View source for Coimbatore district

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Coimbatore
| other_name         = Covai
| nickname           = Manchester of South india
| settlement_type    = [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu|District]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
|size = 250
|photo1a = Marudhamalai Temple-Coimbatore.jpg
|photo1b = Prehistoric site known as pandava graves 04.jpg
|photo2a = Pollachi hilly landsacpe.jpg
|photo2b = Cbe north.jpg
|photo3a = Tea Plantations @ Valparai - panoramio (6).jpg
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = Clockwise from top-left: [[Maruthamalai Marudhachalamurthy Temple|Marudhamalai Temple]], Pandava Graves site, hills near [[Pollachi]], Tea plantation near [[Valparai]], North Coimbatore flyover
| image_map          = Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu (India).svg
| image_map1         = {{maplink |frame=yes
|frame-width=275 |frame-height=275 |frame-align=center
|text= '''Coimbatore district'''
|type=shape |id=Q15136
|stroke-colour=#C60C30
|stroke-width=2
|title= Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu
|type2=line|id2=Q1445|stroke-width2=1|stroke-colour2=#0000ff|title2=Tamil Nadu
}}
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = Location in Tamil Nadu
| coordinates        = {{coord|11.0125|N|76.9714|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{IND}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[File:TamilNadu Logo.svg|22px]] [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_type2  = 
| subdivision_name2  = 
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| named_for          = 
| parts_type         = [[Taluka|Taluks]]
| parts              = [[Annur taluk|Annur]], [[Anaimalai]], [[Coimbatore-North taluk|Coimbatore North]], [[Coimbatore-South taluk|Coimbatore South]], [[Kinathukadavu taluk|Kinathukadavu]], [[Madukkarai taluk|Madukkarai]], [[Mettupalayam taluk|Mettupalayam]], [[Perur taluk|Perur]], [[Pollachi taluk|Pollachi]], [[Sulur taluk|Sulur]], [[Valparai taluk|Valparai]]
| seat_type          = Headquarters
| seat               = [[Coimbatore]]
| government_type    = 
| governing_body     = Coimbatore Local Planning Authority
| leader_title1      = [[District Collector]]
| leader_name1       = Kranthikumar Pati, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| leader_title2      = [[Commissioner of Police]] (City)
| leader_name2       = Pradip Kumar, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
| leader_title3      = [[Superintendent of Police]] (Rural)
| leader_name3       = V. Badrinarayanan, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_rank          = 
| area_total_km2     = 4723
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 420
| population_total   = 3,458,045
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_rank    = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = 
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=2011 Census of India|date=16 April 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_tamilnadu.html|publisher= Indian government|format=MS Excel}}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 641xxx, 642xxx
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| area_code          = +91-[https://www.allcodesindia.in/stdcode/tn/coimbatore.php 0422]
| iso_code           = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|ISO 3166-2]]
| registration_plate = TN-37(Coimbatore South),
TN-37Z(Sulur),
TN-38(Coimbatore North), TN-40(Mettupalayam), TN-41(Pollachi),
TN-41Z(Valparai),
TN-66(Coimbatore Central),
TN-99(Coimbatore West),
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Gross Domestic Product]] (2019-20)
| blank_info_sec1    = {{INRConvert|136523.21|c|year=2020}}
<ref>https://spc.tn.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/Regional_Imbalance.pdf</ref>
| blank1_name_sec1   = Largest city
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[Coimbatore]]
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = M-50.00%/F-50.00% [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank3_name_sec1   = Literacy
| blank3_info_sec1   = 92.98%
| blank4_name_sec1   = [[State legislative assembly (India)]] constituency
| blank4_info_sec1   = 10
| blank1_name_sec2   = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| blank1_info_sec2   = {{convert|700|mm|in}}
| blank2_name_sec2   = Avg. summer temperature
| blank2_info_sec2   = {{convert|36|°C|°F}}
| blank3_name_sec2   = Avg. winter temperature
| blank3_info_sec2   = {{convert|18|°C|°F}}
| website            = {{URL|https://coimbatore.nic.in}}
| footnotes          = 
| official_name      = 
}}

'''Coimbatore district''' is one of the [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu|38 districts]] in the [[States and union territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]] in India. [[Coimbatore]] is the administrative headquarters of the district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winentrance.com/general_knowledge/india_misscellaneous/nick-names-indian-places.html|title=Manchester of South India|access-date=30 August 2015}}</ref> It is one of the most industrialized districts and a major textile, industrial, commercial, educational, information technology, healthcare and manufacturing hub of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pibmumbai.gov.in/scripts/detail.asp?releaseId=E2011IS3|title=Indian Government press release|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|date=31 October 2011|access-date=31 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630112755/http://pibmumbai.gov.in/scripts/detail.asp?releaseId=E2011IS3|archive-date=30 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The region is bounded by [[Tiruppur district]] in the east, [[Nilgiris district]] in the north, [[Erode district]] in the northeast, [[Palakkad district]], [[Idukki district]] and small parts of [[Thrissur district]] and [[Ernakulam district]] of neighboring state of [[Kerala]] in the west and south respectively. As of 2011, Coimbatore district had a population of 3,458,045 with a sex ratio of 1,000 and literacy rate of 84%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/32-coimbatore.html|title=Coimbatore district, Census 2011|publisher=Government of India|access-date=30 August 2015}}</ref>

Coimbatore district was part of the [[Sangam period|historical]] [[Kongu Nadu]] and was ruled by the [[Chera Dynasty|Cheras]] as it served as the eastern entrance to the [[Palakkad Gap]], the principal trade route between the west coast and [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Trade">{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=T. S|title=Roman connection in Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007/01/28/&prd=th|access-date=28 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 January 2007|archive-date=19 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919235748/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007%2F01%2F28%2F&prd=th|url-status=dead}}</ref> Coimbatore was in the middle of the Roman trade route that extended from [[Muziris]] to [[Arikamedu]] in South India.<ref name="Roman">{{cite news|title= Kovai's Roman connection |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/01/08/stories/2009010850970100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125005240/http://hindu.com/mp/2009/01/08/stories/2009010850970100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2009|access-date=9 June 2010|date=8 January 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name="Roman2">{{cite news|title= On the Roman Trail |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/01/21/stories/2008012150370500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110160411/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/01/21/stories/2008012150370500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 November 2012|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 January 2008}}</ref> The [[medieval Cholas]] conquered the Kongu Nadu in the 10th century CE.<ref name="Cholas">{{cite news|last=Vanavarayar|first=Shankar|title=Scripting history|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/06/21/stories/2010062151120400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110160431/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/06/21/stories/2010062151120400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 November 2012|access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 June 2010}}</ref><ref name="Cholaroad">{{cite news|last=M|first=Soundariya Preetha|title=Tale of an ancient road|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/30/stories/2007063054660500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703062941/http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/30/stories/2007063054660500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2007|access-date=9 May 2011|date=30 June 2007|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The region was ruled by [[Vijayanagara Empire]] in the 15th century followed by the [[Madurai Nayaks|Nayaks]] who introduced the [[Polygar|Palayakkarar system]] under which Kongu Nadu region was divided into 24 ''Palayams''.<ref name="Palayakkarar">{{cite news|title = The land called Kongunad |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111902090200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060329231820/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111902090200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2006|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 November 2005}}</ref> In the later part of the 18th century, the Coimbatore region came under the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] and following the [[Siege of Coimbatore|defeat]] of [[Tipu Sultan]] in the [[Anglo-Mysore Wars]], the [[British East India Company]] annexed Coimbatore to the [[Madras Presidency]] in 1799. The Coimbatore region played a prominent role in the Second [[Poligar War]] (1801) when it was the area of operations of [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]].<ref name="Dheeran">{{cite news|title= Remembering Dheeran Chinnamalai |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/03/stories/2007080353100500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328171902/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/03/stories/2007080353100500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 March 2008|access-date=15 January 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 August 2007}}</ref> In 1804, Coimbatore was established as the capital of the newly formed Coimbatore district.<ref name="NammaKovai">{{cite news|title= Namma Kovai |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/namma-coimbatore/article5522897.ece|access-date=28 June 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="Capital">{{cite news|title=The city that is Coimbatore|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005043001980300.htm&date=2005/04/30/&prd=mp&|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 April 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726120742/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005043001980300.htm&date=2005%2F04%2F30%2F&prd=mp&|archive-date=26 July 2011|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="Stanes">{{cite news|last=[[S. Muthiah]]|title='Golden Tips' in the Nilgiris|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/14/stories/2003041400090300.htm|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 April 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807100133/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/14/stories/2003041400090300.htm|archive-date=7 August 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The district experienced a textile boom in the early 19th century due to the decline of the cotton industry in [[Mumbai]].<ref name="frontline1">{{cite news|title=The cotton classic|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2102/stories/20040130004511000.htm|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|date=30 January 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629220434/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2102/stories/20040130004511000.htm|archive-date=29 June 2006|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Post-independence, the district has seen rapid growth due to [[industrialisation]]. According to the 2011 Census, Coimbatore district is the second most urbanized district in Tamil Nadu after [[Chennai]]. 71.37% of the district's population at the 2011 Census was urban, while 29.63% was rural. The urbanized areas of Coimbatore district include the city of [[Coimbatore]], [[Karamadai]], [[Podanur]], [[Madukkarai|Madhukkarai]], [[Ettimadai]], [[Thondamuthur]], [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]], [[Annur]], and a few other regions.{{such as?|date=October 2023}} [[Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore|Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya]] founded by Mahatama Gandhi 1934.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

