Coimbatore - Manchester of South India

Coimbatore is an important industrial town in Tamil Nadu and is better known as 'Manchester of South India' among the western tourists. Coimbatore is the hub of textile manufacturing and is also known for the manufacture of motor pump sets and varied handloom products. Coimbatore is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu after Chennai. Located on the foot of Western Ghats, at an altitude of 430 m above sea level, and situated on the extreme west of the state, Coimbatore shares one of its boundaries with the natural wonder Kerala. Also one of the most advanced cities of Tamil Nadu, the city is rich in culture and is home to many religions. The chief language spoken here is Tamil but English and Hindi is also widely used. The city is the highest producer of textile in the whole country due to its rich black soil cover that helps the growth of cotton. Shop for the cotton textiles, as here you can fetch the best bargain. Coimbatore has transformed itself into a happening tourist spot by wholeheartedly maintaining the natural gifts and all the historical monuments that were passed on to them from their great ancestors. Temples like Perur Temple and Marudhamalai Temple which are a good blend of history and culture, and sceneries like Siruvani Waterfalls make Coimbatore a must visit destination for all tourist.

Tourist Attractions
Coimbatore earlier was not as popular a tourist destination as other parts of Tamil Nadu. But with time, Coimbatore has reinvented itself to such an extent that now it attracts almost the same number of tourist as any other famous tourist hot spot. The options which you can choose range from historical temples, the most advanced theme parks to the natural splendors like waterfalls and wildlife parks.

Perur Temple: Situated in the town of Perur, it is just 6 km west from Coimbatore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by King Karikala Cholan in the 17th century. Perur Temple was constructed by Cholas in collaboration with Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers. It attracts a large number of tourists who get mesmerized by just a glimpse of 'Kanaka Sabha', the golden hall which is studded with a gold plated statue of Nataraja. This temple also is a classic example of Dravidian architecture.


Marudhamalai Temple: Marudhamalai Temple which is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, is an important pilgrim destination for Hindus. It is also one of the most visited temples in Tamil Nadu. This temple situated on a hilltop became famous as the site where the residing deity Dandyuthapani performed several miracles. The temple comes alive during Thai Possam and Thirukarthigai festival as these occasions are celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion in the temple.

Siruvani Waterfalls: Located some 37 km west of Coimbatore, Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam offer breathtaking views of natural splendors. The water of this fall is known to be quite rich in mineral content and the taste of the water is also very sweet and pleasing to the tongue. According to information this is the second tastiest water in the world.

Black Thunder Amusement Park: Black Thunder is considered to be the best amusement park in the whole of Asia. It is situated some 40 km from Coimbatore, this is a place amidst the best natural sceneries that you ever wish to see. The park is full of rides that are designed to enthrall you to your soul. So if you are looking for a time out from your mundane chores, Black Thunder can very well fit the bill as your first choice.

Excursions
Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary: This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 mts 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 drongl, red 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 Karaishola, Anaikunthi shola, grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs.

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

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 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 available from Udumalpet.

Parambikulam - Aliyar Multipurpose Project: The project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing 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.

Erode: Erode, Headquarters of Periyar District, is the birth place of periyar E.V. Ramaswamy affectionately called Thanthai Periyar by the people of Tamil Nadu. There are two ancient temples - one dedicated to Lord Siva and other to Lord Vishnu. There are some interesting inscriptions in these temples. The handloom products of Erode are very famous. It is about 92 Kms from Coimbatore.

Bannari: Located 83 kms from Coimbatore and 10 Kms from Bhavanisagar has the famous Mariamman temple which attracts thousands of Pilgrims.

Chennimalai: It is important Handloom Weaving centre. It is 30 Kms from Erode and 80 Kms from Coimbatore.

Kodumudi: It is 40 kms from Erode and 105 Kms from Coimbatore. A special feature of this place is the shrines of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma is located in one temple complex.

Getting There
By Air: Coimbatore has an airport which is 12 km from the heart of city. It is frequented by flights from Mumbai, Chennai, and Kozhikode. International flight to Sharjah in the Gulf is also operating from this airport.

By Rail: The city has two rail heads. Coimbatore Junction and Coimbatore North Railway Station, although the former is the busier one. Both these stations are well connected to all major cities of India.

By Road: Being a major city in Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is well connected by road to all parts of the state. Apart from state buses of Tamil Nadu, adjoining states of Kerala and Karnataka also have their state transport buses running in and out of the city.