Coonoor is a municipality and a Taluk located in the Nilgiris district, on the western edge of the state, Tamil Nadu, India. As far as size is concerned, Coonoor, after Ooty, comes second in largeness in all of the beautiful hills of the Nilgiris, providing people with a lot of ground to tour. For more than one trekking expeditions, Coonoor is an ideal base and leads right into the Nilgiri Hills. The tourist places in Coonoor are breath-takingly beautiful.
For a Hill station, Coonoor is very accessible, with the nearest airport being only at a distance of 79 km from the town of Coonoor. The population being so less, it offers a peaceful and relaxing environment which other hill stations don’t. The station features a subtropical highland climate which basically means cool summers and cool but not cold winter.Among the tourist places in Coonoor comes Sim’s Park, with a collective display exceeding one thousand types of species of plants.
The botany based garden is developed partly in Japanese style. The main attractions of this park are the fruits and vegetables shows held annually, in May. Another important place to visit lies about 10 km away from Coonoor, considered a part of Coonoor, which is the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, which is famous for the magnificent view of the beautiful Hills of Nilgiri and the beautiful Falls called Catherine. Catherine Falls is another important tourist attraction Coonoor.
Tourists normally go trekking from Lady Canning’s seat to Dolphin’s nose. Five and a half km away from Coonoor, also considered a part of Coonoor, lies Lamb’s Rock, which is another point of vantage. The Fort of Droog is a well-known attraction. People commuting to Mettupalayam, witness Law’s Falls about five km away from Coonoor.
People Also Ask About Coonoor
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Travel Advice
Be friendly with the local people. They are usually very friendly and welcoming and hence, do not get into a brawl with anyone for unnecessary issues.
Carry all your identity proofs with you and keep a required amount of money with you every time you step out of the hotel room.
Coonoor is located in Tamil Nadu, where very few people are able to speak Hindi. Also, locals, being from the rural area do not speak fluent English. Hence, it is advisable to learn basic conversational words in Tamil.
The crime rate in Coonoor is very negligible but still, it is advisable to not step out after it gets dark, especially if you are alone.
The roads in Coonoor are steep as it is a mountain area and hence, take care while driving and do not over-speed. Also, the overall atmosphere there is wet and marsh and hence, you should drive slowly in order to avoid slipping.
Rains are very unpredictable in Coonoor and hence, it is advisable to carry extra set of clothing as well as some basic rain gear.
- As Coonoor is a small town, there can be instances where the ATM Machines might not work and hence, make sure that you carry sufficient cash with your, lock in a portable locker for safety.
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Drinking Laws
The legal age to consume alcohol in Coonoor is 21 years, as per the legal drinking age law of the state of Tamil Nadu.
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Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?
Sim’s Park
It is a lush green park spread over 12 acres in the valley. It is a must visit place as it has various natural flowering plants, a boating lake and a relaxing environment, which will make you feel like you are in a paradise. The garden has different sections, designed to perfection naturally.
Catherine Falls
It is one of the most beautiful things Coonoor has to offer its tourists. It is 250 feet tall waterfall which will is also one of the most photographed natural assets of Coonoor. The view of this waterfall is best when looked at from the top.
Heritage Train
This is a small train which runs from Ooty to Coonoor, with a fare of Rs. 370 per person. This is a splendid experience as the track passes through the wet green Nilgiri Mountains, giving you a grand picture of the natural beauty of the hills.
Wellington
It is a small and calm town amid the Nilgiri Mountains, mainly famous for being a military town with rows of Barracks. It is indeed one of the most beautiful places to visit in Coonoor and there are also accommodation options available here, so that you can stay amid the misty chilling weather.
Lamb’s Rock
If you are a trekking enthusiast, Lamb’s rock is the ultimate destination for you as there are trekking trails on this rough cliff, which will give you a splendid adventure, alone with a mesmerizing view of the tea and coffee plantations.
Dolphin’s Nose
It is known to be the best point for photography in the entire town of Coonoor. This will give you some of the most mind-blowing and splendid view of the Nilgiri hills.
Tea and Coffee Plantations
There are a lot of tea and coffee plantations in Coonoor, which are worth visiting. You can also participate in tea plucking along with the local workers and get a different experience on the trip. -
What you will like there?
Misty Weather
The weather in Coonoor is always pleasant, misty and foggy. Hence, you are always ought to feel calm, relaxed and rejuvenated, which is indeed necessary when you want otherwise have a very hectic lifestyle. You can unwind your soul in this weather and refresh your mind while on the vacation.