== History ==
{{See also| Coimbatore District (Madras Presidency)}}
The region around Coimbatore was ruled by the [[Sangama Dynasty|Sangam]] [[Chera Dynasty|Cheras]] dynasty and it served as the eastern entrance to the [[Palakkad Gap]], the principal trade route between the west coast and [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Trade"/> The [[Kosar people]] mentioned in the second century CE Tamil epic ''[[Silappathikaram]]'' and other poems in [[Sangam literature]] is associated with the area in and around the present-day Coimbatore district.<ref>{{Cite book|last=[[S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar]]|title=Some Contributions of South India to Indian Culture| year=2009| publisher=BiblioBazaar| isbn=978-1-113-17175-7| page=27| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UuFEQjoMJwkC&pg=PA27}}</ref> The region was in the middle of a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] trade route that extended from [[Muziris]] to [[Arikamedu]].<ref name="Roman"/><ref name="Roman2"/> The [[medieval Cholas]] conquered the [[Kongu Nadu]] in the 10th century CE. A Chola highway called ''Rajakesari Peruvazhi'' ran through the region.<ref name="Cholas"/><ref name="Cholaroad"/>

Much of Tamil Nadu came under the rule of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]] by the 15th century. In the 1550s, [[Madurai Nayaks]] who were the military governors of the Vijaynagara Empire took control of the region. After the Vijayanagara Empire fell in the 17th century, the Madurai Nayaks established their state as an independent kingdom. The Nayaks introduced the [[Polygar|Palayakkarar system]] under which Kongu Nadu region was divided into 24 ''Palayams''.<ref name="Palayakkarar"/>

In the later part of the 18th century, the region came under the [[Kingdom of Mysore]], following a series of wars with the [[Madurai Nayak Dynasty]]. After the [[Siege of Coimbatore|defeat]] of [[Tipu Sultan]] in the [[Anglo-Mysore Wars]], the [[British East India Company]] annexed Coimbatore to the [[Madras Presidency]] in 1799. The Coimbatore region played a prominent role in the Second [[Poligar War]] (1801) when it was the area of operations of [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]].<ref name="Dheeran"/>

===District formation===
In 1804, Coimbatore district was newly carved out and Coimbatore was established as the capital of the newly formed district. The district court was initially at [[Dharapuram]], which was later moved to [[Coimbatore]].<ref name="NammaKovai"/><ref name="Capital"/><ref name="Stanes"/> The district comprised present-day districts of [[Erode district|Erode]], [[Tiruppur district|Tiruppur]], [[Nilgiris district|Niligirs]] and parts of [[Karur district|Karur]], [[Palakkad district|Palakkad]] in [[Kerala]], [[Chamarajanagar district|Chamarajanagar]] in [[Karnataka]]. [[Nilgiris district]] was segregated in 1868. The region was hard hit during the [[Great Famine of 1876–78]] resulting in nearly 200,000 famine related fatalities. The city experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 on the [[Richter magnitude scale|Richter scale]] on 8 February 1900.<ref name=earthquake>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1627/16270870.htm|title=Dams and earthquakes|publisher=Frontline|date=25 December 1999|access-date=30 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811214221/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1627/16270870.htm|archive-date=11 August 2010|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The first three decades of the 20th century saw nearly 20,000 [[black death|plague-related deaths]] and an acute water shortage.<ref>{{cite news|title=The perils of the past |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/05/28/stories/2005052802450300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110161035/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/05/28/stories/2005052802450300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 November 2012|access-date=29 December 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 May 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Chronicling the spirit of Coimbatore |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010358210200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110161046/http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010358210200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 November 2012|access-date=29 December 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 January 2009}}</ref>

The district experienced an economic boom in the 1920s and 1930s due to the decline of the cotton industry in [[Mumbai]].<ref name="frontline1"/> The region played a significant role in the [[Indian independence movement]].<ref>{{cite news|title=The Mahatma's link with Coimbatore|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/10/01/stories/2005100101800300.htm|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810092413/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/10/01/stories/2005100101800300.htm|archive-date=10 August 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Post independence, the district has seen rapid growth due to [[industrialisation]].<ref name="Corporation">{{cite news|title= Keep politics out of Corporation Council |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/25/stories/2006122517080300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303093542/http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/25/stories/2006122517080300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2007|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 December 2006}}</ref>

In 1927, [[Karur]] taluk was separated from the district and merged with [[Tiruchirapalli district]]. In 1956, [[Kollegal|Kollegal taluk]] was transferred to [[Mysore State]]. In 1979, [[Periyar district]] ([[Erode district]]) was formed after bifurcation of six taluks of [[Bhavani taluk|Bhavani]], [[Gobichettipalayam taluk|Gobichettipalayam]], [[Sathyamangalam taluk|Sathyamangalam]], [[Erode taluk|Erode]], [[Perundurai taluk|Perundurai]], [[Kangeyam taluk|Kangeyam]] and [[Dharapuram taluk|Dharapuram]]. Further, [[Tiruppur district]] was formed in 2012 comprising parts of [[Erode district]] and Coimbatore district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic.in/history.html|title=Coimbatore district - History|access-date=30 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406223200/http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic.in/history.html|archive-date=6 April 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>

With its strategic location in [[South India|Southern India]], Coimbatore has a notable presence of defence forces, with units of the [[Indian Army|Army]], [[Indian Navy|Navy]], [[Indian Air Force|Air Force]] and [[Paramilitary forces of India|para-military forces]] like the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] and [[Border Security Force]] stationed in the district.

== Geography and climate ==
{{main|Geography of Coimbatore}}
[[File:KOvai2.jpg|thumb|200px|Western Ghats on the Coimbatore-Palakkad National Highway|left]]
[[File:Kovaipudur Pastures.jpg|thumb|Pastures near Kovaipudur, western part of the district|left]]
Coimbatore district is in the western part of Tamil Nadu, bordering the state of [[Kerala]]. It is surrounded by the [[Western Ghats]] mountain range on the west and north, with [[Forest reserve|reserve forests]] and the ([[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]]) on the northern side.<ref name="JReginald"/> The [[Noyyal River]] runs through Coimbatore and forms the southern boundary of the old city limits.<ref name=businessplan/><ref>{{cite news|title=Noyyal flows on like a quiet killer |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/noyyal-flows-quiet-killer-080 |access-date=9 May 2011 |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |date=28 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214013305/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/noyyal-flows-quiet-killer-080 |archive-date=14 February 2011 }}</ref> The city sits amidst Noyyal's basin area and has an extensive [[Irrigation tank|tank system]] fed by the [[river]] and [[rain]]water.<ref>{{cite news|title=A river runs through it |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/01/28/stories/2006012802630300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110161622/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/01/28/stories/2006012802630300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 November 2012 |access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 January 2006}}</ref> The eight major tanks/[[wetland]] areas of Coimbatore are [[Singanallur Lake|Singanallur]], [[Kallimadai]], [[Valankulam Lake|Valankulam]], [[Ukkadam]] Periyakulam, Selvampathy, Narasampathi, Krishnampathi, Selvachinthamani, and Kumaraswami tanks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maintenance of tanks not at cost of environment |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/27/stories/2010102751810300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110161637/http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/27/stories/2010102751810300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 November 2012 |access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=27 October 2010}}</ref> Sanganur pallam, Kovilmedu pallam, Vilankurichi-Singanallur Pallam, Karperayan Koil pallam, Railway feeder roadside drain, Tiruchy-Singanallur Check drain and Ganapathy pallam are some of the streams that drain the city.<ref name=businessplan>{{cite web|title=Business Plan for Coimbatore Corporation|work=Wilbur Smith Associates|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/CDP/Corporations/Coimbatore.pdf|access-date=9 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Corporation begins storm water drain project in Coimbatore |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/05/stories/2011010551610300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110231138/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/05/stories/2011010551610300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2011 |access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=5 January 2011}}</ref>

