Coonoor is the second largest hill station in Nilgiri Range and has an average elevation of 1850 meters above sea level. The town is brimming with tea gardens and lush greenery. Located about 20 kilometers from Ooty, Coonoor is the gateway to serenity, making this town famous amongst trekkers and nature buffs.
Its major highlight, Sim’s Park, is adorned with over 1000 plant species like magnolia, camellia, and tree ferns. Also, a walk-in Guernsey Tea Factory is highly recommended; not only is it refreshing, but a guided tour will sharpen your intellect about the tea plantation. As you ramble, you’ll come across beautiful and popular viewpoints, forts, and waterfalls.
Coonoor History
Coonoor was the home of the Toda tribe, indigenous to the region. During the early 19th century, the hill station was the summer retreat and sanatorium to treat sick European patients. John Sullivan, who belonged to the East India Company, discovered the place. In addition, the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway was also set up to make travel easier in the region.
Places to Visit in Coonoor
Coonoor, a hill station, is blessed with natural beauty,, including rolling hills, misty skies, and soothing weather. Amid these are the attractions that entice tourists from around the world. Some famous Coonoor tourist places include –
- Highfield Tea Estate
- Sim’s Park
- Rallia Dam
- Hidden Valley
- Ketti Valley
- St. George’s Church
- All Saints Church
- Wellington Golf Course
- Law’s Falls
- Lamb’s Rock
- Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint
- Droog Fort
How to Reach Coonoor
Coonoor is a famous hill station and is connected to major places around the country via rail, air, and roads. Though there is no direct route, here are details of how you can reach Coonoor for a holiday –
- By Air – Coimbatore has the nearest airport to Coonoor at 70 km (approx.). From there, you can hire cabs to reach Coonoor.
- By Rail – The nearest train station to Coonoor is in Mettupalayam, 35 km away. Public and private transportation is available till Coonoor. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, or simply the toy train, is a preferred way to reach Coonoor as you get to enjoy scenic views. It runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty and halts at Coonoor.
- By Road – You can either self-drive or opt for buses from nearby cities like Ooty, Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Kotagiri, which are available frequently.
Best Time to Visit Coonoor
Coonoor is a year-round destination. However, the best time would be October and March as the weather is most pleasant during this period. April to June are also good times to visit Coonoor for pleasant, warm weather and enjoy clear views of ghats and tea gardens.
