Race Course can be called the Switzerland of Coimbatore, thanks to the wonderful trees, gardens, and the stylish residential establishments.

Over two hundred years ago, the Race Course and the lands around Valangulam were used for agriculture. The East India Company set up camps in the current Tea Estate Compound area. There still exists a pillar of the officers’ mess in the residence of Raghuraman, S.

The Europeans found the area to be close to the town with the convenience of groundwater. It was during the times of Sullivan that the Race Course came up. Slowly, a number of colonial bungalows with lush gardens became the order of the day.

The elliptical track for carts was supported by hedges on either side, and the inner circle had a walkers-path, and one more garden stretch abutting the compound. Today, more than 10,000 people walk in Race Course and it’s the home to the lovely All Souls Church, and a number of temples including the iconic Sharadhambal Temple as well. Several Indian wonders like the Hawa Mahal miniature is also found here.

Nowadays, this residential area is home to street food outlets and star hotels too. The oldest clubs in Coimbatore and the first college are in Race Course. It was at the Government Arts College that the Bharathiar Centenary Play was conducted in a fabulous manner. The first Member of Parliament from Coimbatore, and the Father of the Co-operative Movement, T.A. Ramalingam Chettiar lived in Race Course. Similarly, another Parliamentarian, P.R. Ramakrishnan was also a long-time resident of this area.

Mahatma Gandhi spent time at the residence of R.K. Shanmukham Chettiar, the first Finance Minister of Independent India, at Race Course, during his early visits to Coimbatore. Several great citizens of our country have been to Race Course, which has the highest number of Plumeria trees in Coimbatore. Old timers remember the old tennis champion Noor Mohammed walking on the track with his Dalmatian dogs – Jerry and Ruby. A number of movies have been shot in Race Course.

Race Course is a residential locality, and now is getting commercialized. The parks for all age groups, sitting areas for the elders,and the Tamil Sangam discussions mark the place. One can see walkers buying veggies, mushrooms, soups, and juices from the street vendors. Youngsters while away their time with wifi devices which help them to Whatsapp at any time of the day. All the good cause walks, marathons and demonstrations are held at the Race Course.

INTACH, Coimbatore Chapter, has recognized and awarded the prestigious KONGUNAD HERITAGE HONOURS to a number of heritage structures in Race Course, including the ancient Masonic Medical Centre for Children.