The eastern side of the Coimbatore district, including the city, is predominantly dry. The entire western and northern part of the district borders the [[Western Ghats]] with the Nilgiri biosphere as well as the [[Anaimalai]] and [[Munnar]] ranges. A western pass to Kerala, popularly referred to as the [[Palghat Gap]] provides its boundary. Because of its proximity to the Western Ghats, the district is rich in [[fauna]]. The Coimbatore urban wetlands harbours around 116 species of birds. Of these, 66 are resident, 17 are migratory and 33 are local migrants.<ref name=birds>{{cite web |title=Conservation of bird life |url=http://eproceedings.worldscinet.com/9789814295048/9789814295048_0102.html |work=Proceedings of the International Conference on CBEE 2009 |publisher=World Scientific Publishing Co |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=15 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815185006/http://eproceedings.worldscinet.com/9789814295048/9789814295048_0102.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Spot-billed pelican, painted stork, open billed stork, [[ibis]], spot-billed duck, [[teal]], black winged stilt are some of the migratory birds that visit Coimbatore wetlands regularly.<ref name="JReginald">{{cite journal|title=Birds of Singanallur lake, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu|author1=L. Joseph Reginald|author2=C. Mahendran|author3=S. Suresh Kumar|author4=P. Pramod|date=December 2007|journal=Zoos' Print Journal|volume=22|pages=2944–2948|url=http://www.zoosprint.org/ZooPrintJournal/2007/December/2944-2948.pdf|issue=12|doi=10.11609/jott.zpj.1657.2944-8|access-date=22 September 2012|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929013858/http://www.zoosprint.org/ZooPrintJournal/2007/December/2944-2948.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Apart from the species common to the plains, wild [[elephant]]s, [[wild boar]]s [[leopard]]s, [[tiger]]s, [[bison]], species of [[deer]], [[Nilgiri tahr]], [[sloth bear]] and [[black-headed oriole]] can be found.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coimbatore - a hot spot of bio-diversity|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article1463292.ece|access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 February 2011}}</ref> The [[Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] {{convert|88|km|mi|abbr=on}} in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,400 meters covers an area of 958&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. More than 20% of the district is classified as forest, lying in the west and north. The forests here are abundant in commercially significant trees such as [[teak]], [[sandalwood]], [[rosewood]] and [[bamboo]]. The [[Nilgiris (mountains)|Nilgiris]] slope of the [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]] range is rich in [[Santalum|sandalwood trees]] and [[bamboo]]. They vary from rich tropical [[evergreen forest]]s of Punachi range to jungles of shrubs in southern ranges. Apart from the high altitude regions of [[Western Ghats]], most of the forest area has come under [[Lantana]] invasion. The locals refer to it as Siriki Chedi.

The district borders [[Palakkad district]] of [[Kerala]] in the west, [[Nilgiris district]] in the north, [[Erode district]] in the northeast and east, [[Idukki district]] of Kerala in the south and [[Dindigul district]] in the southeast. The district has an area of 7,649 square kilometers. The southwestern and northern parts are hilly, part of the [[Western Ghats]], and enjoys pleasant climate all throughout the year. To the west is the [[Palakkad Gap|Palghat Gap]], the only major pass in the long stretch of the ghats abutting [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]]. The Palghat Gap, connecting [[Coimbatore]] city and [[Palakkad]], serves as an important transit link for both the states. The rest of the district lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats and experiences salubrious climate most parts of the year. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures for Coimbatore city during summer and winter vary between 35&nbsp;°C to 18&nbsp;°C.<ref name="coimbatore.tn.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic.in/pdf/SHB002.pdf|title=Coimbatore|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=30 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913011049/http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic.in/pdf/SHB002.pdf|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The average annual rainfall in the plains is around 700&nbsp;mm with the northeast and the southwest monsoons contributing to 47% and 28% respectively to the total rainfall.<ref name="coimbatore.tn.nic.in"/>

The major rivers flowing through the district are [[Bhavani River|Bhavani]], [[Noyyal River|Noyyal]], [[Amaravathi River|Amaravathi]], [[Kousika River]] and [[Aliyar]]. The [[Siruvani dam]] is the main source of drinking water for Coimbatore city and is known for its tasty water. Waterfalls in Coimbatore District include [[Chinnakallar Falls]], [[Monkey Falls]], [[Sengupathi Falls]], [[Siruvani Waterfalls]], [[Thirumoorthy Falls]] and [[Vaideki Falls]].

==Administrative divisions==
Coimbatore district is divided into three revenue blocks, namely, [[Coimbatore]] North, Coimbatore South and [[Pollachi]] and eleven taluks,<ref>{{Cite news|author=Palaniappan, V. S.|title=Government sanctions two new taluks|date=5 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/government-sanctions-two-new-taluks/article5424635.ece}}</ref> viz., [[Annur taluk|Annur]], [[Anaimalai]], [[Coimbatore North taluk]], [[Coimbatore South taluk]], [[Kinathukkadavu taluk|Kinathukkadavu]], [[Madukkarai taluk|Madukkarai]], [[Mettupalayam taluk|Mettupalayam]], [[Perur taluk|Perur]], [[Pollachi taluk|Pollachi]], [[Sulur taluk|Sulur]] and [[Valparai taluk|Valparai]].

The district is administered by the [[District collector]]. The Coimbatore Rural District police is headquartered at [[Coimbatore]] headed by [[Superintendent of police (India)]]. The Coimbatore City Police is headed by a [[Commissioner of Police (India)|Commissioner of Police]] in the rank of Inspector General Of Police and is independent of the district police. The district central prison is located in Coimbatore. 

=== Revenue Divisions and Taluks ===

[[Coimbatore division|Coimbatore North Revenue Division]]: [[Coimbatore North taluk|Coimbatore North]], [[Annur taluk|Annur]], [[Mettupalayam taluk|Mettupalayam]]

[[Coimbatore division|Coimbatore South Revenue Division]]: [[Coimbatore South taluk|Coimbatore South]], [[Perur taluk|Perur]], [[Madukkarai taluk|Madukkarai]], [[Sulur taluk|Sulur]]

[[Pollachi division|Pollachi Revenue Division]]: [[Pollachi taluk|Pollachi]], [[Kinathukadavu taluk|Kinathukadavu]], [[Anaimalai taluk|Anaimalai]], [[Valparai taluk|Valparai]]

=== Municipal Corporation ===
# [[Coimbatore Municipal Corporation]]

=== Municipalities ===
# [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]]
# [[Karamadai]]
# [[Gudalur (Coimbatore district)|Gudalur]]
# [[Madukkarai]]
# [[Karumathampatti]]
# [[Pollachi]]
# [[Valparai]]

=== Town Panchayats ===
# [[Annur]]
# [[Anamalai]]
# [[Irugur]]
# [[Kottur-Malayandipattinam|Kottur]]
# [[Sirumugai]]
# [[Sulur]]
# [[Periyanaickenpalayam]]
# [[Vellalore]]
# [[Vettaikaranpudur]]
# [[Zamin Uthukuli]]
# [[Othakalmandapam]]
# [[Odaiyakulam]]
# [[Kannampalayam]]
# [[Kinathukadavu]]
# [[Samathur]]
# [[Sarcarsamakulam]]
# [[Suleeswaranpatti]]
# [[Dhaliyur]]
# [[Narasimhanaickenpalayam]]
# [[Pallapalayam, Coimbatore|Pallapalayam]]
# [[Pooluvapatti]]
# [[Periya Negamam]]
# [[Perur]]
# [[Vedapatti]]
# [[Veerapandi, Coimbatore|Veerapandi]]
# [[Alandurai]]
# [[Idikarai]]
# [[Ettimadai]]
# [[Chettipalayam]]
# [[Thirumalayampalayam]]
# [[Thenkarai, Coimbatore|Thenkarai]]
# [[Thondamuthur]]
# [[Mopperipalayam]]

=== Proposed Municipalities ===
# [[Sulur]]
# [[Periyanaickenpalayam]]
# [[Irugur]]
# [[Vellalore]]
# [[Perur]]

=== Panchayat Unions / Blocks ===
* [[Karamadai Block|Karamadai]]
* [[Madukkarai Block|Madukkarai]]
* [[Periyanayakkanpalayam Block|Periyanayakkanpalayam]]
* [[Sarcarsamakulam Block|Sarcarsamakulam]]
* [[Thondamuthur Block|Thondamuthur]]
* [[Sultanpet Block|Sultanpet]]
* [[Annur Block|Annur]]
* [[Sulur Block|Sulur]]
* [[Pollachi(North) Block|Pollachi North]]
* [[Pollachi(South) Block|Pollachi South]]
* [[Kinathukadavu Block|Kinathukadavu]]
* [[Anamalai Block|Anaimalai]]

===Villages===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a location to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
*[[Ramanamudalipudur]]
*[[Periyakombai]]

=== Politics ===
The district consists of 3 parliamentary constituencies, namely, [[Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency|Coimbatore]], [[Pollachi Lok Sabha constituency|Pollachi]] and [[Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency|Nilgiris]]. The assembly segments included in the district are, namely, [[Coimbatore North Assembly constituency|Coimbatore North]], [[Coimbatore South Assembly constituency|Coimbatore South]], [[Kavundampalayam Assembly constituency|Kavundampalayam]], [[Singanallur Assembly constituency|Singanallur]], [[Sulur Assembly constituency|Sulur]], [[Thondamuthur Assembly constituency|Thondamuthur]], [[Kinathukadavu Assembly constituency|Kinathukadavu]], [[Pollachi Assembly constituency|Pollachi]], [[Valparai Assembly constituency|Valparai]], and [[Mettupalayam Assembly constituency|Mettuppalayam]].

== Demographics ==
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=697,894|13=1911|14=754,483|15=1921|16=787,002|17=1931|18=914,515|19=1941|20=1,050,676|21=1951|22=1,259,135|23=1961|24=1,501,084|25=1971|26=1,886,146|27=1981|28=2,216,562|29=1991|30=2,493,715|31=2001|32=2,916,620|33=2011|34=3,458,045|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=right}}

According to [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Coimbatore district had a population of 3,458,045 with a sex-ratio of 1,000 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929. 75.73% of the population lived in urban areas.<ref name="districtcensus">{{Cite web |title=District Census Handbook 2011 - Coimbatore |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/1150/download/3614/DH_2011_3331_PART_A_DCHB_COIMBATORE.pdf |website=[[Census of India]]|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> A total of 319,332 were under the age of six, constituting 163,230 males and 156,102 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 15.5% and 0.82% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the district was 83.98%.<ref name="districtcensus"/> The district had a total of 958,035 households. There were a total of 1,567,950 workers: 75,411 cultivators, 201,351 main agricultural laborers, 44,582 in house hold industries, 1,121,908 other workers, 124,698 marginal workers, 4,806 marginal cultivators, 28,675 marginal agricultural laborers, 5,503 marginal workers in household industries and 85,714 other marginal workers.<ref name="districtcensus" />

{{bar box
|title=Religions in Coimbatore district (2011)<ref name="religion"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Tamil Nadu|Hinduism]]|darkorange|92.03}}
{{bar percent|[[Tamil Muslim|Islam]]|green|4.10}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Tamil Nadu|Christianity]]|purple|3.50}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.37}}
}}

[[Hindus]] formed the majority of the population at 92.03% followed by [[Muslims]] at 4.10%, [[Christians]] at 3.50% and others at 0.37%. In rural areas Hindus are predominant.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: Tamil Nadu |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11392/download/14505/DDW33C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Coimbatore district (2011)<ref name="language"/>
|label1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] |value1 = 69.13 |color1 = royalblue
|label2 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]] |value2 = 16.32 |color2 = steelblue
|label3 = [[Kannada]] |value3 = 6.97 |color3 = darkslateblue
|label4 = [[Malayalam]] |value4 = 4.90 |color4 = cornflowerblue
|label5 = [[Urdu]] |value5 = 1.14 |color5 = green
|label6 = [[Hindi]] |value6 = 0.81 |color6 = Orange
|label7 = Others |value7 = 0.74 |color7 = gray
|thumb=right
}}

At the time of the 2011 census, 69.13% of the population spoke [[Tamil language|Tamil]], 16.32% [[Telugu language|Telugu]], 6.97% [[Kannada]], 4.90% [[Malayalam]] and 0.81% [[Hindi]] as their first language.<ref name="language">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Tamil Nadu |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222/download/13334/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-3300.XLSX |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

== Transport ==
{{main|Transport in Coimbatore}}
{{Multiple image
| align = right
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| header =
| header_align = left/right/center
| header_background =
| footer =
| footer_align = left/right/center
| footer_background =
| image1 = Coimbatore Airport.jpg|thumb
| alt1 =
| caption1 = A view of [[Coimbatore International Airport]]
| image2 = Coimbatore junction.jpg|thumb
| alt2 =
| caption2 = [[Coimbatore Junction|Coimbatore city railway station]]
| image3 =|thumb
| alt3 =
| caption3 = Avinashi Road, one of the most important arterial road in the city
| image4 = 
| caption4 = Sungam bypass flyover above [[Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake]]
}}

===Air===
The district is served by the [[Coimbatore International Airport]] at [[Coimbatore]]. The Coimbatore International Airport caters to domestic flights to major Indian cities like [[Chennai]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bangalore]], [[Delhi]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Kolkata]], [[Ahmedabad]] and international flights to [[Sharjah (emirate)|Sharjah]], [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Sri Lanka]] and [[Singapore]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/coimbatore-sees-growth-in-air-passenger-traffic/article6863100.ece |title=Front Page : Coimbatore sees growth in air passenger traffic |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=6 February 2015 |access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref>  Its runway is {{convert|9760|ft|m}} in length and is capable of handling wide-bodied and "fat-bellied" aircraft used for international flights.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042057760100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423214311/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042057760100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 April 2008 |title=Front Page : Extended runway ready at Coimbatore Airport |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=20 April 2008 |access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> [[Sulur Air Force Station]], located at [[Kangayampalayam]] near the periphery of the city, is an air base of the [[Indian Air Force]].

===Rail===
Train service in Coimbatore district started in 1863, upon construction of the [[Podanur]] – [[Madras]] line connecting Kerala and the west coast with the rest of India.<ref name=businessplan/> [[Broad gauge]] [[Indian Railways|trains]] connect Coimbatore to all parts of India and Tamil Nadu. [[Meter gauge]] line existed between [[Podanur]] and [[Dindigul]] got closed in May 2009 and gauge conversion completely done . [[Coimbatore Junction railway station|Coimbatore Junction]] is well connected to all the major Indian cities and the district comes under the Jurisdiction of the [[Salem railway division|Salem Division]]. [[Coimbatore North Junction railway station|Coimbatore North]], [[Podanur Junction railway station|Podanur]], [[Pollachi Junction railway station|Pollachi]] and [[Mettupalayam railway station|Mettupalayam]] are other important railway stations in the district. The other stations include [[Peelamedu]], [[Singanallur]], [[Irugur]], [[Perianaikanpalayam]], [[Madukkarai]], Somanur,  Kinathukadavu and [[Sulur|Sulur Road]].

