1. Marudamalai temple
Coimbatore is famous for the many temples that dot its landscape and one of the standout ones is Marudamalai – built way back in the 12th century. The temple, which is atop a 180m granite hill, has been built to revere the Hindu God, Lord Murugan. Legend has it the water bodies around the temple had medicinal properties. Fancy a dip?
Other temples worth checking out when you’re in Coimbatore include Dhyanlinga, Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy, Eachanari Vinayagar, Sri Naga Sai, and Vellingiri.
2. Isha Yoga Centre
When peace is what your soul seeks, head to this sanctuary of solitude that, thanks to the efforts of its volunteers, maintains absolute serenity and quietness even when swarming with visitors. Recently the site was in the news for the construction of the 112 feet tall ‘Adiyogi’ statue of Lord Shiva – which also made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records.
3. Kovai Kutralam Falls
Situated around 40km from the city in a thick forest lie these scenic, gushing waterfalls, the water in which is – we’re warning you – numbingly cold. A good idea in the summer to cool yourself in a mega way but not so much in the winters, where temperatures do plummet, owing to Coimbatore’s proximity to the hill station, Ooty. Do note that the forest department doesn’t allow visitors to the falls after 5pm due to safety concerns. So do reach here well in time. Monkey Falls is another one that is well worth a dekko.
4. Gedee Car Museum
The brainchild of eminent industrialist and philanthropist, the late G.D Naidu, this museum was conceived to showcase the history of cars and the myriad innovations in technology that have occurred over the last century. Car owners are in for a real treat here, since the collection and level of detailing is staggering. From Benz Motorwagen, the world’s first automobile, to the initial version of the world’s most loved car, the VW Beetle, this museum covers it all. For a car buff, and for the curious among us in general, this is actually a lesson in automobile restoration (it’s flawless!). A visit here is highly recommended for everyone – solo travellers and families. While we’re on the topic of cars, also check out the Kari Motor Speedway, a Formula 3 auto racing circuit, located in Chettipalayam.
5. Ooty
You can’t come all the way to Coimbatore and not see the gorgeous hill station of Ooty. It’s just 80km from the city, and offers a stunning natural environment and an abundance of oxygen that’s sure to rewire those brain cells. Ooty has a predictable climate, with summers between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius, and winters going down to around 5-12 degrees. The best things to do in Ooty include Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Pykara Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, and M&N chocolate museum.
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_Photo credit for cover: globetrotter_rodrigo_
