Erode is the headquarter of the Erode district in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a buzzing city located on the banks of the mighty Bhavani and Cauvery rivers. Before we get into the best tourist places in Erode, let’s find out what makes this city so special.
The next time you’re out shopping for clothes or stocking up the spice cabinet in the kitchen, think of Erode. The city is famous for its thriving textile industry with power loom textile products, readymade clothes, and handloom products. But Erode is far from being a one-hit-wonder specializing in clothes as it is also a hub for manufacturing for bed sheets, cotton sarees, dhotis, lungies, towels, carpets, and wholesale printed fabrics. It’s no wonder that the city is called the “Texvalley of India” or “Loom City of India”.
We also have to Erode to thank for the wondrous Haldi (turmeric) that adds flavor to our food and lives in general as turmeric is found in abundance across the city!
Erode is situated at the heart of the South Indian Peninsula, 400 km from Chennai and 100 km from the commercial city, Coimbatore. Good news for tourists – the city isn’t all business and has some fascinating destinations to explore.
The Erode Government Museum is a fantastic center of art and culture in the state of Tamil Nadu. Established in 1987, this museum has grown to become a rich source of artifacts, architecture, and archaeology in the state. With its collection of items growing rapidly, the museum is poised to scale even greater heights soon.
The Government Museum exhibits prominent regional art and traditions. It is well known for artifacts and stone from the Bargur region, as well as inscriptions dating back to the Chola Kingdom. The museum also contains a separate gallery for Tanjore paintings and manuscripts. What also sets this museum apart is its collection of fascinating palm-leaf manuscripts, as well as botanical and zoological specimens.
This treasure house of art is one of the best tourist places in Erode and is open to visitors almost every day. Its doors remain shut only on Fridays and the second Saturday of each month.
About 15 km from Erode lies a sanctuary close to the hearts of the people in Erode. The Vellode Birds Sanctuary is home to several migratory birds from across the globe. This oasis of green is situated around a large lake where exotic birds flock to rest and quench their thirst. Common sightings around the sanctuary include pintail ducks, pelicans, cormorants, darters, and teals. To enjoy the best views, we advise you to take a seat at the many observatory towers around the lake.
The sanctuary was established in 1996 and is currently maintained by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. It is a source of immense pride for the people of Erode, who vigilantly protect this beautiful home for their winged friends. Visit the sanctuary from November till March for the best sightings. The sanctuary is a must-visit for nature lovers and is one of the best tourist places in Erode.
There’s nothing like a stunning panoramic view to make your day, and the Karadiyur Viewpoint will never disappoint. The viewpoint is atop a sheer cliff with stunning views of the Mettur Dam and the valley below. The climb to the top is slightly arduous but the scenery from above is worth the effort!
Karadiyur received its name after a significant number of sloth bears were spotted here in the distant past. The sloth bears no longer frequent this area, however, and you can enjoy your walk up to the viewpoint in peace. The distance from the nearest road to the viewpoint is approximately 1 km.
Karadiyur Viewpoint is wonderful for trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers. Chasing the sunrise or sunset – depending on your preference – is one of the best things to do at Karadiyur. People are often found picnicking here as well. Perch yourself on the watchtower constructed by the Department of Forestry for a bird’s eye view.
The Bhavanisagar Dam is the lifeline of the Erode district. This beautiful dam was built post-Independence over the pristine river Bhavani. A multipurpose structure of wonder, the dam stores water for irrigation, supplies drinking water, generates electricity and controls floods and silt formation downstream. It is considered to be one of the largest earthen dams in the country.
It is a much-loved picnic site owing to the abundance of lush lawns and greenery all around. One of the most frequented spots is the beautifully maintained garden with a designated area for children to play. The garden also contains a small channel of water if you’d like to take a boat ride.
Behind every prosperous town and its people is the hand of a benevolent deity, or so they say about Erode. Thindal Murugan Temple is devoted to the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Muruga. Lord Murugan is a prominent Tamil God and son of Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is a God deeply revered and has dedicated shrines that span the entire state of Tamil Nadu. Lord Murugan’s power is said to manifest a hundred times more at the Thindal Murugan Temple in Erode than any other place. Located on top of Thindal Malli hillock, the temple is one of the most worshipped places in the city.