===Road===
[[File:Coimbatore-L&T-Bypass-Madukkarai-Post.JPG|thumb|The National Highway bye-pass of Salem - Kochi highway]]
Coimbatore district is well connected by roads and highways. There are seven regional transport offices namely: Coimbatore South ([[Peelamedu]]), Coimbatore Central ([[Gandhipuram, Coimbatore|Gandhipuram]]),Coimbatore North ([[Thudiyalur]]), Coimbatore West ([[Kovaipudur]]), [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]], [[Pollachi]] and [[Sulur]]. There are five National Highways that connects the district to other parts of the states:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 85%"
|+
! Highway Number !!  Source !!  Destination !! Via
|-
| [[National Highway 544 (India)|544]] || [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]] || [[Kochi]] || [[Coimbatore]], [[Palakkad]], [[Thrissur]]
|-
| [[National Highway 948 (India)|948]] || [[Coimbatore]] || [[Bangalore]] || [[Sathyamangalam]], [[Chamrajnagar]], [[Kollegal]]
|-
| [[National Highway 81 (India)|81]] || [[Coimbatore]] || [[Chidambaram]] || [[Karur]], [[Tiruchirappalli]]
|-
| [[National Highway 181 (India)|181]] || [[Coimbatore]] || [[Gundlupet]] || [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]], [[Ooty|Udagamandalam]]
|-
| [[National Highway 83 (India)|83]] || [[Coimbatore]] || [[Nagapattinam]] || [[Pollachi]], [[Dindigul]], [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Thanjavur]]
|}

Town buses serve most parts of intra-city routes as well as other towns and villages in the district. Buses also connect the district with all major towns in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kerala]], [[Karnataka]], [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]]. The number of inter-city routes operated by Coimbatore division is 119 with a fleet of more than 500 buses.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tn.gov.in/transport/routes/routes_cbemu.htm |title= Moffusil bus routes, Coimbatore |agency= TNSTC |access-date= 3 July 2015 }}</ref> It also operates town buses on 257 intra-city routes.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ccmc.gov.in/ccmc/index.php/bus-services |title= Town bus services, Coimbatore |publisher= Coimbatore Municipal Corporation |access-date= 3 July 2015 |archive-date= 4 July 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150704181458/https://www.ccmc.gov.in/ccmc/index.php/bus-services |url-status= dead }}</ref>

== Flora and fauna ==
[[File:Pelicans-Pod-Singanallur.JPG|thumb|right|200 px|Spot-billed pelicans in [[Singanallur Lake]]]]
Coimbatore district is home to the [[Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park|Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park]]. The park and sanctuary are the core of the [[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]] and is under consideration by [[UNESCO]] as part of the [[Western Ghats]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, Tentative lists, [[Western Ghats]] sub cluster, Anamalai, 2007. [https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/2103/]</ref> 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 animals in the park include [[tiger]], [[leopard]], [[sloth bear]], [[elephant]], [[Indian giant flying squirrel]]. The birds endemic to the Western Ghats residing here include [[Nilgiri wood pigeon]], [[Nilgiri pipit]], [[Nilgiri flycatcher]], [[Malabar grey hornbill]], [[spot-billed pelican]] etc. The [[Amaravathi Dam|Amaravathi reservoir]] and the [[Amaravati River|Amaravathi river]] are breeding grounds for the [[mugger crocodile]]s.<ref name= Whitakers>{{cite book|last = [[Rom Whitaker|Whitaker Rom]], Whitaker Zai|title=Crocodiles, Their Ecology, Management, and Conservation|publisher =[[IUCN]]/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, Phil Hall, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources|year =1989|location = [[Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|Madras Crocodile Bank]], Madras, India|access-date = 2008-09-30|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=97oE6gTFW8EC&q=tilapia+%22Amaravathi+reservoir%22&pg=PA278|isbn =978-2-88032-987-7|page = 278}}</ref>

== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of Coimbatore}}

[[File:Lakshmi Mills, Coimbatore Northern Gate.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Lakshmi Mills]] was one of the earliest textile mills in Coimbatore]]
[[File:TIDELPark Coimbatore.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tidel Park, one of the largest IT parks in the state]]
[[File:codissia-itfc.jpg|thumb|right|200px|CODISSIA Trade Centre, Coimbatore]]
[[File:Windmill in Coimbatore.jpg|thumb|200px|Windmills for electricity generation in Coimbatore District]]

Coimbatore district houses more than 25,000 small, medium and large industries with primary industries being [[engineering]] and [[textile]]s. Coimbatore is called the "[[Manchester]] of South India" due to its extensive [[textile industry]], fed by the surrounding [[cotton]] fields.<ref>{{cite news|title=SME sector: Opportunities, challenges in Coimbatore|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/sme-sector-opportunities-challengescoimbatore_525889.html|access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=CNBC-TV18|date=24 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Governor congratulates 'Manchester of South India'|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EMA-AAAAIBAJ&pg=6189,9133960&dq=manchester+of+south+india+coimbatore&hl=en|access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=27 June 1936}}</ref> The city has two special economic zones (SEZ), the Coimbatore Hi-Tech Infrastructure (CHIL) SEZ at [[Saravanampatti]] and the TIDEL Park near [[Peelamedu]], and at least five more SEZs are in the pipeline.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Bosch-picks-up-1-lakh-sqft-space-in-Kovai/articleshow/7506045.cms |title=Bosch picks up 1-lakh-sqft space in Kovai |work=The Times of India|date=16 February 2011 |access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="Dist_glance">{{cite web |url=http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic.in/dist_glance.html |title=Coimbatore Administration – District Admin |publisher=Coimbatore.tn.nic.in |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905072052/http://www.coimbatore.tn.nic.in/dist_glance.html |archive-date=5 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of 2006–07, before the bifurcation of [[Tirupur district]], Coimbatore was the highest revenue earning district in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="TN_GDP">{{cite web|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/dear/archives/year2008_09/tab/2.5.pdf|title=Gross District Domestic Product at Current and Constant Prices-Tamil Nadu|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=28 June 2015}}</ref> In 2010, Coimbatore ranked 15th in the list of most competitive (by business environment) Indian cities.<ref name="competitive cities">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Delhi-tops-2010-ranking-of-India-s-most-competitive-city/Article1-635160.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209020712/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Delhi-tops-2010-ranking-of-India-s-most-competitive-city/Article1-635160.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 December 2010 |title=India – Most Competitive Cities |publisher=.hindustantimes.de |access-date=8 May 2011}}</ref>

=== Textiles ===
The Coimbatore region experienced a textile boom in the 1920s and 1930s.<ref name="frontline1"/> Though, [[Robert Stanes]] had established Coimbatore's first textile mills as early as the late 19th century, it was during this period that Coimbatore emerged as a prominent industrial center. Coimbatore has trade associations such as [[Coimbatore District Small Industries Association|CODISSIA]], COINDIA, [[South India Textile Research Association|SITRA]] and COJEWEL representing industries in the city. Coimbatore also has a {{convert|160000|sqft|m2}} trade fair ground, built in 1999. It was named COINTEC due to its hosting of INTEC (Small Industries Exhibition). The Trade Fair complex, one of the country's largest, was built in six months, and is owned by CODISSIA (Coimbatore District Small Industries Association).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intecexpo.com/ |title=About Intec Expo|publisher=Intecexpo.com |access-date=31 January 2013}}</ref> It is also the country's largest pillar-free hall, according to the [[Limca Book of Records]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/20/stories/2007082053110600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080128173149/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/20/stories/2007082053110600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-01-28 |title=First pillar free trade complex |date=2007-08-20 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=31 January 2013}}</ref> Coimbatore houses a large number of medium and large [[textile mills]].

It also has central textile research institutes like the [[Central Institute for Cotton Research]] (CICR) and Sardar Vallabhai Patel International School of Textiles and Management. The [[South India Textile Research Association|South Indian Textiles Research Association (SITRA)]] is also based in Coimbatore. The city also houses two of the [[Center of excellence|Centers of Excellences]] (COE) for technical textiles proposed by [[Government of India]], namely [[Meditech]], a medical textile research centre based at SITRA, and [[Indutech|InduTech]] based in [[PSG College of Technology|PSG College of Engineering and Technology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://smetimes.tradeindia.com/smetimes/news/global-business/2011/Sep/30/china-to-face-power-crisis-this-winter4666440.html |title=China to face power crisis this winter |publisher=Smetimes.tradeindia.com |date=30 September 2011 |access-date=31 January 2013}}</ref> The neighbouring city of [[Tirupur]] is home to some of Asia's largest garment manufacturing companies, exporting [[hosiery]] clothes worth more than {{INR}} 50,000 million.

