City Tour
Routes
1) GASS Forest Museum
The city of Coimbatore is gifted with several colonial era heritage structures such as Tamil Nadu Forest Academy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and GASS Forest Museum. This natural history museum is the first of its kind for housing the exhibits for Forestry in India. The upkeep and maintenance are vested with Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), an institution under Indian Council of Forestry and Education (ICFRE). The museum is on the Forest Campus and was part of the Imperial Forest College, which is on Cowley Brown Road in the centre of Coimbatore. This distinctive natural history museum is housed in an ancient colonial structure. The museum dates back more than a century (1905) is the earnest effort of Horace Archibald Gass, the then Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore circle.
The museum has housed several fascinating artefacts, such as woodcrafts, geology, timber and non-timber forest products, weapons, entomology, forest engineering, animals, and much more, that are sufficient to provide you with information about forests. During the Second World War, the museum was temporarily closed for few years and the building was made available to the Defence department for housing the refugees from Greece and Malta.
2) Tamil Nadu Agriculture University
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) housed in the city of Coimbatore has its genesis from an Agricultural School at Saidapet, Madras as early as 1868 and later in 1920 moved into its present location. Till 1946 TNAU (formerly known as Agriculture. College and Research Institute) was the only Institute dedicated for Agricultural Education for the whole of South India. In 1908 students were admitted to education programme leading to Licentiate in Agriculture, an early version of current undergraduate course in Agriculture. Currently TNAU has a total of 35 courses (undergraduate and graduate) in various disciplines from agriculture to horticulture, forestry, agricultural engineering, energy and environmental engineering, agribusiness management, economics, microbiology, biotechnology, food technology, agriculture extension besides short-term training programmes. TNAU has signed MOU with Dalhousie University, Canada to offer Dual Degree Program for UG students from 2009 onwards. Apart from various lab and other facilities, TNAU has established one of the well curated insect museums of the region.
3) GEE DEE Museum
Gee dee Car Museum is the only classic car museum of its kind in south India, located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It has an impressive collection of more than 100 vintage cars, each with a history or a unique technology. The cars are the private collection of G D Naidu Charities, a social trust founded by (late) Sri. G D Naidu. Like his father, Sri. G D Gopal, who is also an avid auto enthusiast, bought and collected several cars, especially those that had unique mechanical features or the ones that had significantly influenced the evolution of the automobile. The museum has a section to acknowledge the achievements of revolutionary car designers such as Karl Benz, Henry Ford, Ferdinand Porsche, Pierre-Jules Boulanger and Sir Alec Issigonis.
The main objective of the museum is that students and the public, who see these vintage beauties, learn about the technology and the people behind designing and manufacturing the cars, with the minimal technology available in that era.
Sri G D Naidu, an eminent industrialist and philanthropist of Coimbatore, South India, had a great passion for the automobile. He visited several countries during his lifetime and was fascinated by the workmanship and engineering capabilities of Germany and other forward nations. He was an ardent automobile enthusiast, science lover and loved learning the science behind the functioning and invention of everything that he came across. The museum showcases the very first car made in the world to some the rarest cars curated carefully to appreciate the automotive wonders and the place they hold in the auto-history.
4) Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Coimbatore, located at Podanur, holds great historical importance as it serves as a tribute to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Through various celebrations, events, and activities, it aims to spread the principles of non-violence, peace, and love for humanity.
Coimbatore, a city with a strong connection to Mahatma Gandhi, has played a significant role in nurturing patriotism in the region. Mahatma Gandhi himself visited the city on three occasions, leaving a lasting impact on its landscape.
The humble house with a tiled roof belonging to the G D Naidu family gained historical significance in 1934 when Mahatma Gandhi chose to stay overnight there on the 6th and 7th of February. The house had previously been occupied by Sri. Avinashilingam Chettiar, the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, who ran a small school for Harijan students. This simple abode, with its ideological alignment to the welfare and liberation of Harijans, became an ideal space for Mahatma Gandhi during his stay.
5) Heritage Tree Walk
Embark on this unique walk where you will not only learn the names of trees but also gain the skills to recognize and find them. Immerse yourself in nature as you connect with the diverse flora and fauna surrounding you. Marvel at the common trees that are renowned for their spectacular flowering seasons and discover many fruit-bearing species. Spend a peaceful quality time in the shade of majestic trees, embracing their magnificence which infuse a learning experience.
The heritage tree walk is meticulously organized and led by Arulagam, a dedicated nongovernmental organization (NGO) tirelessly working towards the protection and conservation of nature. Arulagam's mission is to safeguard the rich biodiversity of Tamil Nadu and South India, focusing on preserving endangered, neglected, less charismatic, and lesser-known species and their habitats. By employing a scientific approach, Arulagam tackles environmental issues and advocates for the often-overlooked voices of nature.
