7 Best Things To Do In Pollachi, Tamil Nadu

1. Visit Goddess Amman at Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple

Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple, also known as Anaimalai Masani Amman Temple, is one of the things Pollachi is famous for. It is a Hindu temple set upon a cremation ground, enshrining a number of deities, including the Goddess of Justice, Amman. Visitors, especially those seeking justice, can head to the Western side of the temple and grind chilies as they make their wish. Those who aim to get married soon can also offer a mud statue to the goddess as is tradition.

The place is worth a visit even for those who have nothing to pray for Goddess Amman. Nearby mountains provide peaceful views while the temple walls and statues offer visual delights to guests.

2. Experience tranquility at Aliyar Arivu Thirukovil | Temple of Consciousness

Aliyar Arivu Thirukovil | Temple of Consciousness is a must-visit place near Pollachi if you want to get away from it all. Nestled in Aliyar, it is the home of the Vethathiri Maharishi Kundalini Yoga and Kayakalpa Research Foundation. It also functions as a retreat center where teachers provide yoga and meditation sessions. One of the courses, The Basic Course, lasts for five days. It features Kayakalpa yoga as well as physical exercises to help enhance awareness and relax the spirit.

In addition to wellness services, the retreat center offers accommodations that are suitable for different kinds of travelers, including families. There are also eco-friendly battery cars that you can use to explore the expansive property.

Aliyar Arivu Thirukovil | Temple of Consciousness

Address: Arut Perum Jothi Nagar, SH 78, Temple of Consciousness, Aliyar, Tamil Nadu 642101, India

Website: Aliyar Arivu Thirukovil | Temple of Consciousness

Opening hours: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 3pm - 6pm (daily)

3. Relax and unwind at the heart of the town

One of the most significant landmarks here, Pollachi Mahalingapuram Arch is situated at the centre of Pollachi. The region around the arch includes a park, petrol bunk, hotels and large playgrounds for children to have fun and play the day away. Numerous textile stores, restaurants and hair salons are also located here. The area near Mahalingapuram Arch is perfect for catching up with friends and family.

Pollachi Mahalingapuram Arch

Address: NH 209, Arumugam Nagar, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu 642002, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

4. Spot wild animals at Topslip Anamalai Tiger Reserve

A trip to India would not be complete without witnessing its incredible wildlife first-hand. At Topslip Anamalai Tiger Reserve, visitors are welcome not only to trek through its grounds but also invited to stay at on-site accommodations. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a protected land of over 370 square miles (958 square kilometres), teeming with flourishing flora and fauna as far as the eye can see. Vegetation on this reserve consists of tropical jungles, shola forests and grasslands. Visitors will be thrilled to note that the reserve is home to not just tigers, but a plethora of other exotic animals like leopards, lion-tailed macaques, peacocks, spotted deer, elephants and even crocodiles.

For a chance to spot these animals in this nature spot in Pollachi, visitors can opt for a trek, elephant ride or vehicle safari. The trek is a peaceful exploration of the reserve that will ensure you have the most intimate experience with nature at Pollachi while the elephant ride allows you to take an exciting ride atop an elephant with an experienced guide. Alternatively, you can choose to sit back and relax inside a van during which the driver will give you a tour of the jungle.

Topslip Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Address: Pollachi, 213, Master Colony, Achipatti, Tamil Nadu 642002, India

Website: Topslip Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Opening hours: 7am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 0.41 USD onwards

Nearby attractions

5. Go on a guided trek at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Though Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is actually located in the state of Kerala, it is accessible only from Pollachi. It occupies a total area of 248 square miles (643 square kilometres) and is home diverse wildlife. Visitors can stay on the reserve and choose from multiple accommodation options like an air-conditioned room at Honeycomb Complex or treetop huts that bring you as close to nature as possible. Visitors are accompanied by a knowledgeable and friendly jungle guide, who besides keeping them safe, also explains the beauty of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Delicious and authentic local cuisine is served to visitors at the reserve.

The lush greenery here seems to go on in all directions, making visitors feel one with nature. On guided treks, visitors can look forward to seeing wildlife like spotted deer, peacocks, elephants and leopards. There are also private buses to take you on a jungle safari if you feel a bit too worn out for a trek. For a more unique experience, visitors can opt for bamboo rafting. The world’s largest living teak tree, Kannimara Teak, with a circumference of 23 feet (7 metres) and a height of 131 feet (40 metres), can also be found at the reserve. While Parambikulam Tiger Reserve isn’t a luxury getaway spot, it is definitely the ideal spot to visit in Pollachi to reconnect with nature.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Address: Anappady, Parambikulam Road, Kerala 678661, India

Website: Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 7am - 5pm; Wed - Sun: 7am - 4pm

Price: 0.72 USD onwards

6. Explore the scenic Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 37 miles (60 kilometres) by train from Pollachi is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the epitome of serenity. The scenery here is breathtaking, with visitors reporting clear blue skies, thriving flora and fauna and complete stillness and peace. For those used to the hustle and bustle of urban life, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a refreshing experience. The sanctuary is also being considered as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

This sanctuary is especially important because it is the only rehabilitation centre in India for the Indian star tortoise and home to the endangered Great Grizzled Squirrel. Furthermore, the wildlife sanctuary houses eleven tribal settlements. Visitors to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary can go on the Marayoor Heritage Safari, which will take them through sites like a sugarcane farm, the Kolachavayal tribal settlement, the Perumala fruit orchard and the Nachivayal Sandal Reserve. The safari offers visitors unparalleled views of the picturesque step cultivation lands of Marayoor. Alternatively, visitors can choose to go on guided treks too. For those seeking an immersive experience with nature, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers unique accommodation options too.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Munnar - Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612, India

Website: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 0.14 USD onwards

7. Take a dip in Monkey Falls

Monkey Falls is one of the more accessible waterfalls in Pollachi. It is aptly named due to the number of monkeys that live around the waterfall. Those keen on visiting Monkey Falls can access it via a trekking route that takes them through the surrounding forest and cliffs, but prior permission must be acquired from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department headquarters at Pollachi. Visitors can only trek with a certified guide and under suitable weather conditions. The trek is worth it as you can enjoy a pleasant dip at the base of the stunning waterfalls. It is a rejuvenating experience not to be missed. However, be careful as the rocks are wet and slippery and keep food and valuables out of sight of the monkeys. For those who do not wish to trek, a bus is also available to take visitors to the falls.

Monkey Falls

Address: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 642101, India

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 0.28 USD onwards

A respite from urban life

Pollachi has much more to offer than just agriculture. From tranquil nature getaways to refreshing waterfalls, Pollachi is a must-visit place if you are looking for a relaxing escape from urban life. Make the most of your trip to Pollachi by using this list to plan your visit.