BEST THINGS TO DO

IN COONOOR –

A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

One of the first things to do in Coonoor is to embrace its laid-back vibe! The town’s slow pace and natural beauty make it an ideal place to unwind and relax. Leisurely walks or hikes, exploring picturesque locations, and capturing the scenic views are some of the best ways to enjoy this peaceful little town.

Places to Visit

Tea estates, scenic viewpoints, churches and parks are among the most popular tourist attractions in Coonoor. Nature walks are by far one of the best activities you can indulge in while in Coonoor. The town’s colonial-era heritage sites are also a must-visit.

• Sim’s Park: Sim’s Park is a beautiful botanical garden that features a diverse collection of native and exotic plant species. It is a very well-maintained, must-visit tourist attraction that you will find on the top of any Coonoor travel guide listing. Established in 1874, the park spans over 30 acres: it houses a variety of flora that is unique to the Nilgiris. Some of the major highlights include the Japanese-style garden, the rose garden, and the annual fruit and vegetable show in May.
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Lovingly called the ‘Toy Train’, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train was built by the British in 1908 and now takes passengers on a picturesque 46 kilometer journey to Ooty. The journey takes about 4.5-5 hours, traversing steep inclines, 250 bridges, and 16 tunnels. A ride on this train is usually a must-do activity on most travellers’ itineraries.
• Highfield Tea Factory: Operational since 1930, this working tea factory is famous for its guided tours that take you through the fascinating art of tea production. From the plucking of fresh Niligiri tea leaves, witnessing their processing, to finally tasting a fresh brew for yourself, the Highfield Tea Factory is perhaps the best spot for finding out why Niligiri Tea is so well-loved.

Shopping

• Upper and Lower Bazaar: The Upper and Lower Bazaar streets are among Coonoor’s most famous markets and tourist attractions. Everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to the famous Nilgiri tea, homemade chocolates, and spices can be found in this commercial hub. The markets have a lively and bustling energy to them; the spice markets in these bazaars are particularly sought out.
• Coonoor Market: The primary commercial hub of the town, the main market in Coonoor is popular for its fresh, locally sourced produce. The market is famous for the varieties of tea and spices it offers. The fruits and vegetables found in the market come straight from the surrounding local farms.
• Tibetan Market: Coonoor is also home to a small community of Tibetan settlers, partly due to its proximity to Bylakuppe - the largest settlement for Tibetans outside of Tibet. The Tibetan Market in Coonoor, near Sim’s Park, is famous for its collection of woollen wear and accessories. The market is a great place to find intricately designed jewellery, colourful textiles, and traditional handicrafts.

Famous Dishes

• Avial: Possibly one of the most famous vegetarian dishes in South India, Avial is a traditional dish from Kerala that is best described as a mixed vegetable dish cooked with coconut and curry leaves. It pairs brilliantly with rice and sambar and is a staple dish in sadya, the grand feast served during Onam.
• Homemade Chocolates: Homemade chocolates are an extremely popular food from Coonoor. And as the name suggests, they are made in home kitchens, offering a variety of unusual flavours, each unique to a different home kitchen. These chocolates are made from locally sourced ingredients, but the cocoa beans come from neighbouring states. This also makes them great souvenirs and gifts.
• Nilgiri Tea: There can be no real food guide to Coonoor without mentioning the world-famous Nilgiri tea - the Champagne of South Indian Teas. Cultivated in the high altitudes of the Nilgiri Hills, these tea leaves are known for their unique flavour profile. They offer a delicate balance of briskness, malty sweetness, and a hint of muscatel. Tea lovers from across the world flock to Coonoor to enjoy this unique brew.

Temples

• Sri Thanthi Mariamman Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, this temple is particularly vibrant on Tuesdays and Fridays, when special Poojas are held. A very popular attraction of this temple is the Swayambhu—a naturally formed idol of the Goddess. The temple also features a swing hanging from a neem tree, which is believed to have been used by the Goddess herself.
• St George’s Church: St George’s Church was completed in 1926 and is a popular tourist landmark in Coonoor. To this day, the church remains a popular tourist attraction, thanks to its Victorian Gothic-style architecture and the beautiful paintings that adorn its halls.
• All Saints Church: With a striking Gothic architectural build, All Saints Church is perhaps Coonoor’s most famous church. Built in 1854 by British engineers and architects, All Saints Church has an imposing facade that is adorned with intricate stonework and stained glass windows. The church’s bell tower is a prominent landmark and is visible from various parts of Coonoor.

There are myriad scenic spots to visit while you’re in Coonoor that will take your breath away. Coonoor is renowned for its picturesque viewpoints that offer visitors splendid and scenic views of the Nilgiri Hills. These vantage points are ideal spots for taking some of the best possible photographs.

Explore Coonoor’s Historical & Natural Wonders

• Droog Fort: One of Coonoor’s most popular tourist attractions, Droog Fort was used by Tipu Sultan as a strategic military outpost. Today the ruins of the fort lie atop a hill; visitors who embark on the hike to the fort must pass through the Nonsuch Tea Estate, and are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills and tea estates.
• Lamb’s Rock: Another one of Coonoor’s must-visit tourist attractions, Lamb’s Rock is a natural rock formation that offers visitors beautiful panoramic views. The view from Lamb’s Rock is a favourite of photographers and tourists; it affords stunning views of the sprawling tea plantations, valleys, and distant mountain ranges.
• Dolphin’s Nose: Another natural rock formation that offers breathtaking views is Dolphin’s Nose. The hike up to this viewpoint, coupled with the beautiful colours that one can experience during sunset, make this viewpoint a photographer's dream.
• Law’s Falls: A beautiful location nestled within the Nilgiris and close to the town of Coonoor is Law’s Falls. It’s a brilliant location for a relaxing picnic and an upstream hike along the source of the falls. The best time to visit Law’s Falls is between October and January.

Experience Coonoor’s Festivals & Events

• Pongal: Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated across the state of Tamil Nadu in the month of January. The four-day festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with traditional rituals, including the preparation of special Pongal dishes. Travellers should not miss the opportunity to participate in the festival. The local traditions, food and festivities are vibrant, colourful and unforgettable.
• Tea and Tourism Festival: The Tea and Tourism Festival is typically held in May in both Coonoor and Ooty, and throngs of locals and tourists visit it each year. As a celebration of Coonoor’s rich tea history and world-famous brands, the festival showcases the region's tea production with demonstrations of tea processing and tasting sessions. Shops with local handicrafts, food stalls, and entertainment make the festival a colourful affair.
• Coonoor Summer Festival: The Coonoor summer festival has been popularised for its showcasing of cultural performances, food stalls, and flower shows. The festival is typically held in Sim’s Park during the month of May and is a celebration of the arrival of summer with song, dance and colourful exhibits.

Coonoor, with its serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil atmosphere, offers an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're exploring tea plantations, trekking through lush forests, or simply relaxing amidst scenic beauty, Coonoor is the place to be for relaxing amid the bounty of nature.

After a day of exploring Coonoor, Gateway Coonoor provides a peaceful retreat. The comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of Gateway Coonoor ensures that your stay is as memorable as your explorations. The hotel offers a peaceful place to refresh and recharge, allowing you to fully enjoy your time in this captivating hill station. With a focus on providing a relaxing environment, Gateway Coonoor is the ideal base for your Nilgiri adventures. Book your stay and experience a unique blend of comfort and the resplendence of nature.