Coimbatore

Coimbatore, also known as Kovai is known for its various industries, engineering goods, textile mills, educational institutions, health care facilities, pleasant weather, friendly culture and hospitality. There is a significant minority of people of North and West Indian origin in Coimbatore, making it cosmopolitan. The Tamil spoken here is called Kongu Tamil. Other languages spoken include English, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada. The citizens are friendly and courteous. Except for early summer, it has a pleasant climate throughout the year, similar to a resort town. It is an information-technology hub with new initiatives from the state government.
Coimbatore is an orthodox city. It has developed in terms of wealth, however the general populace is still down to earth. People here don't have a flashy lifestyle. Most of all the Coimbatoreans are known for the respect displayed in language towards everyone.

Tamil is the mother tongue of majority of the people in Coimbatore though there are people who speak Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada Hindi and Urdu. Unlike other cities in India, few people in Coimbatore can speak Hindi. English is usually understood and spoken.

The city has six major arterial roads and three National Highways, NH-47 (Kanyakumari-Salem), NH-67 (Nagapattinam-Ooty) and NH-209 (Bangalore-Dindigul) passing through the city. The city has a civil airport at Peelamedu and an Air Force base at Sulur. Broad-gauge trains connect it to all parts of India. A bypass tollway was built to avoid unnecessary traffic into the city.

By plane

• Coimbatore International AirportThe airport has two operational terminals one for departure and one for arrival. Coimbatore airport has regular flights from many Indian cities and some international destinations like Singapore, Colombo and Sharjah.

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By train

Coimbatore Junction, the major station in the city is well connected by trains to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. Other train stations in the city include Podanur Junction and Coimbatore North Junction.

• Southern Railway
• Indian Railway reservations

By bus

There are five major bus stations in Coimbatore from where bus services are available to all major places in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh. All bus stations are inter-connected with local bus services throughout the day.

• Central Bus station at Gandhipuram (for buses going to East and North East to Erode, Gobichettipalayam, Tirupur, Salem, Sathyamangalam and surrounding areas)
• Singanallur Bus station (for buses to Madurai, Trichy, Karur, Tanjavur and nearby towns)
• Moffusil Bus Station at Gandhipuram (for express buses to other states and Chennai, Bangalore, Hydrabad, Pondicherry and Tirupati)
• Ukkadam Bus station (for buses to Palakkad, Trichur, Cochin, Trivandrum, Palani, Pollachi, Udumalpet and other nearby places)
• MTP Road Bus station (for buses to Mettupalayam, Ooty and Gudalur)

Getting around Coimbatore is easy. There are public transport buses, auto rickshaws and plenty of taxis available. The minimum charge for cabs is ₹40 and ₹16/₹12 per kilometre for different operators. Public transport is available through buses operated by the state-owned TNSTC and other private operators.

• Athar Jamad MasjidA famous hundred-year-old mosque.

• G.D. Naidu MuseumInteresting collection of inventions by G.D.Naidu, who is also referred as the Edison of India. Interesting science experiments. There are the History of Industrialisation in Coimbatore and an old motor bike which G.D.Naidu learned to assemble from a British officer after which he became interested in engineering. A gift shop is attached with the museum, where one can buy interesting toys from Germany. It is appropriate for children.

• VOC parkThe park includes a zoo and a children's park. Evening is the best time to visit the park. Fee: Adult - ₹3, Child - ₹2. Nehru Stadium is situated nearby and also there are few small playgrounds for basketball, tennis, badminton, etc.

• Infant Jesus Church

  address: Kovaipudur
  Here, devotees throng on Thursdays to attend the Novena.

Temples

Temples in and around Coimbatore are:

• Anjeneyar Kovil

  address: Esso Bunk, Peelamedu
  This temple was constructed in one of the calmest localities. It is peaceful and is open in the morning till noon, and opens again from 5PM for public. Don't miss the various alangaarams done for the God.

• Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple

  address: Chinna Thadagam
  This temple has a natural outflow, which spouts water all through the year. For this reason, the temple is quite popularly known and people never fail to make their visit. There are hundreds of steps to get to the temple, and no mechanical help available. This place is frequented by elephants and hence do not plan to visit the temple during evening hours. Don't forget to visit the Lalithambikai temple situated at its foothills.
• Asia's biggest statue of Lord Ganesha temple in Puliakulam.

• Dhyanalinga Yogic TempleAt the Isha Yoga Centre.

• Eachanaari Vinayaga Temple

  address: Pollachi road

• Marudhamalai Murugan Temple

  phone: +91 422 2422490
  address: Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Thirukoil
  A huge temple complex, at least 1200 years old, on a picturesque hill.
• Perur Pateeswarar Temple (Tamil: அருள்மிகு பட்டீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில்) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Perur.
• Sri Naga Sai Temple in Sai Baba colony Matupaliyam Road (the oldest Sai Baba temple in south India)
• Sri Ranganathar temple in Karamadai,
• Then Thiruppathi is near Mettupalayam.
• Velliengiri hills and temple are famous and historic, which is also known as South Kailash.

Other temples are Ayappan Pooja Sangam in Ramnagar and Ayyappan temple in New Siddhapudur, Sringeri Saradha Koil, Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Saibaba colony, Koniamman temple and Ramar temple in Ramnagar near Gandhipuram bus stand. Isha Yoga Center's Shiva temple - worth visiting -20 km from city.

• There are three good water theme parks Black Thunder (near Ooty foot hills), Kovai Kondattam (en route to Siruvani Dam), and Maharaja Water Theme Park (near Neelambur, Avinashi Road). The entry fees are ₹300 to 350 for adults, while children get a discount of ₹50-100 per head.

• Isha Yoga Centre

  phone: +91 83000 83111
  address: Velliangiri Foothills, Ishana Vihar Post
  This ashram, founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev two decades ago and administered by the Isha Foundation, is on 150 acres of lush land at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains. Surrounded by thick forests and situated next to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the ashram is the site of the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple and the Linga Bhairavi Temple and hosts several yoga programs every month.

• Isha foundation

  phone: +91 422 251 5345
  address: 15, Govindasamy Naidu Layout, Singanallur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641005
  meditation and yoga

ATMs are available throughout the city, with most concentrated in the commercial areas like R.S.Puram, Trichy Road and Avanashi Road.
Shopping in Coimbatore is concentrated in the areas of RS Puram, Cross-Cut Road and the Town Hall Area (Oppanakara St, Big Bazaar St, Raja St). Coimbatore, known as the Manchester of South India, is famous for textiles. Shops sell Kanchivaram, Benares and designer sarees at Cross-Cut Road. Coimbatore is also known for its numerous jewelry stores situated along Cross-Cut Road and Town Hall Area. Lee, Arrow, United Colors of Benetton, Levi’s, Reebok, Adidas, Puma, Crocodile, etc. have retail outlets in D.B.Road. There are several huge textile showrooms in the city (RmKV, Pothys, The Chennai Silks, Shree Devi Textiles, Sri Ganapathy silks, Kalyan Sarees, PSR Silks) that sell ethnic wear for the whole family.
Brookefields Mall in Brooke Bond Road is the biggest shopping mall in Coimbatore has branded shops for cloths, apparels, foot wears, eateries (including KFC), cloth showrooms (RmKV), etc. It has a six-screen multiplex cinema.
Nilgiris is South India’s leading chain of retail stores. They have an outlets in R.S. Puram and at Trichy Road. They stock most of the up-market food items like frozen and tinned foods, offering a wide range of grocery, general merchandise and personal-care products. They also offer Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Havarti, Feta, Haloumi and Camembert cheeses made by Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farm, which is in Coonoor.
Sri Krishna Sweets specializes in Indian sweets and is famous for its Mysurpa (a sweet made from lentil flour and ghee).

