Things you may miss in Coimbatore after corona outbreak as a part of quarantine changes

Covid-19 has taken the world by storm, the number is on an all time rise and people are shut down from accessing the real world outside as the quarantine is still intact. The Manchester city of South has been under lockdown from March and ever since then we haven’t really let our hair down for a wild weekend or just the usual Kovai things. You might have to kiss goodbye to a few things. Listed Down is the possible Things you may miss in Coimbatore after the Corona outbreak and lockdown as a result of quarantine changes.

Malls won’t be the same

Yes you read that right, the always fun and happening Malls in the city might not be the same again after the outbreak ends as a part of the quarantine changes in Coimbatore. Though there’s no official word on resuming the activities in mall, chances are that they might not be what they used to be, our favourite go-to weekend strolling in Coimbatore will be deserted for much longer. This will be the hardest quarantine changes in Coimbatore for anyone that’s loves shopping as much as me.

No more Movies

Probably theatre is the next destination where the families and millennial flocked alike after malls in Coimbatore. Multiplexes will not be opened any time soon and this is one place where the odds of letting social distancing go for a toss is sky high. But hey here’s the good news, there are tonnes of movies releasing in OTT platforms every week to keep you that movie buff in you alive this Quarantine. A major quarantine change indeed.

Travelling won’t be Fun

Bad news for all the travel lovers out there in the city, the riding boots might have to hang at the corners a bit more as a downside of the quarantine difficulties in Coimbatore. Though Inter districts travelling are allowed with proper surveillance and guidelines, it is confined only to the essential travel during emergency that’s validated with an Epass. Even after the corona outbreak settles down, we might have to pull the plug on ‘coffee at Ooty’ plan for a while, sadness intensifies!

Dine-ins going for a spin

We love to eat here, no denying that. We always loved to explore the cuisines here, right from the street foods at VOC Park to the never dying Desi Chats vibe at R.S.puram. Gone are the days when we used to check in to any restaurants in Coimbatore without our brains calculating the risks associated with it. With the Corona and the lockdown getting an upper hand over us, we can, maybe sacrifice the craving inside us till the pandemic outbreaks subdues as the quarantine might get extended till a vaccine enters the party.

Bad time for wedding bells

Walking down the aisle is literally one of the best feelings for anyone, but if you are planning to enter the wedding phase after the outbreak you can still do it but hey not with your favourite people by your side as a part of the major quarantine changes. Not just wedlock, any public gatherings, events or concerts in Coimbatore will be off the radar even after the outbreak ends, of course not forever but for a little long just to be on the safer side.

Time to pray at home

What most of the people here preferred doing at their weekends or at least what all the families loved was paying their favourite shrines a must visit during weekends. With the climate being so romantic to us off lately, a small trek to Isha or Marudamalai might sound straight out of travelogue Journal, but they have remained to keep their doors shut until the Covid-19 ends its streak. It’s been over a month now and the only people allowed inside the temples are the shrine’s officials to maintain the place.

Pumping Iron at gym is far-fetched reality now

Too bad the six packs resolution has to be pushed much further or maybe you can still workout at home to be that ripped guy. I mean really with the virus spreading so quickly like a forest fire, don’t you really think walking into the gym with people passing the weights and bars really sound like a bad idea? Don’t lose hope, cash in on this quarantine and watch workout videos and apps to help you look like that ripped Greek god. We can’t really help but feel nostalgic when we get that flashback Fridays or throwback Thursday spamming our mind where the concept of quarantine and virus outbreak looked like any other sci-fi movie theme back then. But a bit of social distancing and self isolation goes a long way in ensuring a safer tomorrow, break the chain by staying indoors till the outbreak ends. Drop in your comments on your ideal plan once the corona outbreak ends

Festival Restrictions

COVID precautionary measurements have brought in the social distancing norms into almost everything possible, right from ATM centers to even offices. Something we ain’t complaining considering the ruckus the corona pandemic has been creating with corona cases increasing every single day. But in a country like India, where there is festivals happening almost on every alternative day throughout the year how effective is the social distancing? Obviously zero and that’s why the authorities have pulled the plug on a lot of festivals some of the bigger ones like Ganesh Chaturthi and other festivals from happening. Staying home is a lot safer than getting back to the crowds we guess.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine measures have significantly altered how we live, work, and interact with the world. Coimbatore, like many other cities, experienced changes that affected everyday life, and some of the things you might miss or may not have access to as before due to these changes include:

1. Outdoor and Community Events

• Annual Festivals & Fairs: Coimbatore is known for its lively celebrations of festivals like Pongal, Diwali, and the Coimbatore Chola Festival. These events often include large gatherings, fairs, and cultural performances that bring the community together. During the pandemic, such events were canceled, and even now, social distancing has affected the scale and participation in public festivals.

• Food Festivals: Coimbatore hosts several food festivals and pop-up markets that bring together local and regional delicacies. Many of these events were put on hold due to the pandemic.

• Public Concerts and Cultural Programs: Coimbatore, being a cultural hub, often hosts classical music performances, plays, and dance shows. The closure of auditoriums and social distancing measures have limited these opportunities.

