In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Coimbatore City. Coimbatore, often referred to as the “Manchester of South India,” is a major city in Tamil Nadu known for its industrial prominence, pleasant climate, and cultural vibrancy. Located at the base of the Western Ghats, the city is enveloped by beautiful landscapes and serves as a gateway to well-known hill stations such as Ooty and Coonoor. Coimbatore stands out as a center for textiles, engineering, and education, featuring numerous textile mills, automotive industries, and esteemed institutions like PSG College of Technology and Coimbatore Institute of Technology.
| About: | Coimbatore is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of its most industrialized areas, often referred to as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of South India. Located on the banks of the Noyyal River, Coimbatore has a history that dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD, attributed to Karikalan, an early Chola king. Throughout its history, it has been ruled by notable dynasties such as the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara kings. When Kongunadu came under British control, the city was renamed Coimbatore, although it is also affectionately known as Kovai in the local Tamil language. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, thanks to the refreshing breeze that flows through the 25-kilometer-long Palakkad gap. The region’s rich black soil has played a significant role in the success of its agriculture, particularly in cotton cultivation, which laid the groundwork for its renowned textile industry. The first textile mill was established in 1888, leading to the growth of numerous mills that provided ample employment opportunities for residents and those from neighboring districts. This development has fostered a robust economy and earned Coimbatore a reputation as one of South India’s leading industrial cities. There are over 25,000 small, medium, and large-scale industries, including textile mills. Coimbatore is also well-known for its foundry and automobile industries, as well as the manufacturing of textile equipment, motor pump sets, wet grinders, and various engineering goods and services. The establishment of hydroelectric power from the Pykara Falls in the 1930s contributed to a cotton boom in the area. Coimbatore serves as a gateway to neighboring Kerala and is just 70 kilometers from the popular hill station of Udhagamandalam (Ooty). It is also the starting point for those wishing to take the scenic mountain train from Mettupalayam, located only 35 kilometers away. |
| History: | The Sugarcane Breeding Institute at Coimbatore, 1928 The region around Coimbatore was ruled by the Cheras during Sangam period between c. 1st and the 4th centuries CE and it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the west coast and Tamil Nadu. The Kosar tribe mentioned in the 2nd century CE Tamil epic Silappathikaram and other poems in Sangam literature is associated with the Coimbatore region. The region was located along an ancient Roman trade route that extended from Muziris to Arikamedu. The medieval Cholas conquered the Kongu Nadu in the 10th century. A Chola highway called Rajakesari Peruvazhi ran through the region. Much of Tamil Nadu came under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire by the 15th century. In the 1550s, Madurai Nayaks, who were the military governors of the Vijaynagara Empire, took control of the region. After the Vijayanagara Empire fell in the 17th century, the Madurai Nayaks established their state as an independent kingdom. They introduced the Palayakkarar system under which Kongu Nadu region was divided into 24 Palayams(towns). |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Tamil Nadu |
| District: | Coimbatore |
| Language: | Tamil, English |
| Population: | 1,601,438 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | Average literacy rate of Coimbatore city is 91.30 percent of which male and female literacy was 94.46 and 88.15 percent. The sex ratio of Coimbatore city is 997 per 1000 males. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Aliyar Dam, Near Pollachi. Monkey Falls, Near Aliyar. Valparai Hill Station Kovai Kutralum, Siruvani Hills. Siruvani Dam, Near Wallayair. Cholayar Dam, Valparai Parambikulam Dam Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park Karamadai Range Forest – Pilloor Dam Kadamparai Power House, Valparai Horticulture Farms, Kallar, Near Mettupalayam Vaitheki Falls, Narasi Palayam Baralikkadau, Karamadai Range Forest Salim Ali Ornithology Centre,Anaikatti Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Podanur Adhiyogi Statue, Isha Yoga Centre |
