Coonoor

Coonoor is an all-time favourite of those who love the sight of lush green nature around themselves. The presence of Nilgiri mountain range means a wide range of biodiversity native to the region.

Flora
Faunaverditer are commonly found here. Gaur ( a relative of the Bison) is endemic to the region of Coonoor and the Nilgiri hills and their population has seen a tremendous increase in recent years. They can be seen grazing in the tea plantations. Wild Elephants are also sighted in nearby areas.

Located in the heart of the Nilgiris, Coonoor is also known as the green valley because of the large forested areas that are green throughout the year. This region also receives a lot of rainfall that helps to maintain the abundant plant and animal life of this region. Sim's park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in this city and is a botanical garden built in Japanese style. Today, it has more than 1,000 species of flowering and non-flowering plants. In May each year, at the peak of the tourist season there is a fruit and vegetable show that is a major attraction.

Coonoor, the second highest hill station in the Nilgiris is home to some of the largest and most mesmerising tea gardens in India. You have probably heard of the tea garden tours in Ooty, but Coonoor has equally fascinating tours if not more. Additionally, they are less crowded since Coonoor is still a relatively unexplored destination.

Tea plantations take up a significant part of the town's land and provide employment to a large number of people. The terrace plantations that run for acres together is a sight not to be missed. There are also many treks that pass through tea gardens and lead to various waterfalls and viewing points in this area.

Coonoor is well known for offering a delectable selection of unusual Jams like Peach, Mulberry, and Passion Fruit. You can indulge in the fresh and fruity taste of the jams while in Coonoor and also take some home. You can also experience the taste of unadulterated organic honey which is one of the best offerings of the city in terms of natural products.

The most popular local dish of Coonoor is Rajma and Avare Beans which is absolutely unmissable. The best part is that it is easily available in many local eateries, so finding and relishing it won’t be tough at all.

Other than the local favourites, both North Indian and South Indian cuisine is available in Coonoor. Mughlai food is also available in some eateries.

Hyderabadi Biryani House serves is a tourist favourite for serving delicious tandoor items and biryani at affordable prices. Ababa Cafe is perfect for the quiet, laid-back tourist who wants to sit in a peaceful corner, take in the serene ambience and enjoy some scrumptious desserts and tasty coffee. Cafe Coffee Bean serves quick snacks and fresh fruit juices. For a taste of international cuisine, visit to the Culinarium is a must as it serves European, Mediterranean,  and British cuisine along with some Indian food options and is compared to authentic European restaurants in terms of food and overall ambience. Hotel Sri Lakshmi serves affordable meals and visitors suggest to stick to South Indian options here as the safest bet in terms of taste. Cafe Diem is an excellent option for vegetarians who are looking for options other than South Indian food and don’t mind spending a little extra money as it serves an entire selection of tasty and innovative vegetarian items. For those seeking a taste of the most authentic South Indian cuisine, Rangoli Restaurant in Upper Coonoor is a great option.
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Day 1: Arrive in Coonoor by road or rail and take the afternoon to soak in the beautiful vistas of the hill station. After lunch, proceed to Sim's Park, one of the unique botanical gardens in India. Today, it has over 1,000 species of plants and flowers as well as carefully crafted landscapes. Japanese style architecture dots the garden and if you go in May, you can visit the annual fruit and vegetable exhibition that receives thousands of visitors each year.

Day 2: Leave early in the morning and proceed to Dolphin Nose, a viewing point that offers one of the most beautiful views of the Nilgiris. Proceed to Lamb's rock from where you can see the expansive tea and coffee estates on the backdrop of the foggy Nilgiris. After Lunch, you can visit one of the many waterfalls around the town.

Day 3: Visit the Rallia Dam, located 10 kilometres away from the city centre. For the trekkers, this is an exciting place because there are many routes that branch out from here. For the wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, the breathtaking vistas and birds, butterflies and flowers will be an experience of a lifetime and for those who want to sit back and relax, you can lounge on one of the rocks at the water's edge and enjoy the beautiful view of the backwaters, the mountains and forests around you.

The top places near to Coonoor are Ooty which is 12 km from Coonoor, Bandipur national park which is located 39 km from Coonoor, Munnar which is located 143 km from Coonoor, Madumalai which is located 37 km from Coonoor, Wayanad which is located 86 km from Coonoor

Coonoor is located close to Kochi, Coimbatore and Bangalore and is easy to reach via road or rail. The nearest airport is Coimbatore which is just under 100 kilometres away and is well connected via road to Coonoor. The toy train in Ooty is also a good option from where a bus or taxi can be taken. Road connectivity is excellent to all major cities around it. International flights are connected to Coonoor via the Bangalore of Thiruvananthapuram airport from where buses and taxi services run by both private and government companies are available.

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Coonoor is well known for offering a delectable selection of unusual Jams like Peach, Mulberry, and Passion Fruit. You can indulge in the fresh and fruity taste of the jams while in Coonoor and also take some home. You can also experience the taste of unadulterated organic honey which is one of the best offerings of the city in terms of natural products.

The most popular local dish of Coonoor is Rajma and Avare Beans which is absolutely unmissable. The best part is that it is easily available in many local eateries, so finding and relishing it won’t be tough at all.

Other than the local favourites, both North Indian and South Indian cuisine is available in Coonoor. Mughlai food is also available in some eateries.

Hyderabadi Biryani House serves is a tourist favourite for serving delicious tandoor items and biryani at affordable prices. Ababa Cafe is perfect for the quiet, laid-back tourist who wants to sit in a peaceful corner, take in the serene ambience and enjoy some scrumptious desserts and tasty coffee. Cafe Coffee Bean serves quick snacks and fresh fruit juices. For a taste of international cuisine, visit to the Culinarium is a must as it serves European, Mediterranean,  and British cuisine along with some Indian food options and is compared to authentic European restaurants in terms of food and overall ambience. Hotel Sri Lakshmi serves affordable meals and visitors suggest to stick to South Indian options here as the safest bet in terms of taste. Cafe Diem is an excellent option for vegetarians who are looking for options other than South Indian food and don’t mind spending a little extra money as it serves an entire selection of tasty and innovative vegetarian items. For those seeking a taste of the most authentic South Indian cuisine, Rangoli Restaurant in Upper Coonoor is a great option.
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Ranked the second largest hill station in India, Coonoor is a paradise of a tourist destination and can be visited any time of the year. However, an ideal time to explore the hill station is between October to March (the winter season) when the climate stays mostly mildly cold and pleasant except for the peak season when the lowest temperature it can touch is around 8°C. This time of the year also draws nature lovers and adventure buffs. Monsoons are also considered an excellent time to visit Coonoor, i.e. between July and September. The region does not receive heavy rainfall, but the consistent light showers may cause hindrance if one is not a monsoon lover.

Nonetheless, the lush greenery, the beautiful tea plantations, the enchanting skies and a hint of morning mist makes the place appear magical. Summers occur between March and June and offer a pleasant getaway from the scorching heat. The picturesque surroundings and lush greenery is quite a treat to the eyes when most regions in the country are experiencing a hot and dry climate.

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Coonoor is the ideal spot for a family vacation in the mountains to escape the summer heat. For those looking to be more adventurous, there are some trek routes that start from Coonoor and go to various parts of the Nilgiris. Many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are located nearby. It is less crowded than Ooty, the other popular hill station in the Nilgiris.

Some areas are not very well equipped to handle tourism. It can get crowded during the peak season in summer and winter. Heavy monsoons may lead to traffic congestion.

Beautiful natural vistas. Many trek routes into the Nilgiris. Easily accessible via the Coimbatore airport.