India eGuide

the world at your fingertips...

 
 

 
 

Coimbatore

 

Coimbatore is the second largest city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu next only to Chennai. It is the administrative headquarters of the Coimbatore District and a major technical hub of South India. Coimbatore city, including its suburban areas, has a population of 2.4 million people on an area 105.5 km2. It is referred as "the Manchester of South India" in business circles, and has textile mills, factories, engineering firms, automobile parts manufacturers, health care facilities, and educational institutions. The hill stations of Uthagamandalam (Ooty), Coonnor, Kodaikanal and Valparai are close to the city making it a good tourist attraction throughout the year. The Noyyal River flows past the city, which is close to Siruvani Waterfalls.

 

How to Get There:
By Air: The city has a civil airport at Peelamedu, 7 km out and is connected to Chennai Hyderabad, Bangalore Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin and Calicut, and Trivandrum. International destinations are Sharjah, Singapore and Colombo. It is the airhead for the apparel city of Tirupur. Plans are afoot to expand this airport further.
By Rail: Broad Gauge trains connect to all parts of India, including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Hyderabad, Kanyakumari, Jammu, Mumbai, New Delhi and Trivandrum.
By Road: The city has six major arterial roads and three National Highways NH-47 (Salem- Kanyakumari), NH-67 (Nagapattinam-Ooty) and NH-209 (Bangalore-Dindigul) passing through the city. They bypass the city and are linked arterially.
Getting Around: The State Transport Corporation and a lot of private buses operate from Coimbatore to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka.
Where to Stay: List of 23 available hotels in Coimbatore, all of which can be booked online. The Residency, Coimbatore; Heritage Inn; Jenney Club; Black Thunder; Grand Plaza; Heritage Inn
and Hotel CAG Pride are recommended.

What to See: There are a number of picnic spots situated around Coimbatore. Siruvani Waterfalls, about 37 kms west of the city is noted for it's captivating beauty and the sweetness of it's water. The scenic view of the dam and the falls is eye-catching. Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary: Situated 67 kms away from Coimbatore, the sanctuary's dense vegetation and favourable climate attract a variety of wild animals like Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Deer, Snakes, and birds. Hotel accommodation is available within the sanctuary. Kodaikanal:138 kms from Coimbatore, at the southern tip of the Palani Hills. Dense greenery, crystal clear springs, water falls and misty cool air - Kodai is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. The hill sides abound with the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years .For orchid lovers, there is an orchidorium 6 kms away, having more than 300 varieties of orchids.The Bear shola falls, Silver cascade, Kodai lake, Bryant park, Coaker's Walk & Kukkai cave are some of the other places worth visiting. Top Slip: A neat, picturesque locale in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 90 km from Coimbatore.There are bungalows available within the sanctuary. Or play golf on a 9-hole course inside the Central Jail!
Where to Eat: Don't forget to taste the best of South Indian Idlis, Dosas, Vada, Chutney and Vegetarian rice meal from the Annapoorna Chain of Restaurants and Non-vegetarian food from
the Angannan's, Sampoorna, Rayappas and Thalappas restaurants. Chains like Subway, Domino's pizza, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins Ice cream, Mary Brown, Barista, Cafe Coffee Day, Boomerang etc., have made their presence felt in the city. Ajmir, patti Amma Dosai Kadai, Burma Bai Barotta Kadai, China town and Four seasons are worth a visit.

 
 

World Travel Information
Accommodation | Tours | Travel Stories | Travel Destinations | Corporate