Coonoor is a scenic hill station situated in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. Being the second largest hill station in Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is famous for Nilgiri tea, wildflowers, trekking trails, hiking, parks and valleys. Coonoor along with Ooty and Kotagiri forms the Golden Triangle of Nilgiri Hills. So, Coonoor has no dearth of places to visit. It has both natural and man-made beauties. Sim’s park, Dolphin nose viewpoint, Lamb’s rock, Ketti valley, and Hidden valley are some of the top places to visit in Coonoor.
While planning a trip to Coonoor don’t forget to check out our list of best places to visit in Coonoor which covers the both upper Coonoor and lower Coonoor.
Best Places To Visit In Coonoor
1. Sim’s Park
Spread over a land of 30 acres, Sim’s Park is a botanical garden that is home to thousands of species of plants and trees that were brought from different parts of the world. It is located 4 KM from Coonoor railway station. This place is a prime attraction among family and honeymoon couples.
Based on the plants, the park is divided into different sections. To move from one part to another part there are wide footpaths covered by the flower bed which enhance the beauty of this park. Some of the most special plants and trees are Rudrakash, Cinnamomum, Queensland pine, Phoenix, Magnolia, Tree ferns and many more.
Every year in May, Sim’s park held the annual fruits and vegetable festival which attracts thousands of tourists from nearby cities.
- Timing – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee – 30 INR, 50 INR for the still camera and 100 INR for the video camera.
2. Droog Fort
Built-in the 18th century by the Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, the Droog fort is a historical fort situated at an elevation of about 6,000 feet above sea level. The fort attracts a large number of tourists due to its historical significance and stunning views of the surroundings. There is a watch tower that provides a bird’s eye view of the town.
The fort can be accessed through a trekking trail that starts from the Coonoor-Kotagiri road. As you trek up to the fort, you will come across several interesting sites, such as a watchtower, a water tank, and a secret passage. Once you reach the top of the fort, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills and the surrounding valleys.
3. Dolphin’s Nose View Point
If you want to get 180-degree views of the surrounding landscape and tea estates then you should include the Dolphin’s Nose View Point in the Coonoor trip. Located 12 KM from Coonoor at an elevation of 1550 meters, Dolphin’s Nose View Point is one of the most popular places to visit in Coonoor. It provides stunning views of the Nilgiri hills, Catherine Falls, and the Mettupalayam plains.
It is one of the best spots in Coonoor to watch mesmerizing sunrise and sunset. Watching the golden hue of the sun over the green landscape of Nilgiri is an experience you don’t want to miss.
The viewpoint is named after its unique shape, which resembles the nose of a dolphin. There are some shops near the viewpoint which provide a hot cup of tea with snacks.
- How to reach – To reach the viewpoint either you can take a cab or drive all the way to the parking spot. From there you need to hike up to reach the point. The hike traverse through the lush greenery and amazing views of the tea estates. However, if you want, you can also take a jeep ride up to the viewpoint.
4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nilgiri hills through the Nilgiri mountain railway which traverses through the picturesque mountains from Mettupalayam to Ooty, passing through Coonoor town. This 1000-meter gauge railway slowly scales the elevation of 326 meters to 2023 meters in just a 5-hour span. To experience the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, you can board the train at the Coonoor Railway Station, which is located in the heart of the town.
A ride on this train will be a charming experience as the train passes through several tunnels, bridges, and curves, including the famous 13 curves on the Coonoor-Ooty stretch.
To avoid any kind of rush it’s advisable to book your train tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. You can book your tickets online or at the Coonoor Railway Station.
- Best time to enjoy this ride – Monsoon (June to September) is the best time to take this train ride.
5. Lamb’s Rock
Situated 7 KM from Coonoor on the way to Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock is a popular place to visit in Coonoor. Lamb’s rock rise at an elevation of 5800 feet. It is named after the British collector Captain Lamb, who discovered the place in the early 19th century.
From the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Coimbatore plains and Nilgiri hills in one go. So, bring your camera to capture the beauty of Nilgiri hills from the top.
Lamb’s getting crowded in the morning and evening so it is advisable to visit it early in the morning. And carry a light jacket as the temperature can drop in the early mornings and evenings.
6. All Saints Church
Situated on Kotagiri Road near the Indcoserve office, All Saints Church is the perfect place to seek peace. Built in 1854 it is one of the oldest churches in Nilgiris.
Surrounded by the trees of Junipers and Pine, this church is a beautiful example of colonial architecture, with a tall bell tower and a spire. The most striking feature of the church is its stained glass windows, which depict various scenes from the Bible.
- Timing – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Location – Church road, off near Indcoserve office, Coonoor-Kottabettu-Kotagiri Road, Coonoor.
7. St. George Church
St. George is another beautiful Church in Coonoor which is famous for its amazing architecture and serene surroundings. It is the perfect place to spend an amazing time in peace while enjoying its Raj Style of architecture. Due to its architecture, it is referred to as Cantonment Church. Apart from natural beauty, this church is a great place to learn about history.
