Posted 21 October 2022

Pack your bags and travel to this lively city in South India - Coimbatore, Manchester of South India

Also known as Covai or Kovai, Coimbatore is a metropolitan city in Tamil Nadu. It is surrounded by the Western Ghats and situated on the banks of the Noyyal River. It is the largest export of poultry, jewellery, wet grinders and auto components. It is the hub of textiles, and therefore, renowned as the ‘Manchester of South India’.

The city is divided into two regions. First is the eastern side, which is an urban area with striking buildings and a connected road network. The opposite western side offers stunning views of the Anaimalai, Nilgiris and Munnar ranges. The north of Coimbatore is rich in flora and fauna. Sandalwood, teak, bamboo and rosewood are common plantations in this area.

History of Coimbatore

Between the 1st and 4th centuries of the Sangam Period, Coimbatore was under the rule of Cheras. It was the principal trade route in Tamil Nadu, and one can find its reference in the Sangam literature. In the 10th century, Cholas ruled the region, and by the 15th century, most parts of Tamil Nadu were under the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire.

In the 18th century, the city was ruled by the Kingdom of Mysore. By 1799, the British East India Company annexed Coimbatore, and it became a part of the Madras Presidency. It played a significant role in the fight for the independence of India.

Places to visit in Coimbatore

Marudhamalai Hill Temple: Located at the height of 500 ft in the Western Ghats, MarudhamalaiTemple has an invigorating and spiritual ambience. It is dedicated to Lord Muruga and features comforts for the devotees coming from all around the country to offer their prayers. The hill on which the temple is situated is famous among people practising Ayurvedic Medicines because it has medicinal herbs growing all around.
Gedee Car Museum: The museum has a collection of new and vintage automobiles that attract car enthusiasts. The vehicles are transported here from many countries, including Germany, the U.S., England and France. The cars are displayed with important information about them on a chart or signboard. With an impressive international collection, the museum also exhibits Indian cars.
TNAU Botanical Garden: Spanning over 300 acres, the Botanical Garden acquaints you with varieties of trees and herbs. It features beautiful gardens boasting marigolds, rose bushes, lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations, etc. Locals often come here for a day out in nature’s lap.
Kodiveri Dam: Although a little far from the city, Kodiveri Dam is a sight to behold with gushing water forming a small waterfall to play in. It is situated on the Bhavani River and makes for a popular tourist attraction. It provides irrigation to 25000 hectares of land. In the vicinity of the dam is a park boasting lush greenery and play rides for kids. You can also enjoy swimming here and enjoy fresh fish dishes from the nearby shacks.
Sree Ayyappan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Sree Ayyappa, this temple is nestled in the heart of Coimbatore. It is constructed along the same lines as the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, and hence, it is famous among devotees. The architecture and rituals at both temples are similar. History buffs, religious devotees and architecture enthusiasts visit this temple all around the year.
Monkey Falls: On the outskirts of Coimbatore lies Monkey Falls, a site displaying the soul-swelling beauty of nature with cascading streams. The water moves along the rocks making swishing sounds, and it lands in a pool where travellers can enjoy. The spiky shrub in thearea is arranged in a manner as if creating a crown around the crystal-clear pool. There are fragrant flowers that appeal to the senses and make the surroundings appear divine.
Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park: It is an initiative of the government to preserve and protect the flora and fauna surrounding Coimbatore. Established in 1936, the park features more than 25,000 plants belonging to 430 species. It is also home to many species of reptiles, mammals and birds.
VOC Park and Zoo: VOC Park and Zoo is one of the most visited places in Coimbatore. Locals and tourists often visit it for recreational purposes. It is a picnic spot for families, and you can introduce kids to at least 30 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. It also features a Jurassic Park and an aquarium, where adults and children enjoy the most. The zoo has more than 500 animals.
Siruvani Waterfalls: Located more than 35 km from the city, Siruvani Waterfalls is a scenic beauty. It is the source of supply of fresh drinking water to the residents of Coimbatore. There is a finite number of buses available to take tourists to this mesmerising spot. With an enchanted view, it is one of the best places in the city to enjoy some alone or fun time with family, friends and loved ones.
Vellingiri Hill Temple: Located at the altitude of 6000 ft, Vellingiri Hill Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the most conspicuous abode in the city and the footfall of thousands of devotees offering prayers every year. The temple has serene surroundings and a tranquil ambience.
Kovai Kondattam: It is an amusement eco-friendly theme park. You can come here with children, family and friends to enjoy water rides. The most famous features here are Dashing Cars, Aqua Dance, Wave Pool, Hara-kiri & video parlour, Water Falls, Rock Climbing, Giant Wheel, Merry-go-round, Family Train, Water Slides and Pirate Ship.

