Also known as Kovai, Coimbatore is the second largest and still growing significant metropolis of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Western Ghats, it is one of the cities in India that anyone would love to inhabit. A tremendous variety of flora and fauna as well as other scenically mesmerising sites, the city presents an ultimate delight to its visitors as well as residents.
Besides the striking natural beauty, Coimbatore is also a place of large number of automobile, healthcare, educational and textile industries, perhaps the largest one in southern part of the country. A perfect blend of a busy urban conglomerate and a cosy smalltown, Coimbatore is also renowned as Manchester of Tamil Nadu. Lots of wet grinders, poultry, auto parts and jewellery are also exported to all parts of the world from Coimbatore.
The city accommodates majority of Hindu population along with people belonging to other religions as well in small proportions.
Major Tourist attractions
- Perur Pateeswarar Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is believed to be dated back to a millennium. Exemplifying superior artwork, the stone carvings inside the temple make it absolutely stunning. Another striking feature of the temple is the magnificent golden statue of Lord Natraj. As per Hindu mythology, the shrine is situated on the very spot where Lord Shiva himself had performed Tandav under a Peepal tree.
- Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam – Located at a distance of 35km from the Coimbatore city, the Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam are built on the Siruvani River. The water of this river is believed to one of the tastiest waters of rivers across the globe. Not only the taste but the mineral content of water is also known to be great. This spot is very popular among travellers in Coimbatore.
- Marudhamalai Temple – Situated on the top of Marudhamalai hill, this temple id dedicated to Lord Murugan also known as Lord Kartikeya in north India. The temple is believed to be a site as ancient as 1200 years. It has been built in Dravidian style of architecture and has a magnificent and colourful gopuram. The natural backdrop of the temple is simply fascinating for its visitors.
- Botanical Garden – A total delight to the senses of its tourists, Botanical Garden, Coimbatore is stretched across an area of 300 hectares. The huge and colorful variety of flora is the key attraction of the garden. The place is quite well maintained by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
- VOC Park and Zoo – VOC Park is an amusement park that also has a mini zoo and an aquarium in its complex. This place is a complete picnic spot in its own. Named after the popular freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram Pillai, the park contains a golf swing and exciting models of dinosaurs. Another attraction of the park which is the favourite among children is the toy train ride!
Other prominent tourist spots of Coimbatore are
- Forest College
- Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple
- Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
- Town Hall
- Government Museum
- Anamalai National Park
- Valankulam Lake
Festivals and Fairs
People of Coimbatore celebrate all major festivals of all religions with high spirits. The major festivals which are widely celebrated here are as follows:
Pongal, also known as the Harvest Festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) is celebrated every year on 14th January. This festival is also known and celebrated as Makar Sakranti in Northern India.
Koniamman Temple Care Festival is celebrated during a specific period between February-March that lasts for 14 days. During this festival, people put their deity in a beautifully decorated car followed by huge procession accompanying thousands of people eagerly waiting to see a single sight of their deity.
Panguni Uthiram is also a very important festival celebrated all over Tamilnadu including Coimbatore. It is a very divine event for those couples who are planning to marry or already married couples as it is believed on the holy myth that on this day all the negative elements or doshas of marriage get eliminated from one’s life. It occurs in the month of March /April on a Full moon day.
Another festival which accompanies processions of deities by the devotees is Mariamman Festival that occurs during the end of summers. Devotees worship the Goddess of Rain for having rain showers to cure viral skin diseases.
Ayuda Puja is done on the 9th day of Navratri and is basically important among architects, artisans, craftsman, etc who are involved with occupation of tools and machinery. They clean and wash their equipments on this day and worship them for keeping them safe and prevent from any harm in future on using them.
Karthigai Deepam, known as the Festival of Lights is also one of the major festival celebrated with full of lights and lamps, fire crackers, rangoli all over Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated in a similar way as what Diwali is celebrated in Northern India. It occurs on the full moon day after 15 days from Diwali.
Among the trade fairs that are organised in Coimbatore, Pollachi Fair is very famous where traders exhibit their merchandise and products including garments, fruits & vegetables, groceries, coconut, groundnuts, captured elephants & timber for sale. It takes place in the town of Pollachi, every Thursday.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Coimbatore is between September and March when the climate is pleasant and cool. One can explore and do all the sightseeing very comfortably. During the months of summer, Coimbatore witnesses extremely hot climate with the maximum temperature touching 41 0C. Monsoon with heavy rain shower starts between the months of June and August.
How to Reach
By Air – The Coimbatore airport known as Peelamedu Airport is 10 Km away from the main city and is very well connected with all major states and cities across India
By Rail – The Coimbatore Junction Railway station is the main point of connection with all the major cities and railway network across India and hence visitors do not feel any difficulty reaching Coimbatore by train as well.
By Road – The Road Transport of Coimbatore is very well developed and connected by road and bus services to the rest of the region. Comprising of two major bus stations, visitors can easily catch the buses plying to and from different cities within the state and neighbouring states like Kerela. One can easily catch the bus services for Ooty, Mettupulam, Bangalore and Pondicherry.
