When I told my mom I am writing a blog on Coimbatore, her first reaction was, “On textiles?” When I said no, she assumed with confidence “Aaah! Educational institutions! I see.” Well, who can blame her? For many in her generation, the word Coimbatore means two things – clothes and colleges. If you live in the southern part of India, you most likely have a cousin or a friend who is doing an engineering course in Coimbatore. And almost every family has that proverbial uncle who went all the way to Coimbatore, that too with his entire family, to shop for wedding clothes. If you too, like my mom, think that finding tourist places to visit near Coimbatore is as difficult as making Sheldon Cooper give up his favorite spot, here’s news for you. The city has everything to make a lasting impression on the minds of travelers.
Tracing its existence to before the second century, this city in Tamil Nadu effortlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present. Also known as Kovai, it ticks the boxes for everything that your heart may desire for a great holiday experience. If you are planning a trip to Coimbatore on your next long weekend, do not miss out on visiting these 20 incredible tourist places in and around the city.
Tourist Places in Coimbatore:
| Gass Forest Museum | RS Puram |
| VOC Park and Zoo | Gopalapuram |
| Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake | Highways Colony |
| TNAU Botanical Gardens | Pappanaicken Pudur |
| GeDee Car Museum | Avinashi Road |
| Perur Pateeswarar Temple | Perur |
| Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum | Avinashi Road |
| Infant Jesus Church | Thirupathi Nagar |
| Kovai Kondattam | Kalampalayam |
| Eachanari Vinayagar Temple | Eachanari |
| Marudhamalai Temple | Marudhamalai |
1. Gass Forest Museum, Coimbatore
Gass Forest Museum | # 1 of the 15 best Tourist places in Coimbatore
The Gass Forest Museum holds a special attraction in Coimbatore for tourists of all ages. Once inside the museum, you will come across a number of stuffed animals and birds, such as gaur, leopard, peacock, chinkara, etc. Located within the campus of the Forest College, this natural history museum is a one-of-its-kind destination that you mustn’t miss visiting.
- Location: RS Puram, Coimbatore
- Timings: 09.00 am to 01.00 pm and 02.00 pm to 05.30 pm
- Entry Fee:
Adults – ₹ 10 per person
Children – ₹ 5 per person
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2. VOC Park and Zoo, Coimbatore
VOC Park and Zoo | # 2 of the 15 best Tourist places in Coimbatore
When you take a count of tourist destinations in Coimbatore that holds an equal attraction for people of all age groups, the VOC Park and Zoo is on the top of the list. It is a nature park that features a zoo having 900 animals. More than 100 mammals, 300 birds, and about 50 reptiles call this place their home and enthrall visitors.
- Location: Gopalapuram, Coimbatore
- Timings:
04.00 am to 07.30 pm; Monday to Saturday
10.00 am to 07.30 pm; Sunday and public holidays - Entry Fee:
Adults – ₹ 3 per person
Children – ₹ 2 per person
3. Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake, Coimbatore
Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake | # 3 of the 15 best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Fancy witnessing the sunset with your partner beside a serene lake, even as flocks of birds head towards their nests? Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake offers you such an experience that you will cherish in this life and the next. For a nature enthusiast, the place offers a fine opportunity to spot a variety of birds like purple moorhen, little grebes, etc. Don’t forget to take your camera; you don’t get to see such a picturesque place every other day.
- Location: Highways Colony, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore
- Timings: No specific timings
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
4. TNAU Botanical Gardens, Coimbatore
TNAU Botanical Gardens | # 4 of the 15 best Tourist places in Coimbatore
If you are a nature enthusiast, you will definitely love visiting the TNAU Botanical Garden. This huge garden is situated within the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) Campus and features an astounding variety of trees and plants. The Covai Flower Show that is hosted in the campus in January every year is a great draw for the people.
- Location: Pappanaicken Pudur, Lawley Road, Coimbatore
- Timings: 08.00 am to 11.30 am and 02.00 pm to 04.30 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 per person
5. GeDee Car Museum, Coimbatore
GeDee Car Museum | # 5 of the 15 best Tourist places in Coimbatore
One of the most interesting places to visit for car freaks in Coimbatore is the GeDee Car Museum. This exemplary car museum resulted from the efforts of GD Naidu, a visionary and an industrialist. You can have a look at various German, Japanese, Indian, British, American, and French cars that have been kept in excellent condition. The place also has a science museum that highlights the contributions of the legendary inventor and industrialist G.D. Naidu. You can even witness various famous electronic gadgetry and scientific inventions from the 1950s to date.
- Location: Avinashi Road, Coimbatore
- Timings:
09.00 am to 05.00 pm; Tuesday to Saturday
10.00 am to 06.00 pm; Sundays
Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays - Entry Fee:
Adults (individuals, above 13 years) – ₹ 50 per person
Adults (group of 20 or more) – ₹ 40 per person
Children (Individuals) – ₹ 20 per person
Children (group of 20 or more) – ₹ 15 per person
Children below 6 years – Free
6. Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Coimbatore
Perur Pateeswarar Temple | # 6 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Perur Pateeswarar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple that traces its origin to the reign of King Karikala Chola. This centuries-old temple boasts of an eye-catching architecture in the Dravidian style and is quite popular among the devotees and tourists alike. visit also
- Location: Perur, Coimbatore
- Timings: 07.30 am to 09.00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free entry
7. Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum, Coimbatore
As I already said, Coimbatore carries the moniker ‘Manchester of South India’ due to its textile industries and cotton production units? At Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery and Textile Museum, you will be able to have a glimpse of the growth of the textile industry in the city. It will be an interesting journey to discover how people progressed from spinning wheels to the new-age sewing machines.
