Places to Visit in Coimbatore. Coimbatore is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, It is known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. The city is situated on the banks of the River Noyyal. Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd century AD as the capital of a small tribal village, Kongunad, until it was brought under Chola control in the 2nd-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. In Tamil, the city is called Kovai.
Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to neighbouring Kerala and the ever popular hill station of Udhagamandalam (Ooty). It is the disembarking point for those who want to take the Mountain train that runs from Mettupalayam just 35 kms. from Coimbatore. There are also regular bus services from Coimbatore to Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Patteeswara Swamy Temple – Perur Temple
Located 7 kms. towards the west of Coimbatore. Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple stands on the banks of the holy river Noyyal. The temple is also known by the name Arulmigu Patteeswarar Thirukoil. Perur temple is a unique blend of fine sculpture and exquisite architecture, it is also known as Mel Chidambaram.
Subramaniya Swamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Marudhamalai Murugan Temple located on a scenic hillock at a height of 600 feet, is about 12 kms. from Coimbatore railway station. Lord Murugan in the form of Dhandayuthapani is enshrined in the sanctum and worshiped. Marudhamalai is abound with shrubs and bushes of medicinal properties. Due to this, the holy shrine is said to have miracle power to get rid of both physical and mental afflictions and attachments.
Velliangiri Hills
The beautiful Velliangiri is located on the way to Siruvani on the sacred Velliangiri hill in the western ghats at a distance of 40 kms. from Coimbatore. It is one among the five hills symbolically representing the five different faces of Lord Shiva. Velliangiri mountain known as Kailas of the south in the outskirts of Coimbatore in one of the seven sacred hills. Many Siddhas and bodiless beings have lived and graced the mountain with their energies. Lakhs of people trek around 8 kms. during Maha Sivarathri and Chitra Pournami every year. The rare medicinal herbs are found on these mountains. The exotic flora and fauna add to the mystical colour of the pilgrimage. (Ph: 0422-2615258).
Masaniamman Temple Anamalai
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also called as Arulmigu Mundhi Vinayagar Temple is located at Puliakulam in Coimbatore. The most important feature of the grand temple that makes a major attraction in the city is the idol of Lord Ganesha, which at the height of 20 feet and width of 11 feet, is the largest idol of the deity carved in stone. Because of its size, the magnificent idol is also Asia’s largest idol of Lord Ganesh.
Vanabathrakaliamman Temple
Vanabathrakaliamman temple has goddess Kali as its deity. This temple is located near Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district. This temple is considered very special since it is believed to clear all the hurdles for marriage and child birth. This Karamadai Ranganathar temple was built by the King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar Kingdom. It can be reached from Coimbatore by rail and road and it is located about 30 kms. from Coimbatore Central Bus Stand on Coimbatore-Ooty road. In the Tamil month Purattasi, a large number of devotees visit this temple. This temple is believed to be one of the oldest temple in Coimbatore district.
