Ever wondered what to do a long weekend when the rest of the world has headed out on a planned vacation and you did not find the time to sit down and plan? Before you castigate yourself, remember you’re in Coimbatore, a lovely, lovely place where you can recharge yourself within the city, or just a few kilometers away. Here are some great destinations less than half an hour’s drive from the city.

Narasipuram

Just roll down the car windows once you cross R.S. Puram and take in the brilliant scenery and the oh-so-awesome weather. It’s definitely a degree or two cooler than the city here, and added perks are the joy of seeing farmers at work and birds chirping away on trees and electricity lines. Sorry, we forgot to mention the greenery — it’s like someone threw the contents of a colour palette out there. This is nothing short of a heaven for bird watchers too. Fascinating!

Puttuvikki

If you’re been a regular on the Kovaipudur route, you might have noticed this once-potholed and ill-maintained road. It recently got a makeover, and how! The road’s all shiny and nice, the potholes are history, and yes the view as you ride/drive is to kill for. There’s the lake on one side, expansive and teeming with birds, and greenery on the other. If you’re fond of picking up just-harvested produce for your meal, this is a great place to head to. Near the lake, some people farm varieties of gourds juicy, green and fresh off the creeper. Take your pick.

Madhampatti

This is Coimbatore’s grape territory. Cross Perur, drive a while and reach Madhampatti. The scent of greenery hits you long before you spot the first farm. And then, on your right, you’ll see a line of people waiting to buysomething. That something is grapes cultivated in the local farms. The board announces the name of the farm from which they were plucked and the rate of the day. Once you’ve bought your fill of grapes, head further down the scenic road. You’ll catch a sight or two of bunches of grapes hanging from the vines, even from the main road. If you’re lucky, a farmer might let you watch as his crew picks grapes. Standing inside a vineyard, grapes hanging all over and the heady scent of the fruit hitting you feels a lot like heaven.