- Location: Avinashi Road, Coimbatore
- Timings: 10.00 am to 06.00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20 per person
8. Infant Jesus Church, Coimbatore
Infant Jesus Church | # 8 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Set up in 1984, the Infant Jesus Church in Coimbatore is among the most visited churches in the city. The church attracts tourists due to its grand exterior and beautiful interior. Masses are held every week on Sundays and Thursdays.
- Location: Thirupathi Nagar, Coimbatore
- Timings: 06.30 am to 06.30 pm
- Entry Fee: Free entry
9. Kovai Kondattam, Coimbatore
Adventure and fun lovers out there, here’s good news for you. When you want to visit an amusement park and have a bash, Black Thunder is not your only option. For a short and sweet day trip, you can also visit Kovai Kondattam, a small amusement park packed with wonderful rides and water slides.
- Location: Kalampalayam, Coimbatore
- Timings: 10:30 am to 06:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee:
Adults – ₹ 600 per person
Children – ₹ 550 per person
10. Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Coimbatore
Eachanari Vinayagar Temple | # 10 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
The 16th century Eachanari Vinayagar Temple draws scores of devotees and tourists to its premises every day, thanks to its splendid architecture and serene ambiance. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the temple stands as a major spiritual landmark of the area and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city.
- Location: NH-209 Road, Eachanari, Coimbatore
- Timings: 05.00 am to 09.00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free entry
11. Marudhamalai Temple, Coimbatore
Marudhamalai Temple | # 11 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Nestled in a lush green milieu on the Western Ghats, Marudhamalai Temple is one of the most popular religious destinations in Coimbatore. Built in the 12th century, this hill temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan aka Subramanya and hence also known as Subramanya Swami Temple. It is believed that the two springs found on the hillock, namely Marudha Thirtam and Pambatti Sunai, contain medicinal properties and can cure many diseases.
- Location: Marudhamalai, Coimbatore
- Timings: 06.00 am to 08:30 pm
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
12. Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Coimbatore
Adiyogi Shiva Statue | # 12 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Situated in the Isha Yoga Complex in Coimbatore, Adiyogi has been recognised as the largest bust sculpture in the world by the Guinness World Records. This 112-feet tall steel statue of Lord Shiva is designed by the famous spiritual-cum-yoga guru, Jagadish Vasudev – better known as Sadhguru. Constructed to inspire and promote yoga, it represents 112 ways to attain inner well-being and self-transformation.
- Location: Isha Yoga Complex, Booluvampatti, Tamil Nadu
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
13. Nehru Park, Coimbatore
Nehru Park | # 13 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Nehru Park is among the most popular landmarks in Coimbatore. Featuring a massive statue of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, it is also known for its well-manicured gardens, jogging track, swings, and meditation and yoga spaces.
- Location: Trichy Rd, Sungam, Karunanidhi Nagar, Ramanathapuram
- Timings: 6 am to 10 am | 4 pm to 8 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
14. Sree Ayyappan Temple, Coimbatore
Sree Ayyappan Temple | # 14 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
Situated close to Coimbatore Railway Station, Sree Ayyappan Temple is a significant place to visit in Coimbatore. The temple has been built on the lines of the famous Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Not just the architecture but the method of performing pooja is also similar at both the shrines. The Ayyappa Temple is a pure delight for devotees, architecture lovers and history enthusiasts.
- Location: Chinnasamy Naidu Rd, Siddhapudur
- Timings: 5 am to 11 am | 5 pm to 9 pm
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
15. Masani Amman Temple, Coimbatore
Masani Amman Temple | # 15 of the 15 Best Tourist places in Coimbatore
A unique Amman Temple, Masani Amman Temple is constructed on a cremation ground and the presiding goddess is positioned in a sleeping position which is not found in any other Amman temple in India. It is believed that Masani Amman can cure any type of illness; hence, the shrine is visited by people in huge numbers. Other deities worshipped here include Mahamuniappan and Neethi Kal (stone of justice).
- Location: Annaimalai near Pollachi
- Timings: 6 am to 12 am | 4 pm to 8 pm
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Frequently Asked Questions About Coimbatore:
Q: When is the best time to visit Coimbatore?
A: It is best to visit Coimbatore during the winter season, i.e. between October and March when its neither too cold nor hot. Monsoon is also a good time to visit Coimbatore; however summers are best avoided as they can be quite hot and humid.
Q: What is the most convenient way to reach Coimbatore?
A: If you prefer air travel, you can take a direct flight to Coimbatore Airport from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, etc. Coimbatore Junction is also well-connected to most major Indian cities by trains. From other cities in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, the best way to reach Coimbatore is by KSRTC or private buses or cabs.
Q: Does Coimbatore have autos to travel within the city?
A: Yes. Auto rickshaws are readily available in the city but they can charge as per will. An alternative is to take public transport buses or call taxis to get around Coimbatore. You can also rent a car.
Q: Are there any good places to visit in Coimbatore at night?
A: There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs in Coimbatore if you wish to hang out at night. Z Bar, Bike and Barrel, Flames, Tease, The Cotton Bar, Latitude 11, WXYZ, Black Box and Pitstop are some good places to experience the lively nightlife of Coimbatore.
Q: What to shop for in Coimbatore?
A: Coimbatore is known for its textile industry. Hence when in the city, don't miss the shops along the Cross-Cut Road, RS Puram and Town Hall area selling Kanjivaram sarees and ethnic wear.
Q: Suggest some good places near Coimbatore for a one-day trip.
A: There are many good places to visit near Coimbatore within 100 km including Black Thunder Amusement Park, Velliangiri Mountains, Kovai Kutralam Falls, Topslip, Thoonakkadavu Lake and Monkey Falls. Hill stations like Coonoor, Kotagiri and Ooty are also great for short trips or weekend getaways from Coimbatore.
