Discover Pollachi, a picturesque town cradled in the arms of Tamil Nadu’s lush landscapes. This guide unveils a multitude of things to do in Pollachi, a gateway to nature’s wonders and a repository of rich culture. Traverse through verdant coconut groves, explore the timeless charm of traditional markets, and embark on scenic drives to nearby wildlife sanctuaries. Pollachi, with its tranquil backwaters and warm hospitality, offers an idyllic retreat into the heart of Southern India’s splendour. Book a cab from Coimbatore and explore Pollachi’s tranquil surroundings.
Things to do in Pollachi
The natural environment and the rustic landscape make Pollachi rich in biodiversity and a great platform to engage in outdoor adventures and activities –
- Go on a jungle safari in the Anamalai forests and you can spot elephants and other local wildlife. The forests are also good for bird watching in the winter months. You can also do an elephant safari.
- Trek along the Anamalai Hills and experience the beauty of the town and the surrounding Western Ghats from the hilly bluffs.
- Plan a pilgrimage tour across all ancient temples in Pollachi.
- Pollachi is known for agro-tourism and eco-tourism, you can opt for a farm stay or a wellness retreat for a rejuvenating experience.
Places to visit in Pollachi
Check out these popular tourist places in Pollachi for a fun trip –
- Topslip Anamalai Tiger Reserve – The richest wildlife area in the district, Topslip is known for its diverse flora and fauna and elephant rides. Entry Fee– INR 20, INR 50 for the camera, INR 200 for the video camera
- Arivu Thirukovil Temple – Also known as the “temple of consciousness” this is a center for meditation, yogic, and spiritual learning sitting amid a lush environment. You can enroll for one or both sessions held every day. Entry Fee– Free for touring, session charges separately.
- Aliyar Dam – The most prominent dam in the area, this dam holds the water on the Aliyar River and offers various activities around the catchment area. Try boating, or visit the aquarium, mini theme park, garden, or children’s play area on the banks. Also, visit Loam’s View Point nearby. Entry Fee– INR 10
- Winner Falls – Also known as Winner Fame Water Cascade, this waterfall origins in the Aliyar River and flows along rocky slopes, and is a popular shooting spot for regional movies. Entry Fee– NA
- Mariamman Temple – An ancient temple sitting in the heart of the town, this religious structure features classic Dravidian style architecture from the Chola period. Entry Fee– Free
Places to visit near Pollachi
Apart from your local Pollachi sightseeing, you can also visit other places nearby. Check out these equally scenic locales near Pollachi –
- Monkey Falls – A scenic natural waterfall at an hour’s drive from Pollachi, the Monkey Falls is a popular nature hotspot for tourists and locals alike. The area also has a high population of monkeys. Entry Fee– Free
- Valparai – Located a couple of hours’ drive from Pollachi, Valparai is a cozy hill station with tea estates and coffee plantations. Visit the grassy knolls, plantations, and the Azhiyar Dam. Entry Fee– NA
- Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary – This well-known wildlife reserve sits in the Palakkad district of Kerala, south of the Western Ghats, and is known for its rich flora and fauna, as well as native tribes living around the forests. Entry Fee– INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for infants, vehicle charges separate.
- Arulmigu Subramanya Thirukoil Temple – Located outside the town, this ancient temple is recognized as a site of architectural wonder. The temple is also a site of many local festivals and religious events. Entry Fee– Free
- Coimbatore – The second largest city in Tamil Nadu and the largest city in the district, the historical city of Coimbatore is known for its history, art, and architecture. Visit the GD Car Museum, The Gass Forest Museum, and the Kari Motor Speedway. Entry Fee– NA
Places to eat in Pollachi
Check out these best-rated eateries in Pollachi to sample the local flavors –
- The Slaves
- S.P. Hotel
- Amutha Surabhi
- Madhava Multi Cuisine Veg. Restaurant
- Salt n Pepper Family Restaurant
- Ashiq Biriyani
- Kunnappa Chettinad Unavagam
How to Plan a trip to Pollachi
You can also plan your personalized Pollachi trip by selecting the mode of transport, the route, and more. Let us help you with the travel options to Pollachi for a better idea –
How to Reach
By Train
Pollachi Railway station is well-connected to the rest of the state as well as Kerala. There are regular trains from other major towns/cities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and other major junctions across South India.
By Road
Pollachi is connected to other major cities in Tamil Nadu via NH 79 and NH 544. There are regular state-run and private buses from Coimbatore, Chennai, Salem, Palakkad, Palani, Trissur, etc. The best way to reach Pollachi is to book an outstation cab from these cities or book a comfortable car rental from Pollachi and enjoy a road trip.
By Flight
There is no flight service in Pollachi. The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, about 57KM away. There are frequent flights to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kochi, Calicut, Madurai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other major cities across India. You can book an airport taxi from Coimbatore or rent a local car to reach Pollachi by road.
Best time to visit
Since the weather in Pollachi is hot and humid in most parts of the year, the best season to visit this place is in the colder months, between December and February, or after the monsoon, between September and November. But sometimes the rains cause floods and it’s not advisable to travel at this time.
About Pollachi
Pollachi is a small town and district headquarters of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu and the second largest town in the district. Replete with lush greenery, expansive fields, and an unpolluted natural environment, the town is recognized as a popular shooting location for regional films. Evolved as an agricultural region, Pollachi is known for its high yields of coconut, jaggery, and vegetables and is often called the “Coconut capital of Tamil Nadu.” The unfiltered natural beauty of the Western Ghats and pure air make this quaint locale a destination for those who seek respite from the urban landscape.
With our Pollachi travel guide, you can discover this scenic retreat and experience a beautiful travel destination.
Location
Pollachi is located in the south of the Coimbatore district about 40KM from Coimbatore city, 47KM from Palakkad, 67KM from Palani, and 147KM from Dindigul. The Pollachi railway junction connects Palakkad on the west and Dindigul on the east.
Weather
Sitting on the plain region of the Western Ghats, Pollachi experiences warm and humid tropical weather. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures rising beyond 35 degrees Celsius, while winters are cool and pleasant with comfortable weather all day long. The town also receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon, making it cool but also very moist.
History
Pollachi came to recognition during the period of the Cholas and became a site of ancient temples, most of which can still be found around the area. In ancient times, the town was known as Pozhil Vaitchi, which, in Tamil, translates to “gifted with beauty” and rightful to its landscape and natural bounties. During the reign of the Cholas, Pollachi was also called the Mudi Konda Chola Nallur or where the “crowned king” lived.
Geography
Pollachi is located at the base of the Western Ghats along the Palghat Gap, which brings in the Southwest Monsoon winds. The average elevation of the town is somewhere around 1000 feet. The Aliyar River passes along the borders of the town and the irrigation contributes to the cultivation of coconut, vegetables, and cattle rearing, which make for the predominant economy of the region.
Interesting Facts
Pollachi has served as a major location for the filming of Tamil, Telugu, and some Hindi movies. In the 2003 movie, Winner was responsible for Winner Falls to get its name.
[Also Read: Things to Do in Rameshwaram – A Complete Travel Guide]
Hotels and Resorts in Pollachi
Here are some of the best-rated places to stay in Pollachi –
- Thiruchitrambalam Palace Resort
- Anaimalai Farm House
- Nandavanam Estate
- Banyan Tree Farm Stay
- Haydays
- Coco Lagoon by Great Mount
- Coatesville Resort
- WABI Retreat
For more such places to visit near Chennai, you can read our elaborate travel guide.
Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by V Subhadra
