Happy TravellerWelcome to Pollachi, the second largest town in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu state in India. Known as a popular marketplace for jaggery, vegetables, and cattle, Pollachi is a charming and picturesque town that offers visitors a glimpse into rural Indian life. In this article, we’ll explore the history, geography, demographics, economy, education, transport, places of interest, and more in Pollachi.
History
Pollachi was originally known as Pozhil Vaitchi in Tamil, which means ‘gifted with beauty’. Later on, it became known as Pollachi. During the period of the Cholas, it was also known as Mudi Konda Chola Nallur. In 2019, the town became notable for the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case involving the rape and extortion of numerous women by a gang.
Geography
Pollachi is located at 10.662°N 77.0065°E / 10.662; 77.0065. It has an average elevation of 293 metres (961 ft). The Aliyar River passes about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) away from the town, and the town receives rainfall from Southwest monsoon due to the presence of Palghat gap.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, Pollachi had a population of 90,180 with a sex-ratio of 1,012 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929. A total of 7,732 were under the age of six, constituting 3,952 males and 3,780 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 10.57% and 0.29% of the population respectively. The average literacy rate of the city was 82.15%, compared to the national average of 72.99%. The city had a total of 24,755 households. There were a total of 36,972 workers, comprising 219 cultivators, 488 main agricultural laborers, 1,018 in household industries, 32,720 other workers, 2,527 marginal workers, 25 marginal cultivators, 45 marginal agricultural laborers, 124 marginal workers in household industries, and 2,333 other marginal workers.
Economy
The economy of the town is predominantly dependent on agriculture. Coconut, jaggery, vegetables, and cattle contribute to the agricultural output. There are also coir producing units with raw materials sourced from local farms. Vanilla is also cultivated in certain locations. Pollachi is also a popular movie shooting location for the Tamil film industry owing to its scenic landscape.
Education
Pollachi has schools which follow different curricula such as CBSE, ICSE, and state board. Proximity to the educational hub of Coimbatore aids in higher education.
Transport
Pollachi is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
Road
Pollachi is linked by National Highway 209, State Highway 19, SH 78, and SH 78A. The central bus stand caters for bus transport which is used by Government-run TNSTC and private operators. State Express Transport Corporation operates long-distance buses. Main routes from Pollachi include Coimbatore, Valparai, Dharapuram, Udumalpet, Palladam, Palakkad, and Thrissur.
Rail
Pollachi Railway Junction connects with Palakkad to the west, Coimbatore to the north, and Dindigul to the east. In 2017, the track between Pollachi and Podanur was converted from meter to broad gauge at a cost of ₹340 crore (US$43 million).
Air
Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 48 km from Pollachi.
Places of Interest
Pollachi and its surrounding areas offer plenty of attractions for visitors to explore.
Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Located near Pollachi, Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at an average altitude of 1,400 feet (430 m) in the Western Ghats. This sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Valparai
A hill station about 65 kilometers (40 mi) from Pollachi, Valparai is situated at an altitude of 3,500 feet (1,100 m). This charming town offers breathtaking landscapes and is a popular spot for trekking, wildlife safaris, and bird watching.
Topslip
Topslip is a popular picnic spot located at an altitude of about 800 feet (240 m) in the Anamalai mountain range, which is about 37 kilometers (23 mi) from Pollachi. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and go on wildlife safaris to spot elephants, bison, and more.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the valley between the Anaimalai Hills of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathi range of Kerala, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The area is hilly and rocky, drained by several rivers and is thickly forested with some marsh lands and scattered patches of grass. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as trekking, camping, and boating in the sanctuary.
Parambikulam-Aliyar Multipurpose Project
Involving a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals at various elevations, the Parambikulam-Aliyar Multipurpose Project harnesses the various rivers flowing through the area. The Azhiyar Dam is located on the foothills of Anamalai in the Western Ghats and is a popular spot for picnics and boating. Solaiyar Dam is 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) from Valparai and is one of the largest rock dams in India.
Temples
Pollachi is also home to several ancient temples, including the Thirumurthyswami temple, which is dedicated to Shiva and situated in the foothills of the Thirumurthy Hills. Other major temples include Masani Amman, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, and Vethathiri Maharishi.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Pollachi, India. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich history, enjoying its beautiful landscapes, or simply getting a taste of rural Indian life, Pollachi has something for everyone to enjoy!
