WEAVERS WORLD / COIMBATORE / PLACES TO VISIT - 6

WEAVERS WORLD / COIMBATORE / PLACES TO VISIT - 6

The Aliyar dam reservoir park is situated on the Pollachi-Valparai highway at 20 km from Pollachi and on the good state highway it takes around 25 to 30 min to reach it. The park is beautiful with so many lush green trees and cool breeze even in the afternoon. And as like Monkey Falls, there are numerous monkeys all around. It is better not to carry food in one’s hands or they will be snatched away. You have motor boating inside the dam. Inside the park a canal passes through and it has fountains. Children play activities are there along with birds and animals with lot of trees around. Night lighting is a wonderful sight. Behind the park and dam is the Anamalai hills, which is a treat to watch during rainy season. One can also visit Vethathiri maharishi ashram about 2 km from the place. At the foot hills one reaches Navamalai, meaning a place surrounded by hills, which also has the Aliyar hydro power station.

This Puliyakulam Vinayagar temple is one of Asia's biggest temples (The Statue is very big). This is located in Centre of Coimbatore close to the race course. During Vinayakar Chathurthi they observe a lot of Poojas.

Bhavani Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India, built during the rule of Kamarajar. It is one of the main sources for irrigation for the vast swathes of land in Erode & Tiruppur Districts. It is a nice place for picnics, and the park in front of the dam provides a nice place for the children to play. This is a great place, especially the backwaters, for those who are fond of birdwatching and wildlife sighting. Elephants, Gaurs, Deer, and Wild Boars are common sightings. A score of migratory birds are also observed during winters. Dry season can also offer an occasional glimpse of the Dananaicken Fort which submerged in the waters when the dam was built.

The best time to visit this place would either be early morning by 6 am or in the evening. One has to reach "Madukarrai" and ask for guidance. The beginning of the climb could be very easy with proper steps built, but as one ascends to the middle of the hill one can have a shock just by the glimpse of stairs engraved in the natural rocks. The aerial view is literally breath taking. The climb is indeed strenuous and tiring. By the time you reach the top, you would have burnt enough calories to make you crave for a small bite. The priest performs the Pooja and one then prays standing opposite the main deity. If one is lucky one might end up being in the midst of clouds, which could be thrilling. The height creates an awesome feeling with everything below seemingly minute. It's a wonderful experience for the mind and the soul. While coming down, one has to trek gingerly due to slippery rocks/steps.

Fun City Mall is located in Avinashi Road in Coimbatore in Peelamedu area. This mall is comparatively smaller than Brookfields mall in R.S.Puram. It is a nice place to relax, shop, eat and watch a movie or just unwind. It has a play area for kids.