The serene hill station of Coonoor lies in the arms of
the Nilgiri Hills. In fact Coonoor is located at an altitude of 1800 m.
Geographically speaking, Coonoor lies at the head of Hulikal ravine.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.
Links with the world
Coonoor does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is in
Coimbatore. Coonoor is on the toy-train line between Mettupalayam (28 km)
and Ooty. The toy train leaves Mettupalayam for Ooty at 7:45 am and arrives
at Ooty at noon. The total time taken on the return trip back to
Mettupalayam is about 3½ hours. However, this train service is often
disrupted during the heavy monsoon season. Coonoor is well connected by bus
with Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kotagiri.
Discover the heavenly abode!
» Sim's Park :
The Sim's Park is an important place to visit in Coonoor. It is a
12-hectare park, having a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including
magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. The botanical garden developed
partly in the Japanese style got its name after J. D. Sim, the secretary of
the Madras Club in 1874. The key attraction of the park is the annual fruit
and vegetable show held in May.
» The Pasteur Institute :
Very near to the Sim's Park, the Pasteur Institute came into existence in
1907. It specializes in the research for vaccines for rabies and polio.
The institute can be visited only on Saturdays. However, on other days, one
can visit the institute with the prior permission of the Director of the
Institute. The tour of the Institute is guided.
» Pomological Station :
The institute is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for
persimmon, pomegranates, and apricot.
