About Coimbatore
Coimbatore - Manchester Of South India
There are so many different places to visit in Coimbatore that it makes it a perfect holiday destination in South India. From the waterfalls of Siruvani and Vaidehi, ancient temples with interesting tales like Marudhamalai and Pateeswarar, to the sky-high architecture of the Adi Yogi Shiva Statue, tourist attractions in Coimbatore are innumerable. Apart from the above attractions, Coimbatore is also known for its places for recreational activities, including trekking in Nilgiris, camping in Kovalam, canoeing in Sulur Lake, and rappelling at Black Thunder Park. There are also plenty of rainforests, meandering rivulets, gushing rivers, lush green trees, and abundant fauna in Coimbatore.
Popular Places In Coimbatore
This way, it has the potential to serve tourists of all kinds—adventurous, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, vacationers, and seekers. The weather in Coimbatore is pleasant all year long, which adds another flavour to an epic trip!
MARUDHAMALAI TEMPLE
Located at an elevation of about 500 feet on the Western Ghat, Marudhamalai Temple is set atop a hill that offers picturesque views of the hillside. Marudhamalai Temple is known for its high vibrations and revitalizing atmosphere. That’s not it; the Dravidian architecture of the temple is completely awe-inspiring. At first glance, it seems like the edifice is touching the sky, literally! Lord Murugan, or Kartikeya, is the main deity of worship in the temple, as devotees from all over the world pay a visit to the temple in hopes of getting the pure blessings of the Lord. Another highlight of this temple is that it grows medicinal herbs that are used for making Ayurvedic medicines.
ADIYOGI SHIVA STATUE
Settled amid the lush green forest side of the Velliangiri Mountains, Adiyogi Shiva is the world’s biggest bust statue, carved out of 500 tonnes of steel. The statue is a part of the popular Isha Yoga Center and stands at a height of 112 feet. The purpose behind this standing statue is to promote the culture of yoga and meditation. Since Lord Shiva is the Adiyogi, or the first teacher of yoga, he is the symbol of promoting this beautiful ancient art. The figure is shiny black in colour and exhibits the moksha theme in yogic culture. However, anyone and everyone is invited to the centre to practice the art and better themselves. The base of the statue also leads up to the shrine and meditation centre. The place is always full of tourists and practitioners all through the year. No wonder this statue is one of the top tourist attractions in Coimbatore.
GEDEE CAR MUSEUM
One of the top places to visit in Coimbatore for car and bike lovers, Gedee Car Museum is an amalgamation of vintage and new cars that are transported to the museum all the way from countries like the US, England, Germany, and France. For the better understanding of people, these cars are exhibited along with important information related to them. Each model has a sign board or chart that tells the whereabouts of the concerned car. Along with an impressive international collection, the museum is also home to some antique Indian cars. If you are an automobile engineer or simply a motorhead, you are going to have an absolute gala time here.
PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Cradled between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this wildlife sanctuary is sprawled over an area of 285 sq km. The place serves as a safe abode for numerous endangered species as well as a popular tiger reserve. From vibrant butterflies, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and Woodpeckers to about 47 species of fish, there is a lot to discover on your Parambikulam excursion. Apart from exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region, one can also spend their time interacting with the local tribal people over here. Parambikulam is home to four major tribes, which stand as a testimony to the rich culture and traditions of southern India. Whether you are hunting for some action-packed adventure amidst this dense forestland or want to invigorate your senses in the surreal laps of nature, it has just the best experiences in its reserve.
MONKEY FALLS
Looking forward to an exciting weekend? Make your way to this picturesque destination, where you will be welcomed by exciting rapids and an awe-inspiring landscape. Enveloped with thick evergreen forests and Anamalai Ranges, Monkey Falls is one of the most enticing places to visit in Coimbatore for anyone who wants to laze around amid the surreal nature. Whether you are in a mood to trek your way up the hill or plan a memorable picnic with your loved ones, Monkey Falls never fails to amuse its visitors. Just a stone’s throw away from Aliyar Dam, this southern beauty has everything to fill your soul with peace. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Azhiyar Dam are some of the noteworthy places to be explored nearby.
VELLIANGIRI
Considered one of the most difficult trekking places to visit in Coimbatore, the Velliangiri Hills offer a homogeneous mix of adventure and peace. The hills are settled in the heart of the Western Ghats and form a part of the Nilgiri Reserve. In addition to being a preferred trekking site among adventure junkies, it has also garnered a lot of attention for its religious significance. Velliangiri Hill is home to the popular Lord Shiva temple, which witnesses a massive influx of devotees and sages who come to offer their prayers to the Lord and meditate in its tranquil surroundings. If folklore has to be believed, this temple also happens to be the site where Lord Shiva performed his well-known cosmic dance.
SIRUVANI WATERFALLS
One of the most captivating places to visit in Coimbatore within 40 km, Siruvani Waterfalls is no less than a surreal paradise. This place witnesses a huge influx of travelers all across the year who flock here to soak in its exotic wildlife and get a step closer to nature. Flanked by the gigantic Nilgiri ranges on all of its sides, Siruvani creates a picture-postcard view with its free-flowing milky water streams. While here, you can head for an enthralling trek amid the Nilgiri ranges, indulge in bird watching, or embark on a jungle safari with your group. If this is not enough to soothe your soul, set out towards the Siruvani Dam and enjoy uninterrupted time in the laps of nature.
ARULMIGU PATTEESWARAR TEMPLE PERUR
It is quite an ancient temple that was built to worship Lord Pateeswara Swamy, commonly known as Lord Nataraja. The temple is situated at a distance of approximately 9 km from the main city and is largely known for its grand architecture, ancient artwork, paintings, sculptures, carvings, and relics. Moreover, when you enter the temple, you will find a majestic idol of Lord Pateeswara that has a scar on his face, given by Kamdhenu. This one is one of the biggest temples in Coimbatore and thus makes it to the list of the best places to visit in Coimbatore.
MASANI AMMAN TEMPLE
Popularly known as the temple of justice, Masani Amman Temple is cradled 15 km away from the scenic town of Pollachi. Devoted to Mahamuniappan, Sri Masani Amman, and Neethi Kal, this historic temple sits right in front of the confluence point of the Aiyar river and the Uppar stream. Apart from being a sacred site of worship, it also serves as a venue for panchayats and justice authority to settle disputes. The temple houses a 17-foot-long idol of Sri Masaniamman with a skull in one hand, a serpent in another, and drums in the other. The image of this idol is placed in reclining form, which sets it apart from any other temple. If you are looking for a sacred spot to delve deeper into the mythological history of Karnataka, Masani Ammam temple is one of the must-visit places to visit in Coimbatore.
EACHANARI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Hindu Lord Ganesha and attracts devotees from all over India, especially at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Indian festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha every year. However, the invigorating Dravidian architecture of the temple calls for a day’s visit for anyone who is travelling to Coimbatore. There are many folktales and stories related to the temple and Lord Ganesha. Amongst the most popular ones is that of a cart that got stuck exactly in the place where this temple stands today, and it was believed to be God’s wish to have a temple constructed in the same spot. Thus, this magnificent temple was constructed and is highly revered by both locals and tourists alike.
