Coimbatore an emerging tourism hub

Coimbatore: Coimbatore, with its growing reputation as a hub for medical, wellness, business, meditation and temple tourism, has witnessed a steady increase in both domestic and foreign tourist footfall, according to the data available with the tourism department.
The number of domestic tourists rose from 1.36 crore in 2022 to 1.53 crore in 2024, even as foreign tourist arrivals recorded a remarkable jump from just 1,783 in 2022 to 31,764 in 2024. A tourism department official said the data was collected from 34 major tourist destinations across the district.
The district attracts lakhs of devotees every year, particularly for temple tours. Meanwhile, nature lovers visit scenic spots such as Topslip, Valparai, Sholayar Dam, Kovai Kutralam, Baralikadu Ecotourism, Aliyar Dam Park and Monkey Falls.
"Coimbatore also draws people from other states and countries for medical and meditation tourism," said an official. "Destinations such as Arivu Thirukkovil (Temple of Consciousness) at Aliyar near Pollachi and Isha Yoga Centre are popular for meditation tourism."
Pointing out that around 10 tourism development projects were proposed for the district, the official said the finalized list would be announced by the tourism minister in the assembly on April 17.
According to T P Balaji, joint secretary, All India Tourist Vehicle Drivers Welfare Association, the tourist flow peaks on auspicious days, with people from across Tamil Nadu visiting major temples and attractions. "The Sabarimala season, from November to January, is the busiest. Pilgrims from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry too flock to places such as Marudhamalai, Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Isha Yoga Centre and Velliangiriandavar Temple, before proceeding to Kerala."
During summer, he said, tourists from southern districts book package tours covering Palani, Masaniamman Temple in Anaimalai, Marudhamalai, Isha Yoga Centre, Kovai Kutralam and Ooty. "We receive most bookings from April to June."
According to P Ramachandran, general manager, Le Meridien, Coimbatore, most international visitors stay for business, as Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode are major industrial and textile hubs. "People from the US, UK, Japan, China, Singapore, other Asian nations and European countries, including Germany, France and Belgium, come here as buyers of textile products. They first visit the industries to inspect the products they intend to purchase."
Coimbatore is also growing as an IT hub. Recently, two IT parks were established in the city, and another one is in the pipeline. "People from other countries come here to exchange ideas. Many of them also visit tourist destinations such as Isha Yoga Centre and Ooty during their stay," he said.
A travel agent stressed on the need for better amenities at tourist spots, especially for middle and lower middle-class domestic tourists. "The tourism department is unable to develop many sites, as they fall under HR&CE and forest departments. A coordinated, holistic approach is essential to improve the tourism infrastructure and attract more visitors."