Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley
Coonoor, nestled in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, is a picturesque hill station renowned for its lush tea gardens and soothing climate. Its terraced plantations, cascading waterfalls, and colonial architecture make it a serene getaway from the bustle of urban life.
How to Reach: Coonoor is well-connected by road. From Coimbatore, one can take a bus or hire a taxi. The hill station is also accessible via the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which offers a scenic journey from Mettupalayam, near Coimbatore.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Distance from Coimbatore: 68 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills, celebrated for its beautiful gardens, mist-covered mountains, and colonial-era architecture. Its pristine landscapes dotted with dense forests, sprawling tea gardens, and winding roads make it a sought-after destination for nature enthusiasts and honeymooners alike.
How to Reach: Ooty is approximately 85 km from Coimbatore. The most scenic route is by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which connects Mettupalayam (near Coimbatore) to Ooty. Alternatively, buses and taxis are readily available for road travel.
Ideal Duration: A 3 to 4-day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 84 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud
Yercaud, perched in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a tranquil hill station famous for its verdant coffee plantations, sparkling lakes, and a rich array of flora and fauna. Its mild climate combined with picturesque vistas makes it a delightful retreat for nature lovers and trekkers.
How to Reach: Yercaud is about 190 km away from Coimbatore. Regular buses ply between Coimbatore and Salem, from where one can take another bus or hire a taxi for the uphill journey to Yercaud.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 194 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Elk Falls Longwood Shola Trekking
Kotagiri, ensconced in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, is one of the state's oldest and lesser-explored hill stations, characterized by its pristine landscapes, sprawling tea estates, and invigorating climate. Its undulating terrains and thick shola forests make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
How to Reach: Kotagiri is around 65 km from Coimbatore. Direct buses are available, or one can opt for a taxi for a more comfortable journey.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 64 km
Best Time: December to May
Bellikkal, nestled in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, is a serene village celebrated for its untouched beauty and mesmerizing landscapes. This quaint destination offers panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats, lush forests, and tranquil waters, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.
How to Reach: Bellikkal is approximately 80 km from Coimbatore. The most convenient way to reach Bellikkal is by road, either by taking a bus towards Ooty and alighting at Kalhatti or hiring a direct taxi from Coimbatore.
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 97 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
Kodaikanal, often referred to as the "Princess of Hill Stations," is a picturesque town nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Boasting of a pleasant climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, it remains a favorite getaway for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind amid nature.
How to Reach: Kodaikanal is around 170 km from Coimbatore. While there are direct buses available, one can also opt to drive or hire a taxi for a scenic journey through the mountains.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 177 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Eravikulam National Park Mattupetty Dam Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Munnar, located in Kerala's Idukki district, is a picturesque hill station renowned for its sprawling tea gardens, aromatic spice plantations, and undulating terrains of the Western Ghats. With its cool climate, mesmerizing waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna, Munnar offers a rejuvenating retreat for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
How to Reach: Munnar is approximately 160 km from Coimbatore. The best way to reach is by road, with regular buses plying the route or by hiring a taxi for a scenic drive through the ghats.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 162 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities
BR Hills, or Biligiriranga Hills, situated in Karnataka, is a captivating hill range that acts as a bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats. Revered for its rich biodiversity, it's home to the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a diverse array of flora and fauna, including elephants and tigers.
How to Reach: BR Hills is around 300 km from Coimbatore. The most convenient way to reach is by road, which takes approximately 6-7 hours via NH948. While direct buses are scarce, one can travel to Mysore or Chamarajanagar by bus and then proceed to BR Hills by another bus or taxi.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 177 km
Best Time: April to October
Valparai, located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, is a pristine hill station ensconced in the Anamalai Hills, renowned for its lush tea plantations, dense forests, and rich biodiversity. The serene landscapes, dotted with waterfalls and viewpoints, make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
How to Reach: Valparai is approximately 105 km from Coimbatore. The best way to reach is by road, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Coimbatore-Pollachi-Valparai road. Regular buses ply this route, and taxis are also readily available.
Ideal Duration: A 2 to 3-day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 113 km
Known For : Hill View Park Idukki Arch Dam Kulamavu Dam
Idukki, situated in Kerala, is a picturesque district renowned for its rugged hills, dense forests, and the iconic Idukki Arch Dam. With attractions ranging from spice plantations to wildlife sanctuaries, it embodies the essence of the Western Ghats' natural beauty.
How to Reach: Idukki is around 240 km from Coimbatore. The most recommended way to reach is by road, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, traversing through the scenic landscapes of Kerala. While direct buses may be limited, one can drive or hire a taxi for the journey.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 279 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Madumalai National Park The Jungle Safari Theppakadu Elephant Camp
Mudumalai, located in Tamil Nadu, is a wildlife sanctuary and national park celebrated for its rich biodiversity, forming a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is a mosaic of dense forests, swamps, and grasslands, housing numerous endangered species, including tigers, leopards, and Indian elephants.
