Coimbatore also known as Kovai is a major industrial city in India and the second largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Coimbatore District. It is known as Manchester of South India. It is also a part of Kongu Nadu region of Tamilnadu.

Coimbatore is known for its textile factories, engineering firms, automobile parts manufacturers, health care facilities, educational institutions, pleasant weather, hospitality and for its Kongu Tamil. Situated on the banks of the Noyyal river, Coimbatore's name comes from the local Goddess here, Koniyamman. Koniyattamuttur, or "Koniyamuttur" later metamorphosed to Koyamuttur which is anglicised as Coimbatore.

Information about the origins of Coimbatore is scarce. During the early period it was ruled by the Karur Sangam era Chera . Later, the region passed to the Kongu Rattas and was the heartland of the Ganga kingdoms. A second Chola empire arose in the mid-9th century, and gained the territory encompassing Coimbatore. They established a planned layout, with the Koniamman temple in the center.

In 1981 Coimbatore became a corporation with annexation of the Singanallur municipality.

Sunset at Ukadam, CoimbatoreCoimbatore is situated in the extreme west of Tamil Nadu, near the state of Kerala. It is surrounded by mountains on the west, with reserve forests and the (Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve) on the northern side. The eastern side of the 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 close proximity to the Western Ghats, the district is rich in fauna.

Terraced fields near CoimbatoreCoimbatore is a very pleasant, salubrious climate city situated in the western parts of the state of Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore is situated at an elevation of about 398 meters. The temperature in this part of India is quite pleasant throughout the year. The temperature during both summers and winters varies anywhere between 37 'C to 14 'C. The best time to visit Coimbatore is between the months of July to February, Highest temperature is 41°C and lowest is 12°C.

A Hindu temple in CoimbatoreThe city has a multi-cultural society, mostly of cosmopolitan nature. Its inhabitants are largely conservative and traditional, retaining their roots in their native villages.

There are numerous temples in the city including the Perur Temple, the Konniamman temple and the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple. The Mariamman festivals, at the city’s numerous Amman temples, are a major event in summer. A replica temple of Tirupathi is located in Valparai and another near Mettupalayam. A famous ISKCONtemple is also located 9 km from the city.