Coonoor – A Hidden Hinterland in the Slopes of Nilgiri

When it comes to finding the best hill stations in the southern part of the country, places like Ooty, Coorg and Kodaikanal tops the list. Amongst the biggies, Coonoor seems like a any regular hilly town. But this small town has an abundance of natural beauty, wildlife and aromatic Nilgiri Tea. Situated in the mystical Nilgiri hills, let’s know more about this magical hill station.

Located in the gorgeous cover of emerald green estates of tea in the state of Tamil Nadu, lies the beautiful hill station of Coonoor. Perched at an altitude of more than 2000 meters, the hill station is famous for its calm surroundings and Nilgiri Tea. The hill station was founded as a summer retreat for the Britishers and is a fantastic place to cut off from the daily hustle bustle of the city life. The hill station is divided into two halves, the lower part is more of a commercial zone with arrays of hotels, resorts and shopping arcades. The upper part is more open with vast tea estates and an abundance of natural beauty.

 

Coonoor is well connected to other famous and bigger destinations in the state and you can always find Tiruchirappalli tour packages, Mysore travel packages or Calicut packages which can offers a round trip to this exciting hill stations as well.  You can always find private taxis and cabs plying regularly on the roads, and which are also the easiest means to browse through the wonders of the hill station. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year, thus enabling a constant flow of tourists. You can find some really fantastic budget option for staying in the lower part of the town. If your pocket allows, then do go for more luxurious hotels and resorts in the upper parts.

 

The hill station was discovered as a summer retreat by the British in the beginning of the 19th century for being in close proximity to fabulous destinations like Ooty yet carrying a magical charm. The hill station is divided into two halves, with the lower part having a lot of hustle and bustle, crowded marketplaces, hotels and resorts, while the upper part being left untouched and showcasing the best of nature and wildlife. For spending a peaceful time, you should go for the upper regions of the hill station.

Some of the most visited attractions in the hill station are Catherine falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Lady Canning’s Seat, Sim’s Park, Rallia Dam, Lamb’s Rock, Highfield Tea Factory and Church of St. George. Bird watchers are guaranteed to have a blissful time with rare sightings of few migratory birds. There are few waterfalls, sunset points, botanical gardens, forts and churches which briefly tells about the past of the hill station. There’s not much to do in the hill station so you can go for leisurely walks, filling your camera’s memory card with the best views from the hill station.

Coonoor can be visited throughout the year, though the drizzles during the monsoons makes it really romantic. October to March is the best time to visit the hill station and you can find Indigo Airlines, Spicejet, Air India and other major airlines regularly flying to the nearest city.