=== Technology ===
Coimbatore is the second largest [[software]] producer in [[Tamil Nadu]], next only to [[Chennai]]. [[Information technology|IT]] and [[Business process outsourcing|BPO]] industry in the city has grown greatly with the launch of TIDEL park and other planned IT parks in and around the city. It is ranked at 17th among the global outsourcing cities.<ref name="Outsourcing cities">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/quickiearticleshow/3566253.cms |title=Indian cities among global outsourcing cities |work=The Economic Times |access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=D Govardan |url=http://www.mydigitalfc.com/real-estate/city-future-808 |title=City of future |publisher=mydigitalfc.com |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617075725/http://www.mydigitalfc.com/real-estate/city-future-808 |archive-date=17 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Software exports stood at {{INR}}710.66 crore (7.1 billion) <!-- 7.1 billion of what? --> for the financial year 2009–10, up 90% from the previous year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bosch picks up 1 lakh sqft space in Coimbatore|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Bosch-picks-up-1-lakh-sqft-space-in-Coimbatore/articleshow/7489934.cms|access-date=14 February 2011|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 February 2011}}</ref> Coimbatore has a large and a diversified manufacturing sector facilitated by the presence of research institutes like Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, SITRA and large number of engineering colleges producing about 50,000 engineers annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/coimbatore-it-sector-on-the-fast-track/1/136030.html |title=Coimbatore: IT sector on the fast track : NATION: India Today |work=India Today |date=22 April 2011 |access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref>

=== Automotive ===
Coimbatore is one of India's major manufacturers of automotive components, with car manufacturers [[Maruti Udyog]] and [[Tata Motors]] sourcing up to 30% of their automotive components from the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilnadu.com/personalities/g-d-naidu.html |title=G.D.Naidu |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=3 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213192859/http://tamilnadu.com/personalities/g-d-naidu.html |archive-date=2013-02-13 }}</ref><ref name="Genius">{{cite news|title=A non-conformist genius Architects of Coimbatore |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011050160200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803171033/http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011050160200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 August 2013|access-date=31 January 2013|date=10 January 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Coimbatore, India}}</ref> India's first indigenously developed diesel engines for cars was manufactured in Coimbatore in 1972.<ref name="Grinder"/> The district also has a number of tier-I, II and III suppliers [[catering]] to the needs of the entire [[wikt:gamut|gamut]] of the automobile industry, ranging from two-wheelers and four-wheelers to commercial vehicles and tractors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/coimbatores-small-auto-component-makers-find-the-going-tough/article5608873.ece|title=Coimbatore's small auto component makers find the going tough|author=R. Yegya Narayanan|work=[[The Hindu]] Business Line|date=23 January 2014 }}</ref> Coimbatore district has more than 700 [[wet grinder]] manufacturers with a monthly output 75,000 units as of March 2005.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/24/stories/2005032401051700.htm|title=Wet grinder units form group to get SIDBI aid|date=24 March 2005|work=[[Business Line]]|access-date=20 September 2009}}</ref> and the term "[[Coimbatore Wet Grinder]]" has been given a [[Geographical indication]].<ref name="Grinder"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/05/stories/2007080559430300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027103719/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/05/stories/2007080559430300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 October 2007|title=Common facility for wet grinders|date=5 August 2007|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 September 2009}}</ref>

=== Other industries ===
Coimbatore is also referred to as "the Pump City" as it supplies two thirds of India's requirements of motors and [[pump]]s.<ref name="Grinder"/> The Major Pump Industries Flowserve Pumps, Lakshmi Pumps, Suguna pumps, Sharp Industries, CRI Pumps, Texmo Industries, Deccan Pumps and KSB Pumps are renowned worldwide. The district is one of the largest exporters of [[jewellery]]<ref name="Jewellery">{{cite web |url=http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2007/8/Pages/India-s-Gems-and-Jewellery-Market-is-Glittering.aspx |title=India's Gems and Jewellery Market is Glittering |publisher=Resource Investor |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926235942/http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2007/8/Pages/India-s-Gems-and-Jewellery-Market-is-Glittering.aspx |archive-date=26 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> renowned for making cast jewellery and machine made jewellery . It is also a major [[diamond cutting]] center in South India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fashionunited.in/news/apparel/kirtilal-on-an-expansion-spree-080720112229 |title=Kirtilal on an expansion spree – Apparel – news – Fashion News India, jobs, network, apparel, business |publisher=Fashionunited.in |date=8 July 2011 |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326185405/http://www.fashionunited.in/news/apparel/kirtilal-on-an-expansion-spree-080720112229 |archive-date=26 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Indias-gold--diamond-exports-fall-by-20-15979-3-1.html |title=India's gold & diamond exports fall by 20%|publisher=commodityonline.com |date=15 March 2009 |access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2007/8/Pages/India-s-Gems-and-Jewellery-Market-is-Glittering.aspx |title=India's Gems and Jewellery Market is Glittering – Mining Investments |publisher=Resource Investor |access-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926235942/http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2007/8/Pages/India-s-Gems-and-Jewellery-Market-is-Glittering.aspx |archive-date=26 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nmcc.nic.in/pdf/LABOURINTENSITY_REPORT_16May2008.pdf|title=Labor intensity report|publisher=National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC)|access-date=28 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325181715/http://nmcc.nic.in/pdf/LABOURINTENSITY_REPORT_16May2008.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2012}}</ref> The city is home to about 3000 jewellery manufacturing companies and to over 40,000 goldsmiths.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/17/stories/2010081761890200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821234206/http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/17/stories/2010081761890200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2010 |title=Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore News : Common facilities for jewellery cluster |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/article573945.ece |title=Cities / Coimbatore : ID card mooted for migrant workers in jewellery units |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=16 August 2010 |access-date=30 August 2011 |first=V. S. |last=Palaniappan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-marketing/article1668723.ece |title=Kirtilal plans more jewellery stores in N. India |work=[[Business Line]] |date=8 September 2007 |access-date=30 August 2011}}</ref>

Coimbatore district has a large number of [[Poultry farming|poultry farms]] and is one of the major producers of chicken eggs and processed meat amounting to nearly 95% of the chicken meat exports from the country.<ref name="Grinder">{{cite web|url=http://coimbatore.nic.in/industry.html|title=Industry of Coimbatore|access-date=28 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730121603/http://coimbatore.nic.in/industry.html|archive-date=30 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Poultry">{{cite news|url=http://archive.financialexpress.com/news/tamil-nadu-poultry-industry-seeks-export-concessions/88614|title=Tamil Nadu Poultry Industry Seeks Export Concessions|access-date=28 March 2015}}</ref> It has some of the oldest [[flour mills]] in India. The large scale flour mills, which cater to all the southern states, have a combined grinding capacity of more than 50,000 MT per month. In the recent years, the city has seen growth in the hospitality industry with more upscale hotels being set up.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/article2453287.ece | work=[[The Hindu]] | first=Pankaja | last=Srinivasan | title=Suite promises | date=14 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-09-11/news/30142352_1_starwood-hotels-aloft-hotels-rooms-with-nine-foot-ceilings |work=The Times of India |title=Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide plans more Aloft hotels in India |date=11 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120130085940/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-09-11/news/30142352_1_starwood-hotels-aloft-hotels-rooms-with-nine-foot-ceilings |archive-date=30 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/article2455731.ece | work=[[The Hindu]] | first=Nithya | last=Sivashankar | title=For the young and restless | date=15 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://chi.in/HiltonGardenInnCoimbatore.html |title=::Convention Hotels:: |publisher=Chi.in |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222001757/http://chi.in/HiltonGardenInnCoimbatore.html |archive-date=22 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vivantabytaj.com/Surya-Coimbatore/Overview.html |title=Surya, Coimbatore |publisher=Vivanta by Taj |access-date=31 January 2013}}</ref> Coimbatore is the largest non-metro city for [[e-commerce]] in South India.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

== Media and communication ==
{{Main|Media in Coimbatore}}
{{See also|List of Tamil-language television channels}}
Four major English newspapers ''[[The Hindu]]'',''[[The Times of India]]'', ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' and ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' bring out editions from Coimbatore. ''[[Business Line]]'', a business newspaper also brings out a Coimbatore edition. Tamil newspapers include ''[[Dina Malar]]'', ''[[Dina Thanthi]]'', ''[[Dina Mani]]'', ''[[Dinakaran]]'' (all morning newspapers) and ''[[Tamil Murasu]]'' and ''[[Malai Malar]]'' (both evening newspapers). Two [[Malayalam]] newspapers – ''[[Malayala Manorama]]'' and ''[[Mathrubhumi]]'' also have considerable circulation.

