| Coimbatore is 498 kms from Chennai. The third largest city of the state, Coimbatore 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 |
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| 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. The first textile mills came up around 1888 and there are now over a hundred mills. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of the greatest industrial cities in South India |
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| 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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| 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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| The Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam |
| The Siruvani falls and dam is situated some 37 kilometers to the west of Coimbatore city in the Western Ghats. The river is very much familiar and it is well-known for its tasty water. This Siruvani water falls is the chief source to supply water to Coimbatore city. With an outstanding panoramic view, both the dam and water falls is extremely beautiful and breathe taking. The dam is interlinked by tunnels and canals for confining Aliyar, Parambikulam, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Palar, Thekadi rivers for the purpose of generating power and irrigation. This is an excellent example for engineering works and it is situated in the Anamalai range |
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| Valparai |
| Valparai is at a distance of 95 kms from Coimbatore. Famous for its tea estates, this place is famous for its two peaks, which are known as sisters. Driving through your way to Valparai, you will envision beautiful sight scenes. A popular Indra Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary is also located in the way to Valparai. This wild life sanctuary is also famous for Elephants, Boars, Lion tailed Monkey, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar, and Mountain Squirrels |
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| You will also find Monkey falls and Aliyar Dam fall on your way to Valparai. A famous place of worship, Balaji Temple is also situated at this place. Other center of attractions of this place are Peria Karamalai Tea Industries, Sholaiyar and Nirar Dams, which are located at few strolls from this place |
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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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| Tamil Nadu Agriculture University |
| The University is situated about 5 km from Coimbatore railway junction.It is one of the sixteen major agricultural Universities in the country and one of the best in south Asia |
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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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| Dhyanalinga |
| The Dhyanalinga Yogic temple is a meditative place which is situated in Velliangiri foothills, Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu. The dhyanalinga yogic temple is popularly known for its beautiful and outstanding architecture. Also, the place offers a peaceful meditative space, where individual's can sit for meditation in a pleasing atmosphere. Being located in the Velliangiri mount, Dhyanalinga yogic temple is a breath taking place of eternal vibrations. The earth shades, the innate granite, and the sink of unequal surfaces and outlines, which gives an supernal ambience and acts as an excellent place to get the blessings of Dhyanalinga |
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| 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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| Vydehi water falls |
| The Vydehi water falls is situated some 35 kilometers away from the Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu. People visiting Coimbatore will never fail to visit Vydehi water falls, as it is one of the most familiar water fall known for its magnificence. The falls has dragged quite number of visitors because of its scenic attraction and beauty. People can avail any transportation facility either an auto or taxi's to visit the Vydehi water falls. This is one of the most important places that must be visited during your trip to Coimbatore. People can enjoy the pleasure of the place and can make their trip memorable one by visiting the water falls. |
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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 |
