Tea, Trains and Colonial Charm - Coonoor
Up south, heading towards hill station most often brings the picture of
famous hill station
Ooty in our mind. But most of us often overlook or unaware
of the classical charm of Coonoor which is less commercialized, more beautiful.
Coonoor sits snugly under
Ooty's shadow and never aspire for so called fame.That's why Coonoor is the favorite haunt for those better-informed tourists who
seek peace. A short drive away (18Km) from
Ooty, Coonoor welcomes every guest
with panoramic view of unending green slopes of perfectly trimmed tea bushes.
You will find a
laidback and classy ambiance with sprawling old bungalows
surrounded by wide manicured lawns, spotlessly clean avenues and roads, nicely
maintained B&B inns, delectable continental cuisines, bright sunshine,
pleasant temperature,everything under one umbrella without much noise.
A
summer retreat of erstwhile British presents old heritage essence to the
travelers.
Where To Stay At Coonoor:
What I
liked about this hill adobe is the wide variety of staying option with so
many things to do for every kind of tourist. You can stay in some old heritage
bungalows turned into B&B Inns and enjoy your lunch served at those
manicured lawns. I have chosen to stay at
180° McIver part of Serendipity chain
of heritage resorts, a 115 year old colonial bungalow with 180°
view of Coonoor and I did the right choice. The ambiance,antique décor,
fireplaces,grassy lawn and above all French delicacies served at
La Belle Vie(the adjacent
multi-cuisine restaurant) are an absolute pleasure.Soft Lamb ribs will be roasted in
perfection to fill up your stomach.
Tea and Coonoor is synonymous to each other and so obviously renowned for tea themed tourism .Sip a cuppa of freshly brewed aromatic Niligiri tea and savor the morning scenery from wide patio of old colonial plantation bungalow.Go for long walks into those
tea establishments or hike to nearby forests. Sighting of different kinds of
bird is guaranteed on those long treks\walks.
Tea Nest wrapped
inside a 1800 acres tea estate is ideal for tea themed tourism.
Taj Garden
Retreat is grandest.
La Mansion set on a hill top in Kotagiri is
worth mentioning French run boutique home stay.
Things To Do In Coonoor:
With several
things to do a must is toy train ride with
Niligiri Mountain Railway
which
is now UNESCO Heritage.As whistle blows, smoking away,train makes his
way through tunnels, passes tea gardens, lush green valleys,picturesque
hamlets and take a rest in between those small station beautifully named like
Ketty, Lovedale,Wellington.
Sim's park situated at the heart of the city is a 100 year
old terraced botanical garden with a lake inside for boating, showcasing
varieties of flora, fauna,creepers,collected from allover the world. Garden
is full of mature trees.Towering teaks,slender pines,and rare Rudraksha
tree will bear that testimony.Seasonal flower beds with vibrant colors will
charm you undoubtedly and should be in your itinerary.Apart from Sim’s Park,surrounding area is
dotted with scenic spots like viewpoints of
Lamb’s Rock (8km),
Dolphin’s
Nose (10km) and trek to ancient outpost of Tipu Sultan known as
Droog Fort.Numerous gushing waterfalls like Catherine
Falls,Law
Falls and Katteri Falls
cut through the gorgeous mountains
,jumping into the valley and great for a drive.You can visit
High Field tea estate which is 1km from Sim’s Park .
So what are you thinking? Plan for Coonoor to experience an
exotic holiday.
