Coimbatore - Manchester of South India OR it's educational institutions OR its entrepreneurship of its residents
DISTANCE - 491 KM From Chennai, 201 KM From Mysore, 371 KM From Pondicherry
CONNECTION
By Air : Coimbatore has its airport which is only 12 km from the city center. All major operators like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airways have their flights operating from all important cities of India. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airports that connect to all parts of the city.
By Rail : Coimbatore is connected to rest of India through two major railways stations namely Coimbatore Junction and Coimbatore North Railway Station. Coimbatore Junction is the busier of the two and receives larger number of trains.
By Road : Coimbatore is well connected by roadways to all cities of the state by state highways. Along with Tamil Nadu state transport buses, adjoining states of Kerala and Karnataka also have their state transport buses operating in the city.
ABOUT COIMBATORE
Coimbatore is one of the most industrialized cities in the state. Popularly 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. Located in the shadow of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25-km long Palakkad gap.
The first textile mills came up as far back as 1888 but there are now over a hundred mills. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of the greatest industrial cities in South India. Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to neighbouring Kerala and the ever-popular hill station of Udagamandalam (Ooty). It is the disembarking point for those who want to take the Mountain train that runs from Mettupalayam, just 35 km from Coimbatore.
PLACES OF INTERESTS IN COIMBATORE
Anamalai 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.
Siruvani Waterfalls : The beauty of Siruvani Waterfall is hard to be described by mere words. It has to be seen to be believed. Located 37 km off Coimbatore, Siruvani Waterfalls and the nearby dam have become a famous picnic spot among locals and tourists. What brings Siruvani waterfalls into the list of must visit is not only its beauty but its water as well. The water of this fall is found to be quite rich in mineral content and has a sweet taste to it. People who have traveled to various parts of the world have gone on to say that this the second most tastiest water in the world.
Black Thunder Amusement Park : Black Thunder Amusement Park is considered among the best amusement parks in Asia for its location amidst scenic surroundings and the variety of rides it offers. It is situated nearly 40 km from Coimbatore and is well connected to the city by state transport buses as well as privately run buses. You might have been too many amusement parks before, but the natural surroundings in which Black Thunder amusement park is located, distinguishes it from all others.
Hill Stations : Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Kotagiri are situated in the Nilgiris in Western ghats. They are 98 kms., 70 kms. from Coimbatore respectively. They are the most popular and oldest hill stations in the South. They are located at an elevation of 2,286 mts., 1,859 mts. and 1,984, mts. respectively. While Ooty's pride are the lake, the Botanical gardens and Dodabetta, the highest peak in the Nilgiris, Coonoor boasts of Sims park, law's falls, Dolphin's nose and Lamb's rock. Kotagiri has view points and sholas. Reaching Ooty from Mettupalayam by the Swiss Rack Rail Type mountain train is an unforgettable experience.
RELIGIOUS PLACES IN COIMBATORE
Thirumoorthy Temple (20 km.) : 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 waterfalls. The Crocodile Farm at Amaravathi Dam is just 25 kms. from here. This place is being developed as a District Excursion Centre.
Marudamalai Temple : Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, Marudamalai Temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination in Tamil Nadu. Pilgrims from all over the India visit this temple, especially during the famous festival Thai Possam and Thirukarthigai Festival. These festivals are celebrated herewith huge enthusiasm and gala. Situated at a distance of 12 km from Coimbatore on Marudamalai Hill, the temple is famous as the destination where the residing deity Dandyuthapani performed many miracles.
Perur Patteeswaraswamy Temple : The temple has been a place of worship for millions of pilgrims since the 17th century when it was constructed by king Karikala Cholan. The Cholans were not the only dynasty that played a part in its construction; Hoysala and Vijayanagara Dynasty too contributed to the construction of this magnificent temple. Perur Patteeswaraswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and its main attraction is 'Kanaka Sabha', the golden hall which has a huge gold plated statue of Lord Nataraja.
WHEN TO GO COIMBATORE
If you are using Coimbatore as a transit stopover, then your visit should link up with the season in Ooty, which is from May to October. Otherwise Coimbatore, in the plains, is best in December-February when it's pleasant.
WEATHER FORECAST
Summers (March to May) are bit hot touching about 40 °C but the light cool wind flows through the city, makes the season pleasant. Travelers for trade frequently use this season.
Monsoons (June to August) are strong here due to the presence of mountain pass. Tourists preferably avoid rainy days.
Winters (Dec to Feb) are not very cold with the minimum temperature rarely touches 15 °C and maximum never crossing 32°C.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN COIMBATORE
The annual can festival is celebrated with much joy and rousing sounds of cheers and crackers. The people who come here from elsewhere for the festivals enjoy the lightening atmosphere. The car will be decorated wonderfully during the festival. Thaipoosam, Panguni Uthiram, Pongal and Diwali are other festivals celebrated here.
FOOD AND RESTURANTS IN COIMBATORE
Like all other South Indian states, Coimbatore is also known for a wide variety of delicious food both for the vegetarians as well as the non-vegetarians. Grains, lentils, rice and vegetables are the main ingredients of the traditional foods of Coimbatore. Spices add flavor and give a distinctive taste to the Tamil cuisines. Some of the most common and popular dishes of the region are idly, dosai, vada, pongal and Uppuma. Coconut chutney and sambhar invariably form a part of most of the Tamil dishes.
Little Italy - Italian Cuisine, Crown Plaza, Sree Subbu Mess(since 1969), Chin Chin, Geetha Restaurant, Steaming Kettle.
