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Places to Visit
Day
trips can be arranged through our "TRAVEL DESK"
Information on Coimbatore
Coimbatore (population – 3.51 million), the second largest city in Tamilnadu, earned its reputation as the ‘Manchester of SouthIndia' in the 1930s when the nearby Pykara Falls – a hydro-electricity project was built to provide power for its huge textilemills and spin off industries. Also referred to as the ‘ Detroit of the South', the city today houses engineering, pumps, autoancillary and foundry establishments.
History
According to ancient manuscripts, Coimbatore 's history can be traced to the Irula tribal chief Kovan and his clan who were its earliest settlers and the founders of “Kovanpatti” a part of Kongunadu. Years later, the surrounding forests were cleared, and a new village was formed called “Kovanputhur”, which over the years came to be known as “ Coimbatore ”.
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Siruvani Waterfalls : 40 kms west of the city, these falls are noted for its captivating beauty and sweet water.
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Top Slip : A picturesque locale in the Anamalai Hills, Top Slip is 40 kms. from Pollachi (90kms. from Coimbatore ). For adventure seekers, accommodation is available in a tree house. Arrangements can be made to take tourists around the sanctuary on elephant or by van. |
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Black Thunder : (40 kms from Coimbatore ) Spread over 54 acres this water theme park is enroute to Ooty. The park also has facilities for horse riding & boating.
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Nilgris : An integral part of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, The Nilgiris(2600 sq. kms.) boasts of three popular hill resorts-Coonoor, Kotagiri & Ootacamund.
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Coonoor : (Altitude-1900m. 65 kms from Coimbatore. ).- A tea planters town, Coonoor lies at the head of the Hulikal Ravine and is on the toy train line to Ooty (18Kms). Here the speciality is leaf tea and fragrant essential oils. Contact UPASI (United Planters Association) at Glenview , Coonoor to visit a tea/coffee plantation. |
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Kotagiri : (Altitude-2000m. 60 kms from Coimbatore .)- Kotagiri is a quiet village 28 kms. east of Ooty. It is surrounded by tea estates and tribal kota settlements.
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Ootacamund
: (Altitude 2300m. 80Kms
from Coimbatore )- In the early 19th century Ooty
was chosen by the British as the summer head quarters
of the Madras Government.
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Botanical
Garden: Established is 1848 by the Marquis of
Tweedale, the Botanical Garden houses a fossilized
tree trunk which is approximately 20 million
years old. |
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St.Stephen's Church
- 1829 : The oldest church in the Nilgiris.
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Blue Mountain Rail:
Runs between Mettupalayam & Ooty (46kms.)
with sixteen tunnels, eleven stations &
nineteen bridges. The travel time is 4 hours.
The line uses the Swiss rack system and is today
one of the South Asia 's last functioning steam
routes. |
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Mudhumalai : (Altitude-1150m. -110kms from Coimbatore . - A deciduous forest sprawled over 330sq. kms. Mudhumalai is the favourite home of the spotted deer, tiger, wild boar & sloth bear. Otters and crocodiles inhabit the Moyar River . The sanctuary's wild elephant population is the largest in the country(600). |
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Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary : (110kms from Coimbatore. ).- Spread over 100 sq. kms., this sanctuary is located in the southern reaches of the Cardamom Hills and is the home of elephants, lions, tailed macaques, panthers, bears, civet cats and the famous Nilgiri Tahr, commonly known as the Ibex. |
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Kodaikanal : (Altitude-2000m. 160kms from Coimbatore ) Situated on the southern crest of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal was founded by American Missionaries in 1840. This hill resort provides an escape from the heat and haze of the plains and abounds with Kurinji Flower which blooms once in 12years.
ASTROPHYSICAL LABORATORY (Est.1889)- Perched at Kodaikanal's highest point (2350m).
FLORA & FAUNA MUSEUM- This museum is located in the Sacred Heart College grounds and has a fine collection of stuffed animals
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Temples
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The Perur Patteeswara
Swamy Temple
(7kms west of Coimbatore ) is the most popular temple
in the city. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva and
the ‘Swayambu Lingam' is the idol worshipped.
Marudhamalai Temple
of Lord Muruga (12 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station).
As the name suggests, the temple is situated on
a hillock and the presiding deity is Dhandayuthapani.
The South Banaras or Avanashi Temple is
the biggest temple in the district and is famous
for it's exquisite carving & sculptures. |
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