Coimbatore is the third-largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Covai or Kovai, Coimbatore is one of the most famous cities in Tamil Nadu. Numerous places to visit in Coimbatore offer something for everyone. It is one of the most advanced cities in terms of industrialisation and is known as the textile capital of Southern India. The same factor also earned the city the nickname — Manchester of South India. Situated at the banks of river Noyyal, Coimbatore’s history dates back to the 2nd century AD.
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Coimbatore was occupied by various renowned royal dynasties in India. Cholas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara kings are among the few. The city of Coimbatore serves as the hub to various famous destinations in the state. People mostly visit Coimbatore to enjoy its pleasant climate and to see the vastly stretched cotton fields. The city accommodates a plethora of tourist spots and a nicely planned trip can help one make the most of it.
10 Places to Visit in Coimbatore
- Valparai Hill Station
- Aliyar Dam
- Kovai Coutralam
- Adiyogi Shiva Statue
- Kovai Kondattam Amusement Park
- Marudhamalai Hill Temple
- Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
- Black Thunder Water Theme Park
- Vaideki Falls
- Nehru Park
Valparai Hill Station
Comfortably sitting about 3500 feet above sea level, the Valparai Hill station is a taluk and one of the most beautiful places in Coimbatore. Covered by thick forest and tea/coffee plantations from all around, Valparai Hill Station provides the perfect climate for one to enjoy their getaway. The hill station is mostly visited by tourists from various metros cities in India seeking clean air. Valparai Hill Station is easily accessible from the Tamil Nadu towns of Pollachi and of course, Coimbatore.
The road towards Valparai Hill Station consists of 40 hairpin turns which make the driving experience a thrilling one. Due to the fair share of rainfall received in the area, Valparai is surrounded by evergreen forests. It is quite common to spot an elephant while travelling in a car from around Valparai Hill Station. Tourists can make a halt at Anamalai Tiger Reserve on the way towards the hill station.
Best time to visit: October to November and March to May
Major Attractions: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Ideal duration to explore: 2-4 hours
Things to do: Hiking, trekking
Aliyar Dam
The 81-metre-tall dam is one of the most visited attractions in Coimbatore. Constructed during 1959-1969, Aliyar Dam serves the purpose of supporting irrigation for Pollachi and surrounding areas. The dam is situated at the foothills of Valparai hill. Aliyar Dam is surrounded by a canopy of trees from three sides and provides a picturesque view of the coconut grove from the top of the dam. The dam also houses a park for tourists to indulge in recreational activities.
Along with the mini-theme park, there is also an aquarium, a garden and a play area. Tourists can also enjoy boating in this dam. Aliyar Dam is also home to a wide variety of fish. The dam is frequently visited by tourists from all-round the year and is easily reachable from Pollachi town. The same makes Aliyar Dam a prime sightseeing spot in Coimbatore.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Mini theme park, aquarium
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Photography
Kovai Coutralam
With a backdrop of enchanting waterfalls, Kovai Coutralam is a scenic spot in Coimbatore. Protected by the state forest department, one needs a valid permit to visit this quaint destination. Located in the western ghats, Kovai Coutralam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and has enthralling Siruvani waterfalls in the vicinity. There is also the Siruvani Dam located just above this waterfall.
Situated just 35 kilometres from the city centre, Kovai Coutralam is should be a part of your places to visit in Coimbatore. Due to its popularity and accessible location, Kovai Coutralam experiences a horde of tourists during weekends. Travellers from all over the place flock in large numbers to experience kilometre-long hiking and trekking. Rich in biodiversity, one can easily spot Elephant foot marks and monkeys jumping around while at Kovai Coutralam.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 03:30 PM
Major Attractions: Siruvani waterfalls and dam
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Things to do: Trekking, trail-hiking, wildlife spotting
Adiyogi Shiva Statue
The Adiyogi Shiva Statue stands tall as not just the pride of Coimbatore but the whole of India. The 112-feet tall and 82-feet wide statue holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest bust sculpture in the world. Made out of pure steel, the Adiyogi Shiva Statue weighs about 500 tonnes. The gigantic statue symbolises and promotes inner-well being through yoga.
The majestic bust statue is surrounded by beautiful greenery and reflects peace in every way possible. A part of India’s ‘Incredible India’ campaign, the Adiyogi Shiva Statue tops the list of places to visit in Coimbatore. The Adiyogi Divya Darshanam is a popular attraction over here. It is a 3D laser light and sound show projected on the statue and narrates the story of Adiyogi (Lord Shiva) and the science of yoga itself.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Major Attractions: Adiyogi Divya Darshanam (3D laser light and sound show)
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Things to do: yoga, learn about Adiyogi (Lord Shiva)
Kovai Kondattam Amusement Park
Amidst all the scenic, cultural and pilgrim destinations in Coimbatore lies the haven of fun and recreation — Kovai Kondattam Amusement Park. Located just a stone’s throw away from Perur, Kovai Kondattam Amusement Park is a frequently visited spot by families. This eco-friendly park is home to numerous dry and wet rides and the wide variety of rides is certain to leave you confused.