Lush green landscapes
The landscape of Coonoor is truly mesmerizing, because of the greenery of the Nilgiri hills and also the extensive tea and coffee plantations which spread on the hills in steps.
Serene Atmosphere
Everyone heads to Coonoor mainly for one thing-the serene atmosphere and the calm weather. Despite being a popular destination, the environment here is calm and free from noise-pollution. You can enjoy calm evenings and nights, sipping on some fresh filter coffee and sleep while gazing at the stars and have the time of your life.
Food
The Coconut Gravys and Chutneys along with Dosa and Rice are worth relishing in Coonoor. You can get an essence of authentic South Indian food here and pamper your taste buds with it.
Affordable accommodation
Despite being a breathtakingly beautiful holiday destination, Coonoor does not have a lot of overpriced hotels and lodges. Maximum number of accommodation here is priced according to a moderate budget, which can be affordable for everyone. Same goes with the price for food as well. -
Recommended reads for destination
Website :
Coonoor Wiki
Books :
Tourist Guide to South India -
What is the best time to visit Coonoor?
The best to visit Coonoor would be in the summer season when the temperature is optimum. But the rest of the months are not much of a bother either. The following are a month-to-month description of the seasonal timings of Coonoor.
March to May
Beginning in March, the summer season provides an optimum temperature, that is, between 22°C and 36°C. These provide tourists the most beautiful view and are optimum for any amount activity that they might be interested in.
July to October (Mid-November)
During these months, the station located on the hills experiences monsoon. The level of humidity is rather high because Coonoor receives mild to medium rainfall. The scenery is at its greenest, just about as beautiful as it gets.
December to February
During this time, winter is experienced in Coonoor. The highest the temperature gets is, 20°C, and the lowest normally is 9°C. For people who dislike warm or humid temperatures, this is the best time to visit Coonoor.
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How to reach Coonoor?
Reaching Coonoor can be achieved in a number of ways. They are as follows:
By air
The airport used to reach Coonoor normally is the nearest located airport, i.e., The Coimbatore International Airport, lying at a distance of 79 km. The airport has direct flights coming in and going out to Bangalore, New Delhi, Singapore, Chennai, Mumbai, Sharjah, and Hyderabad. The airport is then connected to the hilly station via buses and cabs.
By road
Ooty and Coonoor are connected via the National Highway 67; the highway also connects Coonoor to other cities. The buses are almost always on time, and cabs can be found easily. Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Krishnagiri, Villuparam, all have direct buses to Coonoor.
By Rail
Coonoor is connected to the rest of the country through the Coonoor Railway Station, which is also part of the Nilgiri Hills railway, which despite being a world heritage site, is the railway access Coonoor has to other parts of the state and country.
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What things can I do in Coonoor?
Coonoor provides tourists with scenery, a number of eateries, and an array of treks. The temperatures are perfect for the activities people plan. Some must-dos of Coonoor are as follows:
- Go onto the Heritage train
- Visit Sim’s Park
- Lookout for Dolphin’s Nose
- Lamb’s Rock is attractive and very accessible
- Play Golf at Wellington Gymkhana Golf Course
- Check out the Tiger Hill Cemeteries
- Tranquilitea Gourmet Nilgiri tea farms are a mandatory visit
- Lookout for the Ralia Dam
- Pay a visit to All Saint’s Church
- Go boating at Wellington Lake
- Take pictures of Laws Falls
- Take a look at Droog fort
- Watch the processing of Brookland’s tea factory and Factory outlet
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Which are some best resorts at Coonoor?
The resorts have excellent service and go extra lengths to make their customers and clientele comfortable. The best resorts are as follows:
- The Gateway Hotel Church Road
- Bella Vista
- Hotel Vivek
- BLISS Homestay
- YWCA Wyoming Guesthouse
- O’ land Plantation Stay
- Sree Harshav Cottages
- Neemrana’s – Wallwood Garden
- TeaNest
- Serenity Manor
- Sunvalley Homestay
- Fairy Glen
- MGM Hill Worth Resorts
- De Rock Jungle Living – Coonoor
- AGR Holiday Home
- Kurumba Village Resorts
- Storyteller
- Orchid Square Boutique Hotel
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Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Coonoor?
