Coimbatore is a major city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India situated on the banks of the River Noyyal. Coimbatore is not your usual travel city but this industrial town has a lot to offers to its visitors. It is also referred to as the "Manchester of South India" due to its cotton production and textile industries. The city is surrounded by the Western Ghats, owing to which there are several offbeat getaways from the place and trekking is a much preferred activity among the Best Things To Do in Coimbatore. The popular trekking getaways from Coimbatore are Nishani Motte Trek in Coorg, Trek to Lakshmi Hills in Munnar and Glenmorgan Trek in Ooty. Coimbatore is a hub of various industries and infrastructure revolving around engineering goods, textile mills, educational institutions, health care facilities and hospitality.
This city also has places that interest the tourists and the Best Things To Do in Coimbatore is visiting its historical landmarks, buildings, wildlife reserves, cultural art centres and parks. Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple, Anjeneyar Kovil and Perur Pateeshwarar Temple are famous temples that boasts of great architecture and sculptures that are more than 1000 years old. Athar Jamaat Masjid, Valankulam Lake, G.D.Naidu Car Museum and Kovai kutraalam waterfall are among other major attractions in Coimbatore. The city also acts as a buffer town between most South Indian tourist destinations like Ooty, Tanjore, Velankanni, Rameswaram, Madurai, Coorg and Munnar. One must visit this city for its friendly culture and hospitality.
Located at an elevation of about 500 ft 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.
It is quite an ancient temple which 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.
Location: Perur Main Road, Perur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641010
Price: Free entry for normal darshan | INR 20 for special darshan
Timing: Open on all days, 5 AM to 1 PM (morning hours) | 4 PM to 9 PM (evening hours)
Best time to visit: March to April and December to January
One of the top tourist attractions in Coimbatore, this park is a fun-filled place to visit for some quality time with your family and friends. Kovai Kondattam is an electrifying amusement park known for its numerous water and dry rides, dashing cars, wave pools, aqua dance, rock climbing, video parlour, etc are to name a few.
Other popular attractions of this park include, giant wheel, pirate ship, water slides, merry-go-round, food stalls, water falls, etc. There is no end to the amount of entertainment one can soak in during their time in this amusement park.
Location: 2/347, Siruvani Main Road, Durga nagar, Kalampalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641010
Price: INR 500 per adult | INR 450 per child
Timing: Monday to Saturday- 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM | Sunday-10 AM to 6 PM
Best time to visit: February-April and August-December
One of the most popular places to see in Coimbatore, VOC Park and Zoo, also known as V.O Chidambaranar Park is an amusement spot and zoological garden. The park is visited by people who are into recreational activities and picnic purposes.
The place comprises a zoo area with more than 100 mammals and 300 birds along with an aquarium and children’s area. Visitors also have access to a variety of fairs, exhibitions, annual events and several art and cultural events that are organized in this park.Also, do not forget to gorge on some delectable snacks and beverages, such as tea, coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches, burgers, noodles, etc. during your visit.
Location: 24, Jail Road, ATT Colony, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641018
Price: INR 3 per adult | INR 2 per child
Timing: 4PM to 7.30 PM on Weekdays | 10 AM to 7.30 PM on Weekends | Closed on Tuesdays
Best time to visit: All year round
This Temple is one of the most significant places to visit in Coimbatore, and thus attracts an influx of visitors all year. One more reason for its popularity is that it is located in the heart of the city and its magnificence is such that both tourists and locals can’t resist themselves from visiting the Temple at least once. Moreover, this temple is a delight for architecture and history lovers.
This temple is also referred as ‘Second Sabarimala Temple’ since the style, architecture, and puja processions are quite like this temple. No wonder it is overflowed with art, architecture and history enthusiasts all year along.
Lord Ayyappa is the revered deity of this temple and devotees from all over the world visit this edifice to seek the Lord’s blessings. The temple is also dedicated to other Gods such as Lord Shiva, Maha Vishnu, Sri Murugan and Ma Durga.
Location: 143, Chinnasamy Naidu Rd, Siddhapudur, New Siddhapudur, Tamil Nadu 641044
Timing: Opened on all days, 5 AM to 11 AM (morning hours) | 5 PM to 9 PM (evening hours)
Best time to visit: January to August | September to December
Settled amid the lush green forest side of 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 Centre 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 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 the one of the top tourist attractions in Coimbatore.
Location: Mahashivaratri Grounds, Ishana Vihar, Velliangiri Foothills, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641114
Price: No entry fee
Timing: Open all days, 6 AM to 8 PM
Best time to visit: Can be visited all year but April to October is quite a good time to learn yoga and meditation.
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, which 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.
Location: Pollachi Main Rd, Eachanari, Tamil Nadu 641021
Timing: Open all days, 5.30 AM to 1 PM (morning hours) |4 PM to 9 PM (evening hours)
Best time to visit: September and October (especially at the time of Ganesha Festival)
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 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 as well. If you are an automobile engineer or simply a motorhead, you are going to have an absolute gala time here.
