Coimbatore – Manchestor of the South
Introduction and a brief history
My home town Coimbatore is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and one of the fastest growing cities in India. CBE is also known as Kovai. Situated at the foot hills of Nilgiri, CBE is known for its pleasant climate (wonderful may I add), peaceful atmosphere, cosmopolitan outlook and private enterprises. Being situated at an altitude of 409 metres above sea level, CBE experiences mild winters and moderate summers most of the time. It is exposed to the Palakkad gap of Western Ghats to enjoy a hygienic climate which is the reason why there are a large number of textile mills. For the same reason the city is called ’’poor man’’s ooty’’, albeit the fact that Ooty is only 83 KM from CBE and CBE is no way poorer! There are more than 25, 000 (At a point it was 40000) small, medium, large and tiny industries and textile mills. It is No wonder that CBE is rightly called the Manchester of South India. CBE is also famous for its manufacture of motor pump sets and varied engineering goods, due to which it has earned the title ’’’’Detroit of the South’’’’. Too many sobriquets for one city?? Aren’t you thrilled?
CBE has a population of about 1.2 Million+ people. Tamil, English and Telugu are the predominantly spoken languages. You can find students from all over the country and world studying here.
History.
From various documents available, CBE’’s history is traced to the Irula chief known as Kovan and his clan who were the founders of ’’’’Kovanpatti ’’’’ a part of Kongunadu. Years later, a new village was formed called ’’’’Kovanputhur’’’’, which over the years (Thanks to the British!!) came to be known as ’’’’CBE’’’’. Kongunadu was originally captured by Cholas(Karikala chola – Who else!) during their primetime and it was ruled by many south-indian kings, before finally passing into the hands of the British who during their reign gave its present name - CBE.
There are many people who speak Telugu in this active city. Why? This is because of farmers of the region, generations ago, fleeing from invaders in their native Andhra, came with dreams to settle on this land, which they came to love as their own. They had knowledge about ’’Black soil’’ abundant in this place and with their thoughts led to cultivation of Cotton known as white gold!! Naidus are one of the largest group of people in CBE besides the Kounders.
In spite of it’’s prominence as a bustling industrial city, CBE still remains one of the most pollution free cities in India (Ain’t it surprising?). Covering an area of 23+ square KM, the city houses some of the biggest names in Indian Industry. The major industries include textiles, textile machinery, automobile spares, motors, electronics, steel and aluminium foundries. Tirupur - a neighboring town has carved a niche for itself in the garments market. Agriculture however remains the major occupation. The rich fertile soil and tropical climate is excellent for the growth of millet, paddy, cotton, tea, oil seeds and tobacco.
Education.
As one reviewer rightfully pointed out, there are so many educational institutions in CBE. CBE has the privilege of housing 3 university campuses on a single road with a span of 3 KMs. It also has couple more deemed universities. Coimbatore Agricultural University is renowned as one of the best colleges of it’’s kind in South Asia and is one of the oldest (1907). So is the Forest College campus as being one of the oldest in the country.
CBE has so many schools and colleges. Incidentally, it has some of the best engineering schools in the country, albeit unknown. There is PSG Tech which produces the well-known machine-data book which is used by almost everyone who has something to do with mechanics design. BTW, the mechanical engineering graduates from this school are respected far more than the IIT mechanical engineering graduates (By no means I belittle them. This is to tell the high-esteem these guys get. One of the reviewers has put bluntly without knowing). Actually, the second richest Indian Entrepreneur developed his skills in this city(He is a product of a PSG Tech. HCL’’s Shiv Nadar.) .
Industry
CBE houses the large Engineering expo called INTEC every couple of years. This is one of a kind and is much widely looked forward to event for machinists and engineers all around the world.
Medical facilities
CBE houses some of the best known hospitals of the region. There are so many world renowned specialists working in these hospitals. People visit these hospitals even from metros such as Chennai and Bangalore. Being rich in nature (50% approximately are rich in Indian Context), the people of CBE demand the best and latest in health-care.
Attractions.
• Siruvani Waterfalls & Dam.
o CBE’s serving Waterfalls & Dam is 37 kms from West Side of CBE. The water of Siruvani is known for its taste. The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty. Siruvani water is celebrated as the second best water in the world, by many locals.
• Kovai Kutralam.
o Kovai Kutralam is a waterfall at Siruvani. This is serene and enchanting environment. The panoramic view from this place is simply breathtaking and enchanting one.
• Top Slip.
o This is nearer to Pollachi, another town nearby. This place is also for nature lovers and is beautiful and serenic.
• Anamalai’s santuary.
o Anamalai’s is about 90 KMs from CBE and is amidst the western ghats It is nearer to the Amaravati river and has many varieties of flora and fauna.
• Other attractions
o They include the Black Thunder Waterworld, Kallar, Mudumalai, Ooty is just few miles away. You have Coonoor and many trekking spots such as Vellingiri hills etc nearby.
Some Trivia apart from the ones put up so far
Coimbatore built world’s
• First borewell pump
• Grinder motors
India’’s first electric train was tested out in CBE.
Life Style
The disparity between the rich and poor people is very high. The reason being that almost half of city is rich or upper middle-class and the other half poorer. Hence the cost of living is a bit higher. This is so visible from the lifestyles. You can see many new cars dashing through and many town-buses running, at the same time. The kids are cash-rich to the most part. The city is mostly driven by the traditional values and you will not see the cosmopolitan urban kid lifestyle amongst these youngsters. Most of them are entrepreneurial or into studies as the environment demands the same.
Transport
• Air - CBE has an airport. Flights connect it to Chennai and other important cities, daily via Jet Airways/IA and Alliance Air.
• Rail - CBE is connected by rail to Chennai, Trivandrum, Delhi and other cities.
• Road - It is also connected to all the important cities and places of interest by road.
Conclusion
All in all, this is a city which will stay in my mind for all the time as it made me the person I am today, through my formative years. After all, this is my abode where I have invested most part of my savings as land, house etc.
Your comments are most welcome.
Kalil