Coimbatore is one of the most important cities of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Koval, it is perched on the banks of River Noyyal. The city is beautiful through most seasons, especially winters and monsoons. But the locals do get too hot through its scorching summers. And of course, there is just so much you can do in a city where you have lived a long time. Hence planning weekend getaways from Coimbatore is the best way to set out for a short while and explore the valleys, waterfalls, towns and meadows around the city. Here’s our list for you!

Ooty, 84 km from Coimbatore, is the queen of southern hill stations. With its mystic blue mountains and thick dark forests, Ooty was once the headquarters of the British East India Company. Today it is a renowned hill station destination and best visited for the Nilgiri hills and tea estates, Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Lake, St. Stephens Church, Avalanche Lake, Glenmorgan Tea Estate, Toda and Government Rose Gardens. A long weekend is what you need to enjoy Ooty to its fullest.

The perfect little getaway for a scorching summer weekend, Coonoor invites you into its charming hills peppered with British colonial township and cute heritage bungalows. Where tea estates abound and factories produce fruit cakes, where cafes sell European food and you can buy fresh fruits and handmade soaps. When in Coonoor, do not forget to visit the Highfield Tea Factory, Catherine Falls, St. George’s Church and Hidden Valley. Coonoor is around 68 km from Coimbatore and best visited between the months of October and March.

Munnar has been synonymous with tea gardens for ages now. The lushness of this town is unparalleled. Even if you just drive upto Munnar, live in a resort with a great view of the tea estates and enjoy two days closed in, you would have still had the time of your life! Such is the charm of this place. In case you are interested in getting out of your room, do visit the Echo Point, Atukkad Waterfalls and Munnar photo point. Since most of the town is a protected area, you will find endangered species — Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Thar here. Munnar is 159 km from Coimbatore and ideal for winter as well as summer. Not monsoon.

Known for the Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad is a quaint little town that boasts of backwaters as well as hills. Even though it is situated on a low pass of the Western Ghats, it has one of the best weathers around. With its paddy fields and palmyras, Parambilakulam Tiger Reserve and Palakkad Fort, this town is best for an adventurous weekend away from Coimbatore. And the best part? It is only 52 km from Coimbatore.

Nelliyampathy is a misty hill town that has some of the most aromatic coffee plantations around. Located 104 km from Coimbatore, Nelliyampathy is located in the middle of a chain of mountains, beckoning you through both summer as well as winter season. When here, visit Nenmara Vallanghy Vela, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Nelliyampathy Hills.

Tamil Nadu’s famous honeymoon destination — Kodaikanal is perfect for couples looking to go away for the weekend from Coimbatore. It is around 175 km away and best for summers. The climate, the misty mountains, the clouds hovering over lakes and valleys — they all beckon you into their fold. Drive into the Palani Hills and enjoy the ‘gift of the forests,’ which is the literal translation of Kodaikanal. Places to visit here include the Kodai Lake, Green Valley View or Suicide Point, Bear Shola Falls etc.

Mudumalai is famous for the Mudumalai National Park, which is part of the greater Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is 150 km from Coimbatore and perfect for those who are already in love with Nilgiris. Animals species here range from rare to endangered; including those like Indian leopards, jungle cats, Bengal tigers and leopard cats. You can visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp and enjoy a jungle safari at the park.

One of the prettiest towns of Kerala, Wayanad is like a serpent of road winding through lush green mountains; developed and yet so raw that it looks part of nature. With its dams and waterfalls and forested hills, this place is perfect if you want to take a meditative weekend off. Wayanad is located 200 km away from Coimbatore and must be visited at least once. Some of the most coveted tourist places around here include Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Kuruvadweep, Edakkal Caves and Soochipura Falls.

195 km from Coimbatore lies the city of Mysore. A city of palaces. A city of temples. Of royal architecture and silk saris, of yoga and chandan. Perched in the foothills of Chamundi Hills, Mysore should be visited if you want to enjoy some cultural extravaganza with your family and friends. Visit the Brindavan Gardens, pray at Somanathapura Temple and of course, explore the grand Mysore Palace with its intricate chambers and courts. The Indo-Saracenic architecture of this palace stands out like a lit beacon. Also, make sure you shop from the Devaraja Market — known for centuries for its silk, spices and sandalwood.

Seashores and beaches, lighthouses and fishermen throwing nets early morning to catch fish — that’s the vibe of Kochi. It used be one of the most prominent trading ports during the British Raj, but later lost its shine as other more convenient ports like Bombay and Madras developed. Also called Cochin, this city is the queen of Arabian. Some of the prominent places to check out here are Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Cherai Beach. Kochi is around 187 km from Coimbatore.

A hill station township in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is just perfectly suited for those who like a good green hill holiday. With its usual charm of caves and waterfalls, British houses and paradise-like coffee plantations, Yercaud mesmerises at first site. A drive of 193 km from Coimbatore leads you to this town and you can spend a long weekend here enjoying the Shivaroy Hills. Places to visit here are Killiyur Falls, Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat, Bear’s Cave and Karadiyoor Viewpoint.