Coimbatore — Gateway to Western Ghats

Surrounded by hills and forests, Coimbatore is perfectly placed for weekend escapes. Here are 10 destinations within a 5-hour drive.

1. Ooty (90 km, 2.5 hours)

The Queen of Hill Stations. Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Best months: April-June, Sept-Nov. Stay at: Sterling Ooty Elk Hill, Welcome Heritage Sherlock.

2. Coonoor (75 km, 2 hours)

Quieter alternative to Ooty. Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose. Stay at colonial bungalows like Acres Wild and 180° McIver.

3. Munnar, Kerala (160 km, 4 hours)

Tea plantation paradise. Top Station, Eravikulam National Park (home of Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam. Best months: Sept-March. Stay: Tea County, Spice Tree.

4. Valparai (105 km, 3 hours)

Off-beat hill station. Sloth Bear Resort, Aliyar Dam, tea estates. Wildlife sightings — elephants, lion-tailed macaque. Limited hotels — book in advance.

5. Athirappilly Falls, Kerala (160 km, 4 hours)

India's Niagara. 80-foot waterfall, lush surroundings. Combine with a stay in Vazhachal forest. Best in monsoon (June-Sept).

6. Mudumalai National Park (110 km, 3 hours)

Tiger reserve adjacent to Bandipur. Jeep safaris (book via TN forest dept), elephant sightings, sloth bears. Stay: Jungle Hut, Bamboo Banks.

7. Pollachi (45 km, 1 hour)

Coconut country. Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls, Topslip elephant camp. Filming location for many Tamil movies.

8. Kodaikanal (170 km, 4.5 hours)

Princess of Hill Stations. Kodai Lake, Coaker's Walk, Pillar Rocks. Cooler than Ooty. Stay: The Tamara, Carlton.

9. Bandipur National Park (170 km, 4 hours)

Karnataka's most famous tiger reserve. Combine with Mudumalai for a wildlife weekend. Stay at Bandipur Safari Lodge or JLR Bandipur.

10. Wayanad, Kerala (200 km, 5 hours)

Misty hills, coffee plantations, Edakkal caves, Banasura Sagar Dam. Stay: Vythiri Resort, Banasura Hill Resort.

Tips for Weekend Trips