Mettupalayam, a place renowned for its tourist spots, is a municipality town located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. When you travel from Coimbatore city to Ooty, Mettupalayam comes on the way, in the foothills of Nilgiri hills.

Mettupalayam holds the distinction of being the second-largest town in the Coimbatore district. Now, one of the exciting aspects of Mettupalayam. If you are someone who enjoys train journeys to bits.

You would be delighted to know that Mettupalayam Railway Station is the only railway station that still runs a steam engine train on the Mettupalayam – Ooty route.

Things To Do/ Places To Visit

As a tourist traveler, you would be enthusiastic to find out the popular tourist spots and activities to do in Mettupalayam. You can book a taxi from the railway station to your destination. Here is the list of the top 10 things to do/ places to visit in Mettupalayam.

1. Coonoor Hills

Coonoor hills is a calm and quiet hill station famous for its scenic beauty. Sim’s Park is one of the major attractions for tourists who visit Coonoor. The beautiful sight of different species of birds such as bulbuls, babblers, robins, etc. is beyond words.

The second largest hill station in Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is a location preferred by trekking enthusiasts. It is indeed an amazing experience to trek on Lamb’s rock which is situated 9 Km from Coonoor.

The other attractions of Coonoor hills include Lady Canning’s Seat and Dolphin’s Nose. Every year, coffee and fruit and vegetable festivals happen in Coonoor that are visited by tourists in huge numbers.

2. Athar Jamad Masjid

One of the biggest and oldest mosques in Coimbatore, Athar Jamad Masjid is located at Oppanakara Street. It is also known by the name The Big Mosque and has the capacity to accommodate around 2000 worshippers during the Friday prayers.

Built by a person named Athar, a perfume merchant, Athar Jamad Masjid’s structure is constructed using limestone and mortar and polished with egg white. The facade would grab anybody’s attention with its cusped arches.

The other aspects worth mentioning include a covered ablution pond and the small library.  A Sufi dargah, belonging to Pir Jamesha Waliullah, is also situated near the mosque.

3. St. Stephen’s Church

The St. Stephen’s Church, built during the 19th century, is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris district. The foundation of this church was laid on 23rd April 1829 and the unique aspect is that this date coincides with the birthday of King George IV.

The gigantic main beam and the wooden materials used in its construction were taken from Tipu Sultan’s palace at Srirangapatna. The highlights of this church include a painting portraying the Last Supper, and stained glass windows.

That takes viewers through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Mary with baby Jesus in her arms.

4. Ooty

While visiting Mettupalayam, Ooty is one of the must-visit destinations, just at a distance of 54 Km. Famous for its cool climate around the year, Ooty is popularly known as the Queen of Hill Stations.

The major tourist attractions in Ooty include the Government Rose Garden which is the largest rose garden in the country, the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens spread over an area of 22 acres, the Ooty lake with a boating facility for tourists, and the Ooty tea factory.

5. Black Thunder Water Theme Park

During the Mettupalayam trip, you just cannot afford to miss the Black thunder water theme park, the No.1 water theme park in Asia. Apart from enjoying the largest wave pool in India, your family.

Especially kids would love to experience a wide range of amazing water rides, adventurous dry rides, camel rides, boating, mud karting, video games, leisure hotel, a resort, and many other fun activities.

6. Pykara Waterfalls

Located on the Ooty-Mysore road, the Pykara river and waterfalls originate from the Mukurthi peak. It is hardly 20 Km from Ooty and the boat house and the restaurant facilities make it absolutely enjoyable for tourists.

Pykara lake has been declared a heritage site. The two beautiful waterfalls, one about fifty-five meters in height and the other one sixty-one meters will leave you spellbound for sure.

7. Nilgiri Mountain Railway Museum

Inaugurated in October 2015, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Museum takes you through the grand history of the rail service established during British rule. Some of the models worth exploring include locomotive number 37389.

A Swiss-made historic locomotive that was used for service back in 1925 and a prototype of the unique rack and pinion system track. In addition to that, there are some rare photographs on display that were taken at the time of construction of the track, way back in the 19th century.

It gives you a fair idea of the initial inaugural journeys and the route map before you start your journey.

8. Exotic Bird Park Kookyland

With the inauguration of Exotic Bird Park Kookeiland, a walk-in aviary, a concept that is quite popular in foreign countries has become a reality in India as well. The wonderful sight of 15 varieties of exotic birds and seven types of exotic rodents makes it definitely worth a visit.

The other species of birds include ball pythons, iguanas, ferrets, hedgehogs, and the bearded dragon. Situated on Mettupalayam-Coonoor Road, the Exotic Exotic Bird Park Kookeiland is open for visitors from 9 in the morning till dusk. They charge an entry fee of Rs. 100 here.

9. Arulmigu Karamadai Shri Ranganathar Swami Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God, Ranganathaswamy temple is located in Karamadai. This place is 23 km away from Coimbatore on the Coimbatore – Mettupalayam highway. Due to its location in Karamadai, the temple is also known as Karamadai temple.

The beautiful structure of the building is constructed using the Dravidian style of architecture. Spanning across an area of 1 acre, the temple is surrounded by granite walls. The beauty of the seven-tiered raja gopuram.

The Ardha mandapa and the shrine of Soundaravalli offer a fantastic view to their visitors. The famous festivals celebrated at this temple include the annual Brahmotsavam which lasts for 15 days, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Ramanuja Jayanti.

10. Needle Rock View Point

Needle rock viewpoint, also known as Oosi malai got its name due to the conical shape rock. In the Indian language of Tamil, Oosi means needle and malai means mountain. Needle rock view point is located in Gudalur, The Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.

The rock point offers its visitors a spectacular 360-degree view of the Nilgiris. The other sights worth mentioning include the beautiful view of the sunset from this point and the amazing views of grasslands at the Nilgiris.

A Journey full of surprises!

A glimpse of Nilgiri Mountain Railway train traversing through Coonoor-Mettupalayam stretch in Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/y2GlA3LN6i

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) August 29, 2022

How To Reach Mettupalayam?

The easiest and cheapest way to travel from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam is by bus. From Coimbatore, it will take a minimum time of 1 hour. There are 2 direct buses from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam.

On the other hand, if you prefer to travel by train, there is Nilagiri Express, an express train from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam. Traveling by this train takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The train arrives at Coimbatore junction at 5 am and reaches Mettupalayam by 6:15 am.

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