Coonoor - Tamil Nadu

The tranquil hill resort of Coonoor, standing at the head of the Hulikal ravine , 27 km north of Mettupalayam and 19 kms south of Ooty, at an altitude of 1,858 metres, on the south eastern side of the Dodabetta mountains is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills. This picturesque retreat is covered by grassy meadows, tea bushes, a profusion of sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons, all growing wild. Coonoor is essentially a small tea garden town where the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.

What to See

Sim's Park is a carefully planned and artistically laid park cum botanical garden on the slopes of a ravine with hundreds of rose varieties.A Fruit and Vegetable show is held here in May every year.Take a breathtaking view of the Coimbatore planes from Lamb's Rock ( 5.5 km ), a sheer precipice which drops down several hundred metres into the heart of dense jungle.

Dolphin's Nose ( 12 Km ) has spectacular views onto St. Catherine's Falls on one side and Coonoor and Kotagiri streams, tributaries of the Bhavani, on the other.A Tea and Tourism Festival is held in Coonoor every winter.To visit a Tea or Coffee plantation, contact UPASI (United Planters' Association of Southern India), "Glenview", Coonoor.

Manu Temple: Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali, that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here.

How to Get There

By Air: The Nearest airport is Coimbatore, which has daily flights to and from Madras, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Rail: From Coimbatore, 3 hrs. Mountain train to Coonoor.

By Road: Regular bus services from Coimbatore.