Pollachi
At a distance of 30 km from Udumalpet, 48 km from Coimbatore, 65 km from Valparai, 116 km from Munnar, 130 km from Dindigul, 163 km from Kochi, 191 km from Madurai, and 526 km from Chennai, Pollachi is a scenic town and a taluk headquarters in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in India. It is the second-largest town in the district after Coimbatore.

 

Located on the tip of the Annamalai hills and the plains of Coimbatore, Pollachi is a largely visited tourist hub along with Coimbatore as part of Tamilnadu offbeat tourism. The ancient name for Pollachi was 'PozhilVaitchi' meaning 'the land of natural wealth and prosperity in Tamil. The town was also called MudiKondaCholaNallur during the reign of KulottungaChola III. Since ancient times, the Pollachi market called by the name of 'PollachiSandhai' has been considered as a prosperous bazaar that combines great natural wealth. The town markets are always alive with cattle, traders, and vegetables but jaggery dominates as Pollachi remains the biggest market in Asia for Jaggery production.

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The charming town of Pollachi is known for its lavish greenery and blissful sceneries. Primarily an agricultural region, Pollachi adorns vast spreads of coconut, jaggery, and vegetable fields. The ancient ArulmiguSubramaniaThirukoil which dates back to the 8th century CE is one of the most popular temples of the region. It was believed to have been a Shiva temple at some point in history. The famous Topslip, Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Aliyar Dam, and Masani Amman Temple are the other places to visit in Pollachi. The picturesque town has become a favorite spot among film-makers with over 1500 movies being shot here in the past few years.

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Although many religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism prevail, Pollachi is mainly a Hindu town. Navaratri and Pongal are the two religious festivals celebrated here with great pomp and fervor. Also, Pollachi hosts the Cattle Festival generally during February, a competition for farmers and agriculturalists to showcase their best cattle and agricultural produce and win prizes as well. One can attend Pollachi Fair, a vendor and hawker fair held every Thursday. During this event, sellers market a variety of items such as clothing, pulses, vegetables, oils, etc.

Surrounded by the mighty Western Ghats, the town not only possess a charming scenic beauty but also experiences a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Pollachi is from December to February and in the monsoon season when the place looks splendid. 

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​Valparai
Valparai is a hill station close to Pollachi with vast areas of tea and coffee plantations amidst thick reserve forest nurturing a unique flora and fauna. Valparai is devoid of man-made tourist attractions. It has many deep forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Traveling towards Valparai through the spectacular winding forest road in-between the rich green tea gardens of Valparai, you will have a soul quenching experience from the magnificent presence of streams, dams, valleys, waterfalls, tall mountains and the mesmerizing grass lands. As you near Valparai you will be awe-inspired by the most secluded, most enchanting and the indescribable Valparai Grass Hills which adorn the crown of Valparai. This area is quite different from other tourist spots. Eco-tourism is given utmost precedence here. The picturesque grass hills are part of the Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife and natural beauty makes Valparai popular among serious photographers. The climate here is consistent with the cool comforts associated with hill stations. The close-by Sholayar dam is one of the largest reservoirs in South India. 

Wake up in tea estates steeped in history. Enjoy the melody of the Whistling Thrush and the stately maneuvers of an elephant. Have unhurried conversations in bungalows that once belonged to the ‘SinnaDorais’, an erstwhile term for the assistant manager of a South Indian tea plantation. Savor homely cuisine, followed by lazy afternoon tea on sunny verandas. Slip into deep slumber in elegant bedrooms. No modern trappings. Just the authentic charms of a bygone age.Perfectly preserved.