- Timing – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Address – Wellington, Coonoor.
8. Ketti Valley
India’s 2nd largest inhabited valley, the Switzerland of South India, Ketti Valley is the most beautiful attraction in Coonoor. Surrounded by the range of blue mountains, Ketti Valley offers the most spectacular views of Nilgiri hills, and cascading waterfalls. The picturesque setting of this valley is perfect to seek inner peace with the view you could ever imagine.
There is a telescope house where you will get a detailed view of the valley. Also, there is a small Shiva Lingam temple which has great religious significance among locals.
There is a little cafe named The Cullinarium which provides different flavors of south Indian food with stunning views of the valley. And don’t forget to catch the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset. Watching sunrise and sunset here with your partner will be the most romantic thing to do in Coonoor.
- Entry Fee – 5 Per Person and 15 for Binoculars.
9. Hidden Valley
Situated near Sim’s Park, Hidden Valley is the most offbeat place to visit in Coonoor. The abundance of water streams, trekking trails and lush green natural beauty make it a paradise for those who love trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing and adventure. Due to its isolated location, it is the perfect place for honeymoon couples and enjoying picnics with the family.
Surrounded by the lush green tea plantations and Nilgiri hills attracts photographers and writers from all around. You can easily take a leisurely walk through the valley to soak in the beauty of the place.
10. Rallia Dam
Rallia Dam is another offbeat attraction in Coonoor famous for stunning mountain views and spotting rare wild animals like Malabar Squirrels & bison. The area around the dam is also rich in flora and fauna, and you can spot several species of butterflies and insects.
To reach the dam you need to take 1 trek from the parking lot which gives you a very pleasing experience. The best part about this place is the magical view of sunrise and sunset from the top which leaves you amazed.
Apart from soaking in its natural beauty don’t forget to buy homemade chocolates from locals here. Also, spend some time at Highfield Tea Factory which is just 2 KM away from the dam.
- Travel Tips – While trekking doesn’t hesitate to ask directions from locals as there are no signboards on the routes. Also, don’t carry any valuable items like jewelry as there have been some theft cases in the past.
11. Lady Canning Seat
Located 6 KM from Coonoor at a height of 6500 feet, Lady Canning’s seat provides stunning views of surrounding landscapes. It is a perfect place for honeymoon couples who want to spend some romantic time in the lap of nature. There are several trails around the viewpoint that lead to beautiful waterfalls and small streams.
12. Wellington
Wellington is a small town located about 3 km from Coonoor town. It is a popular tourist destination in Coonoor known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations and historic significance. You can take a leisurely walk through the tea plantations and soak in the beauty of the place.
Defense service staff college and Wellington Gymkhana club are major tourist attractions of this town. Wellington Gymkhana Club is a sports and social club where you can enjoy various kinds of recreational activities like golf, tennis, swimming, and more.
13. Law’s Falls
Law’s Falls is another go-to place for nature enthusiasts in Coonoor. Gushing from a height of 180 feet, the cascade of the falls looks great, especially in monsoon. The region near the falls is perfect to spend some ME time amidst nature.
The name of this waterfall is named after Colonel Law, who is said to have discovered the falls during the colonial era. Monsoon is the perfect time to see the full glory of this waterfall.
14. Kattery Park
Surrounded by the captivating beauty of tea gardens, Kattery park is the most secluded place to visit in Coonoor. There you can easily spend hours while relishing the views of the surroundings of blue mountains and tea gardens.
It is a well-maintained park and has 25+ species of flowers. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the park is perfect for unwinding.
- Timing – 9 AM to 6 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coonoor famous for?
Coonoor is known for its surrounding blue mountains of Nilgiri hills, tea plantations, trekking, hiking, hidden valleys, historical monuments, waterfalls and pleasant climate. The town is also known for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that runs between Coonoor and Ooty, offering scenic views of the Nilgiri Hills.
What is the best time to visit Coonoor?
Coonoor enjoy the pleasant climate throughout the year however October to April is the best time to visit Coonoor. During summer when the plain land suffer from the scorching heat then the cool weather of Coonoor attracts people from all around. Therefore, summer is the peak season in Coonoor.
How to reach Coonoor?
- By Road: Coonoor is located on the National Highway 67 and is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. There are regular buses and taxis available from nearby cities like Coimbatore, Ooty, and Bangalore to Coonoor.
- By Train: Coonoor has a railway station that is part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railway line connects Coonoor to Ooty, Mettupalayam, and other cities in Tamil Nadu. There are regular trains available from Coimbatore and Mettupalayam to Coonoor.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Coonoor is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is located about 70 km away. There are regular flights available from major cities in India to Coimbatore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Coonoor.
Once you reach Coonoor, you can hire a taxi or a local bus to explore the town and its surroundings.
What are some popular tea estates in Coonoor that offer tours and tastings for visitors?
- Highfield Tea Factory
- Glenmorgan Tea Estate
- Sim’s Park Tea Estate
- Tranquilitea Tea Lounge
- Tiger Hill Tea Estate