A Medium wave radio station is operated by [[All India Radio]], with most programs in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[English language|English]] and [[Hindi]]. Five [[FM radio]] stations operate from Coimbatore – Rainbow FM from [[All India Radio]], [[Suryan FM]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.suntv.in/suntvlimited/fm/default.htm |title=Welcome To Sun Network |publisher=Suntv.in |access-date=23 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925162328/http://www.suntv.in/suntvlimited/fm/default.htm |archive-date=25 September 2009 }}</ref> from [[Sun Network]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiawaves.net/india/tamil-nadu-radio.htm#coimbatore-radio |title=Radio Stations in Coimbatore |publisher=Asiawaves.net |date=2012-01-08 |access-date=31 January 2013}}</ref> [[Radio Mirchi]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindujobs.com/thehindu/holnus/009200711010322.htm |title=Radio mirchi |publisher=Thehindujobs.com |date=2007-11-01 |access-date=31 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220002829/http://www.thehindujobs.com/thehindu/holnus/009200711010322.htm |archive-date=20 February 2012 }}</ref> [[Radio City (Indian radio station)|Radio City]], and [[Hello FM]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/radio/radionews.asp?section_id=7&news_id=22979&tag=17706 |title=Hello Fm |access-date=30 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929154710/http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/radio/radionews.asp?section_id=7&news_id=22979&tag=17706 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Ashmita Pillay |url=http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/advertising/200701221649.htm |title=Radio city |publisher=Indiaprwire.com |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921132114/http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/advertising/200701221649.htm |archive-date=21 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> All these private radio stations air exclusively [[Tamil language|Tamil]] based programs, including film music. Television relay started in 1985 from Delhi [[Doordarshan]]. In 1986, after inception of a repeater tower at [[Kodaikanal]], telecast from Madras Doordarshan commenced. Currently television reception is through [[Direct To Home|DTH]] or by cable, while Doordarshan reception is still available using an external antenna. In 2005, Doordarshan opened its studio in Coimbatore.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060531002648/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/16/stories/2005081611440200.htm Coimbatore gets modern Doordarshan Studio Centre], [[The Hindu]], 16 August 2005</ref>

The district has a well connected communications infrastructure. Till the 1990s the state owned [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited]] (BSNL) was the only telecommunication service provider. In the 1990s, private telecom companies too started offering their services. Currently besides BSNL, fixed line telephone services are offered by [[Reliance Communications]] and [[Bharti Airtel]]. [[Dial-up Internet access|Dial up internet]] connections were first introduced (by HCL and BPL) in 1996 and [[Broadband Internet|broadband internet]] (by BSNL) in 2005. As of 2010, BSNL, Reliance Communications, Bharti Airtel, [[Tata Teleservices]] all offer broadband service through fixed lines and mobiles; [[Mobile TeleSystems|MTS]] offers mobile broadband alone.<ref>{{cite news|title= BSNL's broadband facility launched in Coimbatore, Tirupur|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/25/stories/2005012501581900.htm|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=25 January 2005}}</ref> [[Mobile telephony|Cellular telephony]] was first introduced in 1997.<ref>{{cite news|title=Infrastructure advantage|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2102/stories/20040130005311400.htm|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=Frontline|date=17 January 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606205625/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2102/stories/20040130005311400.htm|archive-date=6 June 2011|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Coimbatore is the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu circle of cellular service providers.<ref>{{cite news|title= Aircel to create blood group database |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/10/03/stories/2002100301540600.htm|access-date=22 June 2010|newspaper=Business Line|date=3 October 2002}}</ref> Mobile telephone services available in the city include both [[CDMA]] and [[GSM]] connections.
[[File:Samikannu Vincent.jpg|thumb|Samikannu Vincent]]
Coimbatore is home to some of the oldest film studios in South India. [[Samikannu Vincent|Swamikannu Vincent]], a film exhibitor, set up the first movie studios in the city.<ref name="Swamikannu">{{cite news | url=http://o3.indiatimes.com/brahmanyan/archive/2007/09/21/4783241.aspx | title=Brahmanyan | work=The Times of India | date=21 July 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630202911/http://o3.indiatimes.com/brahmanyan/archive/2007/09/21/4783241.aspx | archive-date=30 June 2015 }}</ref> Rangaswamy Naidu established the [[Central Studios]] in 1935 while [[S. M. Sriramulu Naidu]] set up the [[Pakshiraja Studios]] in 1945.<ref name="reeltime">{{cite news|title=Reel-time nostalgia|author=M. Allirajan|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 November 2003|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/11/17/stories/2003111700890100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414162717/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/11/17/stories/2003111700890100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 April 2004|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

[[File:Perur Pateeswarar Temple.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Perur Pateeswarar Temple]]]]
[[File:Marudamalai Temple-01r.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Marudamalai|Marudamalai Murugan Temple]]]]

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Coimbatore}}
Coimbatore and its people have a reputation for [[entrepreneurship]].<ref name="mc1">{{cite news|title=Is Coimbatore the next BPO city?|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/is-coimbatorenext-bpo-city_345659.html|access-date=23 June 2010|newspaper=[[CNBC|CNBC-TV18]]|date=5 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=German state keen to share expertise with Coimbatore |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/22/stories/2007012200821500.htm|access-date=23 June 2010|newspaper=Business Line|date=22 June 2007}}</ref> Though it is generally considered a traditional, Coimbatore is one of the diverse and [[Cosmopolitanism|cosmopolitan cities]] in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="mc1"/><ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Some-music-lovers-still-travel-to-Chennai-for-cultural-overdoze/articleshow/11101637.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126054133/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-14/coimbatore/30515319_1_music-lovers-music-academy-music-festival | url-status=live | archive-date=26 January 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Some music lovers still travel to Chennai for cultural overdoze | date=14 December 2011}}</ref> [[Art]], [[dance]] and [[music]] [[concert]]s are held annually during the months of September and December (Tamil calendar month – Margazhi).<ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/In-December-all-the-citys-a-stage/articleshow/11101597.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719000313/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-14/coimbatore/30515339_1_concerts-offer-coimbatore-artistes | url-status=live | archive-date=19 July 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=In December, all the city's a stage | date=14 December 2011}}</ref> The [[World Classical Tamil Conference 2010]] was held in Coimbatore.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/world-tamil-conference-begins-on-wed-in-coimbatore-33198| title=World Tamil Conference begins on Wed in Coimbatore| publisher=NDTV| date=22 June 2010| access-date=22 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://tamil.dinamalar.com| title=World Tamil Conference-2010| publisher=Dinamalar| date=22 June 2010| access-date=12 November 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626130910/http://tamil.dinamalar.com/| archive-date=26 June 2010| url-status=dead}}</ref> The heavy industrialisation has also resulted in the growth of [[trade union]]s.<ref name="fl1">{{cite news|title=A time of troubles|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1505/15050170.htm|access-date=23 June 2010|newspaper=Frontline|date=7 March 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607060308/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1505/15050170.htm|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
The district's population is predominantly [[Hindu]] with minor [[Muslim]] population. [[Christians]], [[Sikh]]s and [[Jain]]s are also present in small numbers. There are numerous Hindu temples in the district including the [[Perur Temple|Perur Patteeswarar Temple]], [[Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple (Melathiruppathi) – Mondipalayam|Venkatesa Perumal Temple]], [[Naga Sai Mandir]], Konniamman temple, Thandu Mariamman temple, [[Masani Amman|Masani Amman temple]], Then Tirupati, Vana Bathrakali Amman temple, [[Karamadai]]Ranganathar temple, Sulakkal Mariamman temple, Vazhai Thottathu Ayyan temple, ISKCON temple, [[Eachanari Vinayagar Temple]], [[Marudamalai|Marudamalai Murugan temple]], [[Loga Nayaga Shani Eswaran shrine]], [[Ashtamsa Varadha Anjaneyar Temple]], Panchamuga Anjaneya temple, Anuvavi Subramaniar temple and Dhyanalinga Yogic temple.<ref>{{cite web|title=Temples of Coimbatore|url=http://www.thecityvisit.com/coimbatore-index.html|work=The City Visit|access-date=23 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126092735/http://www.thecityvisit.com/coimbatore-index.html|archive-date=26 January 2010}}</ref> The [[Mariamman]] festivals are major events in summer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rajagopuram for Kovai Koniamman temple too|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article253830.ece|access-date=23 June 2010|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=2 March 2010|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093640/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article253830.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The mosques on [[Oppanakara Street]] and Big Bazaar Street in Coimbatore date back to the period of [[Hyder Ali]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Madras District Gazetteers: Coimbatore|year=2000|publisher=Superintendent, Govt. Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JhxuAAAAMAAJ&q=coimbatore+tipu+sultan+mosque}}</ref> [[Christian missions]] date back to 1647 when permission was granted by the [[Nayak dynasty|Nayak]] rulers to set up a small church in [[Karumathampatti]] {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}}. [[Sikh]] [[Gurudwara]]s and [[Jain]] Temples are also present in Coimbatore.

