Unwinding in the lap of nature in Pollachi

Rashmi Gopal Rao

Stunning landscapes, carpets of velvety tea gardens, cascading waterfalls and lush forests are just some of the things you can expect on a visit to Pollachi in Tamil Nadu. A picture of surreal beauty and tranquility all around, the town of Pollachi is located 40 km from Coimbatore. Also known as “Porul Achi”, the town is located in proximity to the Western Ghats, and hence enjoys pleasant weather all year around. This is yet another reason for Pollachi being an alluring destination for tourists apart from the fact that it is a favourite with filmmakers and hundreds of movies being shot here.

An agriculturally prosperous town, Pollachi is synonymous with its production of coconuts which are renowned not only in the state but also the entire South India. The seemingly unending acres of these tall palms in invigorating green are definitely a sight for the sore eyes. The town is also famous for the production of jaggery, tomatoes, and also cattle! Interestingly, the cattle of the town are some of the tallest and strongest.

A perfect place to unwind from the grind, Pollachi offers an ambience of serenity where one can take long walks amid nature, indulge in bird watching (if you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the elusive hornbill, which is considered a symbol of good luck here) or just relax soaking in the all-pervading bounty of nature. Apart from this, the town is home to several famous temples, including the Subramania Swamy Thirukoil dedicated to Lord Subramanya and the Masani Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Masaniamman. Handloom weaving in and around the town is also another predominant occupation and offers tourists a unique experience. A visit to the weaving village of Periya Negamam is truly a revelation into the lives of the talented artisans here.

Call of the wild

A hill station, around 65 km from Pollachi, Valparai is a haven for tea lovers. Sheathed in tea gardens that seem perfectly manicured, the drive from Pollachi to Valparai is truly enchanting. Picturesque waterfalls (Monkey Falls being the most famous of them all) and dams like the Aliyar Dam add to the beauty of the place. The hills are home to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, which was earlier called the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. The area is rich in flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Nilgiritahr and the lion-tailed macaque. Enjoy some stunning views from Topslip, which is the most important tourist spot within the reserve or revel in the company of pachyderms at the elephant wilderness camp. 

Yet another place not to be missed on your visit to Pollachi is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, about 55 km from Pollachi. One of the hotspots when it comes to biodiversity, Parambikulam is completely bewitching. Located between the Anaimalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy Hills of Kerala, it is home to several endemic species of plants and animals. An ideal way to explore this magnificent natural wonder is the day safari lasting close to four hours. The highlight of the sanctuary is the Kannimara Teak Tree, which is one of the largest living trees of the world. Standing 39.98 m tall, the tree is highly revered among the tribals of the region.