Coonoor-Hill station

Introduction

Perched at an altitude of 1,850 meters in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is a tranquil and picturesque hill station, second only to Ooty in size. Known for its sprawling tea gardens, misty hills, and colonial-era charm, Coonoor offers a quieter, more serene alternative to its bustling neighbor. It’s a favorite among nature lovers, honeymooners, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery.

Why Visit Coonoor?

  • Cool Climate with misty mornings and fresh mountain air

  • Rolling Tea Estates and scenic viewpoints ideal for relaxation and photography

  • Colonial Architecture and serene environment

  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway Station (a UNESCO site) connecting to Ooty

  • Eco-Tourism experiences including bird watching and trekking

  • Distance from Coimbatore- About 65km-70km from city center.

Key Features

Sim’s Park

A well-maintained botanical garden and park spread across 30 acres, home to over 1,000 plant species, including rare exotics. It is famous for its annual fruit and vegetable show held in May.

Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

A popular viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the Catherine Falls and the surrounding valleys. The cliff resembles a dolphin’s nose and is a perfect spot for photography.

Lamb’s Rock

An excellent viewpoint offering spectacular views of the Coimbatore plains and lush tea and coffee estates below. A short trek leads visitors to the edge of the rock.

Highfield Tea Factory

Visitors can tour this working tea estate and factory to learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup, and sample freshly brewed Nilgiri tea.

Events & Experiences

  • Fruit & Vegetable Show held at Sim’s Park in May

  • Tea Estate Walks & Factory Tours

  • Bird Watching & Photography Tours

  • Trekking Trails to Hidden Valley and Law’s Falls

  • Local Cuisine including fresh Nilgiri tea and homemade chocolates

Visitor Information

Timings

  • Sim’s Park: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Viewpoints and public areas: Open from sunrise to sunset

  • Tea factory tours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry

  • Sim’s Park: ₹30 (adults), ₹15 (children)

  • Dolphin’s Nose/Lamb’s Rock: Entry often free or nominal parking fee

  • Tea Factory: Free or minimal entry charge

Dress Code

  • Carry warm clothing, especially in the early morning and evenings

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for garden strolls and view hikes

Nearby Attractions

  • Ooty – 20 km away, for a vibrant mix of gardens, lakes, and shopping

  • Catherine Falls – Twin waterfalls seen best from Dolphin’s Nose

  • Kotagiri – A lesser-known, peaceful hill retreat nearby

  • Wellington Cantonment – A historic military town with scenic walks

  • Ralliah Dam – A hidden gem for nature lovers and trekkers

Plan Your Visit

Coonoor is perfect for laid-back travelers who want to avoid the crowds of Ooty while still enjoying the scenic Nilgiris. The best time to visit is from March to June or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the flora is in full bloom. Ideal for weekend getaways, romantic escapes, and photography enthusiasts.

Contact & Additional Resources

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