Coonoor is a municipality located at an elevation of 1,850 meters above the sea level in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, next to Ooty. Known for its tea production, Coonoor has a lot of beautiful places to visit which makes it an ideal destination for tourists. Due to its pleasant weather, a lot of people visit the place during summers to get some respite from the heat.
Coonoor Hill Station
There are many beautiful places to be visited in Coonoor. The hill station attracts tourists from around the country to experience its greenery and moderate climate. Here are some of the places you should not miss out on a trip to Coonoor
Simβs Park
The wide variety of flora species will leave anyone mesmerized. The Simβs Park is home to over 1000 plant species. The ideal time to visit the place is during May when the fruits and vegetables show is organized. The maintenance of the park is top-notch with gardeners and workers doing a fantastic job to keep the place neat and clean throughout the year.
There is a special area for kids to play, beautiful lawns and many varieties of flowers and trees. There is also a small boating area which has to be visited.
Rallia Dam
The Rallia Dam is a secluded spot which is ideal for groups of travelers. The place is absolutely pleasant and long walks across the dam are excellent to take. The woods nearby are dark and deep. Sometime or the other there are wild animals which can be spotted in the place. Make sure you donβt venture into unprotected areas of the woods.
Tea production is at full swing at the Highfield Tea Factory. From plucking of raw tea leaves to final packaging of tea powder, the entire process happens in a smooth manner in the factory. It is situated close to the Simβs park and must definitely be visited. Make sure it is a working day at the factory as youβll be able to see both labors and machines at work.
Heritage Train
A trip to Coonoor would be incomplete without taking a ride on the Heritage Train. The train travels from Coonoor to Ooty and Coonoor to Mettupalayam. The views are breathtaking and an early morning ride is advised to capture some splendid shots. Take your best camera along with you as the journey is through some of the most scenic places you will ever see. The ride route is recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage sites.
Dolphin Nose
The Dolphin Nose is a breathtaking place to visit near Coonoor. The spot is beautifully maintained with a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. On a clear day, you can see Catherine falls clearly from here. Though a bit crowded at times, the place is an absolute delight for photographers.
How to Reach the Place
Coonoor is approximately 70 kilometers away from Coimbatore. The fastest way to reach the place is by road, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The cheapest way however is by taking the Nilgiri Express from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam and then hiring a cab to Coonoor.
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