The third largest city of the state, Coimbatore, the headquarters of a district of the same name, is one of the most industrialised 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.

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 kms long Palakkad gap. The rich black soil of the region has contributed to Coimbatore's flourishing agriculture industry and, it is in fact that the successful growth of cotton that served as a foundation for the establishment of its famous textile industry. 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 kms from Coimbatore. There are also regular bus services from Coimbatore to Ooty.

PLACE OF INTEREST

Perur Temple

This Temple is 7 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station and was constructed by Karikal Cholan over 1500 years ago. 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.

Marudhamalai Temple

Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, 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. Marudhamalai is 12 kms from the Railway Station.

Agricultural 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.

V O C Park

Named after the freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram, this park is maintained by the Corporation. There is a mini-zoo and joy train in the park.

Forest College

G.D. Naidu Industrial Exhibition

The late Thiru G.D. Naidu was a born technocrat. He was a legend in his own lifetime. He had made invaluable contributions to automobile, electronics, mechanical and agricultural sectors. He had also established an Industrial Exhibition.

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.

It is located 30 kms. from Coimbatore via. Narasipuram village. It is a fine picnic spot for trekkers. A perrennial water falls is a major attraction here.

A water theme park named "Black Thunder" is located about 8 kms. from Mettupalayam - Ooty Ghat Road at the foot hills of Nilgiris. It is a fine amusement park and said to be the Asia's number one theme park. Numerous tourists are visiting this place and the entrance fee is Rs. 150/-.

EXCURSIONS

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, water falls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs.

It is a picturesque locale in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms. from Pollachi. This small town is an ideal picnic spot.

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. Regular buses are available from Udumalpet.

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.

This project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing waters of the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Thekkadi and Palar rivers, lying at various elevations, for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. It is located in the Anamalai range.

It is 102 kms from Coimbatore in western ghats in Anamalai range. It has many tea plantations and is a picnic spot.

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.

An important textile centre in Coimbatore district, it is also famous for hosiery products. Thiruppur is also closely associated with ' Thiruppur Kumaran ' one of the valiant freedom fighters. It is 50 kms. from Coimbatore.

The temple of Lord Muruga is located on the Palani Hills. The presiding deity is Dandayuthapani. The idol is made of medicinal herbs, it is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and one of the major Pilgrim centres is South India next only to Thirupathi. An electrically operated winch takes the pilgrims to the top. It is 105 kms. from Coimbatore.

Located in the Periyar district, it is about 83 kms. from Coimbatore and 10kms. from Bhavanisagar. The Mariamman temple here is very famous and attracts thousands of Pilgrims.

It is 40 kms. from Erode and 105 kms. from Coimbatore. A special feature of this place is that shrines for Siva, Vishnu and Brahma are located in one temple complex. Siva is known as Muchukundeswarar, Vishnu as Veera Narayana Perumal. The temple is one of the important temples in Periyar district

They are situated 35 kms. from Coimbatore on the Coimbatore - Siruvani main Road.

It is 65 kms. from Coimbatore and 27 kms. from Pollachi on Coimbatore-Pollachi-Valparai Highways. Entry fee Rs. 2 /- per head.