05.COIMBATORE
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Coimbatore is 498 kms from Chennai. The third largest city of the state, Coimbatore is the headquarters of a district of the same name, is one of the most industrialised cities in Tamil Nadu. The city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal and is known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd century AD as a small tribal village capital called Kongunad until it was brought under Chola control in the 2nd or 3rd century AD by Karikalan, the first of the early Cholas. Among its other great rulers were the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara kings. When Kongunad fell to the British along with the rest of the state, its name was changed to Coimbatore and it is by this name that it is known today, except in Tamil, in which it is called Kovai.
Located in the shadow of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25 kms long Palakkad gap. The rich black soil of the region has contributed to Coimbatore's flourishing agriculture industry and it is in fact that the successful growth of cotton that served as a foundation for the establishment of its famous textile industry. Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to the neighbouring state of Kerala and the ever-popular hill station of Udagamandalam (Ooty) in Tamil Nadu. It is the disembarking point for those who want to take the Mountain train that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty that is just 35 kms from Coimbatore. There are also regular bus services from Coimbatore to Ooty. |
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| Places of Interest |
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| Kovai Kutrallam : |
| It is 37 km from Coimbatore and 5 km away from Alandurai village. It is perennial waterfalls located in the Western Ghat forest. It is also known as Sengupathy waterfalls. It is surrounded by a thick forest and is full of flora and fauna. |
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| Velliangiri Hills : |
| These mountains are known as the Kailash of the south. Located in the outskirts of Coimbatore, it is one of the sacred hills. Lakhs of people undertake the arduous 8 km trek during Maha Sivarathri and Chitra Pournami every year. Rare medicinal herbs can be found on these mountains. The exotic flora and fauna add to the mystical colors of the pilgrimage. |
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| Forest College : |
| Coimbatore is an educational centre of importance, and the Forest College, the oldest forest institution in India is located here. The college is world famous and has an interesting museum. |
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| Masaniyamman Kovil : |
| Situated between Pollachi and Palakkad, this temple is about 45 to 50 k.m from the hub of Coimbatore. Devotees believe that if they grind red chilly paste and apply it on the presiding deity their lost valuables will be restored to them. |
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| Puliakulam Temple : |
| Asia's largest idol of Ganesha stands imposingly in the Puliakulam temple in Coimbatore. This temple was built in 1996 and the statue weighs about 14 tonnes. |
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| Dhyanalinga : |
This is the largest lingam in the world and it is located in the foothhills of the Velliangiri mountain about 30 kms. from Coimbatore. The lingam is a single black granite stone
13 ft.9 inches in height and it has with seven copper rings embedded in it, corresponding to the seven charkas that is believed to govern the human body. The Avudaiyar or its base is made from a single white granite stone 9 ft in diameter and is in the form of a seven headed coiled snake. |
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| The Dhyanalinga does not ascribe to any particular religion or faith, but is the distilled essence of yogic science. The dome has been built with traditional material like burnt bricks, mud and mortar and additional herbal additional herbal additives. |
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| Perur Temple : |
| This temple is situated 7 kms from Coimbatore Railway station and was constructed by Karikala Cholan. There are shrines to the presiding deity Patteeswarar and his consort Panchainayaki. Elegantly carved sculptures are in the Kanagasabai hall. Devotees flock to the temples during Panguni Uthiram festival that is celebrated in the month of March. |
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| Maruthamalai Temple : |
| Dedicated to Lord Subramanya this hilltop temple is one of the most visited temples in this region. The reason being that the presiding deity Dhandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai poosam and Thirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in this temple. Maruthamalai is 12 kms. from the railway station. |
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| Eachanari Vinayakar Temple : |
| It is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka and is situated about 13 kms. from the heart of Coimbatore city. People travelling further south usually pray to this God to prevent obstacles or hurdles on their journey, as he is considered the remover of obstacles. |
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| The Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary : |
| This sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 mtrs. in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. The area of the sanctuary is 958 Sq.Km. It has various kinds of exotic fauna like the elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, pangolin, black-headed oriole, green pigeon and the civet cat. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as the Karain shola, grassy hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates and dams.Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the sanctuary on elephant back or by van. |
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| Pollachi : |
| This town is about 40 km from Coimbatore. It is next important town in the district after Coimbatore, and an important commercial centre. A temple dedicated to Mariamman and another to Subramanya is located here. There are beautiful stone carvings of a five-hooded serpent, a sculpture of a yali with a chain hanging from its mouth and zodiac signs, in the Subramanya temple. |
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| Places in and around Coimbatore |
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| 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 waterfall. |
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| Crocodile Farm : |
| The Crocodile Farm at Amaravathi Dam is just 25 kms. from here. This place is being developed as a District Excursion Centre. |
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| Bhavani : |
| The Sangameshwarar temple at Bhavani is situated at the confluence of the rivers Bhavani and the Kaveri. This place is called as Thriveni of South India. It is an important pilgrim centre. Lord Sangameshwarer with his consort Vedanayaki is the presiding deity. It is said that during the British rule, the then Collector of Coimbatore and Salem Districts, William Garrow, who had his headquarters at Bhavani, worshipped the Goddess Vedanayaki at this temple. |
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| One night the Goddess directed him in his dream to vacate his bungalow immediately. Just after he vacated, the entire bungalow collapsed. As thanksgiving for this miracle, he presented to the temple an ivory cradle with his signature can be seen in the temple. |
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| Tiruppur : |
| It is an important textile centre in Coimbatore district; it is also famous for hosiery products. Tiruppur is also closely associated with Thiruppur Kumaran a valiant freedom fighter. It is 50 kms. from Coimbatore. |
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| Bethesda : |
| The Bethesda Prayer Centre is set amidst the scenic splendour of Siruvani hills, 2 km away from the industrial city of Coimbatore. The landscape surrounding the prayer centre is beautiful with hills, water falls green pastures and rivulets, providing the most peaceful atmosphere for prayer and meditation. The prayer dome is a lovely artistically designed with all facilities, which will enable one to be lost in the Lord's presence. |
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| Monkey Falls : |
| It is 65 km from Coimbatore and 27 km from Pollachi on Coimbatore-Pollachi-Valparai Highways. |
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| Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park : |
| The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (Popular known as Anamalais) is one of the hot spots of bio-diversity in the Western Ghats. The unique ecological tract has an undulating topography and diverse climate variations, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna including many endemic species. Tribals who inhabit the Anamalais form an integral part of this sanctuary. The rich wildlife in this area is one of the major attractions for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. |
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