Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Western Ghats and one of the three magnificent Nilgiri hill stations. It is located at a height of 1930 meters and is only 19 kilometers from Ooty. This region is a fantastic summer hideaway, with its slopes of tea plantations, sprinkled with many attractions, and blessed with cool weather all year. Coonoor is a lovely place to visit if you want to see the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls from afar. It’s a lovely place with its lush foliage, well-kept hills, Colonial culture, and breathtaking scenery. Coonoor also boasts numerous heritage mansions and guesthouses that overlook the hills, making it ideal for a holiday or staycation. So, if you are planning your next vacation here, then you must know about some of the best places to visit during your vacation. Check it out!
1- Catherine Falls
You are wrong if you believe Coonoor is the only hill station for environment lovers. Catherine Falls, which offers some of the best adventure activities, is one of the best Coonoor attractions that every tourist should see. It has fantastic hiking paths, and one can climb down a path with steep slopes that leads to waterfalls. The cascading waterfalls streaming down the hill are a sight to behold and should not be overlooked on a visit to Coonoor.
Timing- 5:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
2- Dolphin’s Nose
The Dolphin’s Nose, roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, is around 12 kilometers from Coonoor. The tip of the peak of this massive rock resembles a dolphin’s nose, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district. It’s nestled in the Nilgiris Slopes’ rolling hills (or the Blue Mountains). The massive rock formation is very unique. On both sides of the destination, there are massive canyons, and there is a clear view of the Catherine Falls, another major tourist attraction with a continuous current several thousand meters below, which is only a short distance from the Dolphin’s Nose.
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
3- Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park is a famous botanical garden in Coonoor that contains lovely flower terraces stretched out across an area of roughly 12 acres. It is one of the most frequented Coonoor tourist attractions. The park also boasts a Rose Garden with some of the best rose varieties in the country, as well as a lake with boating opportunities.
Timing- 7:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
4- Ketti Valley
The lovely Ketti Valley is located in Tamil Nadu’s majestic hills that stretch from Coonoor to Ooty. The best way to see this beautiful valley, if you want to truly appreciate it, is to ride the toy train, which takes about 20-25 minutes. Bird viewing and especially trekking are popular activities in the Ketti Valley. The Ketti Valley, the world’s second-largest gorge, is a natural wonder surrounded by magnificent blue mountains ( Nilgiri hills). Don’t miss out the renowned Shiva Lingam temple, the tea gardens, and the spectacular waterfalls in the vicinity. You will definitely love this place.
Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
5- Lamb’s Rock
Lamb’s Rock is a Coonoor overlook that provides breathtaking views of the hill station. The viewpoint is located on a ridge and requires a hike to reach it. On your way to the viewpoint, you’ll pass through enchanting tea plantations, which are a stunning sight to witness! The grandeur of the surroundings will wow you once you arrive at the spot. You must go to one of the most gorgeous spots to see in Coonoor!
Timing- 9:00 AM To 5:30 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
6- Rallia Dam
Around 9 km from Coonoor on the Wellington road is Rallia Dam. The dam is an ancient structure that provides water to the people of Coonoor. It is one of the most charming and lovely dams you could ever be to. The water is turquoise in color and gleams in the sunlight, therefore the best times to visit the dam are at sunrise and dusk. The walk would be missing a kilometer if it didn’t include a ride up through the lush valleys.
Timing- 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
7- Droog Fort
If you think Coonoor doesn’t have a rich cultural heritage, you might want to reconsider after seeing the Droog Fort. For those interested in architecture and history, the Droog Fort is one of the best places to see in Coonoor. This historic fort, located 13 kilometers from the city center, was originally utilized as an outpost by Tipu Sultan. The trail leading to the fort is a beautiful one that is well-loved by hikers, and it has a lot of historical significance.
Timing- 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
8- All Saints Church
The All Saints Church is one of Coonoor’s oldest churches, having been built 163 years ago. The church of England included this reformed protestant church. The church was built in 1854 and has exquisite interiors. It is classified as a historic Anglican church. It has a historic pipe organ as well as antique timber interiors. The stained glass windows and the building’s classical design conjure up images of a traditional British countryside, complete with massive dome-like structures. It is surrounded by tall pine trees and a magnificent setting that contributes to its charm. The church gives anyone goosebumps at strange hours because it is a calm spot that is rarely busy and has a cemetery on its grounds. The Church of South India is linked with All Saints Church nowadays. It is located on Kotagiri road, next to the Taj Garden Retreat Hotel and adjacent to Sim’s Park.
Timing- 5:30 AM To 7:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
9- Ayurveda Yoga Meditation Resort
Ayurveda Yoga Meditation Resort, Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Mountains of South India, is a popular destination for those seeking Ayurvedic therapy. The centre is set in a beautiful setting amidst lush green tea plantations and Eucalyptus trees on all sides. The finest aspect about the institution is that it offers personalized care programs for each of its visitors. For numerous issues such as hypertension, alcoholism, and stress-related diseases, holistic remedies are available. Guests can participate in yoga, organic farming, communal vegetarian meals, volunteer work, meditation, and other activities at the centre.
Timing- 7:00 AM To 7:00 PM
Entry Fee- Depends on your package
10- Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is all about discovering Coonoor’s hidden gems. This inaccessible site is an interesting spot that provides beautiful beauty to its guests. As a result, it is an exciting site to visit. This charming place is nestled in a lush forest on the outskirts of Coonoor, is ideal for adventure seekers. Other Hidden Valley activities include mountaineering, rock climbing, and trekking. This valley is a pure delight for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. It is a perfect picnic spot for families and a romantic spot for couples, located beyond the Wellington Golf Course and near Sim’s Falls. If you’re with friends, then this location offers other activities that may encourage youngsters. It is truly a must visit place in Coonoor.
Timing- 9:00 AM To 9:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
11- Highfield Tea Factory
Highfield Tea Factory, known for its tea plantations and tea production, is one of the best Coonoor tourist attractions for chai lovers. The tea grown here is of the highest quality, and it is shipped to other regions of the country. From processing to packaging, not only can one learn a lot about tea but also have a fantastic tea tasting tour.
Timing- 9:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 10 Per Person
12- Law’s Falls
Law’s Falls, located about 7 kilometres outside of Coonoor, is a wonderful spot for a picnic and to be in the midst of nature. The falls, which are located on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road, is over 180 feet tall and surrounded by lush natural forests. Naturalists and children will enjoy this beautiful location.
Timing- 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee