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With a long weekend starting, it is time to head away from the hullabaloo of the city and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. What better place to do so than Coonoor. A 302 kilometre ride from Bangalore and a 17 km ride from Ooty will bring you to this second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. Known for its great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings, this hill station stands at a height of 1839 meters and provides a panaromic view of the Nilgiri hills. Land here to have a heart's fill of romancing the nature. If you have time in your hands, check out the delights that Ooty has to offer en-route to Coonoor.
How to Reach
For those going from Bangalore, take SH17 to Mysore, NH 212 to Gundlupet; state highway to Coonoor via Bandipur National Park, Gudalur, Ooty, Aravankadu, and Wellington.
From elsewhere in India: Fly to Coimbatore or come by train. You can drive down to Mettupalayam for the famed toy train ride or hire a car to drive up the hills which consist of 14 agonizing hairpin bends. But the bends are compensated by the spectacular views of the hills. If you are coming from within Tamil Nadu, you can take the train to Mettupalayam and ride up the hills to Coonoor and Ooty on the toy train.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Sims Park
The natural shola grass and its winding pathways lend it a fairy-tale like picturesque charm. The park runs a riot of colours in spring when the different varities of trees in it bloom and have different hues and colours on them. The park is situated at a height of 1798m.
Pic Credit: Thangaraj Kumaravel
Lamb's Rock and Laws Falls
It is 8km from Conoor and is on the way to Dolphin's Nose. Check it out to get a grand view of the Coimbatore Plains. It is a favourite haunt of tourists. At a distance of 7 km from Coonoor, situated at the Coonoor-Mettupalayam road, this is a popular picnic spot. This is a paradise for naturalists.
Pic Credit: Thangaraj Kumaravel
Dolphin's Nose
The Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint at a distance of 10km from Coonoor, provides a panaromic view of the Nilgiri Hills as well as the famous Catherine Falls. Lady Canning's seat is another notable viewpoint on the way.
Pic Credit : Thangaraj Kumaravel
Walking
Thanks to the salubrious climate, Coonoor is a walker's paradise so do not miss out on taking long walks to any of the villages nearby or to the tea gardens. We suggest that you take the route that goes towards high field by skirting Sim's Park. It is a peaceful and picturesque stretch and will get you back on the Kotagiri road and back to the Park gate.
Bird Watching, Trekking and More
Whether you are a bird watcher or not, you will be enamoured by the sight of beautiful birds like cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks and Nilgir verditers. Trekkers and hikers will also have a good time as there are a number of trekking and hiking trails around Coonoor.
Pic Credit: Antony Grossy
Buying
If you have time on your hands, check out the Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farm which offers an option for homestay on their farm and also specializes in making organic cheese. You can take a two day cheese making course too. There are also little shops selling local produce like tea, honey, jams and preserves. Others sell hand-woven and embroidered linen. Stay away from tea packets sold on the tourist spots in Coonoor. They will con you into buying bad quality sealed tea packets after letting you taste some good tea on the spot.
Pic Credit: Brian Boucheron
