Tourist Places to Visit in Coonoor

Tourist Places to Visit in Coonoor

You’ve probably heard a lot about Ooty – the queen of hill stations. But have you heard of Coonoor? Here’s the thing – if you’re planning a trip to Ooty and travelling via Mettupalayam and Kallar road, you’ll pass through Coonoor. And trust us, it’s more than just a stopover.

Coonoor is the second largest hill station & it is located at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level in the Nilgiri Hills, where the clouds often move with the mountaintops, and you can hear the ancient forests whispering in the air. It’s known for its lush tea gardens, nice weather, and amazing views, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and anyone looking for peace. In this blog will explore some of the Coonoor places to visit that make this destination & your trip so special.

Lets Explore Top Tourist Places to Visit in Coonoor

1) Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  an iconic toy train journey that is an absolute must-do activity in Coonoor. This 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge railway, built by the British in 1908, travels from Mettupalayam to Ooty and vice versa.  It operates two trips per day, and the entire journey to Ooty takes approximately 5 hours. This train will go through tunnels, forests, and tea gardens, offering a wonderful experience. 

2) Sim’s Park

This park-cum-botanical garden was developed around the natural contours of the land more than a hundred years ago. It covers 12 hectares and has many types of local and foreign plants, trees, and flowers, including rare ones like Rudraksha, an ornamental tree and Queensland Karri Pine. It’s a peaceful place to walk around, relax, and enjoy nature. If you visit Coonoor with your friends or family during the summer, especially in May, don’t miss the Annual Fruit and Vegetable Show held here. The garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entry fee is ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children.

3) Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

Dolphin’s Nose is one of the key places to visit in Coonoor, situated at an altitude of 1,550 meters. This spot is famously named Dolphin’s Nose because the rock formation here distinctly resembles a dolphin’s nose. It’s located around 12 km from Coonoor. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy truly beautiful views of the Nilgiri Hills, vast tea plantations, and the scenic Catherine Falls flowing in the distance. The viewpoint is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and there’s a nominal entry fee of around INR 15 per person.

4) Lamb’s Rock

Lamb’s Rock, one of the most popular picnic spots near Coonoor, is about 8 km away from the town. It is a well-known viewpoint where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Coimbatore plains and lush green valleys. The place is named after Captain Lamb, who worked hard to make a path to this spot. Later, Mr. E.B. Thomas, the then Collector, officially named it in his honour.

5) Droog Fort

Droog Fort is located about 13 kilometres from Coonoor. It is the remains of an 18th-century fort once used by Tipu Sultan as a military outpost. Though mostly in ruins now, it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and plains, making it one of the important places to visit in Coonoor during your holiday. It’s also a great spot for trekking and gives you a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

6) Ralliah Dam

Ralliah Dam is a hidden gem located near Coonoor, built in 1941. It is situated about 9 kilometres from the town. Surrounded by dense forests, this place is perfect for nature lovers and those looking for some quiet time away from the crowd.

Though it’s not a very popular spot in Coonoor, trust us, it’s definitely worth visiting for its calm atmosphere and scenic beauty. To reach the dam, you’ll need to take a short walk through a forest trail, which adds a bit of adventure to your visit. You can go for a peaceful walk, click beautiful photos, do some bird watching, and simply relax in nature’s lap.

7) Wellington Cantonment Area

Wellington is a peaceful military area near Coonoor, known for its clean roads, well-maintained surroundings, and beautiful old British-era buildings. It is home to the Defence Services Staff College, where senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are trained. While some parts of Wellington are restricted due to military use, visitors can still enjoy a peaceful visit to Wellington Lake. The lake is a calm and scenic spot, perfect for a quiet walk, photography, or simply spending some relaxing time with nature.

8) Tea Factory

Learn about the interesting process of tea making at this 50-year-old tea estate. You can take a guided tour to see how tea leaves are processed — from plucking to drying and packaging. They also offer fresh tea tasting, including red and green tea varieties. Apart from tea, you can also buy eucalyptus oil and homemade chocolates here.

Bottom Line

So, now that you know all this about Coonoor, don’t just drive past it! Make sure to include all these beautiful places to visit in Coonoor in your travel schedule. Stay a day or two with yourkeys, lovely stays, and enjoy visiting all these wonderful spots. 

Faqs

1) What are the top tourist places to visit in Coonoor?

Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Coonoor include Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, Droog Fort, Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train), Ralliah Dam, Wellington Cantonment Area, and the Tea Factory.

2) How do I reach Coonoor from Ooty or Mettupalayam?

You can travel to Coonoor via the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train), which operates between Mettupalayam and Ooty. Coonoor lies along this route, making it a perfect stop on your journey.

3) What is special about Sim’s Park in Coonoor?

Sim’s Park is a unique botanical garden spread across 12 hectares, featuring rare plant species like Rudraksha and Queensland Karri Pine. It’s especially lively during the Annual Fruit and Vegetable Show in May.

4) Is the toy train ride in Coonoor worth it?

Yes, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a scenic ride through tunnels, forests, and tea gardens, making it a must-do experience in Coonoor.