IMA Auditorium, Indian Medical Association, Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu, India.
Sight Seeing in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE
The Manchester of South India
Coimbatore is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, with a population of more than 15 lakhs. There are more than 30,000 Tiny small, Medium and Large Industries and Textiles Mills. The city is known for its entrepreneurship of its residents. The climate is comfortable round the year, so it is called Poor Man's Ooty.
History
The city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal. Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd Century AD as a small tribal village capital called Kongunad until it was brought under chola control in the 2nd or 3rd Century AD by Karikalan, the first of the early Cholas. The other great rulers of this city were the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Kings. The small Village was also named as "Covanputhur" after the leader of this group, whose name was "Covan". According to the "Cholan Poorva Pattayam" in the Madras Oriental Manuscript Library this Covanputhur later changed as Coimbatore. When Kongunad fell to the British along with the rest of the state, its name was changed to Coimbatore and it is by this name that it is known today, except in Tamil, in which it is called Kovai.
The rich black soil of the region has contributed to Coimbatore's flourishing agriculture industry and, it is in fact, the successful growth of cotton has served as a foundation for the establishment of its famous textile industry.
There are more than 25,000 small, medium, large scale industries and textile mills. Coimbatore is also famous for the manufacture of motor pump sets and varied engineering goods, due to which it has earned the title " Detroit of the south ". The Development of Hydro electricity from the Pykara Falls in the 1930s led to a cotton boom in Coimbatore. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of the greatest industrial city in South India.
PARAMBIKULAM - ALIYAR DAM
The project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Thekkadi and Palar rivers, lying at various elevations, for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. It is located in Anamalai range and is ideal for picnics. Overnight stay is possible in forest rest houses. A tree-top house provides accomodation for the lovers of adventure.
BLACK THUNDER
Asia's No.1 Water Theme Park is nested in natural beauty with the green hills of the Nilgiris for a backdrop and the cooling shelter of trees. An idyllic hideaway? Wait! Look around again . . . and you see people everywhere screaming and shouting with excitement. Jumpin'n slidin', swimmin'n floatin' over 65 acres of thrilling and adventurous rides. This is the BLACK THUNDER experience! When you need time off from the rest of the world, time to be with your family, time to share moments of adventure and fun with friends, time for children to experience fun and joy, time to take a break-Black Thunder is your destination!
Let the adrenaline flow and experience exhilaration as never before.
Access: Black Thunder is situated 41km from Coimbatore and 40km from Ooty. The nearest Railways Stations are Mettupalayam, Coimbatore and Tiruppur and the Airport is Coimbatore. It is well connected with all parts of the country through road and rail.
VALPARAI
Valparai is famous for its tea plantations which are surrounded by evergreen and thick forests. This place is also full of elephants. There are two peaks, aptly called Akka (Elder Sister) and Thangachi (Younger Sister) as the gardener of Valparai.
KOVAI KUTRALAM
Kovai Kutralam is a waterfall at Siruvani. It is 37km from Coimbatore and is quite magnificent. This fall is amidst of thick forest so visitors are not allowed after 5 pm. Siruvani is the source of drinking water supply to Coimbatore. Very few buses are available to this place every day. Personal conveyance is suggested for going there. Siruvani water is known to be one of the tastiest water in Tamil Nadu. The panoramic views of the dam and the falls are enchanting.
TOPSLIP
Topslip is a National Park and a Medicinal Plant conservation area in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 37km from Pollachi (about 90km from Coimbatore). It is famous for its elephant camp at kollikamuthi and its wildlife. There are bungalows available within the sanctuary. For thrill seekers, accommodation is also available in a tree house. It got its name during the British era, as lots of timber slipped down to the plains below.
OOTY (UDHAGAMANDALAM)
Ooty renamed as Udhagamandalam, is also known as " QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS ". It is situated on the Nilgiris (Blue Mountain) range at an altitude of 7,500 above the sea level. It was discovered in the early 18th century. The entire Plateau is full of splendid green downs and lofty hills of extraordinary scenic beauty and is endowed with a salubrious climate similar to the English summer. It was the summer capital of the British rulers in India.
The Places to see : Botanical Gardens, Raj Bhavan, Tamizhagam Palace, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake.
AANAIMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Aanaimalai is located at the South of Coimbatore. Major attractions are Elephants, Tigers, Panthers, Porcupine and Civet Cat.
Season Periods: From February to June. Nearly Twelve thousand tourists are visiting this sanctuaries.
Area of the Sanctuary: 321 sq.km. situated at an attitude of 1400mts. on western Ghats near Pollachi .
Special Features: Opened to the public in 1976. Topslip the place where medicinal plants are conserved and Elephant camp at Kollikamuthi are seen. Elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Lion Tailed Macaque are seen.
Aanaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakaadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Karunguli Bird Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary, Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and Vedanthaangal Bird Sanctuary.
