Coimbatore, also known as Kovai, is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest city and urban agglomeration in the state after Chennai and the sixteenth largest urban agglomeration in India. It is administered by the Coimbatore Municipal Corporation and is the administrative capital of Coimbatore district. It is one of the fastest growing tier-II cities in India and a major textile, industrial, commercial, educational, information technology, healthcare and manufacturing hub of Tamil Nadu.It is often referred to as the "Manchester of South India" due to its cotton production and textile industries. Coimbatore is also referred to as "the Pump City" as it supplies two thirds of India's requirements of motors and pumps. The city is one of the largest exporters of Jewelry, wet grinders, poultry and auto components and the term "Coimbatore Wet Grinder" has been given a Geographical indication. The city is located on the banks of Noyyal river surrounded by the Western Ghats.

Coimbatore was the capital city of the historical Kongu Nadu and was ruled by the Cheras as it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the west coast and Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore was in the middle of the Roman trade route that extended from Muziris to Arikamedu in South India. The medieval Cholas conquered the Kongu Nadu in the 10th century CE. The region was ruled by Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century followed by the Nayaks who introduced the Palayakkarar system under which Kongu nadu region was divided into 24 Palayams. In the later part of the 18th century, the Coimbatore region came under the Kingdom of Mysore and following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed Coimbatore to the Madras Presidency in 1799. The Coimbatore region played a prominent role in the Second Poligar War (1801) when it was the area of operations of Dheeran Chinnamalai. In 1804, Coimbatore was established as the capital of the newly formed Coimbatore district and in 1866 it was accorded municipality status with Robert Stanes as its Chairman. The city experienced a textile boom in the early 19th century due to the decline of the cotton industry in Mumbai. Post independence, Coimbatore has seen rapid growth due to industrialization.

Coimbatore was ranked the best emerging city in India by India Today in the 2014 annual Indian city survey. The city has been ranked 4th among Indian cities in investment climate by CII and ranked 17th among the top global outsourcing cities by Tholons.

Etymology

There are multiple theories regarding the origin of the name. According to one theory, Coimbatore is a derivation of Kovanputhur (literally 'new town of Kovan'), after chieftain Kovan or Koyan, who ruled the region around the city. Kovanputhur evolved into Koyambatoor, which was Anglicized as Coimbatore. Another theory states that the name could have been derived from Koniamman. Koyamma, the goddess worshiped by Koyan evolved into Kovaiamma and later Koniamma.

History

The Sugarcane Breeding Institute at Coimbatore, 1928

The region around Coimbatore was ruled by the Cheras during Sangam period and it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the west coast and Tamil Nadu. The Kossar tribe mentioned in the second century CE Tamil epic Silappathikaram and other poems in Sangam literature is associated with the Coimbatore region (Kongu Nadu). The region was in the middle of a Roman trade route that extended from Muziris to Arikamedu. The medieval Cholas conquered the Kongu Nadu in the 10th century CE. A Chola highway called Rajakesari Peruvazhi ran through the region. Much of Tamil Nadu came under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire by the 15th century. In the 1550s, Madurai Nayaks who were the military governors of the Vijaynagara Empire took control of the region. After the Vijayanagara Empire fell in the 17th century, the Madurai Nayaks established their state as an independent kingdom. The Nayaks introduced the Palayakkarar system under which Kongu nadu region was divided into 24 Palayams.

In the later part of the 18th century, the region came under the Kingdom of Mysore, following a series of wars with the Madurai Nayak Dynasty. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed Coimbatore to the Madras Presidency in 1799. The Coimbatore region played a prominent role in the Second Poligar War (1801) when it was the area of operations of Dheeran Chinnamalai. In 1804, Coimbatore was established as the capital of the newly formed Coimbatore district and in 1866 it was accorded municipality status. Sir Robert Stanes became the first Chairman of the Coimbatore City Council. The region was hard hit during the Great Famine of 1876–78 resulting in nearly 200,000 famine related fatalities. The city experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 on the Richter scale on February 8, 1900. The first three decades of the 20th century saw nearly 20,000 plague-related deaths and an acute water shortage.