When visiting Coimbatore, taste the Food & Siruvani Water. Coimbatore is an ideal stop to rest while on the way to Ooty, Bangalore or Kerala. Sample the best of South Indian Idlis, Dosas, Vada, Chutney and vegetarian rice meal from the Annapoorna Chain of Veg Restaurants, Shree Anandhaas Chain of Veg Restaurants, Aaryaas Veg Restaurant and non-vegetarian food from Kovai Biriyani Hotel, Angannan's, Anjappar, Sampoorna, Rayappas and Thalappas restaurants. Try Krishna Sweets, too, the sweets chain started in this town. Western coffee pubs and fast food outlets Subway, Domino's, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins, Marry Brown, Barista, Cafe Coffee Day, and Boomerang are present, too.

• Ajmir

  address: Near TownHall ManiKundu
  Serves excellent mutton (beef) and chicken. Don't forget to taste their mutta poriyal and chicken fry that is great. It offers beef and chicken dishes.

• Brookfields Plaza

  address: Brookbond road, R.S.Puram
  Has everything from dresses to food like KFC, Rmkv, lifestyle, reliance Trends.

• China town

  address: Nehru staduim in the road between the park gate
  Serves excellent Chinese items like chili pork, dragon chicken, and their lumpfu soup

• DhabasDhabas are famous in Coimbatore. They have a variety of foods and attached bars. There are many dhabas in Coimbatore. There was a dhaba near Maharaja World and one near Ramani's Mayuri, Chinnavedampatti. Most of the bars have individual huts accommodating about ten patrons apiece. They are evening hangouts.

• Four season

  address: Non sakthi highway at karattumedu
  Serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and beer; it is nice for parties. Try the Kerala chicken kudal.

• FUN Republic

  address: peelamedu, near krishnamal college
  Has Coimbatore's first McDonald's restaurant.

• Hari Bavan

  address: RTO Road & Gandhipuram 4th Street & SO Bunk, Peelamedu
  Serves nonvegetarian food. At lunch there are four types of gravy (fish, mutton, chicken and Nattu Kolli). Try the karandi (omelette) and their side dish. Available only for lunch.

• Hotel Blue Berry

  address: Opposite VLB Arts College, Kovaipudur.
  Specialist in biriyani (mutton, chicken and fish). Serves a variety of nonvegetarian curries. Takes function orders and entertains home deliveries. Chettinad and Chengudu Chicken are standouts.

• Hotel Muthu Rowther

  address: Athupalam, Ukkadam (Fort)
  Excellent place for nonvegetarians. The best dishes are Beef Biryani and Beef Chukka.

• Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

  address: R.S.Puram
  This is crowded. There is a branch in Brooke Fields Mall, also.

• Paati Amma Dosai Kadai

  address: Near Gem Hospital or Archana Darchana Theater Gandhi Park
  Serves a wide variety of dosas and sevai like chola,kambu, tomato, ragi, cauliflower, mushroom, babycorn, panner dosai and seva. Don't forget to order butter appam yummy.

• Seasons

  address: under SKC, R S Puram
  Offers cheap, healthy vegetarian food. The corn and spinach sandwich and all fruit juices are good. It's usually crowded. The ice cream is so nice.

• The Village

  address: Near Gem Hospital or archana darchana theater GandhiPark
  Serves a wide variety of dosas and sevai like chola, kambu, tomato, ragi, cauliflower, mushroom, babycorn, paneer dosai and seva. Order the delicious muttai chappathi.

Liquor cannot be found in the department stores or malls. It is regulated by the state government of Tamil Nadu and available through retail outlets controlled by state-owned body TASMAC and in some star hotels and bars. These shops usually close around 22:00, and it is hard to find an overnight party house in the city.
Siruvani water in Coimbatore is considered one of the tastiest natural unprocessed waters on the planet.

