Overview:
Coimbatore City is headquarters to the District and the third largest city in Tamil Nadu. A completely progressive modern city, Coimbatore has much going for it, whether in the areas of industry or education.
Rightly called the "Manchester of South India, Coimbatore is known for its textile mills and as a result, it's own unique saris. From engineering goods that constantly keep step with the latest technology available to its beautiful temples, visit Coimbatore to see the side of India that is suave and modern.
Population: About 1,446,034
Climate: Coimbatore enjoys quite a pleasant record as far as weather is concerned, with summer temperatures ranging from 23.3°C and 39.4°C while winters are equally pleasant with temperatures from 20.7°C to 32.8°C.
Main Language(s): Tamil and English
Time Zone: GMT + 05:30
Phone Area Code: 0422
Best Time To Visit: Exposed as it is to the Palghat gap of Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a salubrious climate. And while it might be considered too warm for most domestic tourists during the summer, international visitors find the sun a welcome companion.
Airport Distance from City Center: 13 kms
Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Taxi services available at Rs. 150 / Rs.200 to city centre.
Places To Visit:
Forest College
Take a walk into one of the oldest institutions of its kind in India. The Forest College is situated 3.5 kms north of the Railway Station and will make for an interesting visit. The College Museum is definitely worth a visit.
Perur Temple
Built by Karikala Cholan, one of the more important of rulers from the Chola Dynasty, this temple is situated 7 kms west of Coimbatore near River Noyyal and is dedicated to Lord Siva. Take time to appreciate both the devotion within the temple as well as the exquisite sculptures in the hall and around you. The kind of architecture you see in the temples here are particular to Tamil Nadu and invariably have really interesting histories behind them.
Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the more popular sanctuaries in the country, the Annamalai wildlife sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 kms. from Coimbatore).
The 958 sq kms is home to 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 spots around that boast scenic beauty and wonderful sights. Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the sanctuary on elephant back or by van.
Topslip
A picturesque locale in the Anamalai Hills, drive or ride out to this lovely spot. It is about 37 kms. from Pollachi is an ideal picnic spot. A small town, you can be assured of meeting other like minded people in search of some peace other than the youngsters who seem to have monopoly of picnic spots as a rule.
Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam
Looking at a dam has to be one of the strangest feelings - there it is, this abundance of water held by man and his sheer ingenuity. The Siruvani waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 37 kms west of the city. The water of Siruvani is most known for its taste, which is supposed to be sweet and unparalleled. Just stand back and watch water meet water with a view that can enchant you. The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty.
Palani
One of the most famous temples and Gods of the country, Palani is also a pilgrimage with its own faithful band of devotees. The temple of Lord Muruga is located on the Palani Hills and the idol is said to be made of medicinal herbs. It is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and one of the major pilgrim centres in South India next only to Tirupati.
Tiruppur
Not very well known by the general public, Thiruppur is a great place to shop for T-shirts and clothes. An important textile centre in Coimbatore district, it is also famous for hosiery products. This little place supplies materials for clothing that make their way to some of the biggest stores in the world, with some of the biggest brands using the cloth from here.
