Coonoor

Breathtaking views & aromatic tea gardens

Coonoor is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. It is one of the most famous hill stations of the Nilgiri hills. It is a popular tourist stop because of its impressive views of the lush green Nilgiri hills. It is also known for its tea plantations as the environment is very conducive to growing exceptionally aromatic tea. In fact, touring the plantations and taking walks through the tea gardens is one of the major draws of the area.

The impressive views of wildflowers is another favorite experience in Coonoor, as is bird watching. It is common to be able to see such birds as cormorants, pipits, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer, thrushes, and parakeets. The species in the area are not limited to only these, though.

The area surrounding Coonoor offers the perfect landscape for activities like trekking and hiking. It offers impressive views that are best experienced while truly out in nature.

It is possible to experience the area around Coonoor while taking a ride on the local toy train. This train connects Coonoor with other hill stations that are located in the Nilgiri Hills. This train ride provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills.

The area around Coonoor has been used as the backdrop for several movies made by Indian and foreign filmmakers. Most notable was when it was used as the backdrop for the 1984 American film, ‘A Passage to India’ by David Lean.

Tourist attractions

Catherine Falls: Catherine Falls is located in the area that surrounds Coonoor. This beautiful waterfall descending from an impressive 250 feet. It can clearly been seen from the top of Dolphin’s Nose if seeing the entire waterfall is what you are looking for. It is also possible to take a road to the top of the falls. This vantage point allows you to truly appreciate the awesome power that Mother Nature has contained within a waterfall as you look down the 250 feet to the pool of water and its surrounding landscape below.
Dolphin’s Nose: Dolphin’s Nose is an enormous rock formation that is entirely unique. The protruding rock formation indeed looks like a dolphin’s nose. It takes some effort to climb to the top of this rock outcropping, but the views are absolutely worth the hard work. There are gigantic ravines found both to the left and right of Dolphin’s Nose.

Hidden Valley: Access to this valley is not readily available. You have to take the trekking route. The green, lush landscape combined with the breathtaking mountain views make this trek worth the physical exertion. The valley is fantastic when you get there, but half of the fun and enjoyment come from the actual trekking experience. Fabulous views abound as you make your way toward it.

Lamb’s Rock: Lamb’s rock is an excellent picnic spot near Coonoor. It is a point on the way to Dolphin’s Nose. It was named after Captain Lamb who tried in earnest to open a path to that particular point. With such a view, no wonder this man put forth such a valiant effort to reach the point. The rock is a jagged cliff that drops down several hundred feet to the lush jungle below. On the right hand is the Hulical ravine. It is possible to see the Coonoor stream some 5000 feet below. This vantage point also provides you with an excellent view of the Coimbatore plains.

Sim’s Park: Sim’s Park is an unusual botanical garden that was developed back in 1874 by Mr J.D. Sims and Major Murray. Naturally occurring trees, shrubs and creepers are in the park as are many unusual species of plants that have been brought in from a variety of places around the world. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the northern side of Coonoor and covers twelve acres of undulating land. The well though out park has a beautiful lay out. There is an annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in the park that is well attended.

Wellington’s Golf Course: Cantonment of Wellington is located in the vicinity of Coonoor. It is in Wellington that the well-respected Defense Services Staff College is located. The Wellington Golf Course is a popular place to stop and enjoy a civilized round of golf. In the midst of the exotic landscape, the touch of normalcy surrounded with the unusual location makes golfing at Wellington’s an attractive possibility. This golf course is especially popular with film crews. During the filming, the relaxing motion necessary for golf can counteract the stress that occurs in the filmmaking process.

Kotagiri: Nilgiris’ oldest hill station is Kotagiri. It is located in the same general area as Coonoor. This village is set in what looks like the typical tea plantation with its gently sloping hills. Kotagiri is partially in the shade of the Dodda Betta Range, so constant sunlight everywhere is not a possibility. The Rangaswami Rock and Pillar, St Catherine Falls, and Elk Falls are all places that are near Kotagiri that are worth seeing. By far the most popular attraction in the area is the Kodanad Viewpoint. This one vantage point provides you with exceptional views of the plains, the blue hills, the Moyar River, and the mysterious rising mist.

Coonoor has a pleasant climate is good for a visit all through the year.

How to reach

By Train: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway service between Ooty and Mettupalayam is available with stop at Coonoor. Major broad gauge railway station nearby is Coimbatore junction. This station is connected to all major cities in the country.
By Air: The nearest airport from Coonoor is Coimbatore Peelamdeu Airport, which is at a distance of 54 km. Coimbatore is connected by air to airports in South India, especially to Chennai and Bangalore.

By Bus: Coonoor is well connected by bus services. Regular state owned bus services are available from Coimbatore, Ooty and other cities in Tamilnadu.