If you don’t know Where is Coonoor and for what it is famous, then let us tell you. Coonoor is famous for its Nilgiri tea. It is among the most popular tourist places in Tamil Nadu. Famous Coonoor tourist places include tea plantations, valleys, and waterfalls. At an altitude of more than 6000 feet, Coonoor is the popular and bustling Ooty. Coonoor to Ooty distance is just 20 km.
There are a variety of trails to hike and trek within the hills of the Western Ghats surrounding Coonoor. The region is split between Upper Coonoor and Lower Coonoor. In contrast, lower Coonoor is a city center that attracts the most tourists. While on other hand upper Coonoor is far from the crowd and traffic. It is ideal for those who want to be in the hills. Bird watching is one of the best things to do in Coonoor.
Best Time to Visit Coonoor
The best time to go to Coonoor hill station begins in October and continues until March. At this time of the year, the conditions are pleasant in Coonoor. It is the best time to visit Coonoor and explore the stunning surrounding hills. With moderately cold and mild weather, this time of year is the perfect time to go sightseeing take in the natural beauty, and pursue adventure sports.
How to Reach Coonoor
By Road: Coonoor is well connected via road to all the major cities in South India, and can be reached via road from Ooty, Coimbatore, Mysore, Bangalore, and Kotagiri. The most efficient way to get there is via road since the drive is breathtaking with serpentine roads that traverse over Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. National Transport Buses are available from Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ooty, and Mettupalayam.
By Air: The closest airport is Coimbatore about 70 km away from Coonoor. It is possible to hire an intercity taxi to get to Coonoor via highway from Coimbatore. It’s a two-hour journey to from Coimbatore to Coonoor.
By Train: The closest railway station is Mettupalayam which is located about 45 km from Coonoor. It is possible to travel to Coonoor tourist places via bus or take a taxi from here.
Another option is the toy train (The Nilgiri Mountain Railway) which is operated from Mettupalayam and Ooty. It stops at Coonoor along the route.
Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Coonoor
Droog Fort
Droog Fort is one of the most popular Coonoor places to visit, which is of significant historical and mythological value. It is located between 15 to 17 km away from Coonoor. This fort was an outpost constructed to protect the region by Tipu Sultan at the end of the 18th century. The remains of the fort are a ruined structure with only a wall and a watchtower, which gives stunning views of the surrounding areas.
According to mythological stories, this location has a connection with Mahabharata. It was the home of a local demon called Bakasura. That is why it is also called Bakasura Malai. Droog Fort is an ideal trek point that can be reached by hiking down 4 km to Nonsuch Tea Estate.
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
Dolphin’s Nose View Point
Dolphin’s Nose is a huge rock that is extending out of the level and is surrounded by canyons on both sides. This place is counted among the top Coonoor tourist places. It is located 12 km away from Coonoor Railway Station. The road leading to Dolphin’s nose is beautiful and surrounded by tea plantations on both sides.
Because of the fact that it offers visitors a clear view of the valleys, ravines, and canyons, Dolphin’s nose is one of the popular visiting places in Coonoor. You can also view stunning sunsets and sunrises from this point. There are also many other popular tourist attractions near Dolphin nose point such as Tiger Hill, Catherine Falls, Lamb’s Rock, and Kotagiri.
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
- Rs 15/Person
- For Still Camera Rs 20
- For Video Camera Rs 50
Also, Check “Kodaikanal Tourist Places“
Lamb’s Rock
If you want to enjoy panoramic views of Coimbatore Plains as well as Nilgiri hills at once, then Lamb’s Rock in Burliar village is one of the best places to visit in Coonoor. It is located 8 km away from the Coonoor Railway Station and close to the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint. Locals typically come here during weekends and holidays since it’s a perfect picnic location.
The area is named in honor of Captain Lamb who planned to build the road leading to this location. You can also hike to the spot. The closest tourist attractions to Lamb’s Rock are Dolphin’s Nose (5km), Sim’s Park (7 km) as well as Law’s Falls (14 km).
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
- Rs 10/Person
- For Still Camera Rs 20
- For Video Camera Rs 50
Law’s Falls
This is one of the best Coonoor tourist places, located within the Coonoor Forest range. Law’s Falls forms out of the Coonoor river, close to its intersection with the Mettupalayam Ghat Route. The waterfall is named in honor of Colonel Law. This waterfall falls from the height of 180 feet through numerous cascades. It is a popular place to picnic for locals and is a major footfall spot during monsoon. The waterfall is located at a distance of 7 kilometers from Coonoor town on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road.
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
Ketti Valley
Ketti Valley is the second-largest gorge on earth with blue mountains on all sides. It is one of the popular places to visit in Coonoor for anyone who is interested in photography, nature, and adventures.
This valley is situated on the Coonoor and Ooty road. It can also be explored with a train ride of 25 minutes. Ketti valley viewpoint offers the most breathtaking views from the Nilgiri hills.
It is believed that the Todas and Badagas are indigenous tribes that are part of the valley, who practice agriculture and cultivate both vegetables and fruits. The well-known Pony Needles is produced in Ketti. There is a Shivling Temple that is extremely famous among locals and must be seen. In addition, there are many waterfalls to be found throughout the valley.
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
- Rs 5/Person
- Rs 15 for Binoculars
Best Places for Shopping in Coonoor
Because Coonoor is home to a large number of tribal people, authentic tribal jewelry and handicrafts can be found in abundance here. The small shops sell stunning artifacts, antiques, and other souvenirs. You can also buy embroidered shawls, and clothes to give as gifts.
In addition to souvenirs, visitors should also shop for a cup of fragrant tea that is available in a variety of flavors and varieties. It is also possible to purchase organic items including honey, spices jams made from fruit (mulberry passion fruit, mulberry, peach, and pear) homemade chocolates, and cakes baked at home. Coonoor also has stores that sell essential oils such as lavender oil and Eucalyptus oil.
Coonoor is also known for its gourmet cheeses including Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Haloumi cheese. It is suggested to purchase the cheese from local sellers including “Nilgiris Store” and “Baker’s Junction’ which are located only 100 meters away from Bedford circle.
If you are an enthusiast of hand-embroidered items, Needlecraft in Singara Tea Estate offers a gorgeous collection of hand-embroidered pillowcases cushions, bedspreads, handkerchiefs. The cost is higher than average but it is well worth the money that is spent.
Green Shop is a very well-known shop and among the famous Coonoor tourist places for all tourists. They are well-designed for gifts and organic food items that are of high quality. Keystone can also be a destination to purchase local, hand-crafted handicrafts as well as clothing. Keystone also stocks homemade honey and other spices.
Food in Coonoor
As a tourist destination, the dining scene in Coonoor is very well organized with many restaurants. These restaurants specialize in food that is from around the globe. Coonoor is able to accommodate budgets of all sorts in terms of food.
If you’re looking for sweets, head to “The Indian Bakery” for cakes, chips, and the famed flaky, crispy biscuits called Varkey, which are simply too good to miss. It is advised to take some Varkey home as well.
Must Check “Ooty Tourist Places“