== Cuisine ==
{{See also|Tamil cuisine}}
Coimbatore cuisine is predominantly [[south Indian]] with [[rice]] as its base. Most locals still retain their rural flavour, with many restaurants serving food over a [[banana leaf]]. [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]], [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Continental breakfast|continental]] cuisines are also available. [[Mysore pak]] (a sweet made from [[lentil]] flour and [[ghee]]), [[idly]], [[Dosa (food)|dosa]], [[Halwa]] (a sweet made of different ingredients like milk, wheat, rice). [[Biryani]] is also popular among the locals. Apart from this Coimbatore has a very active street food culture, thanks to the migratory North Indian population that settled down here a few generation ago. Ariseemparuppu or arisi paruppu satham (literally translated as Rice and dal) originated from Coimbatore and the people of the city celebrate January 8 as national Aruseemparuppu day, after given light by a popular influencer and food consultant.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} Kaalaan is a dish that originated in Coimbatore and is prepared by simmering deep fried mushrooms (usually chopped [[mushroom]]) in a spicy broth, until it reaches a [[porridge]] like consistency and served sprinkled with chopped [[onion]]s and [[coriander]] leaves.

== Education ==
{{See also|List of educational institutions in Coimbatore}}
[[File:Jayendra 6.jpg|thumb|A Higher Secondary school in Coimbatore suburbs]]
Coimbatore is an educational hub of south India. As of 2010, the Coimbatore district is home to 7 universities, 78 [[engineering college]]s, 5 [[medical college]]s, 2 [[dental college]]s, 35 [[Polytechnic college|polytechnics]], 150 arts and science colleges and schools.<ref name="cbe_edu1">{{cite news|title=Chennai, Kovai engineering colleges, a hit|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-Kovai-engineering-colleges-a-hit/articleshow/4908379.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811072338/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-19/chennai/28199112_1_engineering-colleges-government-quota-panimalar|url-status=live|archive-date=11 August 2011|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 April 2009|first1=D Suresh|last1=Kumar}}</ref><ref name="cbe_edu2">{{cite news|title= Medical college plan on ESI hospital premises |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102557880100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026033744/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102557880100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2008|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 October 2008}}</ref><ref name="cbe_edu3">{{cite news|title= Coimbatore calling |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ew/2009/12/28/stories/2009122850010300.htm|access-date=23 June 2010|newspaper=Business Line|date=28 December 2009}}</ref> The city has reputed universities like [[Tamil Nadu Agricultural University]] (est. 1971), [[Bharathiar University]] (1982), [[Anna University Coimbatore]] (2007) and [[Avinashilingam university]] (1987).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avinuty.ac.in/|title=Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore, India|work=avinuty.ac.in}}</ref> Coimbatore also houses research institutes like [[Central Institute for Cotton Research]], [[Sugarcane Breeding Institute]], [[Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB)]], [[Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education]] and Tamil Nadu Institute of Urban Studies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://coimbatore.nic.in/ |title=Coimbatore District Administration Welcomes You |publisher=Coimbatore.nic.in |access-date=31 January 2013}}</ref> There are also plans to establish a world class university in the region.<ref>{{cite news|title= Land to be identified for World-Class University |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/09/stories/2008080954650500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812031723/http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/09/stories/2008080954650500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 August 2008|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=T. S|title=Tailor-made courses|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2515/stories/20080801251511300.htm|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=Frontline|date=19 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526121058/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2515/stories/20080801251511300.htm|archive-date=26 May 2010|url-status=usurped}}</ref> District is also home to renowned multi-campus, [[multi-disciplinary]] private [[Deemed university]], [[Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amrita Coimbatore Campus {{!}} Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham|url=https://www.amrita.edu/campus/coimbatore|access-date=2021-06-04|website=www.amrita.edu}}</ref>

The first college opened in the district was the [[Government Arts College, Coimbatore|Government Arts College]] (1875–76).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://govartcbe.org/aboutus.html|access-date=13 October 2011|title=government arts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425062851/http://govartcbe.org/aboutus.html|archive-date=25 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The forest college and research institute was opened in 1916. The first engineering college in the city was started by [[Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu|G.D. Naidu]] as the Arthur Hope College of Technology in 1945. Later it became the [[Government College of Technology, Coimbatore]]. [[PSG College of Technology]] was established later in 1951. The Air Force Administrative College was established in 1949 to train [[Indian Air Force]] personnel. [[Coimbatore Institute of Technology]] (CIT) was started in the 1950s. [[Coimbatore Medical College]] was opened in 1966 and the [[Government Law College, Coimbatore|Government law college]] started functioning from 1978. The agricultural school established in 1868 was converted into a full-fledged agricultural university ([[Tamil Nadu Agricultural University]]) in 1971 and the [[Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History]] was opened in 1990. Several private engineering and arts & science colleges were started during the education boom in the 1990s. Few famous arts and science colleges are [[PSG College of Arts and Science]], [[Dr G R Damodaran College of Science]], [[Sri Krishna Arts and Science College]].

In 1867, the first group of students appeared for the [[Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education|SSLC Examinations]] from Coimbatore district. The Coimbatore and Pollachi education districts are the units of administration for education in the district.<ref>{{cite news|title=Class 10 examinations get under way|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/article285891.ece|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Marginal increase in Plus-Two pass percentage in Coimbatore district |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/15/stories/2010051562630300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519233644/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/15/stories/2010051562630300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 May 2010|access-date=9 June 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 March 2010}}</ref> The literacy rate is 84%.<ref name=businessplan/>

==Places of interest==
[[File:Aliyar Reservoir.JPG|thumb|Aliyar Dam Reservoir]]
* [[Valparai]] is about 65&nbsp;km from [[Pollachi]] and is situated at an altitude of 3500 feet above the sea level. Valparai is famous for it tea plantations. 
* [[Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park|Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] is about 90&nbsp;km from [[Coimbatore]] and is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi. The area of the sanctuary is 958&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. 
* Top Slip is a point located at an altitude of about 800 feet in the Anaimalai mountain range. 
* [[Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary]] is located in a valley between the [[Anaimalai Hills]] range of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathi Hills range of Kerala. The areas hilly and rocky, drained by several rivers, including the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkady. Thickly forested with stands of bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood and teak, the sanctuary has some marshy land and scattered patches of grassland.
* Parambikulam - Aliyar dam project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals at various elevations to harness the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunkadavu, Thenkkadi and Palar rivers, laid for irrigation and power generation. It is located in the Anaimalai Hills range. Seven streams-five flowing westward and two towards the east- have been dammed and their reservoirs interlinked by tunnels. The water is ultimately delivered to the drought-prone areas in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu and the Chittur area of Kerala. 
* Government of Tamil Nadu promotes eco Tourism in Karamadai forest range. The spot is located at an easy destination reachable for people from Coimbatore. It is located near Pillur in Baralikkadu of Karamadai range in Coimbatore district. The way is a hilly terrain enriched with green vegetation with a pleasant climate providing many view points to have awe for these scenes.
* The '''''Adiyogi'' Shiva bust''' is a 34-metre tall (112 ft), 45-metre long (147 ft) and 25-metre wide (82 ft) steel bust of [[Shiva]] with [[Thirunamam]] at [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]]

==Political Representatives==
{{transcluded section|source=16th Tamil Nadu Assembly}}
{{#section:16th Tamil Nadu Assembly|MLA Header}}
{{#section:16th Tamil Nadu Assembly|Coimbatore district}}
|}

==Notable people==
*[[Kamalathal|M.Kamalathal]], social worker
*[[List of people from Coimbatore]]
*[[Coimbatore metropolitan area]]

==See also==
*[[Coimbatore division]]
*[[List of districts of Tamil Nadu]]
*[[Coimbatore metropolitan area]]
*[[Kongu Tamil]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Coimbatore district}}
* [https://coimbatore.nic.in/ Official website]
{{Geographic location|North=[[Nilgiris district]]|WEST=[[Palakkad district]], [[Kerala]]|Centre=Coimbatore district|South=[[Ernakulam district]], [[Kerala]] {{!}}
[[Idukki district]], [[Kerala]]|EAST=[[Tiruppur district]]|South-west=[[Thrissur district]], [[Kerala]]|North-east=[[Erode district]]}}{{Tamil Nadu}}{{Cities and Towns in Coimbatore}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coimbatore District}}
[[Category:Coimbatore district| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Tamil Nadu]]