Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is a famous hill station that lies only a short drive from Ooty. When it comes to popular destinations in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is second to only Ooty, that too in size. With a mean elevation of about 1839 metres, this hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains is renowned for idyllic picnic spots, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. But above all, Coonoor tourism is characterised by expansive tracts of tea gardens and factories.

In fact, the entire road from Coonoor to Ooty features lusciously green velvets of tea plantations, with every shade of green possible. Coonoor, the town itself, is more or less has only a few points of interest. However, a short drive from Coonoor to Ooty or any other direction allows plenty of attractions worth visiting.

One of the main attractions in Coonoor, Sim’s Park lies near the Coonoor Railway Station. The park is located in a deep ravine and is divided into eight sections as per different flower species. Extending over an area of 12 hectares, this natural garden features colourful flower beds, manicured lawns, and plants from all over the world. Tree species such as Rudraksh, Cinnamomum, Araucaria, Magnolia, Pine, and Turpentine are found in the garden. Moreover, there is also a rose garden with many species of roses and other flowers. A glass house in Sim’s Park houses some ornamental plants and flowers.

One of the major Coonoor sightseeing places, Lamb’s Rock lies on the way to another popular viewpoint known as Dolphin’s Nose. Lamb’s Rock is usually a quieter attraction than other viewpoints in Coonoor, but just as rewarding as Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, which lies about 10 km from town centre. These vantage points provide a panoramic view of the forested Nilgiri Mountains and the Catherine Waterfalls. On a clear day, one can see as far as Coimbatore from Dolphin’s Nose in Coonoor. Kotagiri is another hidden gem worth exploring near Coonoor.

An ideal spot for honeymooners and one of the popular tourist attractions in Coonoor, the 250-feet-high Catherine Falls is a sight to behold. This double-cascaded waterfall captivates visitors with its scenic setting amidst the forested hills. Another ideal picnic spot, Laws Falls lies just off the Coonoor-Mettupalayam Road. Both of these waterfalls are favourite places for nature lovers. A trek to the Katary Waterfalls is an ideal option for those looking to escape tourist hubbub of Coonoor and spend moments of solitude in the Nilgiri Mountains. This two-hour trek also allows opportunities for bird watching in Tamil Nadu. Tourists in Coonoor can also take a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor on Nigiri Mountain Railways, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Droog Fort, Lady Canning’s Seat, Hidden Valley, and High Field Tea Estate are major places to visit in Coonoor. While taking a tour of attractions in Coonoor, it’s always helpful to carry a Coonoor tourist map showing all major points of interest in the region.