Other places to visit in Coimbatore are Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Vydehi Falls, Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple, Isha Yoga Center, Masani Amman Temple, Siruvani Dam, Naga Sai Mandir, Ramar Temple, Nehru Park, Black Thunder, Grass Forest Museum and Aliyar Dam Reservoir Park.

Things to do in Coimbatore

Trekking and camping are adventurous activities that every traveller likes to indulge in. There are several trails in the vicinity of the city to provide you with an option to make your trip memorable and happening. Famous treks around Coimbatore include Vellari Maa, Dhoni Hills, Thalaiyar Falls and Perumal Peak. These trains arrest the eyes with mesmerising views and refresh your mind with the freshness of lush greenery.

Many tourists also choose to go on a wildlife safari in the Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Anamalai mountain range and has many species of animals. A private cab can also take you to the destination. Other fun things to do in Coimbatore include taking a tour of the Textile Museum or booking a day trip to Valparai through a road offering mesmerising views.

Food and restaurants in Coimbatore

Coimbatore is famous for trying South Indian cuisine. It has several food joints and fine-dining restaurants where people can relish delicious Dosa, Idli, Puttu, Lemon rice, Jigarthanda, Kalan Varuval, Kozhi Urundai, Murukku and Rasam.

Here is a list of places that every traveller must visit in Coimbatore to satiate taste buds with mouth-watering dishes,

Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowrishankar -
Haribhavanam
Dindigul Venu Biryani
Royal Hindu Restaurant
Junior Kuppanna
Sree Anandhaas
Ammayi Veedu Pot Cook

Shopping in Coimbatore

Coimbatore is popular for purchasing silk sarees, spices and cotton apparel. It has many malls and markets where locals and tourists visit to buy their favourite items. The list below mentions the markets and famous things that one can buy there,

Oppanakara Street: Handicraft products in different shapes, sizes and colours, watches, sweets and silk sarees, suits and clothes.
BrookefieldsMall: Cosmetics, footwear, silk sarees, electronics, men and women fashion accessories, bags, etc.
S K Pearl & Crafts: Handicraft items and jewellery
Town Hall Market: Footwear, everyday household items, electronics, books, home décor accessories, jewellery, bags, etc.
Cross Cut Road: Jewellery, apparel, hats, bags, footwear, etc.

Travel tips to read before planning a trip to Coimbatore

Plan in advance and according to the famous festivals celebrated around the city
Book hotels and flights beforehand
Dress in modest clothes while visiting religious places
Take ample photographs of the mesmerising scenery
Eat at the local food joints
Wear mask in public places

How to reach Coimbatore?

By Airways: Coimbatore International Airport is the best IndiGo flight route to reach the city. There are direct and connecting flights to Coimbatore available from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, etc. You can visit goIndiGo.in for more information.
By Railways: The city lies on the Coimbatore-Chennai broad gauge railway line that connects it to various cities of India. It is among the busiest railway stations in India.
By Roadways: Coimbatore is connected to major highways that make it easier to commute from nearby cities and states. You can book a taxi or travel to the city via bus.

How to travel around Coimbatore

Tourists can book a taxi or take a bus to the nearest destinations in Coimbatore. It also has auto-rickshaws available that offer pocket-friendly commutes in the city.

Culture of Coimbatore

Coimbatore is a diverse cosmopolitan city with heavy industrialisation. The official language of the city is Tamil. However, many North Indians, Gujaratis and people from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka also live here. The concept of Tent Cinema developed in the city after Swamikannu Vincent established the first cinema in South India.

Climate of Coimbatore

Coimbatore experiences a hot semi-arid climate, where March to June is the hottest month. Between September and November, the city receives rainfall due to the northeast monsoon.

Best time to visit Coimbatore

If you are planning a trip to Coimbatore, then the months between September and March are the best for vacation. The weather is pleasant and allows tourists to travel to places in the city and around without experiencing inconvenience. Many festivals are also hosted during the period.

Conclusion

Coimbatore is a vibrant city with many things to offer to a tourist. It has temples, gardens, waterfalls and other beautiful places that make it one of the best vacation spots in India. Book your IndiGo flight tickets now.