Tamil Nadu Tourism - Coonoor

Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris and one of the highlights of tourism in Tamil Nadu. It is also famous as the gateway to Ooty, the most famous hill station in South India. Coonoor is located in the western part of Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level. The toy train between Coonoor and Ooty is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO. The tea gardens and the picturesque landscape make the toy train ride one of the most enjoyable ones in India.

A tour to Coonoor would be an enchanting one since it is one of the most magnificent hill stations of south India which is characterized by deep ravines, beautiful valleys, and imposing waterfalls. It also boasts of exquisite range of birds such as cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks and Nilgiri verditer. While you can relax and enjoy the natural glory of this beautiful town at the same time, you can also go for the sightseeing tour for the various tourist attractions in Coonoor.








¤ Tourist Attractions of Coonoor

* The Pasteur Institute
The Pasteur institute is another important attraction at Coonoor. It is situated near to the Sim's Park. The Pasteur institute specializes in the research for vaccines for rabies and polio. The institute is open for the visitors only on Saturdays. However, if you want to visit it on other days, you will have to seek prior permission of the Director of the Pasteur institute.

* Pomological Station
The Pomological station is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates and apricot. It is one of the three experimental fruit gardens in the Nilgiri Hills. The other two research centers are Burliar and Kallar. A research center of repute, the Pomological Station carries research on different fruits, which are locally grown. Some of the prominent fruits of the area are apples, peaches, plums, persimmons, apricots, lemons and pomegranates.

* Catherine Falls
Catherine Falls, also known as St. Catherine's Falls, is located in the area that surrounds Coonoor. 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. This vantage point allows you to truly appreciate the awesome power that Mother Nature has contained within a waterfall as you look down the 250 feet to the pool of water and its surrounding landscape below.

* 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. In one of the ravine's you can clearly see the awe inspiring Catherine Falls with its continuing stream several thousand meters below. In the other ravine, you can spot where the Coonoor stream meets the Kotagiri stream. Both streams that are contained within these two ravines ultimately feed the Bhavani River which is located a relatively short distance away opposite of the Dolphin's Nose.

* Droog Fort
Droog Fort is located in the area surrounding Coonoor. Getting to this fort does take some physical exertion since trekking must be undertaken to get there, but the hard work is definitely worth it. This old and worn out fort is located 6,000 ft above the plains. Today, only a wall remains of this military outpost. Tradition says that this fort was used by Tippu Sultan as an outpost. With such an impressive location that allowed the fort to command impressive views in all directions, no wonder it was used as an outpost. In order to get to this site, you must travel through the Nonsuch Tea Estate. Droog Fort is also referred to as Bakasura Malai. This name links it to the legend of a local demon, Bakasura.

* Hidden Valley
The Hidden Valley is in the region that surrounds Coonoor. This valley is known for being both impressive and beautiful. Access to this valley is not readily available. Instead, it is necessary to trek to this particular valley. 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. You will not regret for on minute that you choose to take on this excursion.

* Ketty
Ketty is a small village near Coonoor that remains almost untouched. The beautiful landscape is one of the biggest reasons to visit this small village. The flowers that abound in the area make it a most picturesque location. The St Michael Convent is the largest draw to the area after the beautiful scenery. The convent creates a pretty picture with its green roof. This building is then set among the local cabbage fields. The effect is charming to say the least. It is also important to note that this particular convent also has a large statue of a silver angel.

* Kotagiri
Nilgiris' oldest hill station is Kotagiri. It is located in the same general area as Coonoor. This village is set in what looks like the typical tea plantation with its gently sloping hills. Kotagiri is partially in the shade of the Dodda Betta Range, so constant sunlight everywhere is not a possibility. The Rangaswami Rock and Pillar, St Catherine Falls, and Elk Falls are all places that are near Kotagiri that are worth seeing. By far the most popular attraction in the area is the Kodanad Viewpoint. This one vantage point provides you with exceptional views of the plains, the blue hills, the Moyar River, and the mysterious rising mist.

* Lamb's Rock
Lamb's rock is an excellent picnic spot near Coonoor. It is a point on the way to Dolphin's Nose. It was named after the man Captain Lamb who tried in earnest to open a path to that particular point. With such a view, no wonder this man put forth such a valiant effort to reach the point. The rock is a jagged cliff that drops down several hundred feet to the lush jungle below. On the right hand is the Hulical ravine. It is possible to see the Coonoor stream some 5000 feet below. This vantage point also provides you with an excellent view of the Coimbatore plains.

* Law's Falls
The Law's Falls is a small waterfall located on the Coonoor river near its junction with the Mettupalayam Ghat Road. It is named after a man named Col. Law. This was the man who traced and who was behind the construction of the new Coonoor ghat. Even though it is a relatively small waterfall, it attracts a lot of visitors. This is because it is one of the prettiest locations anywhere in the area. The surrounding landscape is extremely rocky and wild. Such a setting is a huge draw for naturalists. In fact, this location is almost heaven to such enthusiasts.

* Sim's Park
Sim's Park is an unusual botanical garden that was developed back in 1874 by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray. 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. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the northern side of Coonoor and covers twelve acres of undulating land. The well though out park has a beautiful lay out. There is an annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in the park that is well attended.

* St George's Church
St. George's Church is a Raj relic. It is an excellent example of a typical Cantonment Church. It was built in 1826 and was designed by Colonel J.T.Boileau. It is made of yellow ochre stucco with white dressings. The entrance of the church must be approached through a small vestibule with niches. The interior contains six Ionic columns that carry a slightly vaulted roof. These columns divide the interior into a central nave and side aisles. The chancel at the east end was altered to a more gothic style at a later date with a carved white sandstone screen, and the altar was enriched with marble inlay work.

* Wellington's Golf Course
Cantonment of Wellington is located in the near vicinity of Coonoor. It is in Wellington that the well-respected Defense Services Staff College is located. 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. This golf course is especially popular with film crews who film in the area. During the filming of a movie, the relaxing motion necessary for golf can counteract the stress that occurs in the filmmaking process. No wonder Wellington's Golf Course is a popular place to visit.

* Shopping
It may not be one of the most well known shopping locations, but it should be. Exceptional petit point embroidery can be found here. Coonoor is also famous for its tea, hand made antiques, Indian handlooms, and shawls. Irish and Belgian table sets and shadow-worked bed sheets are also readily found in the Coonoor shops. With such fine cotton clothes available here, many like to stock up on household clothing items at such stores as the Fine Things boutique. The stores in Coonoor are also known for the outstanding fruit that can be obtained there. Such items as fruit nectar, mulberry fruit, passion fruit, and ambrosia can all be found in Coonoor.