What Is Annur? A Detailed Overview of This Tamil Nadu Town

Annur is a small town in the northern part of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, preserving a rich stock of religious and cultural sites. It is transforming and gradually gaining prominence. 

This makes it a must-visit site in South India, which remains in its pristine form. 

So if you are planning a tour to South India, I will help you out in planning your itinerary through Annur Tamil Nadu, with a breakdown of its history, topography, tourist spots, and connectivity options.

Quick Overview of Anuur

Annur is a town panchayat and the administrative headquarters of Annur Taluk, located 30 km northeast of the suburban region of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is privileged with excellent connectivity through roads and other modes of transportation.

It has significant connectivity with Coimbatore and is located on important national and state highways, which have contributed to its growing importance in the region. Besides, it is also closer to some renowned cities of Tamil Nadu, such as Mettupalayam, Avanashi, Tiruppur, and Punjai Puliampatti. The population of 20,000 people makes it a calm and peaceful refuge in the cultural locale.

What makes it even more special is its being in the middle of the Nilgiri in the north and the Coimbatore metropolitan city in the south.

Now, let’s look at its historical and cultural significance to understand its position in the ethnic and aesthetic hierarchy.

History and Culture of Annur 

It originated from “Vanniyur,” which was later changed to Anniyur, and has now become Annur.

The local legends and folklore have an interesting story behind the origin of its name and its importance in the region. According to the myths, more than a thousand years ago, a hunter was digging near a “Vanni” tree and accidentally hit a stone, which mysteriously started bleeding. Surprised by this, he called the local people to see it. When they looked closer, they found a naturally formed Shiva idol (“Suyambu” Lingam) at that spot. To honor this miracle, the villagers built a temple there, now known as the Manneswarar temple. This temple gave this place a local identity. 

The current excavations have also raised its importance in the contemporary religious system. A few years ago, three 12th-century stone sculptures of warriors were discovered at Annur Tamil Nadu, near the Manneswarar Siva temple. These large stones depict warriors in self-sacrifice and combat poses and have been preserved inside the nearby Dharmarasa temple for protection. Similar excavations provide more cultural richness to this place. 

The majority of the population follows Hinduism, and the festivals such as Pongal and Tamil New Year are celebrated with enthusiasm. 

Annur Climate and Geography

Anurur’s climate and topography are tourist-friendly. The climate remains similar for almost the entire year, with short, tolerable fluctuations. Similarly, the topography is also even with a few reachable mountains around the outskirts. 

• Annur Geography

  Annur is a small town in Tamil Nadu, situated at around 1,240 feet above sea level. Its location provides it with a warm climate throughout the year. The terrain here is mostly flat and open, which lets the heat and humidity persist in almost all seasons.

• Annur Weather

  Annur remains warm for the entire year. The heat levels vary slightly between summer and winter. Due to its topography and closeness to the equator, you won’t feel much colder during the nights.

• Annur Seasons

  It experiences a wet season and a dry season. The wet season brings cloudy skies and damp weather. On the other hand, during the dry season, the sky appears clear, but the air remains humid and warm. So there is not much relief from the humidity throughout the year.

• Annur Climate

  This place gets the most rainfall during the wet months, which naturally makes the air feel extra humid. The dew points here stay fairly high, which means the moisture in the air doesn’t dip much. Winds change their direction, but they won’t make you feel cool. Being located near the equator, the days are long, and you would see the sun shine throughout the year. These warm, sunny days make it great for growing crops and other tropical plants, which thrive in constant warmth and sufficient moisture.

Now let’s jump to the core part of the discussion, i.e., places to visit in Annur Tamil Nadu. 

Places to Visit in Annur

Annur is a cultural hotspot, which makes it a must-visit place during your trip to South India. It has certain renowned temples that organize some annual festivals. Make sure you visit and enjoy these festivals to get the essence of the local cultural mosaic. 

Out of all, I would suggest the following attraction points in Annur Tamil Nadu. 

1. Shri Manneeswaraswamy Temple

Located at the bank of the Annur Lake, the Shri Manneeswaraswamy Temple is a 500-year-old temple and is dedicated to Swayanbumurthy. It has separate shrines for Nataraja, Nalvar, Anjaneya, Deivanai, Muruga, Bhairava, and Guru (Jupiter). It is known for the special poojas performed on the first Sunday and Monday of the Tamil months. Another exciting feature of this temple is that all the planets sculpted here are facing the sun. 

Timing: 6 am–12:30 pm/5–8:30 pm

2. Annur lake

Annur Lake is situated in the middle of the town and is a peaceful spot that you would definitely love. It’s a great place to visit with family or friends. The lake’s natural beauty is enhanced by the surrounding greenery, making it an ideal picnic spot for you. The tranquil waters and serene environment of the lake provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and contentment.

3. Vellingiri Hill Temple

This magnificent temple is located just a few kilometers southwest of Annur Tamil Nadu. Situated in Velliangiri Hills, this temple is dedicated to lord shiva and is surrounded by the lush green forest. To reach the temple, you need to climb the mountain, which is a worthwhile experience in itself. 

