COIMBATORE(Manchester of SouthIndia)-Kovai-History and Etymology

Coimbatore, one of a major metropolitan city, located on the banks of the Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats.

The Manchester of South India as it is a hub of textile industry in South India.

The World Classical Tamil Conference 2010 was held in Coimbatore.

Coimbatore Day is celebrated every year on NOVEMBER 24.

ETYMOLOGY:

According to one theory, "Coimbatore" is a derivation of Kovanputhur (literally 'new town of Kovan'), after chieftain Kovan or Koyan, evolved into Koyampuththoor and later anglicised as Coimbatore. Koyamma, the goddess worshipped by Koyan evolved into Koniamma and later Kovaiamma. Another theory states that the name could have been derived from Kovaiamma.

HISTORY:

Coimbatore was part of Kongu Nadu during the Sangam period and was ruled by the Cheras.
The region was ruled by Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century followed by the Nayaks who introduced the Palayakkarar system under which Kongu Nadu region was divided into 24 Palayams. Podanur Junction is the oldest Railway station in Coimbatore City. 

THE MANCHESTER CITY:

The decline of the cotton industry in Mumbai fuelled an economic boom in Coimbatore in the 1920s and 1930s.The Manchester of South India as it is a hub of textile industry in South India.
The city is one of the largest exporters of jewellery, wet grinders, poultry and auto components. 
The "Coimbatore Wet Grinder" and the "Kovai Cora Cotton" are recognised as Geographical Indications by the Government of India. 

THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE:

Because of its location in the biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is rich in fauna and flora. The Coimbatore urban wetlands harbours around 116 species of birds, of which 66 are resident, 17 are migratory and 33 are local migrants.

The northern part of the city has a rich tropical evergreen forest with commercially significant trees such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood and bamboo. 
There are several amusement parks around the city: 
Singanallur Lake is a popular tourist place and bird watcher destination.

FOOD CULTURE:

Coimbatore has an active street food culture and various cuisine options for dining.
Arisi paruppu sadam made from a mixture of dal and rice, is a recipe that existed from the fourth century AD that is unique to the area. 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.

Kaalaan is a popular dish prepared by simmering deep-fried mushrooms (usually chopped) in a spicy broth until it reaches a porridge-like consistency; the dish is served sprinkled with chopped onions and coriander leaves.Chaats made from potatoes and a mix of other vegetables and spices are also popular.

SPORT HUB OF INDIA:

Coimbatore is often referred to as "India's Motorsports Hub" and the "Backyard of Indian Motorsports".
Narain Karthikeyan, India's first Formula One driver hails from the city.

The city hosts its own annual marathon called Coimbatore Marathon as an event to raise cancer awareness.
Retired tennis player Nirupama Vaidyanathan, who became the first Indian woman in the modern era to feature and win a round at a main draw Grand Slam in 1998 Australian Open hails from Coimbatore.

Coimbatore District Chess Association (CDCA), established in 1940, is the oldest chess association in the country.