This
12 hectare park-cum-botanical garden is a wonderful place to spend an
afternoon. Shaped on the slopes and base of a small ravine, Sim's Park abounds
in ethnic trees, shrubs, creepers and unusual species of foliage such as
Araucaria, Camellia, Magnolia, Pine, Phoenix,
Turpentine, and Quercus brought in from various parts of the world. The
large and benign Rudraksha bead tree and the Queensland Karry pine, a handsome
ornamental tree, are among the many attractions in this park.
Sim's Park was inaugurated in December, 1874 due
to the efforts of Mr. J.D. Sim, Secretary to Government and Major Murray,
acting Superintendent of the Nilgiris forests.
Initially Sim's Park was designed purely as a
pleasure garden for the British families who had settled here in Coonoor but it
is now also a Botanical Garden. The Park adjoins the Pomological Station,
Pasteur Institute and Silk Worm Seed Station.
In May, Sim's Park plays host to a much awaited
Annual Fruit and Vegetable Show which attracts large crowds.
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