Sim's Park, Coonoor| Sim's Park Photos and Timings

Sim's Park, Coonoor Overview

An excellent and delightful treasure trove of some of the most exquisite plant species in the world, the Sim's Park is an outstanding sightseeing destination in Coonoor that boasts of being home to over one thousand different species of flora. All of these different plants and trees are scattered all across the park, and a walk through the lush greenery and colourful, vibrant flowers provides refreshment, inner peace and tranquillity, not to forget the unique and beautiful views.

The Sim's Park is located in Coonoor in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, on the northern side of the Coonoor Railway Station, and its easy accessibility is just one of the many features of this breathtaking beauty. The park is spread over an area of 12 hectares, and is divided into different sections, with the one with the Sholas and the widening footpaths being the most loved and cherished one.

This unusual park-cum-botanical garden houses beautiful terraces with colourful flowers, lawns and rockeries, which enthral botanists from all across the globe. Besides, the park also houses rare trees of extreme importance, and it is also famous for the annual fruit and vegetable show that takes place here every year in May. The Sim's Park is visited by thousands of guests from near and far each year, and this lovely attraction is, without doubt, one of the best places to visit in Coonoor.

Features of Sim's Park

The Sim's Park has over 1000 species of 255 generas, which belong to 85 different families. Thus, it is home to a wide variety of diverse kinds of plants. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the park is the natural shola with winding footpaths all over the higher slopes. This spot is particularly picturesque, and it is not uncommon to find people clicking a lot of selfies here. One can also see in the garden well-kept lawns, beautiful ornamental beds brimming with flowering plants, terraces with flower beds, rockeries and lawns all of which are a visual treat for the visitor.

Many unusual species of plants that have especially been brought in from different parts of the world are also a striking feature of this park. The garden also houses some rare economic trees, such as Rudraksha or the bead tree, Cinnamomum, Queensland karry pine, as well as graceful trees like Araucaria, Pine, Turpentine, Quercus, Phoenix, Magnolia, Tree ferns and Camellia. There is also a glass house in the park, which has different plants and flowers. A spectacular rose garden is also maintained on the other side of the park.

Things To Do at Sim's Park

The Sim's park is the ideal place to indulge in all of your favourite nature activities, including clicking splendid photographs, taking long peaceful walks, boating and sightseeing. The garden has been divided into four parts - the Rose Garden, a small lily pond, the flowering plants' area and a boating area. Children especially love the boat rides in the lake, while adults mostly prefer to sit back and relax. Botanists and nature lovers also visit the place frequently to study and observe the different kinds of fauna here. You can also bring a picnic basket and a blanket along, and enjoy some delightful family time.

Sim's Park Fruits & Vegetable Show

The Fruit and Vegetable Show is a two-day affair that is conducted at the Sim's Park every year in the last week of May. The Department of Horticulture looks after the organisation and arrangement of this annual gala, and the event has been held successfully for the past 53 years now. Exhibitors from different districts attend the show to showcase the fruit wealth of the state, and unique cultural programmes are also held to entertain visitors of the fruit show. This show is quite popular, and attracts about 25,000 attendees every year, with more and more people turning up each year.

History of Sim's Park

The Sim's Park was developed around the natural contours of the land more than hundred years ago. The initiative of the development of the park was undertaken by Mr J.D. Sim's and Major Murray in the year 1874. Naturally occurring plants, trees, shrubs and creepers, as well as unusual species, have been brought in from all parts of the world to the Sim's Park for all the visitors to view.

Best Time To Visit Sim's Park

The best time to visit the Sim's Park is from October to February when the weather is the most pleasant. However, if you wish to attend the Fruit and Vegetable Show, visit the park during May.

Tips For Visiting Sim's Park

1. There are no shops that serve food inside the park. Thus, it is advisable to carry some light snacks and water along.
2. It is entirely okay if you do not want to or forgot to take your camera along, as photographers inside the park will click your photos and print them at nominal rates.
3. Make sure that you do not litter the park, and contribute to keeping the park clean and green.
4. Wear comfortable footwear as the park has steep steps, and you will have to walk around quite a bit.

How To Reach Sim's Park

The Sim's Park is located on the Cantonment Area Road in Coonoor and can be easily reached by any means of public transport. You can find the bus from Coonoor or from Black Bridge (located on Ooty main road) which runs regularly to the park.