6) Singanallur Lake – Community Conservation Efforts
The Singanallur Lake, one of the largest in the city, serves as both a sanctuary for migratory birds and a haven for a remarkable variety of butterflies, with over 104 species which is around 30% of the species present in the State. A recent study conducted by the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding revealed that the lake harbours an impressive collection of 450 plant species. As an urban biodiversity conservation zone, Singanallur Lake stands out as one of the few waterbodies in the city that keeps its natural vegetation, contributing to its exceptional biodiversity.
To promote nature education, CUBE (Centre for Urban Biodiversity Conservation and Education) and the Coimbatore Corporation use the lake as a valuable resource. They organize nature trails for the public on the first and third Sunday of every month, inviting experts from distinct parts of the country to lead these educational excursions. Additionally, school children regularly visit the lake on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for in-depth ecological study and exploring the natural history.
7) Flower Market / Vegetable Market
Locally called the Poo (meaning flower) Market, Coimbatore’s largest and most famous flower market, this place is a riot of colours. There is an array of various flowers; Marigolds, Roses and Jasmine lend a heady, intoxicating fragrance that permeates the air. The flowers come to the 200 odd stalls of this market well before dawn from various production areas such as Madurai, Salem and Erode districts and neighbouring states such as Kerala and Karnataka. About one half of the produce comes from local areas and the rest from other sources. There is hustle and bustle, as baskets of flowers are being sorted strung into garlands or just to arranged to show them the best to attract potential buyers. The vegetable market of Town Hall in Coimbatore is a bustling place with the availability of different varieties of local, indigenous, and exotic vegetables. The vegetable market is the biggest wholesale and retail market in Coimbatore. Locals flock this market every day to buy the fresh greens, fruits, and other vegetables produced from the nearby field. The nearly 500 shops in the market sell everything a kitchen needs since the early hours of the day to night. The town hall and old market in Coimbatore is a pivotal engine in running the livelihoods of the people.
8) Perur – Temple & Heritage Visit
Standing as a testament to its rich heritage, the temple, constructed over two thousand years ago by Raja Raja Chola, highlights the grandeur of Dravidian architecture, with each statue and sculpture telling a captivating story.
Tamil Nadu is renowned for its spiritual legacy, and the Perur Pateeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, exemplifies this tradition. Situated in western Coimbatore at Perur, this temple was commissioned by Karikaala Chozhan and found patronage from esteemed poets like Arunagiri Nathar and Kachiappa Munivar. With a history spanning 1500 years, this temple holds a distinctive feature—the deity is believed to have self-manifested, setting it apart from others. The intricate structure boasts elaborate spirals, halls, and a mesmerizing golden statue of Lord Nataraja that attracts countless visitors. Noteworthy are the exquisitely carved pillars depicting various incarnations of Lord Shiva and the ceiling adorned with a series of stone chains and a central lotus motif. The temple tank features symmetrically designed steps with 16 angles, while the temple cars display rare and unique wooden carvings. Additionally, the temple encompasses the revered Patti Vinayagar shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the Arasambalavanar Shrine, believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva performed his divine dance, known as thandav, under a Peepul tree. Throughout the temple grounds, many statues of other deities grace the surroundings, complemented by sacred palm and tamarind trees. The vibrant Panguni Uthram festival, transform the temple into a hub of diverse religious activities.
The farm tour will give an overview about the Indian organic sustainable farming methods and interacting with the local farmers, saunter through agricultural farms and plantation areas.
9) Handloom- Sirumugai
India is a land that has been glorious with the textile tradition for thousands of years. It has been one of the greatest products of culture, tradition, innovation, design, for economics and value creation. The textile material, making, design and products are hugely varied across the land with local culture, geographic, religious, agricultural, natural and historic influences creating a exotic and exquisite variety and diversity. India is a land that has been glorious with the textile tradition for thousands of years. It has been one of the greatest products of culture, tradition, innovation, design, for economics and value creation. The textile material, making, design and products are hugely varied across the land with local culture, geographic, religious, agricultural, natural and historic influences creating a exotic and exquisite variety and diversity.
Good Initiative of design interventions, assistive technology without removing the essence of handloom, enhanced skills for the weavers and lastly but most importantly the exposure for the weaving community for knowledge and capacity to market the products will ensure that this tradition will not only survive but thrive. Presently the authenticity / originality for Coimbatore Cotton and its Textiles is lost in the market. The Centre for Weavers will focus to bring back its originality. The CW established at Bhavani is focussing on reviving GI Jamakalam (Floor Carpet).