About Coonoor
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.
