Name Coimbatore, Nilgiris and Ooty comes to our mind. Coimbatore by itself has a lot to offer for tourists and here we are covering it for you. Plan a trip to Coimbatore to be among tribals, go for a Coracle ride, eat tribal food and more.. Coimbatore Forests have something for your kids too. Read on..

Kovai or Coimbatore, is surrounded by the mountains on the west, and the reserve forests on the northern side. The entire western and northern part of the district borders the Western Ghats with the Nilgiri biosphere as well as the Anaimalai and Munnar ranges. A western pass to Kerala, popularly referred to as the Palghat Gap provides its boundary.

Because of its close proximity to the Western Ghats, the district is rich in fauna. Coimbatore is situated on the banks of river Noyyal. Many lakes and ponds were constructed near the river during ancient periods.

The Coimbatore Urban wetlands harbours more than 125 species of Resident and migratory birds, August – October being the peak season. Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Open Billed Stork, Ibis, Spot-billed Duck, Teal, Black Winged Stilt are some of the migratory birds that visit Coimbatore wetlands regularly.

Places to see in the Coimbatore Forest Division

Kovai Kurtallem (Eco Tourism)

The Bolambatti Forest Range is endowed with beautiful landscape with varied vegetation structure and water falls.  The green undulating terrain with mist covering hills is easily attracts the tourist from the country. To fulfill the tourism requirements of the people the Kovai Courtalam programme was initiated in the Bolampatti Forest Range with the help of Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu. The tourists are allowed to take bath in the falls upto 4.00 PM only.  Newly constructed trekking shed and tree top “machans” available for tourists for stay in the Sadivayal.

Reaching there

From Coimbatore city Buses are available up to Sadivayal village the entry point. It is 35 kms from Coimbatore city.

Opening hours to visit Kovai Kurtalam

From morning 10.30 AM to 3.30 PM in the evening

Entry fee for the Kovai Kurtalam Eco Tourism area

The entry fees is Rs 15 /- per head.

For two wheeler parking – Rs 5 /-

For four wheeler parking – 15 /-

For heavy vehicles – 50 /-

Options available in the Kovai Kurtalam

Taking bath in the cold water, seeing beautiful green forest landscapes, perennial waterfalls, birdlife, animals occasionally, River crossing programmes, Rope climbing, Tree top houses, trekking shed, interpretation centre with colour display boards, etc.

Trekking will be allowed only after getting prior permission from the Forest Department.

For children

Not only adult the children also can take bath in the water falls.

There is children’s park available to play near the interpretation centre. Colour posters and stickers of animals, birds, landscapes and flowers are available in the interpretation centre.

Baralikadu Boating Point (Eco Tourism)

Utilizing the skill of the tribals in driving the coracles, it was proposed to arrange an Eco Tourism in Karamadai Range, availing the funds granted under XII Finance Commission scheme, for the sustained income to the tribal people and also to improve the basic amenities of these villages viz., education, sanitation, health, transportation, Communication etc..

Reaching there

From Coimbatore city Buses are available via karamadai up to Mulli village from there you have to travel by four wheelers up to the Baralikkadu village.

Visit Baralikkadu Coracle ride

From morning 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM in the evening.

20 trained tribal men were enrolled to drive the coracles. The coracle ride is being conducted only on Saturday and Sundays.

10 coracles are available and 4 persons per coracle. There are 2 trips in a day.

Generally this coracle ride starts by 10 Am and completed with 2 hours joy in the Bhavani river back water. Tourists are enjoying the beauty of the forests and they can interact with tribal villagers situated along the bank of the river.

After the ride, delicious lunch with traditional tribal food viz., ragi balls with fish curry, vegetable salad, chappathi-kuruma, variety rice, curd rice with mineral water and fruits are served with utmost hygiene.

The food is prepared and served by the WSHG member of Baralikkadu village with love and affection. Tourists very much appreciate the quality and taste of the food.

Trekking and Bathing

The tourists are taken for trekking inside the jungle followed by lunch in the gentle terrain so that the women and children also enjoy the jungle ride followed by cheerful bathing in the clean Bhavani river.

Generally these operations are conducted both morning and evening on the week ends only so  offer is available to only 80 persons each day.

Entry fees for the Baralikkadu Eco Tourism area

The entry fees for adult Rs 300 /- per head.

The entry fees for children Rs 200 /- per head

No charges for Children below five years.

The Coracle charges include:

lunch
trekking inside the jungle
river-bathing

You can contact Forest Range Officer of Karamadai Range for Baralikkadu Eco Tourism and Bolampatti Range Officer for Kovai Kurtalam Eco Tourism.

Phone numbers: Karamadai Forest Ranger: 9443384982,

Bolambatti Forest Ranger: 9442556960

DFO Office:      0422 2302925

Live amidst the Forests

There are six beautiful forest rest houses are available in Coimbatore Forest Division in the midst of the natural forests.  The age of these forest houses are older for several decades but still maintained properly and these houses gives happy and unforgettable reminiscences to the people who stay within. The rest houses fulfill the demands of the nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, students, and the researchers since, it located in the natural forests.  The information regarding the location and approach and permission and contact details are given below. Click on the images to enlarge the image and details given

Iruttupallam

 

 

 

 

Mangarai

 

 

 

 

Mettupalayam

Mulli

Kunjapanai

Gopinari

Contact for Booking:

The District Forest Officer
Coimbatore Forest Division
Trichy Road, Coimbatore-641 018
Phone: (91) 0422 2302925
Email: dfocbe@tn.nic.in

Kids, DO YOU WANT TO TREK IN THE JUNGLE?

Want to trek in the jungle please contact OSAI Environmental Organisation.
Want to become volunteers for wildlife conservation- Please contact OSAI Environmental Organisation an NGO, based at Coimbatore which is partner organization with the Coimbatore Forest Division in creation of wildlife conservation education, awareness and positive community action.

Contact OSAI

The President
OSAI Environmental Organisation
70-A, Rajunaidu Street,
Sivanandha Colony,
Coimbatore-641 012.
Phone: 0422-4372457, 94430 22655.
Email: pasumaiosai@yahoo.com

Other places of interest in the Coimbatore Forestry Division

Vaidhegi Falls

Velliangiri Hills

Maruthamalai Temple

Palamalai

Kallar Horticulture Farm

Pillur Dam

Mangarai Falls

Anuvavi Subramanya Temple

Dharmalinga Easwaran Temple

Vettumaduvu Falls-Chinnampathy

Siruvani Dam