Coonoor In Nilgiri Hills

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Coonoor in Nilgiri Hills is the second naturally richest town situated in the lap of Western Ghats, a 19km drive away from Ooty. The location of the town offers it a climatic and touristy boost. The name was derived from the local tribe Coon. Amidst the marigolds, rhododendrons, tea bushes and sunflowers are the chief attractions of the hill station. The famous Nilgiri tea is the by product of the agricultural occupation of the region. The favorable season for the visit of tourists is October to march. The eco-system of Coonoor is home to wildflowers and birds. Bird watching is the popular pastime of the place. This town formed the backdrop of David Lean's film "A passage of India" based on the novel by E.m.Forster.

Coonoor In Nilgiri Hills


Coonoor's fauna: The moderate climatic fluctuations between the extremities give rise to the birth and growth of species like: cormorants, pipits, parakeets, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer.

Tourist spots at Coonoor:
  • Sim's Park: This is a habitat of myriad of species of fauna. Spread in the area of 12-hectare, the park boasts of 1000 plant species of magnolia, pines, tree ferns and camellia. This club was designed in a Japanese style by the secretary, J.D.Sim of madras club in 1874. The annual exhibition of fruits and vegetables floods the space of the garden.

  • The Pasteur Institute: This is a scientifically developed institute which specializes in the exclusive study for the research on vaccines for rabbits and polio. This institute can be visited by the public only on Saturdays. Prior permission is required from the Director of the Pasteur Institute for visitation on other days.

  • Pomological Station: This is the exclusive research center for the study conducted on persimmon, pomegranates and apricots by the State Agricultural Department.

  • Mukkurthi National Park: A part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, this is interspersed with shoals. This is 40kms away from Ooty . Fishing is a sport which is permissible in the rivers and lakes of the reserve.

    Mukkurthi National Park


  • Dolphin's Nose viewpoint: This is 10km ride from Coonoor naturally curved in the shape of a dolphin's snout. It gives the expansive panoramic view of the countryside.

Transportation facilities:

    Nilgiri mountain railways


  • Nilgiri mountain railways: Declared as a World Heritage Site in July 2005, the track links Coonoor to the climatically beautiful town of Mettupalayam.
  • Road: The road links Coonoor to Mettupalayam. It is connected to Kotagiri and Bettati Tollgate by two other major roads.
  • Air: Coonoor is located at a distance of 80km from Coimbatore.
Languages spoken: English and Tamil.

Population: According to 2001 censes, Coonoor holds the population of 50,079 people. The literacy rate is more than the general literacy rate of India.

For more information on the town the visitation of the site given below is suggested: www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in.