Avinashi

Photo Courtesy :http://en.wikipedia.org/(Left) & http://rprabhu.blogspot.com(Right)
Avinashiappar temple(Left) & Avinashi temple car(Right)

Avinashi is a small town situated near Tirupur in Tamil Nadu.Avinashi is located in between Tirupur and Coimbatore.Avinashi was known as "Thirupukkaliyur" in the ancient times. It is famous for the Shiva temple.The present structure of the temple was originally built by the king of Kongu Chola, PandyaHoySalar and the King of Mysore.In 1756 Krishna Raja Udayar of Mysore renovated the temple.Avinashi is also referred as Dakshina Varanasi(Varnasi of the South).The Cholas, Pandyas and the Hoysalas have made their architectural contributions to the temples.The car festival is the most exciting of the festivals in this temple. This temple's car (ratham) is noted for its fine wooden carvings.There are many textile mills located in and around this town. These textile mills comprise spinning and weaving mills that work closing with various apparel manufacturing companies in Coimbatore and Tirupur. There are also many engineering industries. Agriculture is the major occupation of many of the people in and around this town.

Rakkiapalayam

Rakkiapalayam is a village near Avinashi where my husband belongs.Being married for two years now though i visit Rakkiapalayam often i got to visit the Avinashi temple only a few months back during my recent visit to India.My husband says he has fond memories of the temple as they used to visit the temple every week.

Perur

Photo courtesy:http://www.coimbatore.com
Perur Patteeswarar temple

Perur is located seven miles to the west of Coimbatore, on the banks of Noyyal river.Perur is famous for the temple.The temple was built by Karikala Cholan.The temple has the main deity Shiva also called as "Patteeswarar'' and his consort deity called "Pachai Nayaki".The temple has a golden hall of dance,a hall decked with exquisite sculpture.Perur also holds the annual Natyanjali in the month of September.Natyanjali is the annual dance recital done by famous cultural musicians and dancers from various regions.The dance recital is considered as a homage to the deity and to the art form of dance.

Photo courtesy : http://www.monochrom.at(left) & http://hindu.com(right)
Lord Nataraja(Lord Shiva) performing the "Cosmic dance"(left) Natyanjali dance recital(right)

Vaidehi falls

Vaidehi Falls is at Narasipuram in the outskirts of Coimbatore. It is at a distance of about 30 km from Coimbatore on the Coimbatore - Siruvani road.I love Vaidehi falls as we went trekking through the forest to reach the falls.I remember that this place was untouched and was full on greenery in 1995.I had not seen a place that calm and peaceful then.I am sure all my classmates of high school will remember this trip.It was a memorable one.Unfortunately i have not found any picture of Vaidehi falls.

Anubhavi Subramaniya temple

Photo courtesy : http://picasa.google.com/

Anubhavi Subramaniya temple

Anubhavi Subramaniya temple is an ancient temple for Lord Muruga(Hindu God).This temple is on the Annaikatti highway on the outskirts of Coimbatore.The temple is located on a hill top and there is no vehicle access to the hill top.The only way to access the temple is by climbing the stairs.I love this temple because it is nostalgic,it reminds me of the wonderful times spent with my parents and brother.

Marudamalai

Photo courtesy : http://wikimedia.org
Marudamalai temple

Marudamalai is in the North west part of Coimbatore.Marudamalai stands at 500ft high on the Western Ghats.On this small hill is a temple of "Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy" which belongs to the 12th century.The deity is more commonly called "Lord Muruga"(a Hindu God).The worship of Lord Muruga,in South India and other parts of Asia, goes back to the pre-Christian era and forms an important facet in the religious life of Hindus. Apart from the main God Lord Muruga,the "Pambatti Siddhar Cave" is visted by the tourist and natives of Coimbatore.History says that the Siddhar meditated in the cave and attained salvation here.

From left to right Pradheep,me,inlaws,Nithya,Vasanth,Nithya's cousin & Nithya's parents at Marudamalai

Marudamalai stands very close to my heart as I used to visit the temple with my famliy and more often with my friends.The view from the hill top is the Coimbatore city.There is a walkway,consisting of stairs to the hill top.I love walking to the temple.I remember frequenting the temple with my granny,and also remember she used to buy me all junk jewellery and "yelathavadai" from the small shops beside the temple. Good old days! Miss them now!

Where i belong

Photo courtesy:Iingadaulke http://www.flickr.com

Coimbatore city

Coimbatore is the city where i belong, the city where i was born and i spent all my school and college days in this city.I love the culture,the people,the food,the weather and the love i have for the city is immense.
Coimbatore (கோயம்புத்தூர்) is situated in the banks of Noyyal river, in the state Tamil Nadu.The city got it's name from the king Kovan who ruled Coimbatore.Many who live in Coimbatore believe that the city got it's name from the deity 'Koniamman'.The Cheras were the early ruling dynasty of the city.The city today it is called the Manchester of South India.
Culture :
The Coimbatorians are very hospitable in nature.The language used in Coimbatore is ' Kongu Tamil' which is famous for it's dialect.The society earlier was predominant by the natives of the city.Though the city is now cosmopolitan,the natives still are culturally intact which keeps the city distinct.
Food :
I love the food in Coimbatore so much that it remains nostalgic till date.I love the "masala dosas","kaapi" and meals in "Sree Annapoorna", a famous restaurant."Biriyani" in "Angana kadai" is so yummy that i have not had any other biriyani that good till date.I bet true natives of Coimbatore would have tasted the biriyani atleast once.My family frequents "Delhi wala" for "gulab jamuns" and their mouthwatering "parathas" and side dishes.I love "Agarwal" for their yummy "chat's".I remember frequenting "Bairavi" restaurant which is a part of Sugam hotels, for their paneer manchurian.(Anita if you are reading this,you will smile !)Apart from this there are so many road side "idly shops" in R.S.Puram that we love.Krishna sweets in Coimbatore is famous for it's "Mysorepa",a delicacy found only in Coimbatore.
Weather and location:
Coimbatore is situated in the West of Tamil Nadu near the state Kerala and Niligiris.Weather is usually pleasant due to the monsoon and it's demography.

Photo courtesy:vilni http://flickr.com(top) and http://hindu.com(bottom)
View of the Niligiris(top) Flower market(bottom)