Places to See In Coonoor

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.