Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

Coimbatore, the headquarters of a district of the same name, is one of the most industrialized cities in Tamil Nadu. Known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South, the city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal.

Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd century AD as a small tribal village capital called Kongunad until it was brought under Chola control in the 2nd or 3rd century AD by Karikalan, the first of the early Cholas. Among its other great rulers were the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara kings. When Kongunad fell to the British along with the rest of the state, its name was changed to Coimbatore and it is by this name that it is known today, except in Tamil, in which it is called Kovai.

Population: 8,16,321

Best time to visit: December and March

Places of Interest

Perur Temple
The Temple was constructed by Karikal Cholan over 1500 years ago is located 7-km west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are shrines to the presiding deity Patteeswarar and his consort Pachainayaki and some elegantly carved sculptures in the Kanagasabai hall. Devotees flock to this temple in hundreds during the Panguni Uthiram festival, which is celebrated in March every year.

Voc Park and Zoo (Amusement Park)
Named after the freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram, the VOC Park is the most appropriate place to go with children. The Coimbatore Corporation maintains the park. The Park houses a mini Zoo, models of prehistoric dinosaurs, Children' Train, Swing, Slider, Seesaw and other play equipment and is more like an amusement park for the children.

Marudhamalai Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and is situated 12 kms from Railway station. This hilltop temple is one of the most visited temples in the region, the reason being that the residing deity Dandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at this temple.

Agriculture University
One of the best institutions of its kind in South Asia, the Agricultural University was originally established as an Agriculture Farm in Saidapet, Chennai. The location was moved to Coimbatore in 1907 and the name was changed to Agricultural College, which later, came to be known as the Agricultural University. It is 5 kms away from the Railway Station.


Excursion

Bhavani
The Sangameshwarar temple at Bhavani is situated at the confluence of the rivers Bhavani and the Cauvery. This place is called as "Tiruveni of South India". It is an important pilgrim centre. Lord Sangameshwarer with His consort Vedanayaki is the presiding deity. It is said that during the East India Company regime the then Collector of Coimbatore and Salem Districts, William Garrow, who had his headquarters at Bhavani, worshipped the Goddess Vedanayaki. One night the Goddess directed him in his dream to vacate his bungalow immediately. The moment he vacated, the entire bungalow collapsed. In reverence of this miracle, he presented to the temple an ivory cradle, which is still in the temple with his signature

Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 kms. from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq. kms. It has various kinds of fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, re-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karainshola, Anaikunthi shola, grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs.

Thirumoorthy temple
It is situated at the foot of Thirumoorthy Hills adjoining the Thirumoorthy Dam. This is about 20 kms from Udumalpet on the Highway from Palani to Coimbatore. A perennial stream flows by the side of the Sri Amalingeswarar temple and nearby there is a waterfall. The Crocodile Farm at Amaravathi Dam is just 25 kms from here. This place is being developed as a District Excursion Centre. Regular buses are available from Udumalpet.

Siruvani Waterfalls
This waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 37 kms west of the city. The water of Siruvani is known for its minerals and taste. The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty.

How to get there

Air:
Coimbatore has an airport. Flights connect it to Chennai and other important cities.

Rail:
Coimbatore is connected by rail to Chennai, Trivandrum, Delhi and other cities.

Road:
It is also connected to all the important cities and places of interest by road.