How to Reach: Mudumalai is approximately 115 km from Coimbatore. The best way to reach is by road, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Regular buses ply this route, and taxis are also readily available.
Ideal Duration: A 2 to 3-day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 123 km
Best Time: December to June
Known For : Devi Lake Pallivasal Falls Thoovanam Falls
Devikulam is a quaint hill station in Kerala known for its verdant tea plantations, picturesque landscapes, and the pristine Sita Devi Lake, believed to have medicinal properties. Its serene ambiance and cool climate make it a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling city life.
How to Reach: Devikulam is around 160 km from Coimbatore. The most convenient way to reach is by road, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Buses to Munnar from Coimbatore can be taken, followed by a short taxi ride to Devikulam.
Ideal Duration: A 2-day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 186 km
Best Time: November to May
Known For : Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembara peak Soochipara Falls
Vythiri, set in Kerala's Wayanad district, is a mesmerizing hill station characterized by dense forests, sparkling streams, and expansive spice plantations. Renowned for its eco-tourism initiatives, it provides a serene backdrop for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
How to Reach: Vythiri is approximately 200 km from Coimbatore. The best route by road takes around 5 to 6 hours, traversing through the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats. Direct buses are available, or one can opt for a taxi for a more comfortable journey.
Ideal Duration: A 3-day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 212 km
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak
Wayanad, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a verdant district known for its lush forests, ancient caves, picturesque waterfalls, and rich tribal heritage. An epitome of nature's beauty, Wayanad offers an enticing blend of nature, history, and culture.
How to Reach : Wayanad is about 250 km from Coimbatore. The drive, taking roughly 6 hours, offers picturesque views of the Western Ghats. Direct buses are available, and one can also opt for a taxi for the journey.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 199 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Chikmagalur, located in Karnataka, is often dubbed the 'Coffee Land of India', boasting verdant hills adorned with coffee plantations, ancient temples, and cascading waterfalls. This scenic town offers a blend of nature, history, and adventure, captivating the hearts of travelers.
How to Reach: Chikmagalur is roughly 410 km from Coimbatore. The journey, predominantly by road, takes around 8-9 hours. While there aren't many direct buses, one can drive or hire a taxi for a scenic route through the Western Ghats.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Distance from Coimbatore: 370 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Gingee Fort Sathanur Dam Annamalaiyar Temple
Thiruvannamalai, situated in Tamil Nadu, is a revered pilgrimage town, famed for the Annamalaiyar Temple and the spiritual allure of Arunachala Hill, believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Besides its spiritual significance, the town also offers insights into Tamil architecture and traditions, attracting both pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
How to Reach: Thiruvannamalai is approximately 370 km from Coimbatore. By road, the journey takes around 7-8 hours. There are direct buses available, or one can opt for a train till Vellore and then take a short drive to Thiruvannamalai.
Ideal Duration: 2 days trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 329 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, in Karnataka is a verdant paradise known for its sprawling coffee estates, misty landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This "Scotland of India" offers an enchanting escape with its cascading waterfalls, ancient temples, and diverse wildlife.
How to Reach: Coorg is about 380 km from Coimbatore. The most convenient way to reach is by road, which takes around 7-8 hours. While there are no direct buses, one can drive or hire a taxi to navigate the picturesque journey.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 316 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Hoysala Temples at Mosale Shettihalli Church Bhagwan Bahubali Statue
Hassan, located in Karnataka, serves as a base for exploring historical and architectural wonders, particularly renowned for its proximity to the temples of Belur and Halebidu. This town is a blend of ancient Hoysala craftsmanship and serene landscapes, drawing history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
How to Reach : Hassan is approximately 325 km from Coimbatore. By road, the journey takes around 6-7 hours. Direct buses are available, and one can also opt to drive or hire a taxi for the journey.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 323 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls
Yelagiri, nestled in Tamil Nadu, is a tranquil hill station characterized by its verdant valleys, orchards, and rose gardens. With its serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and winding roads, Yelagiri offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of urban life.
How to Reach : Yelagiri is about 370 km from Coimbatore. The road journey takes roughly 6-7 hours. There are no direct buses, so the best option is to drive or hire a taxi.
Ideal Duration: 2 day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 339 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe
Shimoga, now known as Shivamogga, located in Karnataka, is a vibrant city rich in cultural heritage and surrounded by lush paddy fields, dense forests, and captivating waterfalls. Often dubbed the "Rice Bowl of Karnataka", this city is a gateway to several other tourist destinations including Jog Falls and the Agumbe Rainforest.
How to Reach: Shimoga is approximately 450 km from Coimbatore. The journey by road takes around 8-9 hours. Though direct buses might be limited, one can opt to drive or hire a taxi for a scenic journey through the Western Ghats.
Ideal Duration: 3-4 day trip
Distance from Coimbatore: 443 km
Best Time: July to December
Which of these hill stations near Coimbatore do you want to visit? Let us know in the comments below!