The city experienced an economic boom in the 1920s and 1930s due to the decline of the cotton industry in Mumbai. The region played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Post independence, Coimbatore has seen rapid growth due to industrialization and in 1981, Coimbatore was constituted as a corporation. On February 14, 1998, the radical Islamist group Al Ummah bombed 11 places across the city killing 58 people and injuring more than 200.

Geography

Western Ghats along the Coimbatore-Palghat National Highway

Coimbatore lies at 11°1′6″N 76°58′21″E in South India at 411 metres (1349 ft) above sea level on the banks of the Noyyal river, in south-western Tamil Nadu. It covers an area of 642.12 km2 (247.92 sq mi). It is surrounded by the Western Ghats mountain range to the West and the North, with reserve forests of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve on the northern side. The Noyyal River forms the southern boundary of the city. The city sits amidst Noyyal's basin area and has an extensive tank system fed by the river and rainwater. The eight major tanks and wetland areas of Coimbatore are namely, Singanallur, Valankulam, Ukkadam Periyakulam, Selvampathy, Narasampathi, Krishnampathi, Selvachinthamani, and Kumaraswami. Multiple streams drain the waste water from the city.

The city is divided into two distinctive regions: the dry eastern side which includes majority of the urban area of the city and the western region which borders the Nilgiris, Anaimalai and Munnar ranges. Palghat Gap, a mountain pass which connects the neighboring state of Kerala to Tamil Nadu lies to the west of the city. Because of its location in biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, it is rich in fauna and flora. The Coimbatore urban wetlands harbors around 116 species of birds of which, 66 are resident, 17 are migratory and 33 are local migrants. The spot-billed pelican, painted stork, openbill stork, ibis, spot-billed duck, teal and black-winged stilt visit the Coimbatore wetlands on their migration. Apart from the species common to the plains, various threatened and endangered species such as Indian elephants, wild boars, leopards, Bengal tigers, gaurs, Nilgiri tahr, sloth bear and black-headed oriole are found in the region.

The northern part of the city has a rich tropical evergreen forest with commercially significant trees such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood and bamboo. The soil is predominantly black, which is suitable for cotton cultivation, but some red loamy soil is also found. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, Coimbatore falls under the Class III/IV Seismic Zone, having experienced a 6.0 Richter scale earthquake in 1900.

Climate

Coimbatore has a pleasant, salubrious climate due to its proximity to thickly forested mountain ranges and the cool breeze blowing through the Palghat gap which makes the consistently hot temperatures pleasant. Under the Köppen climate classification, the city has a tropical wet and dry climate, with the wet season being from October to December due to the northeast monsoon. Coimbatore is located at an elevation of about 411 meters. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures varies between 35 °C (95 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F). Highest temperature ever recorded is 41 °C (106 °F) and lowest is 8 °C (46 °F).

Due to the presence of the mountain pass, more elevated parts of the district benefit from the south-west monsoon in the months from June to August. After a warm, humid September, the main monsoon starts from October lasting till early November. These monsoons are brought about by the retreating monsoon. The average annual rainfall is around 700 mm (27.6 in) with the North East and the South West monsoons contributing to 47% and 28% respectively to the total rainfall. This rainfall is not enough to sustain the needs of the city for the entire year and the shortage is made up through water supply schemes like Siruvani, Pilloor and Athikadavu.

Black Thunder Theme Park

It is Asia's number 1 theme park, which is located amidst the woods, with Nilgiri hills making the perfect backdrop. It is spread over 65 acres of land having all kinds of adventurous and thrilling rides. It located at a distance of 41 km from Coimbatore. If you prefer to reach by train, then Coimbatore, Mettupalayam, and Tiruppur are the nearest railway stations.

