Coimbatore district

	Situated 70 kms away from Coimbatore city, the sanctuary's dense vegetation and favourable climate attract a variety of wild animals like Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Deer, Snakes, and birds. Elephant rides are a major draw. Dormitory and hotel accommodation are available within the sanctuary.
Udhagamandalam, Ooty (90 km, 4 hrs journey from Coimbatore)
	Popularly known as Ooty, Udhamandalam was the summer capital of the British rulers in India. The misty blue haze of Nilgiris and the fragrant rain forests lure millions of tourists to Ooty every year. Situated at an altitude of 2268 metres above sea level, it was discovered in the early 18th Century. Snooker is said to have originated on the billiards table of the Ooty Club by an army officer - Neville Chamberlain. The botanical gardens established by the Marquis of Tweeddale in 1847, continues to be a major attraction. The Ooty flower show and the dog show are popular events held annually. Trout fishing is a popular sport at Avalanche, 24 kms away from Ooty. Accommodation is available in various categories from 5 star to budget hotels and dormitories.
Coonoor & Kotagiri (Both 70 km, 3 hrs from Coimbatore)
	The smaller hill resorts adjoining Ooty have the same dewy fresh mornings and breezy calm evenings of Ooty. Some of the sites of interest are: Law's Falls - It is situated in the ghats of the Coonoor forest range. The height of the falls is about 180 feet. St. Catherine Falls - Located 8 Km from Coonoor. These falls are breathtakingly beautiful. Sim's Park - This park-cum-botanical gardens contains many species of trees not found in Ooty.
Kodaikanal (138 kms, 5 hrs journey from Coimbatore)
	At the southern tip of the Palani Hills, lies Kodaikanal. Dense greenery, crystal clear springs, water falls and misty cool air - Kodai is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. The hill sides abound with the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years. For orchid lovers, there is an orchidorium 6 kms away, having more than 300 varieties of orchids.The Bear shola falls, Silver cascade, Kodai lake, Bryant park, Coaker's Walk & Kukkai cave are some of the other places worth visiting.
Top Slip (100 Kms, 4 hrs from Coimbatore)
A picturesque locale in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 40 Kms. from Pollachi (about 80 Kms from Coimbatore). There are bungalows available within the sanctuary. For thrill seekers, accommodation is also available in a tree house.
Parambikulam-Aliyar (60 kms, 1 � hrs from Coimbatore)
The project consists of a series of dams interconnected by tunnels and canals for harnessing the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Thekkadi and Palar rivers, lying at various elevations, for irrigation and power generation. The scheme is an outstanding example of engineering skill. It is located in Anamalai range and is ideal for picnics. Overnight stay is possible in forest rest houses. A tree-top house provides accomodation for the adventurous.
Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (70 kms, 2 hrs from Coimbatore)
	This sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the western ghats near Pollachi. It has various kinds of exotic fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, pangolin, black headed oriole, green pigeon and civet cat. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karain Shola, Anaikunthi Shola, Grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs. Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the Sanctuary on elephant back or by van.
The Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam (40 kms, 1 hour from Coimbatore)
This Waterfalls and the Dam are about an hour's drive from Coimbatore. The water of Siruvani is known for its taste. Siruvani Waterfalls, about 40 kms west of the city is noted for it's captivating beauty and the sweetness of it's water.The panoramic view of the dam and the falls are of enchanting beauty.
Black Thunder (40 kms, 1 � hrs from Coimbatore)
A new attraction: Black Thunder, a world class water sports and amusement park has been put up on Mettupalayam Road, near Kallar, about 1 � hours drive from the city.
Kovai Kondattam (25 kms, 40 minutes from City)
A water sports and amusement park

