Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Coonoor is a town and Taluk in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu state. It is an amazing place, blessed with awe-inspiring flora and fauna. Its scenic beauty of waterfalls, lakes and gardens is complemented by the Raj’s numerous tea estates and colonial-style buildings.
Here is a list of Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Coonoor
Table of Contents
Kattery Park
It falls on the route from Coimbatore City to Coonoor. Spread over 5.5 acres of land it has 25 varieties of colorful plants, cacti and unique plants. A small waterfall and grand views of the surrounding hills make it endearing. There is a play area for kids as well.
When in this park, make it a point to buy saplings of flowers, fruits and vegetables as the quality and price are economical.
Laws Falls
You can see it on the way from Kattery Park towards Coonoor. It is a 30-foot multiple-cascade formed by the Coonoor River. If you want some better views then you can opt for trekking.
Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park is the prominent attraction here. It was named after JD Sim, secretary to the Government in 1874. A visit to this park is a great option for fun lovers, botanists, honeymooners and family crowds.
You may need at least half a day to fully explore this huge park spread over a 12-acre ground and divided into 4 sections.
About 1200 plant species, trees and shrubs can be seen in this garden. The plants and trees have been brought from all parts of the world. Some of the famous ones are the Ornamental tree, Rudraksha tree, Queensland Kerry pine, Agathe Robusta Camellia, Magnolia, Araucaria, and Turpentine. Quercus Sessiliflora is the oldest tree here and was planted in 1880.
An annual fruit and vegetable show is held in May.
Dolphins Nose
One of the viewpoints in this town is the Dolphin Nose at 1550 metres altitude. It is the most picturesque spot and provides 360 views of the Nilgiri range of hills.
Small streams like Catherine Falls flowing down add to the allure. There is a watch tower as well.
Lambs Rock
Lambs Rock is a piece of rugged rock with a sheer drop and the bottom is hidden by the jungle. You can reach this rock via an easy walk/ trek of about 500 metres, akin to a walk into the forest that even kids will enjoy. This is another scenic viewpoint from where you can even see the city of Coimbatore. Experience glorious sunrise or sunset depending on the time you reach here.
Droog Fort
This fort, lying in ruins at present, is located near Bakasura Malai at an altitude of 6000 feet and can be reached by trekking. It was used by the erstwhile Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan to monitor neighbouring kingdoms. Like other places in Coonoor, it is a high-spot viewing point.
Check out the Droog Village close by to learn more about the tribals living there.
Ketty Valley
This valley lies between Coonoor and another popular hill station Ooty. Travel to this place via the famous toy train. Trekking can also be undertaken. A fun fact – it is the second-largest gorge in the world and surrounded by the blue Nilgiri hills.
There are some lovely waterfalls cascading in this area. It is a popular bird-watching site too. There are a few temples such as the Shiva Lingam temple that you can visit here.
Wellington
It was an erstwhile military town. a golf club spread over 69 acres is an added attraction. This town is the headquarters of the Madras Regimental Centre. The Defence staff and college personnel also live here.
The Wellington lake is a small one but beautiful with birds, colorful flowers, surrounded by spectacular hills. A boating facility is available on this lake. There is also a cute bridge that you can walk through. A kid’s park with a lot of ducks adds to the drama.
Highfield Tea Factory
In Coonoor, a trip is not complete without visiting a tea Factory. Highfield Tea Factory offers guided tours of the entire factory exhibiting the whole tea manufacturing process. It also has an outlet for buying tea, sandal packs tree oil and pain balms. So half your shopping is complete here.
Shopping in Coonoor
There are other avenues for shopping that you can check out in the below places
- Tibetan market – beadwork, clothes, sweaters, jhola bags
- Brooklands Tea Factory and outlet
- Tulsi Mall – great for footwear, handicrafts, jewellery, toys and high-end products
- Upper Bazaar – Best eateries and Spice shops
- Miniso Connor – gift shop
- Crossways – antiques shop
- Green shop – spices, organic honey, pickles, chocolate, toda embroidery runners, shawls, silverware,
- Crown Bakery – Honey cake and plum cake
The best time to visit
This place is an all-season favourite tourist spot.
But during summer it is usually crowded. So if you want relaxation and an away-from-crowd atmosphere, you can visit this town between October to March.
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport is in Coimbatore about 70 km away.
By Train
Coimbatore is the nearest junction from there you can take the toy train on the Nilgiri mountain railway enjoying a heritage ride
By Road
A lot of regular buses are available from Coimbatore to Coonoor. Coimbatore is well connected to other parts of the country. The best way to reach Coonoor is to self-drive and enjoy all the dreamy terrains with curvy hairpin bends and layers of green tea gardens first-hand.
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