Black Thunder Theme Park is mainly a water park, though other rides are also available. You can also stay at the luxurious accommodations available at the park. There are forty Deluxe Rooms and suites in this place for your family to recoil. In addition, you can savour delicacies in the multi cuisine restaurant and chill in the bar and cafe. Other facilities available include Health club, Children's Play Zone, Corporate Conference facilities, lush lawn, etc.

Address: Black Thunder Theme Park (P) Ltd Ooty Main Road, Mettupalayam Coimbatore Dt - 641305. Tamil Nadu, India Entry Fee: Rs 400 (Kids under 10 years of age), Rs 450 (otherwise)

Nilgiris Hills

Nilgiris is India's first biosphere that ranks among the 14 'hotspots' of the world. It is among the oldest mountain ranges in India and a home to three beautiful hill stations - Coonoor, Ooty, and Kotagiri. You will find all aspects of nature interspersed with each other in this heavenly abode. Waterfalls, tea plantations, rolling grasslands and spectacular viewpoints define the beauty of Nilgiri Hills. Siruvani Waterfalls.

This beautiful waterfall is situated 35 km to the west of Coimbatore. A dam is also constructed there, named after this waterfall. To reach Siruvani Waterfalls, you have to pass through a place called Sadivayal Checkpost, where you need to pay a nominal entry fee. Tribals such as Irulars and Mudugars live here.

Besides hired cars, you can reach this place from Coimbatore by buses (14E, 59, 59C) and Sadivayal and Sirvani buses frequently ply here. While touring Siruvani waterfalls, you can also visit Anaimalai Hills range, Palar rivers, Sholiyar, Aliyar, and Parambikulam.

Dhyanalinga Temple.

It is a unique yogic temple, beyond any particular faith and believes in spiritual essence of living. They don't follow any special kind of prayer or ritual. They only believe in meditation and provide you with a serene and spiritual ambiance in the midst of dense forest, essentially at the foothills of Velliangiri Mountains, 30 km from west of Coimbatore.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev consecrated the temple and even said this place will make people, who are unaware of meditation, realize what meditation is after he/she sits there silently for few minutes. They even preach that meditation can be done in a more appropriate environment during certain days and time such as on Poornima and Amavasya. Some of the common meditations practiced in Dhyanalinga temple include Nadha Aaradhana, Aumkar Meditation, Pancha Bhuta Aradhana and during special celebration of Mahashivarathri.

Address: Dhyanalinga, Isha Yoga Center, Semmedu (P.O), Coimbatore - 641114 Timings: 6 am to 8 pm (open on all days)

Perur Patteeswarar Temple.

During the rule of Raja Raja Chola, Patteeswarar Temple or Perur Temple was built. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Patteeswarar being the other name for Shiva) and has been patronized by various poets such as Kachiappa Munivar and Arunagiri Nathar. It is located 7 km to the west of Noyyal River. Inside the temple premises, you can see his consort Parvati (called Pachainayaki) along with him. As per folklore, this deity had emerged at its own and that is why many regard it as 'Swayambu Lingam'. Halls, gopurams and carved pillars adorn the temple. Also, there is a golden statue of Nataraja in one of the halls of Patteeswarar Temple.

Kovai Kondattam

Kovai Kondattam is a theme park in Coimbatore located 3 km away from Perur temple. You can reach there through Perur-Siruvani main road. It remains open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm. You can visit this place with your family where your children can enjoy the numerous water games. The other adventure options available are rock climbing, water dance, wave pool, and dashing cars for small kids. Kovai Kondattam also arranges for birthday parties, casual get-together, presentations, product launches, and much more. It is one of the most popular amusement parks near Coimbatore. Location: Kovai Kondattam, Siruvani Main Road, Kalampalyam, Coimbatore.

Monkey Falls

This is one of the picturesque waterfalls popular in Coimbatore district. It is located in the Anaimalai Hills range. You can reach there through Pollachi-Valparai road. It is about 30 km away from Pollachi, just next to two IFS check posts - Azhiyar Valparai and Arutperunjothi Nagar. It has come up as one of the most popular tourist attractions near Coimbatore. Just shell out Rs. 15 as ticket fee and enjoy the beauty of Monkey Falls.

