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It would be an understatement to call India’s hill stations anything less than heavenly. Attracted not only to the ethereal beauty but the pleasant weather, traveling to a hilly place to escape heat waves in the summer season has long been a common practice. And one such perfect location can be found sitting high above the southern plains. This Nilgiri hill station, known by the name of Coonoor, is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by the other two Nilgiri Hill stations, namely Ooty (20 km) and Kotagiri (22 km), the town is located at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level, and hence, experiences a subtropical highland climate. Abundant with heritage housing and picturesque views, it is a quieter town to spend a peaceful vacation as compared to its counterparts. Owing to its location amidst sprawling tea estates and impeccable greenery, Coonor is like a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the populated cities we live in.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the things to do and experience in Coonoor that’ll leave you mesmerised.
The city of Coonoor allows you to experience adventurous hikes, visit tea plantations and take in the beauty of the mountainous marvels around. Upper Coonoor, which lies 2 km uphill of the main town, is usually swarming with tourists looking to witness red-tiled rooftops and soak in the beautiful climate and scenery this city is known for.
A well-maintained Botanical Garden, it is spread over 12 hectares and houses a variety of plants that are unique to the park. It was developed in 1984 by Mr J.D. Sims and Major Murray to highlight the natural contours of the land. An annual fruit and vegetable show held in May at the park draws a massive crowd from across states. This garden is home to colourful lawns, flower beds and rockeries from many naturally occurring trees to a plethora of unusual species of plants. These factors combine to make it a feast for the eyes of the tourists that visit this park every year.
The area surrounded and scented by tea and coffee plantations makes for an enthralling experience for trekkers to pass through scenic views before reaching the viewing point.
Lamb’s rock is known for its visually pleasing landscape including lush green tea and coffee plants, dense forests and the plains of Coimbatore. You can partake in photography and bird-watching, while also witnessing Dolphin’s Nose and Catherine Falls from this point.
Located at a distance of 7km from Coonoor, Catherine Falls is a double cascading waterfall. The upper fall directly hits the ground and is the second-highest one in the Nilgiri Mountains. The height of the waterfall is around 250 ft and is visited by tourists in large numbers throughout the year. The falls are named after the wife of M.D. Cockburn, while the local name of the falls is Geddhehaada Halla, signifying “Foothills Dale River”.
Dolphin’s Nose is situated at more than 1,550 Meters above sea level and is located 10 km from Coonoor. The tip of the mountain is shaped like a dolphin’s nose, AKA the namesake of this attraction. There are enormous ravines present on both sides of Dolphin’s Nose including St. Catherine Falls and Coonoor stream, which eventually meet the Kotagiri stream. It is ideal for you to spend time here if you are interested in outdoor activities, including boating, horse riding, and picnics.
The Hidden Valley is situated beyond the Wellington Golf course. A vast majority of travellers aren’t aware of this spot since the only way to reach the valley is by trekking through thick green backwoods. The beautiful landscape and the exquisite atmosphere, along with occasional spotting of water streams and birds, make the trek all the more gratifying.
It is a vantage point, named after the wife of the then British Viceroy of India. Situated 9 km away from Coonoor, it is the perfect spot to witness panoramic views of tea estates located along the belt. And if this wasn’t enough to get you going, it also houses an old mansion of exceptional charm and historic vibe which attracts tourists to this off-beat location.
It is a spot well known due to many songs and films that have been shot here for its old-world charm of the British era. If you enjoy golf or pleasing greenery, don’t miss out on this golf course.
Believed to be over 500 years old, the primary god worshipped at this temple is Swayambumurthy, the shielder of Coonoor from a shortage of rain. The temple also has a telegraph post which was installed by the British. Funnily enough, this post is also given due through the offering of aarti during the main puja. Many tourists pay a visit to the temple for a religious detour amidst scenic wonders.
It is truly a delight to shop from little stalls all over the city selling embroidered shawls, exquisite artefacts, apparel, and Toda jewellery. You can also buy a range of aromatic teas, along with honey and jams, made organically in the city. Other offerings from this city include pure lavender and eucalyptus oil, Indian handlooms, linens and handmade antiques. Needless to say, Coonoor houses emporiums for shopaholics of every kind!
Coonoor is renowned for its delectable jams made from passion fruit, mulberry, and peach. Rajma and Avare beans are very popular among both locals and tourists. In addition to this, there is unadulterated organic honey available in the city that can be enjoyed by all.
The best part, especially for backpackers, are the various affordable restaurants in Lower Coonoor offering South Indian and North Indian cuisine and delicacies. A few restaurants that should be visited by any foodie in town are the Hyderabad Biryani House, Ababa Cafe, Hotel Sri Lakshmi, Culinarium and Cafe Diem.
Located at a distance of 20 km from Coonoor, the surreal splendour of Ooty should not be missed. Be it the Ooty Tea Estate in Gelnmorgan or the Pykara lake exhibiting inexplicable beauty; it’s a delight to witness the exotic locations this city has to offer.
The hot spots of Ooty to explore are the Ooty Lake, the Government Botanical Garden, the Rose Garden at Elk Hill, the Tea Factory and farms, Pykara Falls, and Dodabetta Park. Another unmissable experience is a delightful and scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway’s toy trains.
This city is also a part of the Nilgiris District and is situated 22 km away from Coonoor. With unique flora and fauna, its climate is claimed to be one of the best in the world. The beautiful weather is due to its location in an open terrace massif, making the weather more bracing than that of Coonor while balmier than that of Ooty.Kodanad Viewpoint, Elk falls, Longwood Shola and Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar should not be missed by anyone visiting this city.
A quaint town nestled in a large valley, it is a stop on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway route. A Revenue village of the Coonoor district, it is ideal for bird-watching as well as trekking. The Ketti Valley is the second largest gorge in the world and proudly boasts of its Shiva temple, tea estates, and waterfalls.
Coonoor is located at a distance of 45 km from Mettupalayam, 70 km from Coimbatore, 257 km from Kochi and 291 km from Bangalore. Reaching Coonoor is convenient via rail, road and air.
By Air: The closest airport from the city is Peelamdeu Airport of Coimbatore which is connected to major cities such as Bangalore and Chennai. The most comfortable option to reach the town after taking a flight would be to hire a taxi or board a bus.
By Train: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the oldest mountain railways of India and can be taken from Ooty or Mettupalayam to get to the city. Another option is to travel from the Coimbatore railway junction to the city via a cab or bus.
By Road: Apart from that, you can also take a bus to Coonoor using either state transport or private bus services. Since it is well connected to the five southern state capitals, this is a great option.
For travelling within Coonoor and to the nearby locations, you can either use the local buses or hire a taxi.
As for the best time to visit the city, the periods between March to June and September to October offer the best weather. The peak season is generally from April to June.
The presence of a variety of wildflowers, birds, and trekking expeditions coupled with beautiful sceneries is what draws plenty of tourists to this city every year. So, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the glorious Nilgiri hills with its valleys and waterfalls, and have a wonderful time at the city of Coonoor.
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April 15, 2024 
