Coonoor is one of the most attractive hill stations in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri highlands, known for its tea. Ooty’s calmer cousin, Coonoor, is above 6000 feet ASL. About 20 km from Ooty.
Tea plantations, ravines, and waterfalls surround Coonoor. The Western Ghats hills near Coonoor include several hiking and trekking paths.
The place is divided between Upper Coonoor and Lower Coonoor. Whereas Lower Coonoor is a city centre with most tourist crowds, Upper Coonoor is far from traffic and crowd and is best for people who wish to stay in the midst of hills. Birdwatching can be the best pastime as the hill station is a birder’s paradise.
History of Coonoor
The indigenous Toda tribe lives in Coonoor. After being found by East India Company employee John Sullivan, the site became a summer resort and sanatorium for European patients in the early 19th century. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway made hill station transit simpler.
Top 12 places to visit in and around Coonoor
1. Sim’s Park
One of the best and most recommended places to visit when in Coonoor is Sim’s Park. It is more of a botanical garden having rich treasure of thousands of different and exotic species of flora and age-old trees that were brought from other parts of the country.
In a steep valley in the Coonoor Valley, Mr. J. D. Sim, the government secretary, and Major Murray created the park. The 30-acre park is 4 miles north of Coonoor Railway Station.
Terraced flower-bed gardens with broad walks separate the park by plantation type. The garden contains groomed grass, rockeries, and flowers.
The wide and diverse variety of plants and trees pull a huge number of botanists and nature enthusiasts to Sim’s Park every year during the annual fruit and vegetable festival that’s held in the month of May.
The Rudraksh or beed tree, Cinnamomum (renowned for its fragrant leaves and bark), and Queensland karry pine are some of the garden’s most beautiful trees. Other species include Araucaria, Pine, Turpentine, Quercus, Phoenix, Magnolia, Tree ferns, and Camellia.
2. Droog Fort
The ancient and legendary Droog Fort is another prominent tourist attraction in Coonoor. Tipu Sultan erected the 18th-century fort 15–17 km from Coonoor to protect his territory. The outpost is only ruins with a single wall and a turret that offers a breathtaking view of the hill station.
Bakasura, the local demon from Mahabharata, lived there. Thus, Bakasura Malai.
Trek 4 miles from Nonsuch Tea Estate to reach the fort.
3. Dolphin’s Nose View point
Dolphin’s nose is a gigantic rock protruding outside the level surrounded by canyons on both sides with Catherine falls of Kotagiri at a point where it is clearly visible and is absolutely scenic from the top of the rock formation. Situated 12 kilometres from Coonoor Railway Station, the road to Dolphin’s nose is most scenic with serpentine roads surrounded by tea plantations on both sides.
Due to its location and given the fact that it gives visitors an unobstructed view of the ravines, valleys and canyons from here, Dolphin’s nose view point is a very famous tourist spot in Coonoor. One can also see beautiful sunrises and sunsets from here. It is also situated close to some other tourist destinations like the Tiger Hill, Catherine Falls, Lamb’s Rock and Kotagiri.
4. Lamb’s Rock
If one intends to have views of Coimbatore plains and Nilgiri hills at one go, Lamb’s Rock in Burliar village situated at 8 kilometres from Coonoor Railway Station is the best place to be. It is on the way to Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint. The locals usually flock here on holidays and weekends as it best serves as a picnic spot.
The place is named after Captain Lamb who intended to open a road to this place. One can also trek to this place. The nearest tourist destinations from Lamb’s Rock are Dolphin’s Nose (5km), Sim’s Park (7 km) and Law’s Falls (14 km).
5. Law’s Falls
Situated inside the Coonoor forest range, Law’s Falls forms out of the Coonoor river near its intersection with Mettupalayam ghat route. The waterfall that is named after Colonel Law, falls from a height of 180 feet through multiple cascades to reach to the bottom. It is a major picnic spot for locals and finds huge footfall post monsoon. The waterfall is located at a distance of 7 kilometres from Coonoor town on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road.
6. Wellington Golf Course
Wellington, a tiny hamlet in Nilgiris with the Wellington Golf Course, located 3 km from Coonoor town and covers 69 acres. It’s one of South India’s oldest golf clubs.
The Wellington golf club was founded in 1873 when a brick cricket pavilion was erected for military cantonment troops to use as a leisure facility. Wellington hosts Madras Regimental Centre.
Wellington Golf Club has a colonial charm and is connected with several premier golf clubs. Besides its famed golf course and brick cricket pavilion, the grounds include a cricket field, tennis court, and restaurant. Filming occurs on the golf course.
7. All Saints Church
All Saints Church, an Anglical protestant church erected in 1854, with stained glass windows and antique dark wood roofing. The church has an ancient pipe organ.
Junipers and pines surround the serene spot. The Taj Garden Retreat Hotel is near to the Kotagiri road church. The well-kept church cemetery honors soldiers and commoners who perished abroad.
8. St. George’s Church
The St. George’s Church is a must visit place in Coonoor. As opposed to the classic British architecture of All Saints Church, the St. George’s Church is a Gothic structure, designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau which is also referred to as ‘Cantonment Church’ due to the building style. Since the church was controlled by the military during the Raj era, it is also called as ‘Garrison Church’.
The church’s murals of St. Michael, St. George, and Jesus Christ’s crucifixion complement the altar’s white marble floor.
A special service is arranged here on the occasion of National Martyr’s Day to honour all our Martyrs. The service is arranged on the Sunday which falls nearer to the Martyr’s Day.
9. Ketti Valley
Nature, photography, and adventure lovers should visit Ketti Valley, the second biggest gorge in the world, surrounded by blue mountains.
The 25-minute miniature train journey on the Coonoor-Ooty route lets you explore the valley. The most renowned view of the Nilgiri hills in Coonoor is from the Ketti valley viewpoint.
