Looking for a weekend getaway from Coimbatore or planning a quick one-day trip near the city? You’re in luck. Surrounded by majestic hills, lush greenery, waterfalls, gardens, and historical monuments, Coimbatore offers some truly spectacular destinations within a 50 km radius (and a few slightly beyond, worth the drive).
This curated list blends the charm of nature, the richness of history, and plenty of fun activities. Whether you’re craving scenic hill stations, wildlife safaris, or budget-friendly one-day trips from Coimbatore, there’s something for everyone.
Coonoor
Nestled in the Nilgiris, Coonoor is one of the top hill stations near Coimbatore. It’s ideal for those who want to breathe fresh mountain air, explore lush tea estates, and enjoy quiet moments in nature.
Sim’s Park, Coonoor
Sim’s Park is a terraced botanical garden filled with exotic plant species. The park features beautifully manicured lawns, natural rock formations, and a glasshouse that houses ornamental flowers and plants. Rare species like Cinnamon, Rudraksha, and Karry Pine trees thrive here.
Right across the road, you’ll find a stunning rose garden. It’s a favorite stop on any list of Coonoor attractions.
Don’t Miss: If you’re in Coonoor during May, check out the annual Fruit and Vegetable Show at Sim’s Park. This vibrant display of produce attracts visitors from across the region.
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹15
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Tips: Bring your camera—the views are picture-perfect!
• Note: Littering is prohibited to preserve this natural beauty.
Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint
This iconic viewpoint, located at 1,550 meters, is a must-see tourist spot near Coimbatore. Named for its dolphin-shaped rock formation, it offers panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls. It’s one of the top tourist places in Coimbatore surroundings in 50 km.
• Famous For: Scenic views, peaceful vibes
• Entry Fee: ₹15
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lamb’s Rock – A Scenic Spot Near Coonoor
Lamb’s Rock is one of the best tourist places near Coimbatore for one-day trips. Located near Coonoor, it offers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience amid lush greenery. Perfect for a picnic, the rock provides breathtaking views of the valleys below. A great option for those looking for one-hour travel around Coimbatore.
St. Stephen’s Church, Ooty
Built in 1829, St. Stephen’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris. Its architecture is a legacy of British colonial design. Constructed by Stephen Rumbold Lushington using wood from Tipu Sultan’s palace, the church is known for its unique hammer-like musical instruments and a painting of the Last Supper.
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday Service: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Overview: Famous tourist destination Coonoor is a charming hill town in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris. The land is completely covered in lush tea plantation foliage, which radiates beautiful and intense shades of emerald green. Because of its large valleys, hillsides, and waterfalls, many hiking expeditions enter the Nilgiris from this spot. Coonoor’s tranquil and energizing lifestyle and breathtaking environment are sure to leave you feeling refreshed. Best Places to Visit in Coonoor provide you with the chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural world and all of its timeless beauty. The top locations to visit in Coonoor are included in this post in case you are unsure of how to get started or where to go.
Lower Coonoor and Upper Coonoor are the two sections of the area. Upper Coonoor is the finest place for people who want to stay in the middle of the hills since it is far from traffic and crowds whereas Lower Coonoor is a city center with the majority of tourist crowds. Given that the hill station is a birder’s paradise, birdwatching may be the greatest hobby.
Malampuzha Dam and Garden
Located 50.5 km from Coimbatore, Malampuzha Dam is a scenic location on the banks of River Malampuzha. Famous for its intricate sculptures made from recycled materials like plastic and tiles, it’s among the top tourist places within 50 km.
• Entry: ₹25 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Ropeway: 10 AM–1 PM & 2:30 PM–8 PM
• Activities: Boating, ropeway ride, picnicking
Nearby Places: Fantasy Park, Malampuzha Rock Garden, Kovai Kutralam Waterfalls
Public review : Palghat-(Malampuzha Dam and park, Snake park, Rock Garden) 15 min from Palghat station.
Coonoor-CBE-Mettupalayam-Coonoor (Sims park, Dolphin nose, Lambs rock etc)
Ooty-As it is only one day the train journey itself will be one day. But the journey itself is breathtaking.
Palani-Temple and Palar Dam
Udumalaipettai-Amaravathy Dam, Panchalinga waterfalls, Amanalingeshwar temple, Tirumoorthy dam
Metupalayam-Vana Bathrakaliamman temple and Nellithurai
Sankagiri- Fort
Salem-Yercaud It will be 5 hours to and fro in train 2 hours to yercaud
Thirussur 3 temples, zoo, Elephant sanctuary, Guruvayur
Palakkad Fort
Just 52.6 km from Coimbatore, Palakkad Fort (Tipu’s Fort) is a well-preserved monument rebuilt by Hyder Ali in the 18th century. It now falls under the Archaeological Survey of India. One of the top historical places near Coimbatore, the fort is known for its thick laterite walls and serene atmosphere.
