more information: coimbatore

Agricultural University is one of the best institutions of its kind in South Asia, the Agricultural University was originally established as an Agriculture Farm in 1868 in Saidapet, Chennai. The Location was moved to Coimbatore in 1907 and the name was changed to Agricultural College which later, came to be known as the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University on June 1, 1971. It is 5 kms away from the Railway Station.

In 1972, separate degree programmes of B.Sc. (Horticulture) and B.E.(Agriculture) were started. In 1979, a separate Faculty of Horticulture was established. In 1980, B.Sc.(Home Science) programme was started at Madurai campus. The third Agricultural College was started at Killikulam in 1984 and the fourth at Kumulur (Trichy) in 1989 and later shifted to Navalur Kuttappattu (Trichy) in 1992 which is named as Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute. During 1985, B.Sc.(Forestry) programme was started at Coimbatore. Presently the B.Sc.(Horticulture) degree programme is being offered at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam and B.Sc.(Forestry) degree programme at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. In line with technological changes the B.E.(Agriculture) hither to offered is offered as B.Tech.(Agricultural Engineering) from the Academic year 2002-2003 at Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy. B.Sc.(Home Science) degree program is being offered at Home Science College & Research Institute, Agricultural College Campus, Madurai. The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture & Research Institute, Karaikal, governed by Government of Pondichery, is an affiliated institute of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University where B.Sc.(Agriculture) course is being offered. Apart from these academic institutes, the University now has research programs at more than 32 stations, spread over in Tamil Nadu with more than 1000 scientists and teachers.

The global technological developments has lead to introduction of new courses. Introduction of B.Tech.(Food Process Engineering) from the academic year 1998-99, B.Tech.(Agricultural Biotechnology) and B.Tech.(Horticulture) from the academic year 2002-2003 as self supporting program has created avenues for bugetary independence. A new degree program B.Tech.(Energy and Environmental Engineering) was started during 2004 and B.Tech.(Bioinformatics) during 2006.

One of the oldest institutions of the kind in the country, the Southern Forest Rangers' College is situated 3.5 kms. north of the Railway Station. The College Museum is worth a visit.

Initially set up as one of the Regional Research Centres of the erstwhile FRI and Colleges, Dehradun, the IFGTB, Coimbatore was accorded the status of a full fledged institute, in April 1988 unde the ICFRE. Spread over 66 hectares area in the heart of Coimbatore town, it's main building, with a plinth area of 3705 sq. m. house up-to-date facilities of research, a well equipped library and the famous Fischer Herbarium. Other unique features developed over the years by the institute include, `Gass Forest Museum of Natural History' and a Botanical Garden cum Arboretum of 4 hectares housing nearly 300 species of rare and endangered plants. The Institute also owns a 80 hectare `Preservation plot cum Arboretum', situated approx. 25 kms away from Coimbatore at Walayur and a one hectare clonal teak seed orchard. The Institute is responsible for attending to the overall forestry research needs of Tamil Nadu,Kerala, Lakshdweep and Pondichery.

G. D. Naidu, a leading industrialist played a mojor role in developing the city of Coimbatore to its present state. He has made invaluble contributions in electronics, mechanical, agricultural and automobile engineering. He established training institutions for automobile and electronic technicians. He also established an Industrial Exhibition- an important tourist attraction in Coimbatore.

Kovai Kutralam is a water fall at Siruvani. It is 37 km Coimbatore and is quite Magnificent. This fall is amidst a thick forest, hence visitors are not allowed after 5 pm. Siruvani is the sources of drinking water supply to Coimbatore. Personal conveyance is suggested.

The Sangameshwarar temple at Bhavani is situated at the confluence of the rivers Bhavani and the Cauvery. This place is called as "Tiruveni of South India". It is an important pilgrim centre. Lord Sangameshwarer with His consort Vedanayaki is the presiding deity. It is said that during the East India Company regime the then Collector of Coimbatore and Salem Districts, William Garrow, who had his headquarters at Bhavani, worshipped the Goddess Vedanayaki.

Asia's No.1 Water Theme Park is nested in natural beauty with the green hills of the Nilgiris for a backdrop and the cooling shelter of trees. An idyllic hideaway? Wait! Look around again... and you see people everywhere screaming and shouting with excitement. Jumpin'n slidin', swimmin'n floatin' over 65 acres of thrilling and adventurous rides. Black Thunder is situated 41km from Coimbatore and 40km from Ooty. The nearest railway stations are Mettupalayam, Coimbatore and Tiruppur and the airport is Coimbatore. It is well connected with all parts of the country through road and rail.

Kovai Kondattam is located at Perur in Siruvani Main Road, the park jewellwd amidst the sylvan surroundings would be an ideal fun packed leisure option for the entire family. Spread over a generous area this park offers many themed attractions like Aqua dance, wave pool, dashing cars, rock climbing, Hara-kiri and video parlour to name a few, a certain entertainment zone to children of all ages.

The park offers a unique way to celebrate all occasions, be it a birthday, anniversary or even tying the wedding knot - exciting arrangements can be tailor made to suit individual tastes. An amphi theatre specially designed to house live performance of both local and international standards is available for family and party events. Private bookings are undertaken for family functions and corporate events.