The Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976, and renamed Anamalais (Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary) in 1987. In 1989 three areas totalling 108 sq. kms. were demarcated and its status upgraded to that of a National Park. Situated about 90 kms from Coimbatore, in the Western Ghats near Pollachi is the Anamalai wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 958 sq. kms. The sanctuary has a national park, which boasts of various kinds of animals like Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Deer, Wild Bear, Wild Dog, Porcupine, Flying Squirrel, Jackal, Pangolin, Civet Cat and birds like Rocket-tailed Drongo, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Tree Pie, Black Headed Oriole, Spotted Dove, Pigeon, etc. The Amaravati reservoir in the Anamalai wildlife sanctuary is home to a large number of crocodiles.
ANAMALAI
AMARAVATHI
Amaravathi Reservoir at Amaravathinagar is located in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary/ Indira Gandhi National Park in Tamil Nadu, India. The 9.31 km˛, 33.53 m deep reservoir was created by the steep Amaravathi Dam built in 1957 across the Amaravathi River about 25 km upstream and south from Thirumoorthy Dam. Capacity of the dam has shrunk from 4 tmcft to 3 tmcft due to siltation. Though built primarily for irrigation and flood control, it is used generate electric city also. There is a well laid-out park where one may climb steep steps on the dam to have a picturesque view north of the plains below and south to the Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills. The dam can be approached from Udumalpet by road 25 kms. The non-indigenous Tilapia fish was introduced here in the 1950s and subsequently this reservoir had highest fish yield. The Amaravathi Dam has 4 Megawatts electric generating capacity installed. especially used for industrial processing water and waste disposal and as a result are severely polluted due to large amount of textile dyeing and bleaching units.
ALIYAR
The Aliyar Dam was built between the years, 1959 to 1969. Aliyar Dam is a reservoir located 27KM away from pollachi on the foothills of Valparai, in the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats. The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, an aquarium and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamilnadu Fisheries Corporation. It is an ideal picnic spot. Overnight stay is possible in the forest rest house. If you are taking public transport, take Town bus or take a bus to Navamalai or Vaalpaarai and get down at Aaliyar Dam. Drinks and snacks are slightly expensive than the MRP here. The park entry fee is INR 10. The project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Thekkadi and Palar rivers, lying at various elevations, for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. It is located in Anamalai range and is ideal for picnics. Overnight stay is possible in forest rest houses. A tree-top house provides accomodation for the adventurous.
To feel the touch of nature, Ooty is a right spot for the lover of nature. It is located at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. It sparkles with fresh vegetation and sceneries. It is “queen of all hill station”. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 meters. it was discovered in the early 18th Century. The weather of valley is salubrious. Ooty is a best place to know the culture and tradition of India and tribal people.Botanical gardens, lamb’s rock and Dobabetta peak, kalhatty fallskandal, cross shrine, mini garden and rose garden; Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park are till more amusing places in Ooty and its surroundings.
Kodaikanal is peaceful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. It is a striking hill resort on the Palani hills in the Dindigul district of TamilNadu. Located 120 Km/75 mile away from Madurai, With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal will mesmerize any visitor. Kodaikanal - Travel to hill stations of South India and take the best tour travel packages for a luxury vacation on the lush green hills of South India. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Thekkady and Coimbatore. 138 kms from Coimbatore, at the southern tip of the Palani Hills, lies Kodaikanal. Dense greenery, crystal clear springs, water falls and misty cool air - Kodai is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. The hill sides abound with the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years .For orchid lovers, there is an orchidorium 6 kms away, having more than 300 varieties of orchids.The Bear shola falls, Silver cascade, Kodai lake, Bryant park, Coaker's Walk & Kukkai cave are some of the other places worth visiting.
KODAIKANAL
MUDUMALAI
There are number of places in India that are known for their wildlife, Mudumalai is located at an elevated height of 1000 mts from the ground level and covers an area measuring 321sq km. The sanctuary of Mudumalai falls in between the boundaries of two states, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is surrounded by the thick and dense forests of Nilgiri hills in Western Ghats. the sanctuary's dense vegetation and favourable climate attract a variety of wild animals like Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Deer, Snakes, and birds. Elephant rides are a major draw. The area of the Wildlife sanctuary in Mudumalai ranges similarly to that of the Badipur wild life sanctuary but Mudumalai has also Moya River that adds to the beauty of this place along with the beautiful Nilgiri Mountains that surround the sanctuary. The entire area of Mudumalai is very varied in nature. You can come across hills, swamps, waterways, valleys, narrow valleys, small water falls, mountain peaks and much more. Like the Tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests.
