Famous tourist destination Coonoor is a charming hill town in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris. The land is completely covered in lush tea plantation foliage, which radiates beautiful and intense shades of emerald green. Because of its large valleys, hillsides, and waterfalls, many hiking expeditions enter the Nilgiris from this spot. Coonoor’s tranquil and energizing lifestyle and breathtaking environment are sure to leave you feeling refreshed. Best Places to Visit in Coonoor provide you with the chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural world and all of its timeless beauty. The top locations to visit in Coonoor are included in this post in case you are unsure of how to get started or where to go.
Tea plantations, valleys, ravines, and waterfalls are all beautiful features of Coonoor. In the Western Ghats hills that surround Coonoor, there are many trails for hiking and trekking.
Lower Coonoor and Upper Coonoor are the two sections of the area. Upper Coonoor is the finest place for people who want to stay in the middle of the hills since it is far from traffic and crowds whereas Lower Coonoor is a city centre with the majority of tourist crowds. Given that the hill station is a birder’s paradise, birdwatching may be the greatest hobby.
About Coonoor
The Toda tribe, a local indigenous group, has lived in Coonoor for a while. Early in the 19th century, the area was developed as a summer getaway and sanatorium to care for sick European patients after being found by East India Company employee John Sullivan. Additionally built to facilitate access to the hill station is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Top 10 Best places to visit in Coonoor
1. Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Coonoor, is a renowned botanical garden with lovely flower terraces stretched out across an area of roughly 12 acres. Along with a lake inside the park that offers boating facilities, the park also contains a Rose Garden with some of the best Rose varieties in the nation.
On the park’s property is a small lake where boating is also permitted. A rose garden with more than a thousand different varieties of roses from 85 distinct families is also present in the park. Additionally, a few Rudraksha, or bead trees, that are extinct or extremely rare and used in religious rituals can be found here.
Large cinnamon trees, as well as a glass house, can be seen in this park.
Address: Walker’s Hill Road, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu 643101 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
2. Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint
The Catherine Falls of Kotagiri is located at a place where they are plainly visible and are incredibly picturesque from the top of the rock formation known as Dolphin’s Nose, a massive boulder that protrudes outside the level and is surrounded by canyons on both sides. The journey to Dolphin’s Nose, located 12 kilometres from Coonoor Railway Station, is the most picturesque, with serpentine lanes bordered by tea plantations on both sides.
The Dolphin’s Nose View Point is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Coonoor due to its location and the fact that it offers visitors an unhindered view of the ravines, valleys, and canyons from here. From here, one can also view stunning sunrises and sunsets. Other tourist attractions like Tiger Hill, Catherine Falls, Lamb’s Rock, and Kotagiri
3. Ketti Valley
The second-largest gorge in the world, Ketti Valley is the top destination for all nature, photography, and adventure fans. It is encircled on all sides by the blue mountains.
The Coonoor-Ooty road passes through the valley, which is accessible by a toy train for 25 minutes. The most well-known vantage point in Coonoor is the Ketti valley overlook, which offers the most stunning view of the Nilgiri hills.
The indigenous tribes of the valley, the Todas and Badagas, practise farming and cultivate both fruits and vegetables. In Ketti, the renowned Pony Needles are produced. There is a Shiva Lingam Temple that is a must-visit and is quite well-known among the locals. In addition to this, the entire valley is home to a number of waterfalls.
4. Hidden Valley
The Hidden Valley, as its name suggests, is the area of Coonoor that is least visited. It is reachable by hiking, and it is a gem for those who enjoy hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and adventure.
The valley is close to Sim’s Park and behind the Wellington Golf Course. The valley contains many water streams, and the nearby hiking trail is highly attractive with a variety of avian life. The secluded valley is a haven for birdwatchers as well. It’s fascinating to note that the Hidden Valley completely encircles Coonoor.
5. Rallia Dam
Another lovely location to explore in Coonoor is at a charming and tranquil end of Wellington road, around 9 kilometres from Coonoor. All of Coonoor receives water from the Rallia Dam. After a hilly drive, you can get there by walking the final 1 kilometre from the parking area.
It is advised to visit the dam either during sunrise or sunset since the panoramic views from the top will wow you. In the vicinity of the dam region, one can also see Indian bison and Malabar squirrel.