Location: President Hall Building, 734, Avinashi Rd, Race Course, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641018
Price: INR 50 for adults | INR 10 for children
Timing: Open all days, 9 AM to 5 PM
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
What makes this pure Temple quite a tourist attraction is its miraculous yet natural way of outflowing the water all through the year. Additionally, there is a unique aura surrounding this Temple, which attracts a lot of people toward its grandness.
One of the most popular parks in Coimbatore, Nehru Park is best known as the home to a gigantic statue of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. It is also quite known for its lush green park area, clear pathways, and jogging area. However, these are not the only things that this park is known for.
You will come across many women running, jogging, even doing yoga and meditation here and it’s for a reason—this park is maintained exclusively for women. Working out in this park is quite relieving for the ladies since they do not have to deal with the unwanted male attention. It’s a well-maintained garden that works like a therapy for women who want to breathe in the abundance of nature.
Location: Trichy Rd, Sungam, Karunanidhi Nagar, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu 641045
Timing: Open all days, 6 AM to 10 AM | 4 AM to 8 PM
Best time to visit: July – September (Monsoon weather)
Nestled amidst the lush foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains near Coimbatore, the Dhyanalinga offers a sanctuary of peace and spiritual awakening. Established by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of the Isha Foundation, Dhyanalinga is not just a place of worship but a vibrant energy center dedicated to meditation and self-discovery.
As you approach the Dhyanalinga, the serenity of the surrounding landscape immediately soothes your senses. The tranquil atmosphere is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a break from their daily routines. The pathway leading to the Dhyanalinga is lined with beautiful trees and lush greenery, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of inner peace.
The Dhyanalinga itself is an architectural marvel. The majestic dome, standing at 76 feet, houses a massive ellipsoidal linga made of high-density black granite. This linga, consecrated with intense spiritual energy, serves as a powerful focal point for meditation. Unlike traditional temples, the Dhyanalinga does not adhere to any particular religious belief or practice, making it accessible to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to connect individuals to their inner selves, transcending the boundaries of religion and culture.
Coimbatore is also referred to as the "Manchester of South India" for its abundant cotton production and textile industries. The city is located around Western Ghats, which makes the place a great destination for one day hiking and trekking tours and the popular ones are Nishani Motte Trek and Lakshmi Hill Trek.
Sightseeing and shopping is a common culture for tourists visiting the city who get attracted to various temples and other places of tourist interest. Athar Jamaat Masjid, Valankulam Lake, G.D.Naidu Car Museum and Kovai Kutraalam waterfall are among other major attractions in Coimbatore.
The Anamalai National Park is situated in the Anaimalai Hills of Pollachi, Valparai and Udumalpet taluks of Coimbatore District is under consideration by UNESCO as part of the Western Ghats World Heritage site. The National Park is a great destination to enjoy a wildlife safari near Coimbatore.
The protected area boasts of numerous species of animals (including 5 endangered species), 250 species of birds and 315 species of butterflies. One can also head for a safari experience to the Silent Valley National Park located about 60 km from Coimbatore and it represents one of the last patches of undisturbed rain forest in India.
Neelakurinji Camping Centre located in Ketti valley offers one rescue from their daily monoptony, this campsite is a well-equipped site that provides modern amenities. Wildberrys Jungle Camp serves to be a great campsite for offbeat jungle camping.
Stanley Park is a campsite for nature lovers, situated alongside the lush rolling greens and undulating hills in Coonoor, that serves as a great campsite.
Siruvani Waterfalls located roughly about 50 kms from Coimbatore station offer great opportunity to the adventure enthusiasts to venture out for trekking, best seen in monsoon season between June and October.
The Siruvani waterfall is a 4 Kms small trek from the nearest road point is famous for the elephant camp, wildlife safaris, pleasant weather and spectacular views of Annamalai Hills. The wildlife park boasts of many scenic nature trails suitable for day hikes. One can also undertake a 5 Km long trek through a forest to reach the breath taking Vaideki Waterfalls.
Coimbatore, also referred to as the "Manchester of South India" for its cotton and textile industries. The main concentration of markets for some leisure shopping is in the RS Puram, Cross-Cut Road and the Town Hall Areas where one can find streets lined with shops selling everything from utensils to dress materials to different accessories.
For apparel shopping, one can choose from the array of shops lined at Cross-Cut Road which sell Kanchivaram, Benarasi and other designer sarees. Coimbatore is also recognized for its numerous jewellery stores situated along Cross-Cut Road and Town Hall Area.
Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake is one of the lakes in Coimbatore that attracts a lot many tourists visiting the city. The lake boasts of a mixed ecosystem where apart from fishes, many local as well as migratory birds visit the lake. This lake is a preferred hotspot for bird watching among tourists. One can spot birds like little grebes and purple moorhen around the lake.
The lake is vast and recently a promenade circling the lake has been built for the ease of the visitors who come to the lake to enjoy long walks, strolls, exercise etc.