The patrons receive very warm treatment, one which is not easy to forget. The best restaurants in town are as follows:
- Hotel Coonoor Ramchandra Restaurant
- Crown Bakery
- Needs
- The Culinarium
- Bevina
- Earl’s Secret
- Aroma Treat
- Chandan Restaurant
- Hopscotch Resto Pub
- Ababa Café
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What are the best public transport modes to commute around Coonoor?
Coonoor offers tourists and locals with a number of auto rickshaws to hire, and other three wheelers are also available. The hotels or resorts are also very helpful and locate taxis for tourists on being asked. The most opted for mode of transport, and generally the best, seeing as to how the temperature and weather are so good, is walking. Crowds are much bigger at lower Coonoor, as compared to upper Coonoor. Upper Coonoor, however, has good roads and more secluded areas.
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Which are the best places for shopping in the Hilly Station of Coonoor?
Apart from the three As --- Antiques, Artifacts, and Apparel, Coonoor is famous for all the food it sells. Ramchandra’s is the talk of the town, and has been for some time. The aromatic Nilgiri tea Coonoor produces is a big plus. Many Organic Products, such as jams, and honey are sold here. Pure Lavender and Eucalyptus oil, chocolates made at home and cakes which have been freshly baked, Irish and made-in-Belgium table sets and Indian handlooms are all available at Coonoor.
Some famous shopping centers at Coonoor are:
- Acres Wild Farm stay Coonoor
- Baker’s Junction
- Vriksh
- Needlecraft
- Greenshop
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Which are best trekking trails in Coonoor?
Exploration of the outdoors is made quite easy here. According to the law, Local Guide is required to accompany the trekkers. Trekkers come out feeling tired but exceedingly refreshed.
The following are the top rated trekking trails in Coonoor:
- The Nature Trail (Distance: 6 km)
- Sujith’s Trail (Distance: 11 km)
- Pakasuran Trek (Distance: 300 ft. uphill climb)
- Waterfalls Trek (Distance: 6km to 30km)
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Which are the best tea plantations to visit in Coonoor?
The best place to enjoy tea is the plantation in itself. Visiting Coonoor without checking out its tea plantations would be rather sad for any tourist.
- Tea nest
- Brookland’s Tea Estate
- High Field Tea Estate
- The Clubhouse By Tranquilitea
- TANTEA
- Tan Tea Factory
- Coonoor Tea Estate
- 8H
- 2D/1N
- 2D/1N
- 2D/1N
Coonoor Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Coonoor
Sim’s Park is one of the unforgettable Places to visit in Coonoor. It is a well-maintained botanical hub of Coonoor where you can easily find hundreds and thousands of trees and flowering plants. Homing to some of the adorable hills to gaze through, Sim’s Park has a lot of rarest exotic species and bright, colorful garden to soothe your eyes.This place will surely be enjoyed a lot by your kids. Having a temperature maximum of around 30 degrees and minima of about 5 degrees, there is a special place reserved for a pristine landscape to offer a pleasant stay to the onlookers.Be careful that you do not carry any eatables as it is highly prohibited here. Photographers are there to click pictures on your behalf, and you can quickly get prints on the spot at reasonable rates. To engage their visitors, the park authorities have boating facilities.Location: Cantonment Area Road, Attadi, Coonoor 643101Timing: The park is open from morning 09:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. People usually prefer to spare 2 hours or more at this park.Price: Entry fee for adults is around 30 INR; while for bringing in your kids, you need to pay a sum of approximately 15 INR. Photography might cost you about 50 INR while videography might cost about 100 INR.
Currently attracting its visitors through its ruins, Droog Fort, stands amongst the exceptional Places to visit in Coonoor for trekking. A sole wall and a watchtower are standing here with a high pride to engage visitors across the globe.As there are locker and storage facilities available, you do not need to worry about carrying your unnecessary stuff here at the top. There are quite a few rare and exotic bird species that hover around the Fort.So bird watchers definitely have a lot of things to do here. Do not miss on your binoculars to gaze some unique bird species which probably might be new for some of you.Location: Foothills of NilgirisTiming: The doors of the Fort are open for the visitors from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. For an average traveler, it will take around an hour to complete their visit here. Price: There are no entry fees to climb up the Droog Fort.