Budget

There are many budget hotels near the railway station and bus stand with single rooms between ₹150-350/day.

• Dunag Springs Service Apartments

  phone: +91 4399031-32, +91 9952431081
  address: 12/24 Dunag Springs, Padmanabha Nagar, Civil Aerodrome, SITRA
  29 furnished apartments at three locations (Airport, Nehru Nagar, Ramanathapuram) in town on daily rental. Wifi enabled 25-seat, air-conditioned conference hall & gym facility available with in-house pantry service.

• Guestlines Service Apartments

  address: Sivaram Nagar, Sungam bye pass road,Coimbatore
  15 fully furnished rooms with free wifi & gym. Guestlines is just about 1.5 km from the Coimbatore railway station.

• Hotel City Tower

  address: 56 Sivasamy Road

• Kanimani lodge

  phone: +91-0422-2526343, +91-0422-3042525
  address: 427, 100 Feet Road Gandhipuram Coimbatore
  Near bus stand, five minutes walk to cross cut road. Well maintained and good service.

• Railway Retirement Room

  address: inside railway station

Splurge

There any many 4 and 5 star hotels in Coimbatore, including:

• Aloft Coimbatore Singanallur

  phone: +91 422 665 6000
  address: 483 Kamaraj Road

• Jenneys Residency

  phone: +91 422 433 5777
  address: 2/2, Avinashi Road

• Le Méridien Coimbatore

  phone: +91 422 236 4343
  address: 762 Avinashi Road

• The Residency Coimbatore

  phone: +91 42222 41414
  address: 1076, Avinashi Road

• Vivanta by Taj - Surya

  phone: +91 422 668 1000
  address: 105, Race Course Road

• ZIBE by GRT Coimbatore

  phone: +91 422 452 9999
  address: 427/2B, Avinashi Rd, Peelamedu

• Radisson Blu

  phone: +91 422 2226000
  address: No. 164-165, Avinashi Road Peelamedu

• Fairfield by Marriott Coimbatore

  phone: +91 422 664 4300
  address: 469/2B Airport Road

• ibis Coimbatore City Centre Hotel

  phone: +91 4227117666
  address: Lakshmi Mills Junction Puliakulam Road

• WelcomHotel Coimbatore by ITC

  phone: +9142 2222 6555
  address: 1266/14, West Club Road, Race Course Area

Coimbatore is safer than other cities in Tamil Nadu. Beware of pickpockets at bus stands. While travelling by bus, keep your valuables safe.

Picnic spots

• Coimbatore is surrounded by hill ranges and hence several picnic spots for day trips exist. Some of them are: Kovai Kutrallam waterfalls (45 km), Monkey falls (75 km), Athikadavu stream (40 km), Kallar river banks (55 km), Topslip town (90 km), Malampuzha dam (60 km), Thirumurthy waterfalls near Udumalpet(65 km), Dhyanalinga Yogic temple and Isha Yoga centre (35 km), Velliangiri hill temple (37 km), Marudhamalai hill temple (20 km), Vydehi waterfalls (35 km), Bhavani Sagar (55 km), Kodiveri (75 km) and Karunya (32 km). Most of them are not very well known to outsiders and if you go on a working day, the tranquility would be an added advantage. And most of these roads are good, compared to Indian standards.

Other places

• Mysore A city of palaces and gardens

• Botanical Garden opposite to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, on the way to Marudhamalai temple.
• Crocodile Park in Amaravathi is near Udumalpet (65 km). There is also a dam nearby.
• Hill stations are Ooty (80 km), Valparai near Pollachi has sightseeing and picnic spots, Kodaikanal (180 km).
• Sanctuaries are Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary(150 km), Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary(100 km), Top Slip.
• Silent Valley national park inside Kerala is just one hour's drive from Coimbatore.
• Tea plantations at Ooty or Munnar