Introduction:
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. There are tea gardens with sparkling vegetation in the terraced farms of the Nilgiri ranges. Along with tourist sites, the destination houses variety of birds such as thrushes, babblers, larks, cuckoos, robins, vultures, eagles and song birds.
Photo Credit: Robinder Uppal
Destination Facts:
Location: Tamil Nadu, In District Nilgiris
Altitude: 1839 Meters
Area: 13Sq. Km.
Temperature: (summer 22 to 37°C) & (winter 19 to 32°C)
Languages spoken: Tamil and English
Getting there:
Nearest Airports: The nearest airport from Coonoor is Coimbatore Peelamedu Airport.
Main Railway Station: Coimbatore junction is the nearest Railway Station.
Main Bus Station or Road: Coonoor is well connected by bus services.
Distance of a few Major Towns from Coonoor
Coimbatore- 54km, Ketti-17km, Ooty-18km, Mudumalai-63km are the nearby cities.
Eating Around:
Mutton Biryani, Coconut chutney, Lady's Finger Sabji, Idly, Dhal Curry, Pongal are some famous dishes found here.
Places of Tourist interest:
Droog Fort:
The Droog Fort interesting place for the bird-watchers, the legendary surroundings are worth enjoying. Tourists would need to engage in a scenic trek through the Nonesuch Tea Estate to get to the Fort and visit to the Fort would allow travelers to enjoy the natural splendour of the area, whilst glimpsing the rich heritage of this magnificent hill station.
Catherine Falls:
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.
Dolphin's Nose:
Dolphin's Nose is an enormous rock formation that is entirely unique. The protruding rock formation looks exactly like what it is named after, a dolphin's nose. It takes some effort to climb to the top of this rock outcropping, but the views are absolutely worth the hard work. There are gigantic ravines found both to the left and right of Dolphin's Nose.
Dolphins Nose-Coonoor
Hidden Valley:
This valley is known for being both impressive and beautiful. 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.
Lamb's rock:
This is a very splendid natural site boasting of an unparalleled beauty. There is sprawling stretches of the greenery interspersed with the valleys, mist, fog, hills and everything that makes it the best natural site.
Sim's Park:
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.
Wellington's Golf Course:
The Wellington Golf Course is a popular place to stop and enjoy a civilized round of golf. In the midst of the exotic landscape, the touch of normalcy surrounded with the unusual location makes golfing at Wellington's an attractive possibility for many people.
Wellingtons Golf Course
Getting around the destination:
Bus service is Available here
Shopping Areas & Entertainment:
Exquisite embroidered shawls, Toda jewellery, jackets and suites are worth buying for their unique design and flawless finishing.
Best time to visit:
October to May is the best time to visit the destination.
Festivals:
Annual festival attracts tea connoisseurs from the world over in January at Coonoor.