It is widely believed that Erode’s wealth and prosperity is a result of Lord Murugan, whose figure in the temple is positioned facing the city. The temple is located at a distance of 6 km from the city center and is one of the best tourist places in Erode.
Thousands of devotees from across the state come to seek blessings at the temple. The temple’s entrance arch contains artwork that features a staggering pantheon depicting Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Goddess Valli, Goddess Devayanani, Lord Muruga’s mount or Vahana Peacock, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Lakshmi.
The Periamariamman Temple is another temple worth visiting while in Erode. Mariamman is a powerful Queen Goddess from Hindu Mythology with her own dynasty and abilities to cure illnesses such as smallpox, chickenpox, or fever. Periamariamman is a goddess for everyone. She is worshipped and adored across caste, class, or religion lines.
The temple was established over a thousand years ago by the Kongu Cholas. It was renovated in 1969 by a group of committed disciples.
Visit the Arudra Kabaliswarar Temple for its intricate artwork and 500-year-old history. It is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered auspicious by the people of Erode for several reasons. The rays of the sun always fall in front of the temple’s mandaps – a sign of great fortune. A small festival is also celebrated whenever the sun falls on the face of the deity. It is also said that wishes and requests made at the temple always come true.
The Arudra Kabaliswarar Temple is best visited during the festival of Maha Shivaratri which is celebrated with great fervor.
The Bannari Amman Temple is located at a distance of 75 km from Erode. It is another famous temple dedicated to the mighty Goddess Mariamman. Set in the lap of the Western Ghats, this temple is a beautiful homage to the Goddess. According to folklore and myth, tigers and cows once mingled peacefully on the banks of the river nearby.
The Brough Church is one of the oldest churches in the state of Tamil Nadu. The church was founded by an Australian missionary named Antony Watson Broug who made tremendous contributions to the welfare of the people of Erode.
This beautiful building was constructed according to the tenets of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is said that most of the materials for construction were brought from Karur. Its stunning arches and pillars are made of granite stones, containing expert carvings that are hexagonal in shape. An inscription at the entrance reading ‘Only God’ in both Tamil and Arabic welcomes visitors and devotees to the church.
The food in Erode is a reflection of cuisines from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Dishes are often light and spicy which is common in regions with tropical weather. Rice features majorly on the menu and the food is rich in turmeric – the golden spice found in abundance across the ‘Turmeric City’ of India.
Go beyond the comforts of Idli-Dosa or Uttapam and gorge on these mouth-watering local delicacies instead!
Erode Killu Kari: The Killu Kari is a simple spicy mutton gravy that packs a punch. The dish is made with virtually no masalas and involves only mutton, chili powder, onion, turmeric, ginger garlic paste and oil. Pair this fantastic preparation with a plate of steaming hot rice.
Erode Pallipalayam Chicken: This rich chicken dish is a favorite among the people of Erode. Red chilies and garlic feature prominently in this dish. It’s perfect for a snack or as a side dish.
Kanji: Kanji is a popular breakfast dish made in Erode. It is primarily a sweet and salty rice porridge that gets your day started with a dollop of energy! Rice can also be substituted with broken wheat or pearl millet. Milk brings the dish together and it’s often sweetened with jaggery or sugar.
Katti Paruppu: The Katti Paruppu is a simple chickpea dal curry with very little seasoning. It is generally served as an appetizer and offsets the spicy food that usually follows.
Poricha Kootu: The Poricha Kootu is a fried lentil stew infused with pepper and coconut. Steamed vegetables of choice can also be incorporated.
Coconut chutney: A meal without the famed coconut chutney of Southern India seems incomplete. Go ahead and take generous amounts to lap up all your meals in Erode.
Some of the most popular restaurants in Erode are Thottathu Virundhu, Chimney, Trichy Café, Junior Kupanna, Ubm Namma Veetu Saappaadu, Kumki Restaurant, Ruchi Restaurant, Lijo Sky Pool Restaurant, Sri Annalakshmi Restaurant Pure Veg, and Rukmani Ammal Vegetarian Restaurant.
These restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine from regional, vegetarian-friendly, vegan, Indian, Asian, halal, Continental, and Italian
By Air: The closest airport is Coimbatore Airport (95 KM)
By Train: The Erode Junction Railway Station (10 KM)
By Road: Erode is connected by road to major cities
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