Coonoor

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

Sightseeing in Coonoor -

Droog Fort: Droog Fort is located in the area surrounding Coonoor. Getting to this fort does take some physical exertion since trekking must be undertaken to get there, but the hard work is definitely worth it. This old and worn out fort is located 6,000 ft above the plains. Today, only a wall remains of this military outpost. Tradition says that this fort was used by Tippu Sultan as an outpost. With such an impressive location that allowed the fort to command impressive views in all directions, no wonder it was used as an outpost. In order to get to this site, you must travel through the Nonsuch Tea Estate. Droog Fort is also referred to as Bakasura Malai. This name links it to the legend of a local demon, Bakasura.

Catherine Falls: Catherine Falls, also known as St. Catherine's Falls, is located in the area that surrounds Coonoor. This beautiful waterfall falls from an impressive 250 feet. It can clearly been seen from the top of Dolphin's Nose if seeing the entire waterfall as one total impression 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.

 Hidden Valley: The Hidden Valley is in the region that surrounds Coonoor. This valley is known for being both impressive and beautiful. Access to this valley is not readily available. Instead, it is necessary to trek to this particular valley. The green, lush landscape combined with the breathtaking mountain views make this trek worth all of 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 the Hidden Valley. You will not regret for on minute that you choose to take on this excursion.

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 the man 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.

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.

St. George's Church: St. George's Church is a Raj relic. It is an excellent example of a typical Cantonment Church. It was built in 1826 and was designed by Colonel J.T.Boileau. It is made of yellow ochre stucco with white dressings. The entrance of the church must be approached through a small vestibule with niches. The interior contains six Ionic columns that carry a slightly vaulted roof. These columns divide the interior into a central nave and side aisles. The chancel at the east end was altered to a more gothic style at a later date with a carved white sandstone screen, and the altar was enriched with marble inlay work.

Shopping - It may not be one of the most well known shopping locations, but it should be. Exceptional petit point embroidery can be found here. Coonoor is also famous for its tea, hand made antiques, Indian handlooms, and shawls. Irish and Belgian table sets and shadow-worked bed sheets are also readily found in the Coonoor shops. With such fine cotton clothes available here, many like to stock up on household clothing items at such stores as the Fine Things boutique. The stores in Coonoor are also known for the outstanding fruit that can be obtained there. Such items as fruit nectar, mulberry fruit, passion fruit, and ambrosia can all be found in Coonoor.

How to Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport from Coonoor is Coimbatore Peelamdeu Airport, which is at a distance of 70 km. Coimbatore is connected by air to airports in South India, especially to Chennai and Bangalore. Bangalore airport, 310 km away from Coonoor, is the nearest international airport which is well connected to many gulf countries and other foreign cities. It takes about 10 hr journeys by Taxi from Bangalore to Coonoor .

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 Road: Coonoor is well connected by bus services. Regular state owned bus services are available from Coimbatore, Ooty and other cities in Tamilnadu. Ooty is only 17 km from Coonoor,