Mettupalayam is famous for the Niligiri Mountain Railway, Black Thunder water park, and some notable temples such as Vanabathrakali temple and Sri Veerabhadhraswamy temple.
Mettupalayam is a small city in the vicinity of Coimbatore, known for being the point of begining of Nilgiri mountain range. It is located in the Tamil plains and borders Nilgiris to the north and is best known for its temple, waterfalls, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
If you are planning a trip to South India, then Mettupalaiyam is the destination. To help you out with your itinerary, here I am providing you with basic information about Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu, major attraction points, and ways to reach there.
Table of Contents:
Overview of Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu
Mettupalayam is a taluk in the Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. It is the second-largest city in the Coimbatore district, located in its north, and falls on National Highway 181.
It is a small city settled on the banks of the Bhavani River and at the foot of the Nilgiri hills, for which it is called “The Gateway to Nilgiri.”
The local people majorly follow the Hindu religion and speak Tamil, but you will also find significant Hindi and English speakers out there.
Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu, has some important cities in its proximity, such as Coimbatore, Ooty, Palakkad, Tiruppur, and Erode.
Now, let’s have some idea about its topography and weather patterns.
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Mettupalayam Climate and Geography
Being situated under the elevated mountains of Niligiri and in the vicinity of the Indian Ocean, its weather remains more or less constant and stable, except for some fluctuations in monsoons.
Mettuplayam, Tamil Nadu, broadly has 2 seasons, the wet and the dry season. The wet season lasts from May to June to November, when the weather generally looks a bit cloudy. While the dry season starts from December and lasts till May/June, and is humid and hazy. You can witness rain in either June or November owing to the movement of monsoon clouds.
Geographically, it is partly hilly because of its closeness to the Niligiris. If you go to the north of Mettupalayam, you will find the dense greenery and circuitous roads in the Nilgiri mountains, which have some renowned hill stations such as Ooty, Coonoor, and Wellington. It is also located near some of the greatest national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, like Mudumalai National Park, which makes this place geographically diverse.
Bhavani River, a tributary of Cauvery, flows through the valleys and gorges of this city, and has some lofty dams built over it.
You must go through the above general information to have a broad idea of the place you are visiting.
Now, I am sharing a list of some must-visit places in and around Mettupalayam.
Places to Visit in Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu
Mettupalayam is blessed with some awe-inspiring tourist spots that you should never miss. From my personal experience, I can say that South Indian cities are known for magnificent temples, tall mountains, mesmerizing waterfalls, and grand beaches. Except for the beaches, Mettupalyam has all the other 3 attraction points.
From this perspective, I would recommend you visit 9 places in Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu, while touring South India.
1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was developed by the British in 1908 and remains a pivotal tourist attraction in Mettupalayam. Nicknamed the ‘Toy Train,’ it is a 46 km long narrow-gauge railway that runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty through scenic hills and tunnels. It is the only operational rack railway in India and uses steam locomotives. In 2005, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site as part of the Mountain Railways of India.
Train Number: 56136
Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Halts
- Metupalaiyam
- Coonoor
- Aravankadu
- Ketti
- Lovedale
- Udagamandalam
Booking: irctc.co.in
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway Museum
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway Museum in Mettupalayam showcases the rich history and engineering marvel of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Set against the Nilgiri Hills, it features railway artifacts like the pinion rack system. The museum has free entry and provides insightful displays, making it a must-visit for you to explore the progress in railway mechanics.
Timing: 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
3. Bhavani Sagar Dam and Reservoir
Bhavani Sagar Dam, built in 1955 and located amid low-lying hills, is a perfect getaway from city life. It is Tamil Nadu’s second-largest and the world’s second-largest earthen dam, stretching 8 km, and was built between 1948-1955. This dam supplies water for irrigation, generates hydroelectric power, and offers recreational facilities, including gardens, boat rides, kayaking, swimming, and a kids’ play area that too without any entry fee.
4. Catherine Waterfall
Named after Catherine Cockburn, it provides an awesome view of the Tamil Nadu plains. It is a stunning double-cascaded waterfall near Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu. With a total height of 76 meters, it furnishes panoramic views from Dolphin’s Nose. The waterfall’s local name, Geddhehaada Halla, translates to “Foothills Dale River.” You can visit this place for trekking, photography, and enjoying the stream bath.
5. Black Thunder Water Park
Black Thunder Water Park is situated on the Mettupalayam – Coonoor road. It is spread over 75 acres and offers thrilling water rides like Wave Pool, Dragon Coaster, and Wild River Ride for all ages.
This amusement park is known for safe facilities, helpful staff, food courts, lockers, and family-friendly amenities for a fun-filled day. Additionally, it has also been recognized as the safest water part having foam padding on its slides.
Timing: 10 am to 6 pm
Price:
- Adult: Rs. 990/-
- Child: Rs. 850-
- College Student: Rs. 870/-
- School Student: Rs. 770/-
- Sr. citizen/Defense: Rs. 820/-
6. Vanabadrakali Amman Temple
Vanabadrakali Amman Temple was built some 500 years ago and still stands tall and firm. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Vanabadrakali Amman.
