WEAVERS WORLD / COIMBATORE / PLACES TO VISIT - 2

WEAVERS WORLD / COIMBATORE / PLACES TO VISIT - 2

Velliyangiri Andavar and Manonmani Amman temple are situated in the foothills of the Velliyangiri Hills, in Poondi village. Of all the mountain shrines in Kongunadu, the Siva temple of Velliangiri in the western boundary is considered to be the most famous. Known as Rajathagiri, Velliangiri, Dakshin Kailash or Bhoolok Kailash, this sacred spot, according to legend, is where Siva performed his cosmic dance at the request of his consort Umadevi.

The base temple can be visited throughout the year. Whereas the hill temple can be visited only between March-May. Shops and basic amenities are available only during the aforesaid allowed to climb the hills. Those who cannot climb can have dharshan at the foothills temple.

People tend to climb the hills during night time, to avoid the hot sun. Many start to climb during midnight, reach the hilltop before sunrise, worship the God, see the sun rise (which is very pleasant) and climb down fast before the sun gets too hot. The distance from foothills to top is 13 kms.

This is a Reserve where the greenery is amazing and the fresh air cools you inside out. Animals like elephants, Bison, Deer, Samba Deer,Peacocks, Squirrels etc. can be found. It is a good place to visit for nature lovers. If possible, one can stay inside the reserve and complete it with a safari through the jungle. You can sight lots of wild animals like Elephants, Tigers, etc. and birds like the rare Macaque, Hornbills etc. Going for a trekking in the Kariyan Shola is again a great adventure. Do not miss the Bamboo Rafting and the breathtaking landscape views from the lake. The climate is also very good in spring. The greenery of the place gives some relaxation from the hustle bustle of the crowded city.

Coimbatore has many small and beautiful temples that have been maintained by the business community like a tradition for years, with devotion and fervour. Ramar temple is one such temple in the heart of the city. An ancient temple with many praharams and not to be missed. It is a neat temple with Sri Rama, Seetha, Lakshmana and Hanuman. There is a separate sannadhi for Sri Hanuman. You also have sannadhis for Sri Ganesa and the Sivaling. All ceremonies are conducted in deep faith. It is a prominent center for religious discourses and discussions in the city.

This prayer center was built by Jesus Calls prayer group under the aegis of Brother Dinakaran and is a blessing to many irrespective of cast creed or terrain. Situated about 25 Kilometers from Coimbatore on the Siruvani Hills in a serene atmosphere, the prayer centre has facilities like dormitory and rooms to stay for prayer and also has a small children’s park, canteen, meditation hall, prayer halls and a replica of Bethesda Pool and seven stations of the cross. The atmosphere here is quiet appropriate for meditation and prayer that one tends to forget about the outside world and the mind is spiritually uplifted. Well connected by road from Coimbatore and Kerala, it is easy to reach here.

The Gedee Car Museum, the only classic car museum of its kind located in Coimbatore, has a collection of unique cars not to be seen anywhere else in India. The museum has around 40-50 vintage cars, all kept spic and span with a lot of effort and personal touch of the founder. Most of the cars are still in running condition while others are being restored. Limousine, Rolls Royce, Beetle, Porsche and the

Benz motor wagon are all housed here and the museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and the general public. The museum is well-organized, and divided into regions, each display having a story to tell, that are well elucidated. The car museum shows the visitors the evolution of cars from the first automobile - the 1886 Benz Patent Motor wagon to the latest sports cars. The main objective is to highlight the technological progress from the birth of the car, the various innovations and inventions which happened over a period of time and the people behind it.