Coonoor’s heritage train is a slow-motion toy train through lush backdrops and bridges illustrating a roller-coaster ride at high altitudes. Dating back to the era of the 19th century, this heritage train began its service as a means of tea or coffee transportation.This toy train seems like one that snails with a turbulent speed of around 60 km per hour. There is a twin track for this heritage train which takes you through the sprawling tea estates and misty mountainous tops.While you enjoy your journey through this ancient piece of art, never miss on to watch the fantastic bubbly streams and the loudly roaring waterfalls that are bound to cross throughout your journey.Location: From Mettupalayam to CoonoorTiming: Heritage Train is functional from early morning 07:00 am to 06:00 pmPrice: The journey price for the unreserved category is 15 INR, it is 30 INR for Second Class and 205 INR for First Class.
A reckoned gothic structure of Coonoor, St. George’s Church, is known for its painting collections and elegant interiors. This Church appears vibrant and energetic on special occasions such as regional or national festivals.This church is a sure place to visit for those who adore architectural beauty and historical constructions. The climate in and around this church is quite calm so you can have a spiritual connection with God. October and March is the best time to plan your visit here.Location: Wellington, Tamil Nadu 643231Timing: The Church doors are open for visitors from morning 09:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. It generally takes around 30 minutes to complete your visit here.Price: There are no entry fees to seek blessings at this church.
Law’s Falls is the next to go in the list of favorite Coonoor tourist places worth seeing. The falls are gorgeous and please the eyes of visitors all across the globe. The height of this waterfall is around 180 feet which creates a water pool at its base.This place is located at a distance of approximately 7km from the outer border of Coonoor and claims itself as a lovely place to visit by naturalists. The cascade of this waterfall appears extremely beautiful in monsoons. However, make sure to hold on your grip while you walk through the rocks here as they turn out to be slippery due to water and moss growth.Location: On the way towards MettupalayamTiming: There is no time restriction to enjoy at the slopes of Law’s Falls. Usually, the visit completes within one to two hours.Price: You do not have any entry fees to be paid for visiting this place.
Rallia Dam is a beautiful, serene escape of Nilgiris, Coonoor where you need to trek at least for a distance of around 1 km. It homes to some astounding bird species and gives a pleasing and an engaging look of surrounding natural beauty.Make sure that you seek assistance from the locals to reach your final destination as this place is utterly devoid of any signs or boards. If you are accompanying any valuable items, make sure that you keep them close with you as there have been theft issues here.The lush greenery that spreads all your way around makes you fall in love with this place. Do not forget to buy the home-made chocolates from locals here. Also, spare some time to visit Highfield Tree Factory and ride the Heritage Toy Train. Monsoon is by far the best season to visit this beautiful landscape and seek some calm time with nature.Location: Rallia Dam is situated amidst Coonoor and Kotagiri.Timing: Although there is no specific time limit to reach here, it is advisable that you start on your journey by 08:00 am and complete it around 02:00 pm. Visiting duration depends on your pace of trekking.Price: There are no entry fees for anyone to reach this pristine dam.
Dolphin’s Nose is the perfect spot amongst other tourist Places to visit in Coonoor to have a 180-degree view of the surrounding beauty. While you are busy watching the greenery stretched apart, you might quickly witness a cascade of Catherine Falls gushing out somewhere in between.Your route to the Dolphin’s Nose is all covered up by lush green colored tea estates. Lose yourself in the aroma of fresh and tender tea leaves while you make your way to this point. It is best to visit during noon as there might be both fog and mist in the morning as well as night.This might interfere with having a clear view of the region that stretches around. Be careful from the notorious monkeys that might snatch away your food from you.Location: Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil NaduTiming: Entry to Dolphin’s Nose is open on all days of the week from morning 09:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. On average, it would take around an hour for you to complete your visit here. This place is a reckoned spot for tourism, adventure as well as photography.Price: There is a nominal entry fee of about 15 INR per head, and in case you are aiming for a photography session, be ready to pay an additional sum of 20 INR.
Lady Canning’s Seat of Coonoor is yet another beautiful site for photography, trekking, and more specifically for all the history buffers. This beautiful place is situated at a distance of around 9km from Coonoor main spot.It is one of the ancient mansion of Coonoor and presents an engaging view of the surrounding lush green valleys and mountains. This place offers a panoramic view of the vastly stretched tea estates and plains in and around Nilgiris.This stands as one of the most favored tourist spots for history wanderers. Do not forget to accompany your camera while you make your way here. If you are good at trekking, you can start from any point such as Dolphin’s Nose or Droog Fort or Lamb’s Rock and finally land up here.Location: 9 Km from CoonoorTiming: Visiting time to this Lady Canning’s Seat is restricted from morning 08:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Ideally, you can complete your visit here within half an hour duration.Price: There are no entry fees charged here for your visit.
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