The married women put their mangal sutra in the hundi while memorizing their wishes. Women also tie a stone at the sacred tree in the compound with a wish to have a child.
You will also find people starting a new business or making arrangements for a marriage, offering red and white flowers in separate packets to seek the permission of the goddess.
Distance from Mettupalayam: 5 km
Timing: 6 am to 11 am/ 4 pm to 8 pm
7. Sri Jayamangala Anjaneyar Temple
Sri Jayamangala Anjaneyar Temple has Lord Hanuman as the main deity. Its idol has been established here by Sri Vyasaraja. Adjacent to it is a small temple having the idols of Shiva, Vinayaka, and others.
This Hanuman temple features a monolithic granite sculpture carved from a single piece, located in a remote area. It houses two lingas linked to Lord Rama’s worship and is open year-round, best visited in winter, with no entry fee.
On the first Saturday of every Tamil month and on certain special occasions, the local bus transport authorities arrange buses to reach this shrine directly.
8. Mettupalayam View Point
Mettupalayam View Point is an awesome scenic spot between Mettupalayam and Kotagiri. The bus services don’t stop here, so you need to reach here by a hired or personal vehicle.
Here you will experience the magnificent gorge nestled between the gigantic Nilgiri mountains. On one side are the tall mountains, and on the other is the grand stretch of plains going far beyond.
9. Kookyland Exotic Bird Park
The Kookyland Exotic Bird Park is well known for the rearing of unique foreign bird species. Here you will find a parrot, marmosets, snakes, monitor lizards, and other rarely seen animals. Allow your children to hold, feed, play, and take a photo with birds. You can also hold certain snakes in your hand as allowed by the park’s administration.
Timing: 9 am to 9 pm
Price: 200 (100 for children)
How to Reach Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu?
Now that you have decided to visit Mettupalayam, you might be considering the mode of transportation to get there.
Being a popular tourist palace, it has been provided with decent connectivity options. Here, I will explain to you the available options to reach there, so that you can choose the most convenient mode.
- By Road
Mettupalayam Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, is situated on some important National and state highways, making it well-connected through road routes. The two main highways which has it en route are:
- NH 181: It extends from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu to Gundlupete in Karnataka state, with Mettupalayam being the second city from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
- SH 25 (Kerala): It starts from Mettupalayam and joins state highway 26 at Nattukal junction, Kerala.
The same route is used by the buses to reach the Mettupalayam bus stand.
- By Train
If you are planning to reach Mettupalayam by train, then you have two options to select as your destination station.
- Coimbatore Railway Station
To get to Mettupalayam, Coimbatore Tamil Nadu Railway Station. From here, you can get on a train to Mettupalayam. Besides, you can also board a bus or hire a taxi to get there.
- Mettupalayam Railway Station
This station serves as a halt for a few local trains. If you reside in states adjacent to Tamil Nadu, then you can consider this station. Otherwise, you need to reach Coimbatore first and then head to Mettupalayam.
- Coimbatore Railway Station
- By Flight
The nearest airport to Mettupalayam is Coimbatore International Airport.
From Coimbatore International Airport, either board a bus to reach Mettupalayam bus stand or hire a car to reach Mettupalayam, which is at a distance of 36.5 km.
What Makes Mettupalyam Best for a Trip?
You might have a list of places to visit in Sound India. But let me tell you why you should opt for Mettupalayam over other alternatives.
- Closer to Hill Stations: Mettupalayam is located at the foot of the Nilgiri ranges, and it is blessed with geographical diversity. It has a direct road route to some renowned hill stations such as Ooty and Coonoor.
- Good Connectivity Option: It is located on the national and state highways and has a significantly recognized railway station, providing it with a good transport network.
- Pleasant Weather: The weather in Mettupalayam remains pleasant and tolerable for the entire year, which allows you to plan your trip in any month.
Final Thoughts
Mettupalayam is a spectacular travel destination, providing you with a peaceful refuge in nature. If you have a plan to explore Indian states, then this is the place. Just pack your bags, get reservations done, and explore the undiscovered wilderness.
So, make sure you land right there and give a blissful momentum to your journey to South India.
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FAQ
What is Mettupalayam famous for?
Is Mettupalayam a city or a village?
Mettupalayam is a municipal town or taluk that comes under the direct administration of Coimbatore district.
Is Mettupalayam in Ooty?
No, Mettupalayam Coimbatore Tamil Nadu is not in Ooty. It comes under the Coimbatore district and is midway between Coimbatore to Ooty.
Is there a direct train from Bangalore to Mettupalayam?
No, there is no direct train from Bangalore to Mettupalayam. You have to book a train ticket for Coimbatore via train and then reach Mettupalayam by road.
Mettupalayam is situated in which district?
MEttupalayam is situated in the district of Coimbatore, which acts as a central administrative domain.
