India /Tamil Nadu /Coimbatore Hills /Anaimalai

Anaimalai exists near an abundant supply of wildlife, animals like panthers, crocodiles, tigers, elephants, spotted deer, civet cats, and wild boars are found in the region. Numerous birds can also be sighted in the area. It is possible to spot such birds as the Malabar pied hornbill, black headed oriole, rocket-tailed drongo, tree pie, spotted dove, and red whiskered bulbul. In fact, the vary name of this village invokes thoughts of wildlife, since the name’s translation means elephant hill. Located in the Coimbatore Hills district in the state of Tamil Nadu, the biggest draw for tourists in this area is the remarkable beauty of the natural landscape that is there. Many different shades of green make up the dense forest of this area. The village itself also has some incredibly interesting history. Anaimalai is one of the eight sacred Jaina hills. Right by the village there is a natural cavern that contains numerous berths that are located both inside and outside of it. There is a Brahmi inscription on the outside wall that is dated back to the 1st or 2nd century. This inscription states that the berths were gifts from Nathan of Kunrattur made in honor of three monks named Eri Aritan, Attuvay, and Arrattakayipan. This is a rather unusual find since this village was not known for being a lama center until the 9th century. It was around that time that several stone sculptures started to be carved into the rocks by devout local people. Best season to visit Anaimalai is June to March, tourists may avoid heavy rainy days. March to May Sanctuary may be closed and the season is good for other sight seeing. June to September is good for nature viewing and also to spot wild animals.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Wildlife

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 642104

STD Code: 4253

Info Website: anaimalaimasaniamman.org.in

Best Time to Visit:  November – May

HistoryEdit

Anaimalai was known as Nannanur and ruled by a chieftain called Nannan. There was a dense grove of mango trees belonging to him. Appointing checkpost officials, he had proclaimed punitive measures against trespassers. An unfortunate young woman who was bathing in the river Aliyar stumbles upon a mango fruit coming to her, floating on the water. Unable to resist temptation, she at once picked it up and bit it. The prying officials reported the news to the ruler. The innocent woman was produced before the chieftain with her clothes dripping water. She pleaded not guilty and prayed to the lord to be sat free. She explained that she never committed any offence; if at all it was considered an act of stealth, it was more by chance than by choice. Although the father of the woman offered to give an image made of gold equal to her weight by way of compensation together with 81 elephants, the ruler did not relent and ordered her execution.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : There is no airport in Anaimalai. Nearest airport is Coimbatore, which is 96 km away from Anaimalai city. Tourist taxis costs about Rs 1200/- for a drop to Anaimalai from Coimbatore. Coimbatore is locally connected many South Indian airports, especially to Chennai. Coimbatore International Airport : 91-422-2592155.

By Train : Nearest railhead is Coimbatore. Coimbatore railway station is well connected to all major cities in India.

By BUS : Buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore and Cochin to Coimabtore. The bus fare ranges between Rs 500 to Rs 1200. State owned buses are also connecting Chennai to Coimbatore and KSRTC connects Cochin to Coimbatore.

By Taxi : Anaimalai is well connected by a road network and national Highway . The tourist can reach to Anaimalai by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : N.A.

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Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Annual Festival (Kundam Thiru Vizha) ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January-February ; Details:  A land measuring 2.85 acres has been gifted to the temple. On this land in a particular place is dug up a fire-pit for the Kundam Festival. Kundam Festival associated with Mariamman temples is the most popular one in Kongunadu. Kundam Festival represents the Annual Brahmorchavam in this shrine. Every year on the New Moon Day of the Tamil Month ‘Thai’ the temple flag is hoisted. On the 14th day, at midnight, devotees hasten to the graveyard for special worship. An image of the deity is made out of the clay taken from the graveyard and prayer is offered to it. On the 15th day after fulfilling the formality of what is known as ‘Kankan’, ‘Kumbhasthapanam’ takes place. Special worship is performed at 3.00 A.M. On the 16th day comes the Chithira Ther Festival. After the car circumambulated the town, at 10.00 P.M. the holy fire of the ‘Kundam’ is lighted.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Anaimalai is a major tourist city in India.
• Beware of fake items. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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