Coimbatore is the city is the Headquarters of the District and the third largest city in Tamil Nadu. As it is exposed to the Palghat gap of Western Ghats it enjoys a salubrious climate. This has attracted a large number of textile mills to this region. It is rightly called the " Manchester of South India ". Coimbatore is also known for the manufacture of motor pumpsets and varied engineering goods. The city is also known for its handloom products. There are a number of technical institutions as well.
General Information
Area 23.5 sq. kms. Population 7,04,514 (1991 census) Altitude 43 mts. Climate Max. Min. Summer 39.4º c 23.3º c Winter 32.8º c 20.7º c Rainfall 92.2 mm average Clothing Tropical Season Throughout the year Languages spoken Tamil, English, Telugu and Malayalam STD Code 0452
Places of interest
Perur Temple Built by Karikala Cholan, this temple is situated 7 Kms west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal. It is dedicated to Lord Siva. The presiding deity of the temple is known as Patteeswarar and His Consort, Pachai Nayaki. The exquisite sculptures in the hall , Kanagasabi, attract on e and all. It is also known as Mel Chidambaram.
Maruthamalai Temple Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the presiding deity is known as Dandayuthapani. This temple located on a hillock is 12 Kms from Coimbatore Railway Station and Bus Stand.
Agricultural University About 5 Kms from the Coimbatore Railway Station, this is the sixteenth Farm University in independent India. Though it came into existance on June 1, 1971 its ancestry is much older than that of the earliest started Agricultural University in the country. The nucleous was an Agricultural Demonstration Farm started in 1868 in Saidapet, Madras, which was later shifted to Coimbatore in 1907 and became one of the internationally reputed Agricultural Colleges that has been converted into the present Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Forest College One of the oldest institutions of its kind in India, the Forest College is situated 3.5 Kms north of the Railway Station. The College Museum is worth a visit.
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.
Siruvani waterfalls and Dam The waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 37 Kms west of the city. The water of siruvani is known for its taste. The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty.
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 are located in one temple complex.
Festivals
Thaipoosam and Thirukarthigai in Maruthamalai January & February. Car Festival of Sri Koniamman Temple March 1st Panguni Uthiram in Perur Temple March
How to get there ?
Air Coimbatore has an airport. Flights connect it with Chennai and other important cities.
Rail Coimbatore is connected by rail to Chennai, Trivandrum, Delhi and other cities.
Road It is also connected with all important cities and places of interest by road.
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