Tourist places in Coimbatore

This sanctuary houses a number of animals such as lion, langur, elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, pangolin, civet cut, porcupine, flying squirrel and jackal along with many others. It lies in Western Ghats at a distance of 65 km from Coimbatore.

Palani

It is amongst Lord Subramanya's six places of pilgrimage. Sri Dandayuthapani is the deity that presides. Palani attracts a large number of tourists who pay oblations to the idols made out of medicinal herbs and shrubs in the shrine.

Avanashi Temple

Avanashilingeswarar temple was built in the 12th century by The Cholas. It has sculptures and carvings that are well shaped. It lies at a distance of 40 km from the city of Coimbatore.

Bannari

This is a town that attracts a number of devotees towards itself because of its famous Mariamman temple. It is located 83 km away from Coimbatore and lies close to the large thick forests of the Western Ghats.

Bhavani

This town lies at a distance of 121 km from Coimbatore and is often referred to as the 'Triveni of South India'. It is a sacred and holy pilgrim town that houses the famous Sangameshwarer temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sangameshwarer and his counterpart Vedanayaki.

Coonoor

This is a hill station in the Nilgiris and it lies at a distance of 71 km from the city of Coimbtore. It has many interesting tourist spots such as Sim's Park, Law's fall, Ketti Dolphin's Nose, Lamb's Rock, Lady Canning's seat, The Droog, Ralliah Dam, Catherine's fall and also some beverages plantations amongst others.

Kotagiri

This hill station is the oldest and most ancient hill resort lying in the Nilgiri hills. It is located at a distance of 105 km from Coimbatore.

Mettuppallayam

It is a small town that lies at the foot hills of the Nilgris. The unique thing about it is the adventurous railway journey between Mettuppalaiyam and Ooty that passes through forests and tea plantations. It lies at a distance of 52 km from Coimbatore.

Monkey falls and Sengupathi falls

These are beautiful waterfalls that attract many tourists towards themselves due to their pleasant location. While Monkey falls lie on route to Valparai, Sengupathi falls lie on the way to Siruvani from Coimbatore.

Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam

This place acts as a perfect picnic spot with its waterfalls and dam. Siruvani is the source of water supply to the entire district of Coimbatore. This water supplied is considered the second tastiest water of the world. It lies at a distance of 37 km from Coimbatore.

Thirumoorthy Temple

This temple lies on the foot of the Thirumoorthy Hills, and is located 20 km away from Udumalpet on the Palani Coimbatore Highway. It is a sacred place and consists of a holy shrine within its premises that attracts a lot of devotees. Many waterfalls are near this temple, and it is being further developed by the tourism department.

Ooty

Ootachamand is called the 'Queen of hills'. In the English language, it is called Udhagamandalam. Ooty is a favorite tourist spot among people because of its low lying clouds, cool weather natural beauty. It also houses tourist spots such as Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake and Stone House. Although, it lies at some distance from the city of Coimbatore, it is a place that commands a must visit.

Vaideki Waterfalls

These falls are a perfect place for people who love to trek or picnic. They are located at a distance of 30 km from Coimbatore and in order to travel up here, a person needs to take the route of Narasipuram village.

Valparai

It is a hill station situated 102 km away from Coimbatore. Valparai is the head of 50 estates that fall under the Anamalai range. Tea plantation is predominantly present. Anamalai range also has a number of waterfalls, stream, dams and dense forests.

Parambikulam-Aliyar

It is a multipurpose project wherein rivers such as Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadaru, Thekkadi and Palar flow in to supply water for the purpose of irrigation of land and generation of power. It has several dams that are placed in order and are inter-connected through tunnels and channels. This place is ideal for picnics and adventure sports and accommodation facilities in the forest rest houses are also available.