Weekend Getaway – Coimbatore
Ooty
The most popular hill station in the south, Ooty is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Brimming with scenic beauty, Ooty has much to offer every visitor, with its vast tea plantations, gardens, and lakes. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the majestic mountains is to take the toy train, known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, and Pine Forest are some of the must-see spots here.
Distance from Coimbatore: 89km,
Time to visit: March to June, September to October,
Weather: Mostly cool
Palakkad
Palakkad is a northern district in Kerala. It is a land steeped in rich history and age-old traditions. A stay in Palakkad will give you a taste of simple rural life, one that both nurtures and derives from nature. The district has a wealth of temples and temple festivals, which are the best places to see some of the lesser-known traditional art forms of Kerala
Distance from Coimbatore: 52km,
Best time to visit: March to May, November
Weather: Mostly warm
Topslip
If you thought that was the name of a theme park, you’re in for a surprise. Topslip is the name given to a region of the Annamalai Range which is home to rare and unseen varieties of wildlife. The region got its unusual name during colonial times as it was infamous for causing a lot of timber to slip into the plains. At Topslip, you can visit the elephant camp or go on a wildlife safari or simply enjoy the gorgeous views of the Annamalai mountains.
Distance from Coimbatore: 76km
Weather: Pleasant
Best time to visit: November to April
Masinagudi
Masinagudi is famous for its rich variety of wildlife. The wildlife sanctuary here houses 50 species of mammals, 50 species of fish, 227 species of birds, 21 species of amphibians and 34 species of reptiles. Many wild animals that form an integral part of India’s biodiversity are found here, including the grey langur, flying lizard, sambar deer, wild boar and the Asian elephant. The sanctuary is located within the hill station of the Nilgiri district.
Distance from Coimbatore: 113 km
Weather: Mostly cold
Best time to visit: December to May