Nearby Destinations
With the presence of western ghats, numerous wildlife reserves and hill stations are available around Coimbatore that could combinely form as a favourite tourism destinations.
Some popular tourism destinations around Coimbatore are:
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Popularly known as "Queen of hills", Ooty is a famous summer holiday destination. Some of the popular attractions and activities in Ooty are
- Nilagiri Mountain Railway (NMR) - The toy train ride between Mettupalayam and Ooty lasts about 5 hours, takes you through the scenic western ghats and this is a must see attraction. The train is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Government Botonical Garden - Located right inside the town, hosts annual flower show in the month of May.
- Pykara Lake and Falls - Located enroute to Gudalur, other attractions like 7th Mile, Shooting spot (9th Mile), Avalanche are on the way towards Pykara.
- Doddabetta peak - This is the highest peak in South India, marking the mergin point of Western and Eastern Ghats. It is a 30 mins drive from the town.
- Must Buy - Home made chocolates and Ooty Varkey.
Coonoor, Kothagiri and Gudalur
Coonoor is a town lies midway between Mettupalayam and Coonoor. The town is home to numerous tea factories. Some notable attractions in Coonoor are
- Sim's Park - The botanical garden covers an area of over 12 hectares and hosts annual fruit and vegetable show in the month of May.
- Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint - Located 10km from Coonoor, the peak resembles the shape of Dolphin's nose. Provides spectacular view of Catherine falls and the valley.
- Lamb's Rock viewpoint - Located enroute to Dolphin's Nose, Lamb's rock is another viewpoint and one can see the Mettupalayam town down under.
Gudalur is located 140km from Coimbatore and 50km from Ooty. Gudalur is well known for adventure tourism.
- Mudhumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary - Located near Gudalur, the Mudhumalai Wirdlife Sanctuary is a tiger reserve and is home to numerous wildlife species.
- Masinagudi - Masinagudi village is famous for adventure camps where you can trek or have a safari on wildlife tourism.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Valparai range in Western ghats, 113km from Coimbatore. Formerly called as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the important tiger reserve in the country. It also houses mulitple forest ranges
- Topslip - Provides tourism options like safari, stay on a tree house, etc. The wildlife safari is handled by the government authorities in their own vehicles.
- The wildlife sanctuary is home to South Indian Elephants, Tiger, Deer, etc.
Silent Valley National Park
Located in Kerela with close proximity to Coimbatore, the Silent Valley National Park is a tropical rain forest on the Nilagiri hills. It is home to numerous rare species of Flora and Fauna. The visitor centre is located at Sairandhri. The Silent Valley National park is famous among research people for its bio-diversity.
Kovai Kuttralam Falls and Siruvani
Kovai kuttralam water falls is an artificial fall, primarily to encourage tourism in the Siruvani forest range. Located 40km west of Coimbatore city, the falls can be reached through either bus or private vehicles. All vehicles are restricted at the entry of forest range, Sadivayal. The governemnt vehicles will take the tourists to the falls. Best time to visit the falls is after the monsoon season during September-November and post summer showers in April - May. This waterfall is a famous one-day outing spot from Coimbatore.
Siruvani dam is located 20km from Sadivayal. Siruvani water is famous for the sweetness in its water. The dam serves drinking water for Coimbatore city. Public entry is restricted to visit the dam.
Azhiyar Dam and Monkey Falls
Azhiyar dam is located 75km from Coimbatore, it is a popular shooting spot for south indian movies. The dam hosts a garden and a boat house that attracts tourism.
Monkey falls is 5km uphill from Azhiyar dam. As the name indicates the falls hosts numerous monkeys all along the way (be cautious with your belongings). The entry ticket will be issues as you will be entering a forest range. You require to furnish the purpose of visit.