| Sightseeing:
Coonoor has some great scenic places to visit. Sim's Park, located in the midst of a ravine, covers an area of 12 hectares and exhibits over 1000 species of plants, trees and flowers. For some of the finest views around visit the Lamb's Rock, 6km away, where you can feast your eyes on the captivating view of the Burliyar ravine and the plains of Mettupalayam. Lady Canning's Seat, a little further ahead, is a point said to have been frequented by the Viceroy's wife. Dolphin's Nose, is a rocky projection in the hill-side from where you can catch more panoramic views of the hills and plains.
There are three spectacular waterfalls cascading down the hill-side: St. Catherine falls, 250 feet high, Law's falls and Kateri falls. You can climb up to the ruins of the Droog fortress and explore the area or even do some excellent bird-watching.
For excursions outside, you could visit the neighbouring hill station of Ooty; a trip on the Ooty- Mettupalayam mountain railway, which goes via Coonoor, is a memorable experience.
Activities:
It's a great place for some trekking and hiking; you can start from Lamb's Rock and actually trek to all the major sight-seeing spots instead of driving. A visit to a tea-plantation is also an educative and interesting experience.
Tourism Info:
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Ltd Dr. Nanjappa Road Coimbatore - 641 018
Tamil Nadu Tel - 91 - 422 - 236311 / 236324
Set on the foothills of the Nilgiris, and only second to Ooty in terms of size, Coonoor
is a picturesque hill-station located at an altitude of 2000 ft. It is
surrounded by tea plantations, which happens to be a major economic
activity of the region. However, it owes its popularity greatly to it
being an excellent getaway for those looking for peace and quiet, as
well as adventure.
Coonoor gained popularity as a hill-station way back in the 19th
century when it was established by the British. In 1819 a wealthy
British businessman built a sprawling bungalow 'Silverdale', thus
attracting other British settlers, who developed the tea plantations
and a railway line. The historic bungalow Silverdale, then went on to
become a residential school, and finally an orphanage. Coonoor is divided into upper and lower parts, with the commercial part being in the lower, and residences in the upper part. |