Coimbatore
Manchester of South India
Coimbatore, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, is a prominent industrial town located on the banks of the river “Noyyal”. Being an important hub of manufacturing, Coimbatore is widely acclaimed as “the Manchester of South India” or the “Textile Capital of India”. The city is popular for Textile manufacturing, handloom industry and agricultural related industries.
The region around Coimbatore in ancient days was known as “Kongu Nadu” and was under the administration of local feudal chieftains. The region witnessed many wars fought between local kings until finally it was annexed to the British Empire in the 18th century. The rich fertile black soil of the region, ideal for growing cotton paved way for the proliferation of Textile manufacturing units as early as the year 1888. The region has seen tremendous economic growth since then and now has over a 100 textile units operating.
Places
The Perur temple built over 1500 years ago by the great Chola king Karikal Cholan is located at a distance of 7 km from Coimbatore city. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has the shrines of Lord Patteeswarar and his consort Pachainayaki. The Kanagasabai hall inside the temple complex has some of the most beautifully carved sculptures. The festival of Panguni Uthiram is celebrated during the month of March with much pomp and gaiety.
The famous hilltop temple of Marudhamalai is located at a distance of 12 km from the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dandayuthapani and is one of the most visited places with a number of miracles reported everyday.
The V.O.C Park inside the city is a good spot for holidaying. Named after the veteran freedom fighter V.O Chidambaram, the park houses a mini zoo and play areas for children with beautiful models of prehistoric animals. The Government Museum housing various tribal artifacts is located in the V.O.C park road. The museum has some amazing display of megalithic burial materials, coins, treasure trove materials, fossil remains and various other tribal artifacts.
The Khadi Gandhi gallery displays pictures of Gandhi from his birth to his death. The various artifacts and pictures related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi are arranged into five separate galleries offering glimpses of various aspects of this charismatic leader.
The Forest College situated at a distance of about 4 km from the city is one of the oldest of its kind in India. The college museum houses some of the most amazing fossilized remains of plants and animals. The rare collection of zoological and botanical specimens on display at the museum is worth a visit.
The scenic Siruvani Waterfalls and the adjoining Dam are located at a distance of 37 km from the city. The water in Siruvani is well known for its minerals and amazing taste. You can have some of the most scenic views of breathtaking beauty here.
At a distance of 90 km from Coimbatore is the pristine wildlife sanctuary of Anamalai, situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters above the sea level, nestled in the majestic Western Ghats.
The hill station of Ooty nestled in the verdant Nilgiri Hills is at a distance of 87 km from the city.
The famous Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 67 km from the city of Coimbatore. The Sanctuary has immense dense foliage and is home to a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer and birds of all sorts. Elephant rides inside the sanctuary are a major attraction.
Location
In the state of Tamil Nadu.
Climate
Tropical with very hot summers
Best Time To Visit
November to February
