 The
third largest city of the state, Coimbatore, the headquarters of a
district of the same name, is one of the most industrialised cities in
Tamil Nadu. 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 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. Among its other
great rulers were the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the
Vijayanagara kings. 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. Located in
the shadow of the Western ghats, Coimbatore enjoys a very pleasant
climate the year round, aided by the fresh breeze that flows in through
the 25 kms long Palakkad gap. The rich black soil of the region has
contributed to Coimbatore's flourishing agriculture industry and, it is
in fact that the successful growth of cotton that served as a foundation
for the establishment of its famous textile industry. The first textile
mills came up as far back as 1888 but there are now over a hundred
mills. The result has been a strong economy and a reputation as one of
the greatest industrial cities in South India.
Coimbatore serves as an entry and exit point to neighbouring Kerala and
the ever popular hill station of Udagamandalam(Ooty). It is the
disembarking point for those who want to take the Mountain train that
runs from Mettupalayam, just 35 kms from Coimbatore. There are also
regular bus services from Coimbatore to Ooty.
 |
|
