The third largest city of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, is one of the most industrialized cities in Tamil Nadu. It is known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. The city is situated on the banks of the River Noyyal. Coimbatore existed existed even prior to the 2nd century AD as the capital of a small tribl village.

Konguned, until it was broght under Chola control in the 2nd - 3rd century AD by Karikalan, the first of the early Cholas. Among its other great rulers wre the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Vijaynagara kings. When Kongunad fell to the British alon with th rest of the state, its name was changed to Coimbatore and it is by this name that it is known today. In Tamil the city is called Kovai.

Located in the rain shadow region of the Western ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant climate all the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through the 25 km long Palakkad gap. The rich black soil of the region hs contributed to Coimbatore's flourishing agricultural industry.

The flourishing growth of cotton has served as a foundation for the establishment of Coimbatore's famous textile industry. The first textile mill came up as far back as 1888 and there are now over a hundred mills. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of the greatest industrial cities of South India.

Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to neighboring Kerala and the ever popular hill station of Udhagamandalam (Ooty). It is the disembarking point for those who want to take the Muntain train that runs from Mettupalayam, just 35 kms from Coimbatore. There are also regular bus services from Coimbatore to Udhagamndalam, popularly known as Ooty.

General Information

Area :
23.5 sq. kms.
Population :
9.23.085 (2001 census)
Altitude :
43.2 mts.
Climate : Max. Min

Summer : 39.4C 23.3C
Winter : 32.8C 20.7C
Rainfall : 92.2 mm - Average
Season :
Throughout the year
Clothing :
Throughout the year
Languages spoken :
Tamil, English, Telugu & Malayalam
STD Code :
0422
Industries :
Textiles, Textile Machinery, Automobile Spares, Motores, Electronics, Steel & Aluminum
Crops :
Millet, paddy, Cotton, Tea, Oil seeds, Tabacco

Access

Transport
Coimbatore is well connected by Air, Rail and Road.
Air :
Coimbatore has an airport. Flights connect it to Chennai and other important cities.
Rail :
Coimbatore is connected by rail to Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi and other cities.
Road :
It is also connected to all the important cities and places of interest by road.
Airport :
Peelamedu Airport is 10 km from the City.