Coimbatore is a bustling city centre in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. Though it is most famous for its textile, foundry, and automotive industries, Coimbatore has plenty to offer world explorers. Here are 15 places to visit in Coimbatore for travelling architects and their families to enjoy:
Adiyogi Shiva | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
Located roughly 30 kilometres west of Coimbatore, this stunning statue stands gracefully at 112 feet high. Its height is artfully symbolic of the history of yoga. It is said that nearly 15,000 years ago the first yogi, Adiyogi, “transmitted the science of Yoga to his seven disciples, the Saptarishis. He expounded 112 ways through which human beings can transcend their limitations and reach their ultimate potential (Isha Institute of Inner Sciences (USA)).” This historic monument holds the Guinness World Record for the largest bust statue.
Marudhamalai Murugan Temple
Nestled amongst stony rolling hills in the Western Ghats 15 kilometres west of Coimbatore lies the colourful Marudhamalai Temple. Every visitor has the pleasure of being embraced by crisp air, beautifully adorned deities, and awe.
Dhyanalinga Temple | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
In the classical language of Sanskrit, “Dhyanalinga” roughly translates to “meditative form.” Opened in 1993, this enlightened space forms to no particular religion and offers users a spiritual experience amongst transformative, womb-like architecture.
Kotagiri Hill Station
This breathtaking hill station is the oldest and largest in the Nilgiris. Located just 2 hours south of Coimbatore, this hill station is the perfect place for traveling architects to immerse themselves in the study of unforgettable mountain views.
The Gass Forest Museum | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
The Gass Forest Museum is a renowned 120-year-old museum visually depicting the beauty and transformation of the surrounding landscape. For architects looking to become more in tune with native plant life, the Gass Forest Museum offers a memorable education.
Kodiveri Dam
This powerful dam provides water from over 25000 hectares of land while offering scenic views and lush greenery perfect for picnicking. The dam base holds several attractions including games, rides, and amusement for all ages.
TNAU Botanical Garden
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1908. The space serves as a therapeutic escape and case study for floriculture.
Valparai Hill Station | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
Valparai is the highest-producing tea region in India. Packed with a plethora of waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and temples in the Western Ghats mountain range near Coimbatore, Valparai hill station offers views, culture, architecture, and tea galore.
Palakkad Fort
Also known as Tipu’s Fort, the Palakkad Fort is one of the best preserved historic landmarks in Palakkad – a town roughly 68 kilometers outside of Coimbatore. The structure was first built by Hyderabad Ali of Mysore in 1766, then altered by the British in 1790. It is now proudly preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. The structure’s lush lawns are well-manicured and surrounded by winding moats and jogging trails.
Gedee Car Museum | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
For the car enthusiast, the Gedee Car Museum features an eclectic variety of exotic and classic cars. The museum highlights innovation and the design process offering architects an interdisciplinary educational experience.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, the beautiful forest system is the largest and best-preserved tiger sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. In addition to tigers, the reserve is inhabited by elephants, guar, leopards, over 300 species of birds, and more.
Velliangiri Mountains
The Velliangiri Mountains are a sacred mountain range in the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. For those seeking adventure and respectful cultural immersion, the foothills hold a gift of sculptural landscape views and cave temples.
Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
Commissioned by the Kasthuri Sreenivasan Trust and brought to life by Kasthuri Sreenivasan himself, this museum showcases local artists, artworks, and the evolution of textiles. Curious minds can expect to gain a wealth of textile technique, history, and design knowledge.
Nehru Park
Rich with jogging trails, lush gardens, and meditative spaces, Nehru Park is one of the most visited landmarks in Coimbatore. The park is the ideal leisure space to embrace a bit of calm before more sightseeing.
Aliyar Dam Reservoir Park | Places to Visit in Coimbatore
Located at the base of the Anamalai Hills, this reservoir occupies 6.48 square kilometers. The Reservoir is majestically surrounded by soaring hills, walking paths, and well-maintained greenery. It’s a shining example of green space integration around essential facilities.
Reference list:
Government of Kerala: PALAKKAD (n.d.). Palakkad Fort | Palakkad | India. [online] Government of Kerala: PALAKKAD. Available at: https://palakkad.nic.in/tourist-place/palakkad-fort/ [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
Isha Institute of Inner Sciences (USA) (n.d.). Adiyogi – The Source of Yoga at Isha Yoga Center. [online] isha.sadhguru.org. Available at: https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/center/consecrated-spaces/112-feet-adiyogi [Accessed 6 Nov. 2022].
Isha Institute of Inner Sciences (USA) (n.d.). Isha – Dhyanalinga, Offerings, Science and Mysticism. [online] isha.sadhguru.org. Available at: https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/center/consecrated-spaces/dhyanalinga [Accessed 6 Nov. 2022].
Jeshi, K. (2022). Gass Forest Museum in Coimbatore is now open for visitors. The Hindu. [online] 6 Jul. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/gass-forest-museum-in-coimbatore-is-now-open-for-visitors/article65583108.ece [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum (2017). Cultural Centre in Coimbatore – Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery, Coimbatore, India | Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery, Coimbatore, India. [online] Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum. Available at: https://www.kasthurisreenivasanartgallery.com/ [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
Makadia, M. (2022). A Travel Guide to Valparai: A Hill Station in the Western Ghats. [online] Turuhi. Available at: https://turuhi.com/resources/valparai-travel-guide/ [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
Murugan Bhakti (n.d.). Marudhamalai Murugan Temple. [online] murugan.org. Available at: http://murugan.org/temples/marudhamalai.htm [Accessed 6 Nov. 2022].
Singh, A. (2019). Velliangiri Hills Trek: Women are not allowed to trek this mountain. [online] Tripoto. Available at: https://www.tripoto.com/tamil-nadu/trips/villangiri-hills-trek-where-you-can-feel-your-heart-beating-in-your-chest-5c2bb55801f15 [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (n.d.). TNAU Botanical Garden – Horticultural college and Research Institute, Coimbatore. [online] Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Available at: https://tnau.ac.in/hcri-coimbatore/tnau-botanical-garden/ [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
The Top Tours (n.d.). 7 Beautiful Parks in Coimbatore (Covai/Kovai) (2022). [online] The Top Tours. Available at: https://www.thetoptours.com/asia/india/tamilnadu/coimbatore/beautiful-park-in-coimbatore [Accessed 7 Nov. 2022].
Trip Advisor (n.d.). Adiyogi Shiva (Coimbatore) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. [online] Tripadvisor. Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297675-d12281614-Reviews-Adiyogi_Shiva-Coimbatore_Coimbatore_District_Tamil_Nadu.html [Accessed 6 Nov. 2022].