4. Annur Mariamman Temple

This temple is dedicated to the Marriamman goddess and is known for its distinct architecture and cultural experiences. A festival is organized in the Chithirai month every year, which attracts the locals and the tourists. Make sure you join the celebration during your visit. 

Timing: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM/ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

5. Arulmigu Kalyana Subramaniya Swamy Temple

This ancient shrine honors Lord Subramanya Swamy and attracts devotees from all around. What sets this temple apart is its stunning Dravidian architecture, consisting of majestic towers, intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures. The rituals and prayers continue throughout the day, which makes it special for the local people. 

6. Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple

Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple is 11 km to the north east of Annur. It has the idol of deity Sri Venkatesa Perumal, who is considered a varied form of Lord Vishnu. The Purattasi festival in September/October and the temple chariot festival in the Thai month of the Tamil calendar attract the devotees. 

Top Tourist Places to Visit Near Annur

Your Annur tour can be more fulfilling if you cover some nearby tourist places that are worth visiting. You can reach these places through Annur road routes, which take around 1-3 hours of travel time. 

Here is my suggested list of nearby tourist places for your trip.

1. Ooty

Ooty is a resort town located in the north of Annur Tamil Nadu. Being closer to the Nilgiri hills, it remains cool for the entire year. Its lush green parks, lakes, and waterfalls further make it a preferred attraction point. You can either hire a taxi or get a bus from Annur bus stand to reach there. 

Distance from Annur: 71 km

Places to visit:

• Pine Forest Ooty
• Government Botanical Garden
• Government Rose Garden
• The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum
• Thunder World (Amusement Park)
• Government Museum
• C.S.I St. Stephen’s Church
• Wax World (Wax Museum)

2. Coimbatore

Coimbatore is the closest metropolitan city to Annur Tamil Nadu. Besides providing air and rail connectivity to nearly all places, it is also a hub of religious and cultural spots. You can hire a car or board a bus to reach and explore this magnificent place. 

Distance from Annur: 33.3 km

Places to visit:

• Marudamalai Temple
• Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple
• VOC Park and Zoo
• Siruvani Waterfalls
• Gedee Car Museum
• Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
• Sree Ayyappan Temple
• Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Perur Pateeswarar Temple
• Kovai Kutralam Falls

3. Tiruppur

Tiruppur is a part of the Coimbatore district and has an elaborate historical and cultural significance. It is located on NH 381 and many state highways, providing it with better road connectivity. Being under the rule of the mighty Cholas and Pandyas, it is home to some renowned temples. If time allows, I would suggest you visit Tiruppur and explore its diversity. 

Distance from Annur: 34 km

Places to visit:

• Thirumoorthi Dam
• Avinashi Temple
• Sivanmalai Temple
• Panchalinga Waterfalls
• Amaravathi Dam
• Amaravathi Crocodile Farm
• Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Andipalayam Lake
• Sukreeswarar Temple
• Tirumurugan Poondi stone sculptures

4. Erode

Erode is located to the east of Annur and has some of the best Dravidian-style temples and notable dams. Sneak out some time for strolling in the local market and enjoy the distinct local textiles. 

Distance from Annur: 82.5 km

Places to visit:

• Thindal Murugan Temple
• Chennimalai Murugan Temple
• Vellode Bird Sanctuary
• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
• Sri Periya Mariamman Temple
• Bhavanisagar Dam
• Kodiveri Dam
• Bhavani Sangameshwarar Temple
• Government Museum
• CSI Brough Memorial Church
• Bannari Amman Temple

How to Reach Annur?

Annur Tamil Nadu, is a well-connected city by road. However, it is near the Coimbatore airport and railway station, which acts as a major connectivity medium for it. Being a north Indian, I always opt for flights to travel to southern Indian cities, and I would suggest the same to you to save travel time. 

However, I would recommend that you go through the options provided below before planning your trip. 

• By Road

  Annur is well-connected through the national and state highways. Here are the two major highway options that I would suggest to reach Annur. 

  1. National Highway 209 (NH209), which goes from Dindigul to Bangalore, passes through Annur Tamil Nadu. 
  2. State Highway 80 (SH80) from Avinashi to Mettupalayam also crosses Annur. 

• By Train

  There are 2 options available for you to reach Annur by train.

  1. Coimbatore Railway Station

     You can make a train reservation to Coimbatore Central railway station, which is around 32.5 kilometers away. After reaching Coimbatore station, go to Coimbatore bus stand and board a bus to Annur. The buses run between these two cities at a regular interval, which begin at 4:30 am and remain active till 10:30 pm. 

     Mettupalayam Railway Station

     The Annur to Mettupalayam Railway Station distance is around 21 km. However, you will get fewer train options for this station. 

• By Air

  Coimbatore International Airport is around 27 kilometers from Annur Tamil Nadu. From here, you can either board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Annur. 

Conclusion

Annur Tamil Nadu is a hidden gem, engraved at the foot of the Nilgiri range. If you are planning to explore South India, then I would suggest you visit this place before travel junkies jam its routes and stays. But before that, check and decide on the conveyance first through the provided options to keep the trip smooth and enjoyable.

From my trips and tours, I have learnt that the places less admired provide you the best experience.

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