Places of Worship

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There are a large number of temples and places of woship in and around Coimbatore. Maruthamalai temple, Perur Temple, Poondi Temple, Eechanari Temple, Jain Temple, Athar Jamad, Christ Church are some of the popular ones.
Perur Temple (7 kms, 30 minutes from Coimbatore)
	Of the many temples in Coimbatore, the Perur Patteeswara Swamy temple is the most popular temple in the city. Built by the King Karikala Cholan, this temple is situated 7 kms west of Coimbatore near river Noyyal. The presiding deity is Shiva and the 'Swayambu Lingam' is the idol worshipped here. This sanctum is the joint effort of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers during their reign. The greatest attraction of the temple is the 'Kanaka Saba' or the golden hall which is adorned by a gold plated statue of Nataraja bestowing blessings upon the two sages - Gowmuni and Pattimuni. The gopurams and pillars of the hall are exquisitely carved out sculptures highlighting Dravidian architecture.The significance of Perur temple in earlier days are unfolded in the poetic creations of Arunagiri Nather and Kachiappa Munivar. Pilgrims from all over visit this spot to pay homage to their ancestors. It is believed that the mortal remains of the dead turn into white stones after about 144 days.
Maruthamalai Temple (12 kms, 30 minutes from Coimbatore)
About 12 Kilometers away from Coimbatore Railway Station is the Marudhamalai temple of Lord Muruga. As the name suggests, the temple is situated on a hillock and the presiding deity is called Dhandayuthapani. The celebrations of this temple are ' Thaipoosam' and ' Thirukarthigai ' in January and February. Pollachi, an important commercial centre about 40 Kms away from Coimbatore, is famous for it's Mariyamman and Subramanya temples.The South Banaras or Avanashi Temple is the biggest temple in the district famous for it's exquisite carvings & sculptures.
Sri Mahalakshmi Mandir (12 kms, 30 minutes from Coimbatore)
	A Mandir for 'SRI MAHALAKSHMI' alongwith 'SRI DURGA' and 'SRI SARASWATHI' on either side, as in MUMBAI, in plinth area of about 13,000 Sq.ft. in a spacious one Acre of land near the famous EACHANARI VIGNESH TEMPLE of Coimbatore
Palani Temple (90 kms, 2 � hrs from Coimbatore)
	This world renowned ancient temple of Lord Muruga is situated at the foot of Kodaikannal Hills of the western ghat. Lord Murugan is the deity of the Tamil Land. Palani (Tiru Avinankudi) is the third Padai Veedu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. It is a charming campus from where one can take a look at the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the Western Ghats, the greenery of the paddy fields, rivers, tanks, Palani town and the colleges. On a lovely, clear and mist-free day, the Kurinci Andavar Temple is visible from here against the bright sun. In daytime, Palani is Hill Beautiful; at night, it is Hill Resplendent. For more information visit the website: Palani Temple
Guruvayur Temple (90 kms, 2 � hrs from Coimbatore)
	This well known pilgrim centre houses the temple of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan (Krishna) and is situated near the coast of Arabian Sea in Kerala. The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA. For more information visit the website: Guruvayur Temple
Thirumurthy Temple (90 kms, 3 � hrs from Coimbatore)
It is situated at the foot of Thirumurthy Hills adjoining the Thirumurthy Dam. This is about 20 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. A perennial stream flows by the side of the Amalingeswarar temple and near by there is a water fall. The Crocodile Farm at Amaravathy Dam is nearby. This place is being developed as District Excursion Centre.
Balaji Temple, Valparai (90 kms, 4 hrs from Coimbatore)
Located in the mountains amidst TATA Tea Plantations and Estate beautifully built Balaji temple like Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.

Local Entertainment

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Though most of the tourist spots are located on the outskirts of Coimbatore, there are a number of places worth visiting within the city. The V.O. Chidambaram Park maintained by the city has a mini zoo and a children's amusement park. The Nehru Stadium near the park, hosts a number of football tournaments and athletic meets. For rollerskating enthusiasts, there is also a rink opposite the stadium. The swimming pools in the city are mostly attached to hotels. There are a large number of movie halls within the city. For museum buffs, the Forest College Museum will prove interesting. The City museum is located on Mettupalayam Road. There are plenty of recreation clubs such as the Coimbatore Golf Club, The Cosmopolitan Club, The Coimbatore Club and The Coimbatore Flying Club. Motor racing is a passion for most Coimbatoreans. The Coimbatore Auto Sports Club hosts a number of rallies every year. A permanent industrial exhibition organised in memory of the late industrialist and visionary Mr. G.D.Naidu attracts visitors from all over.