in Chalakudy river. The beauty of Athirappilly water falls and Sholayar dam can be enjoyed on the way to Sholayar.
Kadamparai Dam: Special permission must be sought to visit this place. Hydro Electric plant at Kadamparai between Pollachi and Valparai is most worth seeing.
Nirayar Dam: Water from Chinnakallar falls gets collected in this dam. It is located in eastern side of Valparai hills 20 km from Valparai town. There are two dams, upper Nerar and lower Nerar which is about 20 km and 15 km from Valparai.
Aliyar Dam: Aliyar Dam was constructed in 1962 across the Aliyar river. It is located about 65 Km from Coimbatore and it is found on the foothills of Valparai. Here, Aliyar lake receives water from upper aliyar reservoir through hydro-electric power station in Navamali and the Parambikulam reservoir through a contour canal. Near Aliyar dam, a good-looking park, an aquarium and a mini theme park is being maintained by Tamilnadu Fisheries Corporation. Ambarambalayam Darga is situated at the banks of the river Aliyar.
Thirumoorthy Hills: It is situated 40 Kms from Pollachi and 20 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. Thirumoorthy temple is situated at the foot of the hill adjacent to Thirumoorthy Dam. Importance of this temple is three Moorthy Idols originate in same place.
Athirampalli Falls:This particular falls has been featured in numerous films and advertisements. It is also called as ‘Punnagai Mannan Falls’.
Monkey Falls:It lies on the foothill of Valparai. It is about 5 km from Aaliyar. It is continuing waterfalls, one can relax their mind and body by taking Ayurvedic bath in this falls.
Chinnakallar FallsChinnakallar is geographically an important place. It is about 26 km east of Valparai. It is known as Cherrapunji of Tamil Nadu. It is the second place in receiving maximum rainfall next to Cherrapunji. The hanging bridge is built across the falls is full of enchantment and thrill. This area always found wet and misty. Chinnakallar is full of greenish dense forest with tall majestic trees which gives a pleasant nature. It has the falls which sounds like a roaring lion. Rhythm Falls:Rhythm falls is about 30 km from Sholaiyar and 5 km ahead of Athirampally falls. Water droplets from the falls scattering on adjoining road gives an excitement show.
Palani:A major pilgrimage centre, Palani is situated on the edge of the great Vyapuri tank. Palani is a municipality in Dindigal district, located about 60 kms from Dindigal. This temple draws more than 7 million devotees every year to offer their prayers to Lord Muruga.
Its hilltop Subrahmanyam temple is the most famous of the six abodes of Muruga, the son of Shiva, who is said to have come here disguised as a mendicant after quarreling over a fruit with his brother, Ganesha. Popularly known as Dandayutha Pani ("Bearer of the Staff"), Murugan is depicted with a clean shaven head, holding a stick. His image is made of medicinal herbs, mixed together to create a wax-like substance. During the Thaipoosam festival, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims, many of whom shave their heads as an act of worship. An electric cable car takes devotees up the 600 steps to the hill shrine. Palani is also a base for hikes in the surrounding hills.