6. Law’S Falls
Law’s Falls, which is located inside the Coonoor forest range, originates from the Coonoor river around the point where it meets the Mettupalayam ghat road. The Colonel Law Waterfall descends from a height of 180 feet over several cascades before reaching the ground. It is a popular picnic location for locals and sees a spike in traffic during rains. On the Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty route, the waterfall is situated 7 kilometres from Coonoor town.
7. Catherine Falls
You are mistaken if you believe that Coonoor is a hill town that is only for those who enjoy the outdoors. Catherine Falls is one of the best Coonoor attractions that every traveller should check out because it provides some of the best adventurous activities. One can go down the steeply sloping path that leads to the waterfalls, and it offers fantastic hiking opportunities. One must not miss the flowing waterfalls gushing down the hill while visiting Coonoor because it is quite a sight to behold.
8. Lady Canning’s Seat
Another beautiful location for hiking, photography, and more specifically for all history buffs, is Lady Canning’s Seat of Coonoor. Nearly 9 kilometres separate this lovely location from Coonoor’s main location.
It is a historic mansion in Coonoor and offers a captivating view of the mountains and beautiful green valleys that surround it. An expansive view of the plains and tea gardens in and around the Nilgiris may be seen from this location.
This is one of the most popular tourist destinations for explorers of history. While travelling here, don’t forget to bring your camera.
9. Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory, a factory that has been operating for fifty years, is eagerly awaiting your visit. Fresh and fragile tea leaves from nearby estates in the Nilgiris mountain range are used in this tea mill.
You can get their eucalyptus oil in addition to their tea. The workers here are also making some delectable chocolates for all chocolate lovers. Make sure to sample a freshly brewed cup of tea here after your tour of the plant is over.
Here, you’ll discover both red and green tea varieties. It is not advised to visit this location during the monsoon season.
10. Lamb’s Rock
There are many attractions in Coonoor, but none compare to this magical place. Coonoor’s Lamb’s Rock overlook provides mesmerising views of the hill town. One must hike to get to the viewpoint because it is up in the air. You will pass by dazzling tea plantations on your way to the viewpoint, which is a stunning sight to witness. When you get to the point, the magnificence of the surroundings will astound you. It is one of the most beautiful places in Coonoor that you really must see!
Best Time to visit Coonoor
Coonoor may be visited all year round, however between October and March is the best time to go to experience the cold winters. Summer months from April to June are relatively comfortable and provide the most picturesque views of the ghats and tea gardens.
How to reach Coonoor
By Air:
The Coimbatore airport, which is around 70 km away, is the most practical airport for travellers coming from or going to Coonoor.
By Train:
Although Coonoor has a railway station, it is not a significant railway station because of its high height and difficult topography. The closest train station is in Mettupalayam, 45 kilometres distant. The 75 km away Coimbatore junction provides stronger connections to the rest of India. The Nilgiri Toy Train runs between Coonoor and Mettupalayam; you can take it.
By Road:
Using a vehicle on the road is likely to be your best and most economical alternative for travelling to Coonoor from the nearby airports and train stations.
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Things to do in Coonoor
- Ride the mountain train
- Take a tea plantation trail
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In Coonoor
1. What is Coonoor famous for?
Coonoor is famous for manufacturing the best tea in the nation as well as for its lush and misty surroundings, diverse bird population, and wildlife. In addition to its 19th-century toy railway, Coonoor is a well-liked hill station because of its lush gardens, beautiful waterfalls, and historic forts.
2. What is the distance between Coonoor and Ooty?
Coonoor and Ooty are separated by 19 kilometres. You can take a taxi from Coonoor to Ooty or the other way around because there are no buses or trains that run between the two.
3. What are the places to visit near Coonoor railway station?
The three greatest locations to visit nearby Coonoor’s train station are Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, and Dolphin’s Nose. Each of these locations offers a tranquil atmosphere and a variety of photo opportunities.
4. Which is better Ooty or Coonoor?
Both Coonoor and Ooty provide life-changing experiences. While Coonoor is renowned for its gorgeous tea estates, village tours, chances to observe exotic birds and wildlife, and luxury resorts, viewpoints, lakes, and well-kept gardens, Ooty is adored for its luxury resorts, viewpoints, and lakes.
5. Which are the most famous restaurants in Coonoor?
The three most well-known places to eat in Coonoor are Jharokha Restaurant, La Belle Vie, and Hyderabad Biriyani House.
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