OOTY
SIRUVANI DAM
Siruvani dam is located in 37 kms from Coimbatore town in the Western Ghats. Siruvani Dam is has no rivers it is formed by surrounded mountains of Western Ghats. The Siruvani dam is the main source of drinking water for Coimbatore city and is known for its tasty water. Esconsed in lush green trees and beautiful rivulets of waters flowing all around. It is 6 km from Karunya University. Sadivayal Checkpost is the gateway to the waterfalls. An entry fee for every person to enter is charged in this place.
THIRUMOORTHY MALAI
Thirumoorthy temple is situated at the foot of the hill adjacent to Thirumoorthy Dam. Importance of this temple is three Moorthy (syumbhu) Idols originate in same place.Legend says that a few thousand years ago, sage Athari Maharishi along with his wife Anushiya Devi lived here. Moved by their prayer, Lord Shiva along with Brahma and Vishnu (3 moorthis or Thirumoorthy) came in disguise to test their devotion. Overwhelmed by their appearance the couple offered them their tribute. the 3 moorthis blessed the couple and so the place gets its name. There is an old temple here on the foothill. Thirumoorthy temple is situated 50 Kms from Pollachi and 20 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. this place heaven for the hikers and natural lovers. If you want to hike around Thirumoorthy hills, you should get permission from the forest department. Forest department is located nearby Thirumoorthy hills bus station and/or temple. Besides, it consists of three places of interest - Thirumoorthy Temple, Panjalinga Falls, and Thirumoorthy Dam.
TOPSLIP
Indra Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly called Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary), widely known as Top Slip is located at about 37 km from Pollachi town(about 90 Kms from Coimbatore). It is Separated from the Nilgiri Hills by the Palghat Gap on the north, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to its west and to the Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Chinnar WLS to its south. There are many places of natural and scenic beauty in the Anamalai wildlife sanctuary. Some of them are Grass hills, Karianshola, Anaikunthi Shola, groves, waterfalls, teak forests, reservoirs and dams. There are arrangements of exploring the sanctuary on elephant back or by van. If you plan to walk in the park, you must have a Park Guide with you and you are allowed to walk in the park for a maximum of four hours for INR 70 per person.
BLACK THUNDER THEME PARK
Black Thunder theme park, located at Mettupalayam, on the Nilgiri valley adjacent to the famous hill station Ooty, is regarded as Asia’s No:1 Water Theme Park. Black Thunder is situated at 41km from Coimbatore and 40 km from Ooty. The nearest railway stations are Mettupalayam, Coimbatore and Tiruppur and the airport is Coimbatore. It is well connected with all parts of the country through road and rail. Various rides featured in Black thunder includes Water rides like wave pool, surf hill, river ride, rafts, volcano, cannon ball ride, slides, shot gun, kid pool, lake, boating, skill rides, dry rides etc
KOVAI KUTRALAM
Kovai Kutralam falls is an exciting water fall situated at Siruvani. The water fall is about 37 kilometers away from Coimbatore city and the water fall is popularly known for its magnificence. The water fall is situated in the center part of the dense forest and due to this reason visitors are not permitted to see the falls after 5 pm. The chief source of drinking water in Coimbatore is supplied by Siruvani. Tourists cannot make their visit to this falls anytime because only few numbers of buses are available to visit the place. With an excellent panoramic view, the dam will be an excellent place to enchant and enjoy.
VOC PARK AND ZOO
Located in the heart of the city, near to Gandhipuram Bus Stand VOC Park is dedicated to VO Chidambaram Pillai, one of the Indian stalwarts in the fight for freedom. The children s play area in the park contains swings, sliders, seesaw, children train etc. Other major attractions of the park include a mini zoo with a large number of reptiles, birds and mammals; an aquarium having a good collection of different species of fish and a garden with models of prehistoric dinosaurs. Maintained by the Coimbatore Corporation, the park is open on all weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m on weekends and holidays.
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