The famous attractions of Kovai Kondattam Amusement Park include the Hara-kiri, giant-wheel, dashing car, family pool, aqua dance, family train among the others. The amusement also provides a grand location to host corporate or private events. Tourists can rent a beautiful stay at this amusement park. The amusement park can be easily reached from various busy cities across South India.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Major Attractions: Dashing car, family train
Ideal duration to explore: 4-6 hours
Things to do: Enjoy dry and wet rides
Marudhamalai Hill Temple
In Marudhamalai Hill Temple, resides Tamil Nadu’s most-worshipped deity — Lord Murugan (Kartik). This hill temple sits comfortably on the western ghats and is considered to be the seventh house of lord Murugan. The imposing temple was built by Tamil kings during the 12-century upon the 600 feet tall granite hill. The surrounding natural beauty and cultural values make Marudhamalai Hill Temple one of the most striking places to see in Coimbatore.
During evenings, one can witness the Ratha-Yatra (Lord Murugan being carried on a chariot) carried out by devotees. En route to the Marudhamalai Hill Temple, tourists can find the Paambatti Siddhar cave. As per the legend, Paambatti Siddhar was a sage who performed penance in the Marudhamalai Hill. He was blessed by Lord Murugan who appeared in front of the Siddhar as a snake. There is also a spring in the vicinity called Maruda Theertham which is believed to possess medicinal properties.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 am to 01:00 pm; Monday to Sunday from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Major Attractions: Ratha-Yatra, Paambatti Siddhar cave
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
About 12 kilometres from Coimbatore lies the pristine Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple reflects the majestic Dravidian architecture in every way and emanates positive vibes. As per popular folklore, a life-size Ganesh murti was being transported from Madurai to Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Coimbatore. However, midway, the cart’s axle broke and the place where the statue was seated is where the Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple was constructed.
In terms of pilgrimage, the Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is one of the most popular places in Coimbatore. Devotees arrive in large numbers at this temple during Ganesh Chaturthi. Many devout Hindus choose to be a part of the grand fire ritual known as the Homam Yajna. The Homam Yajna is considered one of the costliest and sacred forms of offerings carried out in any temple across the country.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM; Monday to Sunday from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Major Attractions: Homam Yajna
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Black Thunder Water Theme Park
Claiming to be Asia’s number one water theme park, Black Thunder Water Theme Park is certainly one of the places to visit Coimbatore. The grand amusement park comprises land and water rides and is mostly known for its wave pool which is said to be the largest in India. Black Thunder is a perfect family retreat and along with enjoying the food and the rides, tourists can also stay at their resort.
Black Thunder Water Theme Park is settled on about 75 acres of land at the foot of Nilgiris. Apart from dry and wet rides, the theme park also has an aquarium, botanical garden and activities like bungee jumping and hot air balloon rides. With an array of activities to choose from, one might need a complete day to make the most of Black Thunder Water Theme Park.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attractions: Wave Pool, hot-air balloon
Ideal duration to explore: 6-8 hours
Things to do: Indulge in wet/dry rides, bungee jumping
Vaideki Falls
Hidden in the outskirts of Coimbatore is the serene Vaideki Falls. Located about 35 kilometres away from the bustling city centre, Vaideki Falls has to be a part of your things to see in Coimbatore. This forgotten waterfall is not quite visited by people anymore. The same makes it one of the peaceful destinations in Coimbatore. If you are a backpacking traveller and are seeking solitude then Vaideki Falls is just perfect for you.
Once called the ‘Tholayira Murthi Kandi’, meaning — nine hundred waterfalls, Vaideki Falls got its current name from a famous Tamil movie that was shot at this location. The massive success of the movie skyrocketed this scenic spot’s fame and people from all over the state started rushing towards Vaideki Falls. One can find many varieties of beasts sprawling nearby and hence venturing through this area requires permission from the Coimbatore forest and wildlife protection department.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Hiking, animal spotting
Nehru Park Coimbatore
Nehru Park in the district of Coimbatore, with its lush greenery and soothing climate, provides a peaceful setting. This park is conveniently located in the heart of Coimbatore and can be easily accessed from any part of the city. Named after the first President of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the park houses a massive statue of him that is honoured on his birth and death anniversaries every year.
The massive park that spreads over acres of land has beautifully paved jogging tracks and an artificial lake. Nehru Park is visited by locals and tourists alike. It is a perfect go-to location for morning joggers. One of the famous pastime activities at this garden is watching pristine white swans swimming in the artificially created lake. The peaceful ambience topped by many activities makes Nehru one of the top-rated places to visit in Coimbatore.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to 10 AM; Monday to Sunday from 4 AM to 8 PM
Major Attractions: Nehru Statue
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Jogging, walking
To conclude, Coimbatore is a mixture of a busy yet peaceful city. One can get lost in the beautiful contrast between the concrete jungle and jaw-dropping natural beauty. The various facets of Coimbatore make it one of the most preferred tourist spots in south India.
Visiting Coimbatore requires a well-planned itinerary or else the feeling of incompletion is sure to spill water over your entire trip. This city caters to all sorts of travellers and has enough to fulfil one’s wanderlust.
FAQ
What is famous in Coimbatore?
Coimbatore is famous for the textile and automobile industry. This city is also known for its vast cotton plantations. Along with these, Coimbatore is home to beautiful landscapes, pilgrimages and theme parks.
What are the special places in Coimbatore?
Coimbatore is home to various special places like Aliyar Dam, Nehru Park, Marudhamalai Hill Temple, Adiyogi Shiva Statue, etc., among others.
Why is Coimbatore the best?
Its various industries (textile, automobile, engineering goods etc.), and tourist locations with cultural, religious and historical values make Coimbatore the best.