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Destinations Discover Mettupalayam: Here's How To Make The Most Of Your Visit To The Charming Town
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Discover Mettupalayam: Here's How To Make The Most Of Your Visit To The Charming Town

Located in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district, the quaint town Mettupalayam is best visited during a trip to Ooty and Coonoor.

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By: Karan Kaushik Published: Aug 02, 2022 08:00 AM IST

Discover Mettupalayam: Here's How To Make The Most Of Your Visit To The Charming Town
Image: Shutterstock

Nestled in the foothills of Nilgiri Hills, Mettupalayam is best visited during a trip to Ooty and Coonoor. The quaint town serves as the starting point of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train ride to Ooty. But Mettupalayam is more than just a transit town. Here’s how to make the most of this charming little hilly hamlet. By Karan Kaushik

Things to do in Mettupalayam

Pillur Dam

 

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Perhaps the most serene spot in Mettupalayam, Pillur Dam makes for a good day’s outing. Spend some quality leisure time with your loved ones soaking the tranquil environs of the dam. Let the placid waters of the dam refresh you while you marvel at the lush hills adorning its surroundings. When here, indulge in tribal fare cooked by locals or enjoy a rejuvenating coracle ride. The dam has been fulfilling the water requirement of Coimbatore since the 1960s.

Vanabathrakali Amman Kovil

 

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Located on the Mettupalayam-Thekkampatti road, this age-old temple is steeped in mythology. Legend has it that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata visited this temple to seek blessings of Goddess Badrakaali Amman before picking up a fight with the Aravali sisters. Another legend suggests that Mother Shakti visited this temple to perform penance for killing the demon Mahishasura. The temple remains open from 06:00 am to 11:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

Mettupalayam to Ooty Toy Train

 

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Embark on a journey of a lifetime as you take the UNESCO Heritage toy train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty. It takes around five hours to reach Ooty. Expect picture postcard-perfect landscapes as the train whistles and chugs through the majestic Nilgiris. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway has an iconic history. It was set up by the Britishers as the only track railway in India just because they wished to travel to Ooty to beat the scorching heat of the plains.

Niligiri Mountain Rail Museum

Inaugurated in 2015, this interesting museum offers a peek into the history behind one of India’s most scenic mountain trips. On display here is an impressive collection of old photographs and artefacts. However, the pièce de résistance at the museum is the age-old locomotive made in Switzerland that was used on the toy train route. The miniature version of an X-class locomotive is also noteworthy. So are old train tickets and cranes used for setting up the railway tracks.

Black Thunder Theme Park

 

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Black Thunder is not just another amusement park. For the citizens of Mettupalayam and Coimbatore, it’s a feeling. Known for its incredible rides, the water theme park is located in the foothills of the picturesque Nilgiris. From thrilling rides to boating and mud karting, the amusement park promises a fun-filled time for you and your loved ones. The park is home to India’s largest wave pool.

Needle Rock View Point

 

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Located on the way to Ooty, Needle Rock View Point offers some of the most stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The views here are sure to mesmerise you with their beauty and the gentle calm they exude. The place is great for a picnic or just to unwind, and will allow you to spend hours introspecting.

Bannari Amman Temple

 

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Planning a quick detour to the Bannari Amman Temple from Mettupalayam could be a nice idea. Located an hour’s drive from Mettupalayam, the temple is famed for its exquisite architecture and peaceful environs. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, who is worshipped here as the goddess of the rain.

Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock

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