The city of Coimbatore is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu and is located at the Western Ghats and near the Noyyal River. The city came under the region which was ruled by the Sangam Chera, Cholas and the illustrious Vijayanagara Dynasty. Coimbatore also came under the Kingdom of Mysore and finally the Coimbatore district under the British colonial rule. Being surrounded by the Western Ghats the city is also a home to a wide array of flora and fauna and several other natural attractions. Today, the city is a fast developing economic hub and due to its culture that the city accumulated from its vast historical importance is a major tourist attraction. Here’s a list of the best places you can visit in Coimbatore.
1. Marudamalai Temple
Marudamalai Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan or Kartikeya and is situated atop a hill of the same name. The hills are a part of the Western Ghats and the surroundings are picturesque to look at. The Temple complex is built in a unique Dravidian style which is 1200 years old and its colorful gopuram is amazing to look at. It is also considered that the hills are a home to various types of medicinal herbs.
2. Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
Lord Vinayagar or Ganesh is the main deity of the temple. Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is considered to be consecrated in 1500 AD. Temple is famous to its massive 6 foot tall idol of lord Ganesha and is one of the biggest idols of the deity in south India. The best time to visit the temple is during the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
3. Perur Pateeswarar Temple
Perur Pateeswarar Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and was built by the Cholas and is considered to be thousands of years old. The stone carvings inside the temple and its pillars are breathtaking and are few of the finest specimens of the art. The temple is said to be located at the spot where Lord Shiva himself performed the ‘Tandav’ dance. The golden statue of Lord Natraja (Shiva) is also one of the major attractions here.
4. Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Western Ghats and is bordered by the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The protected forests are spread across 285 square kilometers. Parambikkulam Wildlife sanctuary is also a tiger reserve and a protected habitat of several endangered species. The forests are also a home to 4 tribes which are indigenous to this area.
5. Siruvani Waterfalls
Located near the dam built on the Siruvani River, the Siruvani Waterfalls are located 35 kilometers west from Coimbatore. The Siruvani River’s water is considered to be one of the best tasting in the world and is one of the top tourist attractions in Coimbatore.
6. Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple
Anubhavi Subramaniar Temple is situated at the outskirts of Coimbatore and situated on top of a hill. The temple’s location is one of best view point that provides panoramic views of the Western Ghats. One must climb a thousand steep steps to reach the temple. The temple also has a natural water spring that spouts water throughout the year.
Being an important town since the ancient town, Coimbatore is one of the major cities in Tamil Nadu. The various temples, rivers and the beauty of the surrounding Western Ghats make it one of the top tourist destinations in India. The aforementioned places are not only a must visit but are also few of the most important tourist places in Coimbatore.
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