COIMBATURE |
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It is one of the most industrialized cities in the state. The region has a rich black soil that makes for the flourishing agricultural industry and excellent growth of cotton. There are now over a hundred mills here that have earned repute as the important components of a strong economy. Thus, Coimbatore is also often referred to as 'The Manchester Of The South'. Despite all the industries, it is still one of the most pollution free cities in India. According to ancient manuscripts, the Irula tribal chief Kovan and his clan settled around here and cleared the surrounding forests to set up a new village called 'Kovanputhur' that later came to be known as Coimbatore. Coimbatore enjoys a pleasant climate all the year round. Besides, Coimbatore also serves as an important entry and exit point to the neighboring state of Kerala and the 'Queen of Hills', Udagamandalam, also known as Ooty. It is also the get-off point for those who chose to travel in the Mountain train that runs from Mettupalayam, just 35 km from Coimbatore. The city is also known for its educational institutions, especially, the Coimbatore Agricultural University is renowned as one of the best colleges of its kind in South Asia.
POLLACHI
�����It is 90 km from Coimbatore, Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is situated at an altitude of 1,400 m in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. It stretches over an area of about 958 sq. km. It is also known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and is said to be an ecological paradise.
INDHIRA GANDHI WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
It is a protected area named after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who visited the park on October 7, 1961. It is often called "Topslip", a village in the northeast corner of the park which is the main visitor center. The 108 km� National Park is the core area of the 958 km� Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, formerly called Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
It was notified as a sanctuary in 1974 and 108 sq.kms of its unique habitats at 3 places - Karian Shola, Grass hills, Manjampatti were notified as National Parks in 1989 Some of the most important groups include, cormorants, ducks, teal, darter, partridge, quail, jungle fowl, spurfowl, Indian peafowl, parakeets, hornbills, barbets, drongos, orioles, shrikes, warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, chloropsis, trogons, kingfishers, storks, egrets, fish eagle, hawk eagles, harriers, falcons, kites, owls and nightjars. It is home to 15 of 16 species of birds .
The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna typical of the South Western Ghats. There are over 2000 species plants of which about 400 species are of prime medicinal value. The diverse topography and rainfall gradient allow a wide variety of vegetation comprising a mix of natural and man-made habitats. Bamboo stands and reeds occur in the natural forests. Calophyllum tomentosum, Vateria indica, Cullenia excelsa and Mangifera indica, Machilus macrantha, Alstonia scholaris, Evodia meliaefolia, Ailanthus and Malabaricum and Eucalyptus grandis.
The area is home to Podocarpus wallichianus, a rare South Indian species of conifer. The endangered Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Dhole (Asiatic wild dog) and Lion-tailed macaque, the vulnerable Brown Mongoose, Gaur, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Nilgiri langur, Rusty-spotted cat, Sambar Deer, Sloth bear and Smooth-coated Otter, the near threatened Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Leopard and Indian Pangolin. IGWS is a Project Elephant sanctuary and was declared a Project Tiger sanctuary in 2008
TOPSLIP
Topslip is located above the 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a small place in Indira Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary that lies in the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu at the southern part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Top Slip's outstanding rainforest patches hold a number of South Indian endemic birds.
Some, such as the Wynaad Laughingthrush, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Trogon, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and Black-throated Munia are best seen here. Other key birds include a large breeding population of Great Hornbills, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Red Spurfowl, Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Oriental Bay Owl, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Indian Swiftlet, Brown-backed Needletail, Rufous Babbler, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Greater Racket Tailed Drongo, Great Eared Nightjar and Large-billed Warbler. Many of these birds can be seen on the 1 km track from the edge of Karian Shola to the watchtower overlooking a reservoir.
VOC PARK and ZOO
Named after the famous freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram, the VOC Park is an interesting place to visit in Coimbatore, especially if you are accompanied by kids. For the young ones, the main attractions within the park include the aquarium, which has a good collection of different species of fish, a mini zoo, and a toy train for joyrides.
MARUDHAMALAI TEMPLE
Located on a hillock about 12 km from Coimbatore Railway Station, the temple of Marudhamalai, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, is one of the most visited temples in the region. One of the reasons of the large number of devotees flocking the temple is that the residing deity Dandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at this temple. The word "Marudhachalapathy" or "Maruthamalai Andavar" means Master of Hills, abounding in Marudha trees.
