About Coimbatore

Coimbatore, also known as Koyampuththoor, is a major city in the western part of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the banks of the Noyyal River in the Western Ghats. Coimbatore is the 16th most populous city in India and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu.

The city of Coimbatore was ruled by the Kongu dynasty, from which it got its name, Kovan. It served as an important sea route between the west coast and Tamil Nadu. Over the years, it was part of various empires, including the Kosars, Cholas, Badami Chalukyas, Pandyas, Madurai Sultanate, Nayaks of the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Mysore Sultanate under Haider Ali. Following Tipu Sultan’s death, the city came under British control before becoming part of Independent India.

Coimbatore is renowned for its rich history, culture, temples, and delicious cuisine served on a banana leaf by the majority of the city’s restaurants. Often referred to as the “Manchester of South India,” Coimbatore boasts a thriving textile industry and is a major cotton producer, similar to Manchester in the UK. Additionally, the city is known as “Pump City” due to its significant manufacturing of pump motors, which are widely used in South India.

Popular tourist destinations in Coimbatore include Marudamalai Temple, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, and Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple. You can go trekking or camping in the Dhoni Hills, Vellari Mala, Perumal Peak, and Thalaiyar Falls. The temperature in Coimbatore ranges from 18°C in winter to 35°C in summer.

You can visit Coimbatore from September to March. The majority of the people in Coimbatore speak Tamil and English. Coimbatore Airport is well-connected to major cities. You can get a bus from Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand and Mettupalayam for Bangalore, Cochin, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The Arulmigu Velliangiri Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Adiyogi Shiva Statue are some of the popular locations near Coimbatore that attract devotees from different regions. While in the city, you can try popular dishes like idli, dosa, vada, paniyaram, sambar rice, and kaalan.

Places To Visit In Coimbatore

1. Marudhamalai Temple 

The temple is located 15 km from Coimbatore Railway Station. It was built in 1200 CE and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and the son of Lord Shiva. The temple, also known as Subramanya Swami Temple, is situated on Marudhamalai Hill at an elevation of 600 ft. The Thai Poosam and Thiru Karthigai festivals are celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

2. Bhavani Sagar Dam 

Built on the Bhavani River, this dam is located nearly 80 km from Coimbatore. It serves the purposes of irrigation, electricity generation, and water supply to the city, and is also a popular spot for picnics.

3. Nilambur 

Nilambur is in Kerala, 50 km from Coimbatore, on the banks of the Chaliyar River. Coconut trees, paddy fields, dense forests, and backwaters attract tourists to this place. One can visit Bio-Resources Nature Park, the Teak Museum, and the 143-meter-long suspension bridge across the Chaliyar River in Nilambur.

4. Adiyogi Shiva Statue 

The statue is situated in the Isha Yoga Complex in Coimbatore. It is the largest statue of Lord Shiva globally and is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The 112-ft tall statue of Lord Shiva was designed by Jagadish Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, and is made from 500 tonnes of steel.

5. Bannari

This place is popular because of the Bannari Amman Temple. Here, you can also find elephants, monkeys, peacocks, wild pigs, bears, deer, and hares. People from the Cholar community come to worship here, specifically during the temple festival.

6. Gedee Car Museum

Also known as the GD Naidu Car Museum, it is a classic car museum located in Anna Salai, Coimbatore. In this museum, you can explore automobiles from all over the world and learn about their history and technology. It also facilitates antique automobile repairs and restoration.

7. Pollachi 

Pollachi is 40 km from Coimbatore and is famous as the coconut city. One can visit Subramanya Temple, jaggery markets, and cattle markets in Pollachi. The main attraction in the town is Subramanya Temple. Pollachi is also famous as a hub for film shooting in South Indian cinemas.

8. Vydehi Falls 

The Vydehi Waterfalls is 26 km from Coimbatore, in Narasipuram. It was earlier known as Tholayira Murthi Kandi, which means “900 waterfalls.” Prior permission is needed to visit this waterfall. Vydehi Falls is an amazing place for a picnic or to go hiking.

9. Black Thunder

Black Thunder is an amusement park in Coimbatore with a backdrop of the Nilgiris. It offers more than 40 different types of rides and activities, such as a Dragon Coaster, Dashing Doats, Caterpillar Ride, and a Wave Pool. It also has hotels and restaurants on its premises.

10. Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a major Tiger Reserve in the Anaimalai Hills, 97 km from Coimbatore. The reserve is almost a thousand sq km. and is home to 30 tigers. Aside from tigers, you can find panthers, elephants, sloth bears, wild dogs, flying squirrels, wild bears, etc. The reserve forest is full of exotic trees like teak and rosewood and more than 2000 other species of plants.

11. Masani Amman Temple

Masani Amman Temple is also known as Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple or Annamalai Masani Amman Temple. The deity’s idol is in a unique sleeping posture. Many folk stories are associated with the temple, which attracts devotees from all over the country.

About Coimbatore Airport

Coimbatore International Airport (IATA: CJB, ICAO: VOCB) is located nearly 10 km from the city. You can take a bus from Gandhipuram Central Bus Station, Singanallur Bus Stand, or Ukkadam Bus Stand to reach Coimbatore Airport, or book a cab. It currently has a single terminal and runway that serves both international and domestic flights. The airport offers flight services to all major metropolitan cities in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Domestic carriers such as SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo operate from this airport.

Coimbatore Airport has various passenger facilities, such as free trolleys, wheelchairs, parking, Wi-Fi, a lost and found counter, an information desk, first aid and child care rooms, etc. There is a currency exchange counter and a smoking zone as well. The airport offers a snack bar, a few food kiosks, and a restaurant where you can get a bite while waiting for your flight. 

The airport is also well-connected to the city. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available just outside the airport terminal. Some hotels even offer pick-up and drop-off services at the airport. Gandhipuram Central Bus Station is 10 km away. You can get there by taking an auto or a taxi. Coimbatore Junction is also easily accessible via auto-rickshaws, buses, or taxis.

FAQs

1. What should I shop for in Coimbatore?

Coimbatore is renowned for its silk and cotton fabrics as well as its spices, with numerous well-known textile shops located throughout the city.

2. When is the best time to visit Coimbatore?

Coimbatore boasts a consistently mild climate, with summers that may be warm and humid. For the most enjoyable weather, plan your visit between July and March.

3. Why is Coimbatore called the “Manchester of South India” and “Pump City”?

Coimbatore is often referred to as the “Manchester of South India” due to its flourishing textile industry and substantial cotton production, similar to that of Manchester in the UK. Additionally, it is recognized as “Pump City” as it is the primary manufacturing hub for pump motors used across South India.

4. What should I eat in Coimbatore?

Coimbatore is known for its delicious Tamil cuisine. Local dishes include idli, dosa, sambar or rasam, lemon rice, and Kozhi Urundai (chicken meatballs in gravy). To complete your meal, enjoy a glass of Jigarthanda, a classic Tamil milkshake. While in Tamil Nadu, be sure to try filtered coffee along with local snacks like murukku.

5. Does Coimbatore have interesting sarees?

Coimbatore is well-known for its cotton Kovai Cora sarees.