Places to Visit in Anaikatti

Anaikatti lies in the Nilgiri foothills on the Coimbatore–Anaikatti road near the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border, surrounded by tribal hamlets, streams and reserve forest. The cool, green hill country is a popular short getaway from Coimbatore and hosts research institutions such as SACON. Its scenery and proximity to the Nilgiri Biosphere make it a favourite drive and picnic destination.

The “Manchester of South India” hides temple-crowned hills, the record-breaking Adiyogi bust and a mountain road into the Western Ghats.

A 112-foot steel face of Shiva rises at the foot of the Velliangiri hills. The story of Adiyogi — the world’s largest bust — the meaning of 112, and the Isha centre around it.

Baralikadu is a small tribal village and forest-department ecotourism centre near the Pillur reservoir in the Coimbatore Forest Division, hemmed in by dense forest along the Bhavani River. Its main draw is guided coracle rides on the reservoir accompanied by forest staff, along with a lunch prepared by tribal women. It operates on weekends and holidays and is a growing community-based eco-tourism destination.

Temples and the Adiyogi bust on day one, the 40 hairpin climb into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve on day two, then tea estates, waterfalls and lion-tailed macaques around Valparai.

Day 1 in Coimbatore and aboard the steam toy train; Day 2 among the botanical gardens, lakes and tea estates of the Nilgiris.

This hill temple to Lord Murugan sits on Anuvavi Hills at Periya Thadagam, about 19 km from Coimbatore city, reached by a long flight of steps. It is best known for a natural spring within the sanctum that flows perennially through all twelve months, tied by legend to Hanuman striking water from the rock. The perennial theertham and forested hill setting make it a popular local pilgrimage and picnic spot.