Explore These 5 Lesser-Known Hill Stations Close To Coimbatore

Coimbatore, a city with a colorful history is located in Tamil Nadu and is well known for being the textile manufactory and also has many other nice climate. Instead of visiting the famous hill stations Ooty or Kodaikanal, some under-rated hill stations in close proximity offer serenity, incredible bio-diversity and quiet, away from crowds for travellers seeking solitude in the outdoors.

Coimbatore is a lively city in Tamil Nadu famous for its textile sector, pleasant weather, and closeness to nature. While some well known hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal grab most of the attention, there are many underrated hill stations that surround Coimbatore which are calm and peaceful and have rich flora and fauna along with an opportunity to escape from the madding city life. Here's one closer look at five underrated hill stations close to Coimbatore. Moreover, these places are perfect for travelers who want to steer clear from the swarming crowds.

1. Valparai

Located approximately 100 kilometers from Coimbatore lies Valparai, a breathtaking hill station in the Anamalai Hills. Its most striking feature is its sprawling tea estates. Valparai is endowed with misty mornings and quaint hills alongside regions of greenery. Travelers can enjoy stunning sights of rolling hills covered in emerald foliage. Those who love wildlife can visit the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary a little further away, home to elephants, tigers, leopards and various bird species. Alos, the beautiful Aliyar dam and reservoir add to the charm of the destination making it ideal for those who enjoy picnics and boating. For people who are looking for solace absorbing nature, Valplarai's calm atmosphere makes it the perfect getaway.

2. Topslip

Topslip is approximately 90 kilometers from Coimbatore, and it lies inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. This place is known for tourism because its wildlife is rich with different species and rare Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, gaur, Malabar giant squirrels can also be found there. Here, visitors can indulge in jungle safaris, trekking, and bird flying. The Topslip watchtower has stunning views of the surrounding forests covering the entire space. At the interpretation center, attendees learn about different measures taken for conservation. The holistic beauty combined with untouched nature makes Topslip stand out to anyone who is truly looking to experience nature.

3. Siruvani Falls and Dam

Waterfalls Siruvani, which can be found more or less 40 km west of Coimbatore, are some of the most picturesque locations around this town. The falls are fed by the Siruvani River and are surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrains. During the monsoon season, large quantities of water pour down with force, proving to be a glorious sight. Close to the falls, the Siruvani Dam is built which provides water supply to Coimbatore. The entire waterfall is best viewed while trekking through the forest, which involves a sizable degree of adrenaline, and may even attract some visitors. Take into account that access may be limited during certain months for safety reasons or maintenance work.

4. Karamadai

Karamadai is a small village about 35 kilometers from Coimbatore. The village sits on the bank of the Bhavani River and is home to the prized Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Western gaze of the Ghats. The Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple also sits here, bringing in devotees throughout the year. For those craving some adventure, there are trekking sites and camping spots available too. Karamadai is a charming destination for weekend getaways thanks to its beautifully quaint countryside and peaceful atmosphere.

5. Chettithangal

Chettithangal is a small yet charming village set 70 kilometers from Coimbatore. The region is richly endowed with traditional rural life and agrarian culture of Tamil Nadu. With coconut plantations, paddy fields, and little streams everywhere, this area has great scope for capturing photographs and relaxing. Visitors can directly interact with the locals, understand their way of life, and enjoy authentic South Indian foods. Chettithangal is a great place to relax and unwind, especially for those yearning to escape the concrete jungle of cities.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to the strategic positioning of Coimbatore within the Western Ghats, a treasure trove of undiscovered spectacular sights just waiting to be uncovered is shot for the taking. From the broad acres of tea plantations in Valparai to the magnificent Siruvani Falls, each place offers something special. Traveling off the beaten path can reveal the true appeal of the landscape and nature that Tamil Nadu has to offer. So grab your luggage and hit the road to these lesser-known hill stations. You may just find a hidden paradise.