Coonoor Tourism
Coonoor, a municipality, is a beautiful hill station situated in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. It is the second-best Hill Station in Tamil Nadu, Ooty being the first one. Coonoor is known for its Tea Estates, this place is a tourist attraction for popular spots like Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Law Falls, and Catherine Falls.
The atmosphere at this destination gives a refreshed feeling with a picturesque view all around. The temperature varies in between 8 degree Celsius to somewhere in 20’s, with 37 degrees being the maximum till date.
Best time to visit Coonoor
The temperature range is quite pleasant which makes any time a pleasant time to visit the place, however, October to march is the best time to visit this place because the temperature is on the cooler side, which adds onto the existing charm of the place.
How to reach Coonoor
Coonoor is approximately 300kms away from Bangalore. You can reach the place by road or by railway.
By road
If you choose to travel by road either by a bus or private car, it will take around 7 to 8 hours to reach the place.
By train
There are no direct trains from Bangalore to Coonoor, since Coonoor does not have a Train Station. You will have to take a train to Coimbatore.
Coimbatore is around 230 km from Bangalore and takes 7 hours to reach. From Coimbatore, one can take a taxi to reach Coonoor which is 45-70 km from Coimbatore. Or if you are traveling to Ooty, then Coonoor is just 20kms away from Ooty and the distance can be covered by a taxi or bus.
Places to visit in Coonoor
1. Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Coonoor. It is a park cum botanical garden which was developed in 1874 which makes it more than 140 years old.
It is spread over a large area and has various species of trees, plants, shrubs and creepers which includes unusual ones that are not found in Ooty. Some of them have been brought from the various parts of the world and planted here.
The park conducts an annual fruit show and vegetable show which attracts a lot of tourists. The park charges a nominal entrance fee and extra charges for Camera and Video Camera.
2. Dolphin’s Nose
Distance: 12kms from Coonoor
Dolphin’s Nose is a natural unique rock which is in the shape of the Nose of a Dolphin and hence, the name. This viewpoint is a must visit place in Coonoor and offers an amazing view of the Catherine falls. It also offers magnificent views of the greenery and surroundings.
The best place to visit the Dolphin’s Nose is in the morning after 9 AM. Visiting it in the early morning is not a good idea as you may not get a clear view of the surrounding due to fog and mist.
3. Lamb’s Rock
Distance: 8kms from Coonoor.
Lamb’s Rock is another popular tourist spot in Coonoor. It is a few km away from the Dolphin’s nose. One can view the Coimbatore plains, tea estates, and coffee estates and also the Toy train from this viewpoint.
This place is suitable for trekking. Make sure you visit the place on a clear sky day to have clearer views and make the most of the place.
4. Catherine Falls
Distance: 21kms from Coonoor.
Catherine Falls also known as St. Catherine Falls is located in Kotagiri, which is a Town Panchayat City. St. Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded waterfall with a height of 250 feet. The upper fall drops down to the floor, which makes it the second highest in The Nilgiris Mountains.
If you are looking to spend a night here, there are cottages available in the Catherine Greens, which is an area near the Catherine Falls. This place is a significant tourist spot in Kotagiri.
5. Law’s Falls
Distance: 10kms from Coonoor
Law’s falls is one of the waterfalls in Coonoor surrounded by a lot of greenery. This waterfall is about 30feet in height and has multiple cascades. Since the waterfall lies near the main road and is a small one on a comparative level, it is not suitable for trekking.
The force of water at the bottom seems to be suitable for playing and enjoying, however, one needs to be careful as the place might be slippery. The way water falls from the stones in multiple cascades is amazingly attractive.
6. Droog Fort
Distance: 15-17kms from Coonoor.
The Droog offers a view which is very captivating. The place is suitable for trekking. The fort is believed to be used by Tipu Sultan as an out-spot. However, only a single wall is remaining now.
The Droog Fort is also known as Bakasur Malai because it is seemed to be related to a demon called Bakasur, who was killed by Bheema according to some stories.
7. Katary Falls
Distance: 10kms from Coonoor.
Kotary Falls is the third largest waterfalls in The Nilgiris Mountains, Catherine Falls being the second. This place is also popular for its hydro-electric power station, which in itself is an attraction for the tourists.
It is India’s first Hydro-Electric Power Station which utilizes the mechanical energy of water to produce 1000W of electricity. And, this electricity is supplied to the surrounding areas. The waterfall is located amidst the lush green trees and the view is simply fascinating.
8. Kotagiri
Distance: 20kms from Coonoor.
Kotagiri is a Town Panchayat City in The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. The place is filled with greenery and is adorned by the valleys and hills that surround the area. The views that this place offers are eye pleasing and aesthetic.
It is one of the most beautiful hill stations in The Nilgiris. Kotagiri is the third largest hill stations in the Nilgiris, Coonoor being the second largest and Ooty being the first.
Kotagiri means mountains of Kotas and is named after the Kota, which is a tribe that lived here in the past. The place is again popular for its Tea Estates. This hill station is highly suitable for trekking and rock-climbing.
Popular tourist attractions here are the Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, Rangaswami Pillar, and Kodnad viewpoint. If you are planning to spend a day or two here, the place offers accommodations ranging from economic to high-end luxurious hotels.
9. Neelakurinji
Neelakurinji also known as Strobilanthes Kunthiana is a shrub which has a blue-purplish flower that blooms once in 12 years in the Western Ghats. The word Neela mean blue. It is a rare flower with no odor or medicinal benefits.
However, when these flowers grow in a huge amount over a large area, the view is a breath-taking one and charismatic. In the Nilgiris Mountains, only a few of them are remaining because of the establishment of Tea Estates. The year 2018 has been the blooming season for this flower at a place, 30kms away from Ooty.
Wrapping Up
Coonoor is a perfect spot for hiking and trekking, along with giving its visitors a chance to soak up the calm environment with the cool climate, and breath-taking scenery.
Being famous for a variety of birds, tea plantations, wildflowers and more, it hosts a lot of festivals too. Coonoor basically provides its visitors with a panoramic view of the Nilgiri hills, valleys, and waterfalls.
Bird watching is another pastime in Coonoor, which gives a chance to praise the nature, and it has lately started attracting more tourists over urbanization of Ooty. So, plan a trip and get going into the arms of this gift of nature.