Coonoor is a popular tourist spot and a quiet getaway for people in Coimbatore. If you are a bird lover, then you must visit Coonoor for birdwatching as a variety of birds can be spotted here. Other important places of attractions are Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose.
Location of Coonoor
Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris near Ooty. It lies on the narrow gauge line between Mettupalayam and Ooty. Coonoor is situated at a height of 1839m above sea level.
What to see in Coonoor?
Sim’s Park: Probably the best thing about Coonoor is Sim’s Park. Laid out in 1874, this park can be divided into eight major sections. It has as many as 1000 species of trees which includes Burma teak, birch, mahagony and Spanish cherry. Most of these trees were brought from far way places like the Canary Islands, Venezuela, the Cape of Good Hope and Australia.
Lamb’s Rock: This is one of the favourite places of the tourists which is 8kms from Coonoor on way to Dolphin’s Nose. This place offers a great view of the Coimbatore Plains.
Dolphin’s Nose: 10kms from Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose is a popular picnic spot. It is so named as the rock takes the shape of a Dolphin.
Droog: This was Tipu Sultan’s outpost about 15kms from Coonoor standing at a height of 6000 ft above sea level. It involves a trek of 3-4km to reach Droog Fort.
Laws Falls: Laws Falls is a beautiful picnic spot about 7kms from Coonoor. The height of the falls is about 180ft and is a paradisefor environmentalists and naturalists.
Pasteur Institute: This institute was established in 1907 and does research on Rabbies. It is also one of the important institutes in India to manufacture Polio vaccine.
Excursions from Coonoor
Masinagudi: Masinagudi is located about 18kms from Coonoor which used to be an elephant corridor, so you might be caught unawares by some tuskers on your way to Masinagudi. The drive through Masinagudi is charming in itself. The hairpin turns beyond Masinagudi are quite enjoyable but be careful of rash driving of others.
Kotagiri: Kotagiri is Nilgiri’s oldest hill station at a height of 6503 ft above sea level. It is partly in the shade of Dodda Betta Range on one side. Some of the interesting places are Rangaswami Rock and Pillar, St Catherine Falls and Elk Falls.
Ketty:Ketty is about 15kms from Coonoor on he route between Ooty to Coonoor. This place has been left unexplored, so if you want a peaceful getwawy, you can visit Ketty.
Accomodation selection in Coonoor
Some of the best options in Coonoor are Taj Garden Retreat, Riga Residency, Velan Hotel Ritz and Albert Guest House.
Best season to visit Coonoor
April to June is the best time to visit Coonoor
How to reach Coonoor
By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore about 100 kms away from Coonoor.
By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam. You can also get down at Coimbatore which is connected with all major cities of India.
By Road: Coonoor is well connected by roads with places like Mysore, Bangalore, Gudalur. Coonoor lies 17km SE of Ooty.
