Getaway

If you’ve never been these places around Karur, you have not met the right tour guide. There’s the Crocodile Farm in Amaravathi Dam that is worth a Dekko. Not to mention a stay in the many tree houses in Annamalai wildlife sanctuary. If you are fan of hilly weather, nothing like Valparai and its streams, waterfalls and dense forests. But of course, who can miss the Queen of Hills, Ooty. Visit it during April and May and don’t forget to watch the annual flower show at its terraced Botanical Gardens. The list is endless... read on.

PALANI

This is a pilgrim centre and is one of the six places of Lord Subramanya. It is situated at an attitude of 140m. The presiding deity is Sri Dandayuthapani. The idol in the shrine is made out of medicinal herbs and shrubs. A large number of pilgrims visit through the year. A drive to Palani takes a little over two hours by car.

 

PARAMBIKULAM-ALIYAR

The place is known for the Aazhiyaar Dam, situated 24KM from Pollachi. The Aazhitaar dam was built during the period of 1959 to 1969 on the banks of the river Aazhiyaar. The ultimate objective of constructing the dam is irrigation and power generation. The dam comprises several small dams that are interlinked with tunnels and canals for restraining the rivers, Aliyar, Sholiyar, Nirar, Thunakadavu, Parambikulam, Thekkadi and Palar. The Aazhiyaar dam is an excellent illustration for engineering master work. The dam stands tall at 81 metres and makes for a great picnic spot. Timing: 9AM – 6PM.

 

COONOOR

This is the second largest hill station next to Ooty in the Nilgris. The altitude is 1839 meters above the sea level. The climate in Coonoor is milder than Ooty. People can visit Sim’s Park, Law’s fall, Ketti Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Lady Canning’s seat, The Droog, Ralliah Dam, Catherine’s fall and some beverages plantations.

 

OOTY

Udhagamandalam in English, Ootachamand is known to be the Queen of Hills. This is situated in an altitude 7500ft. The extraordinary sceneries make Ooty, a great tourist spot. The misty dense clouds, the chill weather and the evergreen ambience make things look ‘wow’. John Sullivan, the British collector of East India Company who ruled over Coimbatore district discovered Ooty in 1882. Some attractions in Ooty are Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake and Stone House. The Botanical Garden is built in the Victorian style. It is a series terraced gardens, found by Marquis of Tweed Dale in to 47. Every year, an agro-horticulture show is held during April and May and many tourists are spellbound by the flower show. A lake was built by Sullivan between 1823 and 1825. One can row boats into the lake to find the green tops alongside. There is also a lake garden and toy train. The stone house is Ooty was also built by Sullivan. This is the first ever bungalow constructed in Ooty.

 

KOTAGIRI

This hill station lies in the Nilgiris. This is the ancient and oldest hill resort of the Nilgiris hills. The British started their building activities early in 1819. This place too is surrounded by tea plantations. Rolling greens are a highlight of this choicest spot in the Annamalai range of 56 estates.

 VALPARAI
A fine picnic spot, Valparai is the head of these estates. The main plantation here is tea. Dotted all over are several waterfalls, streams, dams and dense forests. One can travel to Kerala from Valparai through the mountain road.

 

 

YERCAUD

Yercaud is a popularly known hill station near Salem in Tamilnadu that is 1500 metres (4920 ft) above the sea level. Known for Coffee plantations orange groves, it has an orchidarium run by the Botanical Survey of India. A summer festival is held during the middle of May every year, which includes a seven-day exhibition of flower shows, dog shows, boating races and a fair. Location: Sheveroy Hills of North-Central of Tamilnadu.

KODAI

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.

The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji'(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor and is frequented all through the year.

Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares

 

TOP SLIP

A picturesque locale in the Annamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms from Pollachi. There are bungalows available within the sanctuary. For thrill seekers, accommodation is also available in a tree house.