The sky at night is mesmerizing. It has stars galaxies and the occasional meteorite which can leave you in awe of its beauty. For avid stargazers living in or around Coimbatore there are several Coimbatore tourist places which will help you marvel at the universe.Grab your telescope and a warm jacket since we will take you to some breathtaking stargazing spots in Coimbatore. Mounting Doddabetta is a good place to start. 1.Ooty The Queen of the Nilgiris Located above sea level at 2200 meters Ooty can easily compete for the grandest hill stations in India. If you consider yourself a stargazer this hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills is perfect for you. Not only does it have low levels of light pollution but it also allows for stargazing due to its altitude capped off with Ooty being a hill station. As a bonus the high point of Ooty known as Doddabetta Peak is famous for having the best visibility of several constellations planets and even the Milky Way. Check out the planetarium of the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre in Ooty. It’s great if you’re looking to immerse yourself even more. Altitude: 2240 meters above sea level Best time for stargazing: October to April Famous location: Doddabetta Peak Special event: Annual Ooty Astronomy Festival 2.Kotagiri The Serene Escape Kotagiri a less busy version of Ooty is one more jewel in the Nilgiris range an excellent city escape. Winters here are usually accompanied by bright sunny days and clear blue skies. There are two wonderful places which make a great site for setting up your telescope Catherine Falls and Kodanad Viewpoint. Since Kotagiri is not as developed as Ooty there are certainly calmer places with less noise. One of the greatest advantages of this settlement is the low temperatures and weathers which encourages star gazing. However it is important to always have warm clothing when venturing out as the temperature is significantly lower during the night fall. Altitude: 1950 meters above sea level Best time for stargazing: November to March Famous location: Kodanad Viewpoint Fun fact: Kotagiri is one of the oldest hill station in Tamilnadu 3.Valparai Where Nature Meets the Cosmos Known for its beautiful tea plantations hills and untouched natural settings Valparai is a feast for the eyes. However it is also equally popular for stargazing. The hill station is situated 1200 meters above sea level which means it is low on pollution and the plundering of urban corruption. Nallamudi viewpoint is one of the best places to observe stars in Valparai. If you visit during winters you will be greeted with pleasant skies filled with constellations and during your lucky days meteor showers. Moreover as Valparai is part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve you will also have sightings of wildlife at these picturesque locations. Altitude: 3474 meters above sea level Best time for stargazing: December to February Famous location: Nallamudi Viewpoint Wildlife alert: Elephants and bison can also be spotted at night. 4.Topslip The Hidden Stargazing Paradise Are you willing to conduct stargazing along with an adventurous thrill? If yes then look no further since Topslip is the ideal spot for you. This stargazing haven is located within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and boasts one of the best night skies in Tamil Nadu. As it is a protected zone the area is devoid of artificial lights thus making it ideal for sky watching.Wildlife Enthusiasts will appreciate the night safaris offered by the forest department. Not only do you enjoy the beauty of the stars but you also get to listen to the sounds of the wild. Such a unique experience. While losing yourself in the wonder of the Milky Way you might catch a glimpse of city civets and owls. Altitude: 800 meters above sea level Best time for stargazing: January to March Famous activity: Night safari with stargazing Pro tip: For the best views of the night sky set your lodging at the forest lodges. 5.Siruvani A Starry Escape Close to Coimbatore If you are in Coimbatore and want to go somewhere in the mountains to gaze at the mesmerizing starry night sky then for you I would recommend Siruvani. It’s only around 35 km away from Coimbatore.This particular location is renowned for its waterfalls eye-catching views and of course it also has Siruvani’s dark sky. If you’re an astronomy enthusiast The Siruvani Dam and Hills region supply some excellent places to observe through your telescope.The prime period for stargazing at Siruvani is during the new moon night. The optimal time range is between October and February when the sky gets particularly darker. Combined with the area’s altitude along with the lack of bright city lights Siruvani serves as an ideal weekend getaway for astronomy enthusiasts. Distance from Coimbatore: 35 km(Approx) Best time for stargazing: October to February Famous location: Siruvani Hills and Dam Fun fact:Siruvani water is considered one of the sweetest in India 6.Dhyanalinga A Spiritual Stargazing Spot Located not far from Coimbatore the Dhyanalinga Temple at the Isha Yoga Center serves primarily as a meditation center but it offers posh views of the night sky. Surrounded by the Velliangiri Hills the air and sky here is far darker and cleaner compared to that of the city. A lot of visitors who come for meditation often stay late for the starry view which is truly breathtaking. It is advisable to visit the temple around 8 pm on the weekends since it officially closes at 8 p.m. However it is still an excellent place to see the stars later in the evening. Distance from Coimbatore: 30 km Best time for stargazing: Post-monsoon months (October to December) Famous location: Isha Yoga Center and Velliangiri Hills Unique feature: Blend of spiritual calm and celestial beauty Final Thoughts Coimbatore never disappoints when it comes to stargazing and neither does Ooty or Kotagiri. In addition to the pristine nature Topslip and Valparai has to offer the regions have endless areas to set up telescopes and take in the raw beauty. Stargazing can range from guided astronomy sessions to unparalleled views of the universe and everything in between. The next time one craves a break from the suffocating city life they can always turn to these regions and remember the infinite wonders that beauty has to offer.