Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, (South India)
Coonoor is a picturesque hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its lush tea gardens, pleasant climate, and scenic viewpoints like Dolphin's Nose and Sim's Park.
Unlock the beauty of Coonoor with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Coonoor has it all
Photography
Coonoor offers beautiful tea gardens where visitors can indulge in a photoshoot amidst the lush greenery. The scenic landscapes and well-maintained tea estates provide a picturesque backdrop for memorable photographs.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Obtain necessary permissions for a photoshoot; be aware of the surroundings to avoid any disturbance.
Sightseeing
Explore Lady Canning's Seat, another viewpoint known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Best visited during sunrise or sunset
Sightseeing
Visit Ketti Valley, the second-largest valley in the world, and marvel at its expansive natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Witness the beauty of Catherine Falls, a double-cascading waterfall located amidst picturesque surroundings.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Stay on designated paths
Religious Visit
Visit St. George's Church, a serene and beautiful place of worship showcasing architectural grandeur.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Cuisine
Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Taj Garden Retreat and savor delicious cuisine in an elegant setting.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-23:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Reservation highly recommended
Waterfalls
Enjoy the serene ambiance of Law's Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Friday-Saturday
Price: Free
Religious Visit
Visit All Saints Church, a charming colonial-era church known for its architectural beauty and tranquility.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Consider visiting during services
Shopping
Explore the local markets of Coonoor and indulge in shopping for unique handicrafts, teas, and souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Experiences
Visit Sim's Park, a botanical garden offering various recreational activities and beautiful flora.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:30-17:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 30.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Historical Sites
Explore the historic Droog Fort, known for its colonial architecture and panoramic views of the region.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 06:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
From droog, one can trek for around 5-8 kms (one way) to reach view point.
Experiences
Learn about the tea-making process with a visit to a tea factory in Coonoor and sample fresh tea.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 10.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Enjoy breathtaking views from Lamb's Rock, a popular vantage point known for its mesmerizing landscapes.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Trekking
Embark on a thrilling trek in Hidden Valley, known for its lush greenery, diverse flora, and fauna.
Best Time to Visit: January - May, October - December
Timings: 06:00-15:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Moderate to difficult trekking trails & Beware of Leeches
Sightseeing
Visit Dolphin's Nose, a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 15.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Beware of steep pathways
Travel Guidelines for Coonoor, Tamil Nadu (South India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Coonoor is a serene hill station in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. It's the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiri range after Ooty. Known for its lush tea gardens, expansive green landscapes, and a variety of flora and fauna, Coonoor offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Coonoor is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The hill station is about 20 km from Ooty.
By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, approximately 70 km away from Coonoor.
By Railway: Coonoor has its own railway station. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a scenic train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, passing through Coonoor.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in Coonoor include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. While the town center has good connectivity, some remote areas might experience intermittent signals.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Coonoor is a popular tourist destination and is generally considered safe for visitors. However, while traveling in hilly regions, caution is advised due to winding roads, especially during the monsoons. For any advisories, you can refer to the Tamil Nadu Police website.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses are commonly available in Coonoor for sightseeing. The compact nature of the town also makes it feasible to explore on foot.
7. Special Mentions
Sim's Park: A beautifully maintained botanical garden, boasting a variety of plant species.
Dolphin's Nose: A unique rock formation offering panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills and Catherine Falls.
Lamb's Rock: A viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the Coimbatore plains and tea estates.
Tea Gardens: Coonoor is renowned for its tea estates. Many plantations offer guided tours where you can learn about tea processing.
St. George's Church: A historic church built during the British era, known for its architectural beauty.