Gardens and Parks: Green Spaces in an Urban Jungle Despite being an industrially driven city, Coimbatore is replete with green oases that serve as lungs to the concrete sprawl. TNAU Botanical Garden Maintained by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, the TNAU Botanical Garden is a well-manicured space boasting exotic plant species, orchid collections, and beautifully landscaped lawns. It's an educational and relaxing spot ideal for families and botany enthusiasts. VOC Park and Zoo Situated in the heart of the city, VOC Park—named after freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai—is a popular destination for children and families. The attached mini-zoo features a modest range of animals and birds, while the park has rides, a toy train, and a science museum. A City for the Curious and the Cultured From textile mills to technological parks, Coimbatore is a city that has grown with the times. Yet, it hasn’t forgotten its roots in craftsmanship and local industry. The Textile Boom: Manchester of South India The moniker is no accident—Coimbatore has a rich history in cotton and textile manufacturing. With numerous mills and showrooms, it’s the perfect place to pick up fine cotton sarees, woven fabrics, and home textiles. The local handloom sector also offers a peek into traditional artistry.