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Entry: Free (Camera charges extra)
Nearby Places: Ottapalam, Vadakkanthara Temple, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Review : Nice place for jogging or for walking. Away from the vehicles as the same are not allowed around the fort area. Distance covered for one round to the fort may workout to about a KM. There is also a Hanuman temple inside the fort complex and many people visit this temple and there is a que for visiting the temple during puja time and getting the prasad.
Silent Valley National Park
A dream destination for wildlife lovers, Silent Valley is located 57.9 km from Coimbatore. It is home to tigers, elephants, panthers, and rare lion-tailed macaques. This is one of the best national parks within 100 km of Coimbatore.
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹50
• Activities: Wildlife safari, birdwatching, trekking
Nearby Places: Kanjirapuzha Dam, Keralamkundu Waterfalls
Review : Silent valley national park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India. It is part of the Nilgiri Sub-Cluster, Western Ghats World Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO in 2007. Entrance is from Mukkali which is 50 km from Coimbatore. Prior booking is required. From Mukkali forest department arranges 25 km drive which takes 2 hours to reach Sairandhri. View from 100 feet height watchtower is awesome. 360 degree view of lush green dense forests. River kunthi flows at this place. It is nice experience but 25 km ride is tiresome.
Law’s Falls
Standing 9 meters tall and surrounded by dense Coonoor forests, Law’s Falls is one of the top waterfalls to visit near Coimbatore. Easily reachable without trekking, it’s ideal for all age groups.
• Entry: Free
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearby: Kalhatty Falls, Wenlock Downs, Avalanche Lake
Review: Law’s Falls are around a half a kilometre along a forested dirt road, with the turn off around 6 kilometres down from Coonoor on the main road to Mettupalayam. The Falls themselves can sadly be rather polluted with trash since its directly downriver from Coonoor town. But the walk there is nice and you can also do a great one hour hike from here back to Coonoor.
Take a bus heading to Mettupalayam and ask the conductor to let you off at Laws Falls. If there are no traffic jams, the bus ride should take more than 20-25 minutes. The dirt road does a u-turn after a hundred metres or so, and you can follow it to the Falls. At the point of the U-turn, if you were to continue straight, the road curves left and proceeds uphill, through the tea bushes. A kilometre or so of steep climbing brings you to a tarred road. I’ve always seen fresh bear scat on this stretch. With luck you may spot the bear! Turn left, proceed uphill. The road winds around through forest and eventually comes to a 3 way junction. Take the uphill right to reach the Acres Wild home-stay. Or proceed left to follow the road back to Coonoor town, just above the bus stand.
Allow 10-15 minutes to reach Laws Falls from the Road. And another 45 minutes to an hour to Coonoor of brisk walking, or 1 1/2 hours at a more leisurely pace. Bring water and munchies!
Monkey Falls
About 70.3 km from Coimbatore, Monkey Falls is perfect for a cool dip. Nestled in the Annamalai Hills, the falls are surrounded by dense greenery and are part of a tourist place near Coimbatore for one-hour visit.
• Entry Fee: ₹20 – 50
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearby: Aliyar Dam, Balaji Temple, Carver Marsh Monument
Review : Good place for bath (provide you have water). It’s a small falls and hence a nice place for kids as well to get wet. If you not planning to get wet, you can skip it as the view as such is not any great. Plus, while travelling from polachi, this comes after the police check post and need to pay to cross over. Closes by 4pm by rule.
Ketti Valley
At 79.3 km, Ketti Valley is known for its panoramic views, local tribal culture (Badagas and Todas), and fresh produce. A photographer’s paradise and ideal for sightseeing places around Coimbatore with entry fees.
• Entry: ₹5 | ₹15 for binoculars
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Activities: Sunrise viewing, shopping from locals, local food
Review : We had visited the beautiful Ketti Valley View point while on our way from Ooty to Coonoor during our holiday in Ooty. This View point is located on the road and is a quick stop over for tourists where one can get amazing views of the beautiful Ketti Valley amidst mountains. There are also telescope available for far away views. We enjoyed clicking pictures here with the beautiful Ketti Valley in the background. We paid 10 rupees per person for this spot.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Located 83.1 km from Coimbatore, this reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and jungle safaris. It’s home to the world’s tallest teak tree—Kannimara. Perfect for wildlife safaris near Coimbatore for weekend trips.
• Entry: ₹15 (Adults), ₹5 (Children)
• Timings: Open 24×7
Best Children’s Tourist Places in Coimbatore
- Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
Located approximately 12 km from Coimbatore on NH 209, this historic temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is known for its serene ambiance. - Fun City at Brookefields Mall
Situated within Brookefields Plaza on Dr. Krishnasamy Mudaliyar Road in Coimbatore, Fun City is an indoor play zone featuring various games and activities for children. - TNAU Botanical Garden
Located on Marudhamalai Road within the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus in Coimbatore, this botanical garden showcases a wide variety of plant species and is ideal for nature walks. - Gass Forest Museum
Situated on Cowley Brown Road within the Forest College Campus in Coimbatore, this natural history museum offers exhibits on wildlife, forestry, and the environment. - Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake
Located between Trichy Road and Sungam Bypass Road in Coimbatore, this serene lake is a popular spot for bird watching and enjoying sunsets.