2. Shopping at Local Markets

• Tidel Park and Brookefields Mall: Shopping malls like Brookefields and Tidel Park, which were popular spots for entertainment, dining, and shopping, saw a significant drop in foot traffic during the pandemic. While shopping resumed gradually, many people still prefer avoiding crowded malls due to lingering safety concerns.

• Town Hall and Gandhipuram Market: Local street markets where Coimbatoreans traditionally shop for clothes, textiles, spices, and street food have been impacted by lockdowns. These areas, once buzzing with life, have now seen a reduced crowd due to social distancing norms.

3. Visiting Temples and Religious Sites

• Perur Pateeswarar Temple: Coimbatore is home to several beautiful temples, and many people missed visiting their local places of worship, especially during the major religious festivals. The closure of temples for public visits was one of the more challenging aspects of the pandemic for those who considered daily visits as an essential part of their routine.

• Marudamalai Temple: Another popular spiritual spot, Marudamalai, is known for its spiritual significance and the scenic view it offers. These places saw fewer visitors during the pandemic, as temples had restricted entry for worshippers.

• Sai Baba Temple: Located in Peelamedu, this temple was also affected by restrictions on religious gatherings.

4. Eating Out at Local Eateries

• Street Food & Local Delicacies: Coimbatore’s street food scene, from Kovai Kothu Parotta to Dosas at roadside stalls, is an integral part of the local experience. The pandemic and quarantine measures led to temporary shutdowns of these stalls, with social distancing norms limiting outdoor dining.

• Popular Cafes and Restaurants: Well-known eateries like Sree Annapoorna, Hot Chips, and Shree Kumar Mess had to either close temporarily or reduce their operational hours and capacity. The restrictions on dine-in services affected not only local restaurants but also those that offered traditional South Indian delicacies.

• Bakeries and Local Food Shops: Famous bakeries like Sree Krishna Bakery and Kovai Cake Shop, which are staples for Coimbatoreans, also faced temporary shutdowns or reduced operations during the pandemic.

5. Cultural and Historical Exploration

• Visit to Museums and Art Galleries: Coimbatore has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with places like the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Coimbatore Museum. These places, which attract visitors to learn about the city’s history and art, had to limit visitor numbers during the pandemic.

• Art and Craft Exhibitions: Coimbatore is known for showcasing its handloom and textile heritage. Events like Coimbatore Handloom Expo or exhibitions related to Kanchipuram sarees were often postponed or scaled down during the pandemic.

6. Parks, Beaches, and Outdoor Activities

• Siruvani Waterfalls: Popular tourist destinations such as Siruvani Waterfalls and Nehru Park were off-limits for a long period during the pandemic. Outdoor activities like boating and hiking in and around Coimbatore were restricted to maintain social distancing.

• VOC Park and Zoo: Coimbatore’s V.O.C. Park and zoo, which is a family favorite, also had limited access during the pandemic. Visitors missed out on the recreational activities that these places provided.

• Ramnagar & Lawley Road: Known for jogging and cycling, these areas have seen reduced foot traffic due to concerns over social distancing and the virus spread.

7. Travel and Day Trips

• Coimbatore to Ooty or Munnar: The road trips to nearby hill stations like Ooty and Munnar have been significantly impacted, especially during the initial lockdown phase. These scenic drives and weekend getaways were either inaccessible or not advisable due to travel restrictions.

• Tourism to Nearby Waterfalls: Sites like Kariyapatti Waterfalls and Aliyar Dam also faced restrictions during the pandemic, limiting short trips for Coimbatore residents.

8. Public Gatherings and Socializing

• Weddings and Family Celebrations: The pandemic led to a significant reduction in large gatherings, which impacted weddings, family celebrations, and social meetups. Coimbatoreans, known for their elaborate wedding celebrations, had to adapt to smaller, more intimate events.

• Social Clubs and Cafes: Social places like Café Cofi or The French Door Café, which used to be hubs for youth and families, had to follow social distancing guidelines, impacting the general sense of socialization and community engagement.

9. Fitness and Outdoor Sports

• Coimbatore’s Sports Clubs: Sports enthusiasts missed visiting local sports clubs, gyms, and parks due to quarantine measures. Clubs such as The Coimbatore Golf Club or The YMCA had restrictions on indoor activities, leading many fitness enthusiasts to turn to home workouts.

• Cycling and Outdoor Sports: Public parks and open grounds in Coimbatore, where people used to play cricket, football, or engage in cycling, were either closed or limited in terms of capacity. This reduced opportunities for outdoor physical activities.

Conclusion

The changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic have impacted Coimbatore’s lively culture, leading to the closure of public places, restrictions on social gatherings, and changes in how people interact. While the situation has improved with vaccinations and safety measures, the aftereffects of the pandemic are still felt in various aspects of daily life, from shopping to socializing. As the world adapts to the “new normal,” it’s clear that Coimbatore, like many other places, is gradually regaining its vibrant charm, but certain experiences may still be different for a while.