Valley natives the Todas and Badagas produce fruits and vegetables. Ketti makes Pony Needles. Locals must visit the Shiva Lingam Temple. Additionally, the valley has several waterfalls.
10. Hidden Valley
The Hidden Valley in Coonoor is the least explored. Trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and adventurers love it.
The valley is located behind the Wellington Golf Course, near Sim’s Park. There are numerous water streams inside the valley and the hiking trail here is very scenic with diverse avian fauna. The hidden valley is also a birder’s paradise. The interesting fact about the Hidden Valley is that it surrounds entire Coonoor.
11. Rallia Dam
On the Wellington Road, 9 km from Coonoor, is another picturesque site. Rallia Dam supplies Coonoor with water. After driving upward, you may walk the remaining 1km from the parking area.
Visit the dam at dawn or sunset for breathtaking views. The dam has Malabar Squirrels and Indian Bisons.
12. Highfield Tea Estate
An avid tea drinker would adore a tea plantation tour and tasting. Highfield Tea Estate, a 50-year-old tea business 2 miles northeast of Upper Coonoor, always smells like freshly brewed tea of various sorts.
The tea estate excursions are study trips for tea aficionados to see the tea processing. Eucalyptus trees surround the estate, thus a tour teaches oil extraction.
A modest souvenir store sells flavored tea packets and other treats.
Other Places to visit in and around Coonoor
Coonoor has several lesser-known yet intriguing attractions. The Silk Rearing Station is a famous silk growing facility near to Pasteur facility. World-renowned sericulture specialists frequent the institution.
The Thandu Mariamman Temple 500-year-old is another important site. Attend this aarti for its serene vibe.
Lady Canning’s Seat locals only know. A local firm must lead you here. It overlooks the valley and is named for the then-Viceroy’s wife.
Pomological Station The late 1940s Horticulture Department established a fruit research center at Coonoor. Birds, both native and migratory, are abundant in the rich habitat.
Katary Falls are known for Selas’ 1000-KW hydropower plant.
Another well- known tea factory in Coonoor is the Guernsey Tea Factory alternative to Highfield Tea Estate.
Shopping in Coonoor
Since Coonoor has a large tribal population, tribal jewelry and handicrafts are abundant and make great gifts. The little stores provide wonderful artifacts, antiques, and souvenirs. One may present hand-embroidered shawls and clothes.
Besides gifts, travellers should buy fragrant tea in many flavors. Honey, spices, fruit jams (mulberry, passion fruit, peach, and pear), handcrafted chocolates, and pastries may be purchased organically. Lavender and eucalyptus oil outlets are in Coonoor.
Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Haloumi cheese are also popular in Coonoor. ‘Nilgiris Store’ and ‘Baker’s Junction’ are suggested for cheese purchases 100 meters from Bedford circle.
Needlecraft at Singara Tea Estate sells hand-embroidered pillowcases, bedspreads, cushion coverings, and handkerchiefs. Its hefty price is worth it.
The Shop and Green Shop sell high-quality gifts and organic products. Keystone has local handicrafts and clothing. They carry homemade honey and spices.
Food in Coonoor
As a tourist destination, Coonoor has several international eateries. Food is affordable in Coonoor.
The Indian Bakery has wonderful cakes, chips, and Varkey biscuits for dessert. Varkey should be brought home. Two outlets share a name. Varkey is located next to the Coonoor Bus Stand.
Best Time to visit Coonoor
Coonoor may be visited year-round, however the chilly winters are ideal between October and March. The ghats and tea gardens look best in summer, from April to June.
How to Reach Coonoor
By Road Ooty, Coimbatore, Mysore, Bangalore, and Kotagiri are all road-accessible from Coonoor. The scenic serpentine roads through Mudumalai Tiger Reserve make driving the ideal option. Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ooty, and Mettupalayam have National Transport buses.
Tamil Nadu State Transport buses go to Coonoor from around the state.
By Air Coimbatore is 70 km from Coonoor. Coimbatore-Coonoor road travel is possible with an intercity taxi. Coimbatore-Coonoor is a 2-hour drive.
By Train Mettupalayam, 45 km from Coonoor, is the closest railway station. Buses or top Coonoor taxi companies can get you there.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway goes from Mettupalayam to Ooty, stopping at Coonoor.
Related Questions
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What is Coonoor famous for?
Nilgiri Tea
It is the second biggest hill station in the area and famous for Nilgiri Tea. Tea farms cover the area in lush emerald foliage.
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Which is better Coorg or Coonoor?
Both Coorg and Ooty are equally competitive summer destinations. Both feature excellent climates, various locations to explore, waterfalls, animals, and other ways to experience nature close up.
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What is the best time to visit Coonoor?
The best time to visit Coonoor is between the months of October to March. The summer season begins from March and remains till May. The temperature of the season ranges from 22°C to 37°C. The summer season grants the most arresting view of the place.
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Which is the beautiful village near Ooty?
Pykara, Glenmorgan, and Kotagiri are the top four towns and villages surrounding Ooty, according to travelers. 8 towns and villages are near Mettupalayam (53 km from Ooty) and 2 near Cherambadi (85 km). Pykara in Mettupalayam and Glenmorgan in Cherambadi are particularly popular.
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How many days are enough for Coonoor?
Enjoying Coonoor tourist takes 5-7 days. Tour major tourist spots and enjoy immersive experiences. Your vacation days depend on how you choose to spend them in this Tamil Nadu hill station.
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Which dish is famous in Coonoor?
Rajma and Avare Beans are Coonoor’s must-try dish. The greatest aspect is that many local restaurants serve it, making it easy to discover and enjoy. Coonoor serves North and South Indian food as well as local favorites.
