Nature lover's 2-Day itinerary in Tamil Nadu

  1. Day 1: Marudamalai Temple, Coimbatore
    30 minutes (11.6 km) from Coimbatore International Airport

    Start your nature trip with a visit to the stunning Marudamalai Temple, one of the most popular Hindu shrines in Tamil Nadu. Located on a hill, the temple offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills, forests, and the city of Coimbatore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is surrounded by lush green forests, which are home to a variety of rare birds and animals. Visitors can take a short trek to the top of the hill to enjoy the stunning views, or simply relax in the tranquility of the temple gardens.

  2. Day 1: Annamalai National Park, Pollachi
    1 hour 25 minutes (48.8 km) from Marudamalai Temple

    Next on your nature itinerary is the Annamalai National Park in Pollachi. This park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, spotted deer, and many bird species. Visitors can take a guided safari tour through the park to spot the wildlife and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. The park also has many trekking trails, which offer stunning views of the hills and valleys.

  3. Day 2: Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty
    3 hours (110 km) from Annamalai National Park

    On Day 2, head to the beautiful hill station of Ooty to visit the Ooty Botanical Gardens, one of the most scenic botanical gardens in India. The garden is spread over 55 acres and is home to a variety of exotic plants, trees, and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, enjoying the beauty of nature and the stunning views of the surrounding hills. The park also has a fossil tree trunk, which is said to be over 20 million years old.

  4. Day 2: Doddabetta Peak, Ooty
    20 minutes (8.5 km) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

    End your nature trip with a visit to the Doddabetta Peak, which is the highest peak in the Nilgiri mountain range. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and on a clear day, one can even see the Coimbatore plains from the top. Visitors can take a short trek to the peak, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the viewpoint.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Marudamalai Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Annamalai National Park (3-4 hours, INR 20 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners)
  • Ooty Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, INR 30 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners)
  • Doddabetta Peak (1-2 hours, INR 10 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 60-260

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other nature destinations in Tamil Nadu, such as Mudumalai Sanctuary, Palani Hills, or Yercaud. If you have less time, you can skip the Ooty Botanical Gardens and spend more time at the Annamalai National Park or Marudamalai Temple. Don't forget to carry comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent for your nature trip.

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