The name has also a legendary origin. A Siddha, overcome by excessive thirst and exhaustion, sought shelter under the shade of a Marudha tree and prayed to the mercy of the Lord Muruga for a shower of water, which sprang at once as though by a miracle from beneath the tree. As water gushed out from the roots of the marudha tree, the Siddha leaped in joy, glorifying Muruga as the Lord of "Marudha" and "Jalam" (water) with the passage of time, "Marudhajalapathi" became "Marudhachalapathy".
In due course it became 'Marudamalai'. History has it that Pambatti Siddhar, was originally a snake charmer and was initiated into the world of philosophy by a Siddhar by name Sattai munivar. Pambatti Siddhar is said to have performed several miracles, and written extensively on herbal medicine. His songs are addressed to snakes. Location of the temple: Sri Subramanyasami temple is located at Marudamalai, 13 km North - West of Coimbatore, Industrial city of Tamil Nadu, India.
MOTOR SPORTS
It plays a large part in the city, with Coimbatore often referred to as the Motor sports Capital of India and the Backyard of Indian Motorsports. Some wealthy industrialists, such as S.Karivardhan, who had a penchant for tinkering with machines and cars, plunged into motor racing, later making Coimbatore the country's motor racing hub. The city has a Formula 3 Category circuit, as well as three Go-Kart circuits.
National Champion races for Formula racing (Cars), Motorcycle racing, Go-Kart racing are held in Kari Motor Speedway. Super Speeds designs and constructs almost all Formula cars. Rallying is another major event with all teams based in Coimbatore. Rallies are conducted in closed roads around Coimbatore districts. Narain Karthikeyan is the city's most famous driver, being the first Indian to enter Formula One in 2005 with Jordan Grand Prix. Also he is the First & only Indian to win A1GP World Championship Race. The city is also known for its antique bikes, cars and jeeps. Many prominent industrialists own antique automobiles.
KOVAI KUTRALAM
Siruvani Waterfalls and the dam named after them are located 37 km west of Coimbatore in the Western Ghats, the road to the falls leads past the historical villages of Perur, Mathampatty and Alandurai. Water from Siruvani river is renowned for its taste and mineral properties, and the view from the falls and the dam is a great tourist attraction.It is one of the main water sources of Coimbatore city. The falls are 6 km from Karunya University.
Sadivayal Checkpost, where an entry fee is charged, is the gateway to the waterfalls. This Waterfalls and the Dam are about an hour's drive from Coimbatore. The water of Siruvani is known for its taste. Siruvani Waterfalls, about 40 km west of the city is noted for it's captivating beauty and the sweetness of it's water. The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty. Siruvani Waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 40 km west of Coimbatore in the Western Ghats. The water of Siruvani river is known for its tasty water, and is one of the main water source of Coimbatore city.
BLACK THUNDER
�����Black Thunder Spread over an area of 65 acres of land, Asia's No.1 water theme park, Black Thunder set at the foothills of the gigantic Nilgris has many thrilling and adventurous rides. Located around 41 km from Coimbatore on the Ooty main Road, it is one of the best place to be with your friends and family. There are about 17 water rides here like wave pool, lazy river ride, volcano , cannon ball ride and so on. Several water rides are specially designed for kids.
The dry rides include roller coaster, tora tora, columbus, ferris wheel and duck train. One can also go for a horse ride. Another ride called skill rides offer the best DVD games including air hockey, star wars, racing and other interactive skill games. The park has 6 restaurants and a resort that offers luxurious accommodation. Apart from its varied leisure activities, the resort offers children�s play zone, health club and corporate conference facilities. Twelve acres of land is exclusively provided for car parking which can accommodate about thousands of vehicles. Facilities like changing room, locker room, rest area, refreshment stalls are also available.
Address:
Black Thunder Ooty Main Road,
Mettupalayam -641305,
Coimbatore
Phone: 91-4254-226632-40 (9 Lines)
Fax: 91-4254-225737, 225740
Mobile :9894726640/9894020504/9894088048
HOTELS IN KOVAI
For more details about hotels in kovai ,you have the link