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Erode Travel Guide

From the lively blare of its colourful markets filled with a subtle fragrance of turmeric to the purring of its numerous looms-everything about Erode has an essence of warmth attached to it. A perfect blend of natural beauty and traditions, Erode happens to be one of the most popular tourism attractions in Tamil Nadu. The cool waters of the Kaveri River and Bhavani River flowing through either side of Erode, enhances its scenic beauty, making it a favourite travel destination for nature lovers, history buffs and adventure seekers. Legends have it that, the name Erode is derived from the phrase "Era Udu" which stands for "wet skull." An ancient city, Erode has been ruled by several kingdoms including the Cheras, the Cholas and later by Tipu Sultan, and finally the British. Today, a prominent district headquarters, Erode is located roughly at a distance of 265 kilometres from Bengaluru, 100 kilometres from Coimbatore and around 409 kilometres from Chennai. The city of Erode makes for a major tourist attraction of Tamil Nadu and is an ideal weekend getaway for the residents of Bengaluru, Coimbatore and even Chennai. Travellers can choose from several options when it comes to the places to visit in Erode. From a multitude of temples, churches, forts, other places of worship to sanctuaries and tiger reserve-visitors can choose from ample points in the city.

One of the most popular tourist attractions at Erode happens to be-the Thindal Murugan Temple. A common place of worship, the temple is flocked by thousands of pilgrims almost every year. Situated at an elevation of 50 meters and spread across an area of 6.25 acres, the Thindal Murugan Temple is 750 years old. It was the chief place of worship of the Mysore Kingdom during yesteryears. Another top place to see in Erode is the popular Vellode Bird Sanctuary. Spread across an area of 200 acres, it's a large swampy area filled with bushes. The sanctuary is home to several migratory birds such as pelican, darters, teals and pintail ducks. Apart from that, Erode offers ample places of worship for pilgrims such as the Chennimalai Murugan Temple, Sri Peria Mariamman Temple, Sri Kongalamman Temple, the Brough Church, Arudra Kabaliswarar Temple and the Jain Temple. Erode also offers some interesting points for history buffs to explore like the Erode Fort and the Government museum. Whether you want to explore Erode solo or experience its beauty along with your family, friends or soulmate, the place will always have something or the other to offer you. Our Erode travel guide offers every single detail about the top attractions and things to do in Erode.

Best Time to Visit Erode

Owing to its geographical location, Erode experiences a tropical climate round the year. Summers can get scorching hot and humid, often making it uncomfortable for tourists. On the other hand, monsoons lend a humid climate and winters offer a pleasant weather. The best time to visit Erode is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, keep some woollens handy as temperature drops substantially after sunset.

  • Summer

    Summer

    Erode experiences summers that are hot and humid. During summers, temperature ranges between 31 and 37 degrees Celsius. At times the mercury even touches 40 degrees Celsius making it somewhat agonizing for travellers. Due to this, one will find less number of tourists flocking to Erode during summers.

  • Monsoon

    Monsoon

    Monsoons in Erode usually span for two months - July and August. The region experiences somewhat heavy rainfall thereby lending it a humid weather. While the greenery around is probably at its best, it as advised that you keep gears such as umbrellas and raincoats ready with you.

  • Winter

    Winter

    Winters are the best time to visit Erode as the weather becomes quite pleasant. During December and January, the temperature ranges somewhere between 16 degrees and 21 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time to experience the beauty of Erode to its fullest.

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Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in and around Erode

Erode is an ideal escapade for all kinds of travellers-be it pilgrims, solo travellers, history buffs or nature lovers. The place is scattered with pilgrim and tourist spots-right from half a dozen Hindu Temples to Jain Temple to churches, forts, bird sanctuary and tiger reserve.

  • Thindal Murugan Temple

    Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu Temple of Thindal Murugan is one of the most popular travel places in Erode. According to legends, after Lord Murugan blessed the region, it saw an end to a long-drawn draught. Situated atop a hillock, 50 meters above the ground, one needs to climb 150 steps to reach the temple. This 750 year-old temple was the chief place of worship of the Kingdom of Mysore during yesteryears.

  • Chennimalai Murugan Temple

    Another chief temple, again dedicated to Lord Murugan is a major tourist attraction in Erode. It is situated atop a hillock and one needs to climb flight of 1320 stairs to reach the temple. However, there's a parallel motorable road running along which tourists and devotees often prefer. It is believed, the Chennimalai Murugan Temple dates back to 3000 years and was built by King Sivalaya Chola, of the Chola Dynasty.

  • Vellode Bird Sanctuary

    If you are a nature lover, then the Vellode Bird Sanctuary is a must visit tour in Erode for you. Spread over an area of 77 hectares, the sanctuary lies slightly on the outskirts of the city. It is home to a lot of avifauna-including both resident and migratory ones. Bird watchers and nature lovers can have an awesome time here spotting pelicans, teals, darters and may more avifauna species.

  • Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

    A reserve forest, the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Erode. Located at the juncture of the Western and the Eastern Ghats, the forest reserve was declared a sanctuary in 2011. The topography supports a rich fauna. Travellers can spot Indian elephants, gaurs, wild boars, leopards, barking deer, hyenas and antelopes. Bird watchers can delight spotting bulbuls, blabbers, mynahs, treepies and even vultures.

  • Sri Peria Mariamman Temple

    A prominent religious site, Sri Peria Mariamman Temple is one of the most popular places of worship in Erode. Dedicated to Mariamman (a form of Durga), the Hindu Goddess of rain and diseases, the shrine was built 1200 years ago by the Kongu Cholas. The Goddess is believed to cure people of diseases like pox and measles. Interestingly, Sri Peria Mariamman Temple sees devotees from all kinds of faith-be it Hindus, Christians or any other religion.

  • Sri Kongalamman Temple

    One of the more popular places of worship in South India, the Sri Kongalamman Temple is located right at the heart of Erode main city. The main deity here is Goddess Kongalamman. Devotees flock from far-flung places, especially from in and around Tamil Nadu to offer prayers and seek blessings of this Goddess. Travellers who are on a pilgrimage to Erode, must include Sri Kongalamman Temple in their itinerary.

  • Brough Church

    Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Brough Church was built in 1933 by an Australian missionary named Rev. Antony Watson Brough. Decades down the line, the church is considered as one of the most revered places of worship in Erode. Needless to say, it is flocked by several devotees as well as visitors round the year. A visit to Erode would be incomplete without a tour of the Brough Church.

  • Arudra Kabaliswarar Temple

    If you are visiting Erode as a pilgrim, a tour of the Arudra Kabalishwarar Temple is a must. Dedicated to Lord Shiva a the temple is believed to be 1000 years-old. The main entrance of the temple or the Raja Gopuram looks stunning and is a classic example of Dravidian architecture. The sanctum sanctorum within the temple houses a lingam whose specialty is that it has 108 other lingams carved on it.

  • Jain Temple

    One of the very few religious shrines dedicated to Jainism, the Jain Temple at Erode happens to be very popular place of worship among devotees and travellers alike. Situated in the locality of Karungalpalayam, the temple's classic Jain architecture is worth noting. While visiting Erode, if you are looking for a place to spend some time in solitude and meditate in the city, the Jain temple is probably the best place.

  • Bannari Amman Temple

    Set at the backdrop of a mountain and surrounded by natural vegetation, the Bannari Amman temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is one of the very few Amman temples in south India. While the temple is constructed in the typical Dravidian style of architecture, a dozen of pillars resembling a rectangular shape, adds on the uniqueness of its architecture. Tourists and pilgrims going on a trip to Erode, must include Bannari Amman temple in their itinerary.

  • Bhavanisagar Dam

    Constructed on the Bhavani River, the Bhavanisagar Dam is one of the very few earthen dams in the entire country. Needless to say, the dam is one of the best places to visit in entire Erode. Built on the river Bhavani, the dam stands astride between Mettupalayam and Sathayamangalam. Running at a length of eight kilometres and standing at 32 metres height, the water gushing out makes for a spectacular sight.

  • Government Museum

    One of the most popular attractions of Erode, the Government Museum is an absolute delight for culture buffs and history lovers. Founded in 1987, it is a rich repository of several objects related to art, culture and anthropology. Some of the collections include Thanjore paintings, inscriptions belonging to the Kongu Chola dynasty, handicrafts from Bargur and others. Besides this, the museum is known for housing botanical and zoological specimens as well as palm-leaf manuscripts.

Where to Stay in Erode?

A popular tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, accommodation options are easily available in Erode. Travellers and tourists can choose from ample options. Whether it is budget hotels in Erode, mid-range or the high-end ones, tourists will be spoilt for choice. Other staying options in Erode include guest houses, bed and breakfast inns, resorts and travellers hostels, Whether you want to opt for a budget hotel, a guest house or travellers hostel, online booking is easily possible.

How to Reach Erode?

Erode can be easily accessed from all major cities of South India. Coimbatore is located at a distance of 100 kilometres while Bengaluru is 265 kilometres away. Chennai on the other hand lies roughly 409 kilometres away. Once in Erode, tourists can avail a multitude of public transport to explore in and around the city.

  • By Air

    The nearest airport to Erode is Coimbatore, which is 100 kilometres away. Coimbatore airport is well-connected with some of the top cities of India. Once at the airport, you can avail a multitude of public transport that will take you to Erode. Other nearby airports are Bengaluru and Chennai. Erode can be reached easily from these two hubs as well.

  • By Rail

    Lying at a distance of 100 kilometres, Coimbatore is the nearest railhead to Erode. One you reach Coimbatore station you can avail several public transports that are easily available near the station. A prominent rail junction of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is very well connected by all major cities of India.

  • By Road

    Erode is very well connected by roadways from major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore and other important cities of South India. Road conditions in the region happen to be very good and travellers can choose from a wide range of government and private buses, including AC and non-ac ones. Buses and taxis ply to Erode from the above-mentioned cities on regular basis.

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