Coimbatore, locally called Kovai, is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu state after Chennai. Its industrial abundance has led it to be called the ‘Manchester of South India’. With over 25,000 textile mills, large scale investments in water pump, electrical motor, automotive parts, and information technology industries, this city with its district areas is among the top ten growing cities in India. CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) has ranked this place fourth in terms of its investment worthiness. According to Frost and Sullivan Coimbatore is ranked at par with Kolkata, Chennai, and Noida as the most favoured destination for investments in India.

History of Coimbatore

The history of Coimbatore could be traced back to second century AD when a village capital by the name of Kongunad existed here. Roman coins of the same period have been excavated from Vellalur, a suburban area of Coimbatore. The name ‘Coimbatore’ might have been derived from ‘Koniyamman’ of ‘Koniyamuttur’, a local tribal goddess of this region. According to an alternate version, this name is derived from Covanputhur, a village named after a chieftain named Covan.

This village was ruled by the Cheras, Cholas, and later by the Pandiyas, and Sultanate of Madurai. The Hoysalas, the Vijyanagar rulers, and Nayaks of Thanjavur ruled over this place in succession till 17th century. In 1792, the British East India Company added this village to their estate. Coimbatore as we know of today had its beginning in the 1930s when it started growing as a manufacturing area of textile goods.

Coimbatore Geography

Coimbatore is situated in the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains on the western side of Tamil Nadu. Being at an elevation of about 750 metres above sea level it does not have the severity of the low land in similar latitudes. With Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve to its north and Noyyal River forming the southern boundary, Coimbatore is a picturesque place to stay. In addition to this rain fed river, the districts of Coimbatore have and extensive wetland area made up of eight tanks.

As compared to Tamil Nadu lowlands the temperatures in Coimbatore are bearable. The average high ranges between 29ºC - 35 ºC, while the average low stays within 18ºC - 23 ºC. December and January are coolest while March-May is hottest. Rainfalls are heaviest in the months of October and November averaging about 150mm. Throughout the year the annual rainfall measures about 650mm.

Coimbatore Administration and Demography

District of Coimbatore is divided into six ‘taluks’ called Coimbatore South, Coimbatore North, Sulur, Mettupalayam, Valparai, and Pollachi. Revenue divisions are two in number: Pollachi and Coimbatore. According to 2011 census the population of Coimbatore district was estimated at almost 35 lakhs. Tamil is the predominant language spoken here though the city has a cosmopolitan feel with the populace speaking Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

Coimbatore Connectivity

Coimbatore has one international airport served by all major airlines operating in India. In addition there are three railheads at Coimbatore North, Coimbatore Central and Podanur. Daily trains connect Coimbatore to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Ooty, Madurai, Tirupati, Salem, Cochin, and Kanyakumari. National highways also connects this district to major neighbouring cities and states.

Important Coimbatore Tourist Destinations

Some of the important destinations that you should visit in Coimbatore are Pateeswarar Temple, G.D. Naidu Museum, Gass Forest Museum, Marutahamalai Andavar Temple, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkey Falls, Perks Pyramid, and Singanallur Lake.