If you are looking to visit the Nilgiris, then chances are most people will tell you to visit Ooty. Sure, Ooty has its things, but it’s very touristy and commercial. Which is why we recommend Coonoor, Ooty’s better half, as we like to tell our friends. It’s quaint, it’s less crowded, and it’s got all the little things you need for a fun weekend in the hills. The little town, not too far from the army base of Wellington, will have you falling in love with it instantly. Here’s what to do in Coonoor.
The Ultimate Guide To Conoor: Things To Do At Ooty's Better Half
Overview
How To Reach Coonoor And Best Time To Visit
If you are staying in Bangalore, then we recommend travelling via road or taking the train. From Bangalore, there are private and government buses that ply daily to Ooty via Coonoor. If you are thinking of taking the flight, then the nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport, and from the airport, you can always take a private taxi or public transport to Coonoor.
Distance from Bangalore: 280 kilometres or 8 hours via road
Distance from Coimbatore: 70 kilometres or 2 hours via road
Best Time to Visit: October to March is the peak season to visit Coonoor because it’ll be cold, and there’s plenty of places to trek to. The monsoons can get really tricky, with most places either closed or inaccessible.
Ride The Nilgiri Mountain Train
One of the most charming train rides in the country, hop onto the Nilgiri Mountain train for a trip from Coonoor to Ooty. The whole journey is picturesque (the train actually begins lower down in Mettupalayam), but the part between Coonoor and Mettupalayam, so maybe skip the main Ooty. It’s also a heritage ride as it runs on vintage steam locomotives. Keep your camera handy, it’s especially spectacular when it’s misty. Check it out here.
Visit The Tea Museum
The Doddabetta Tea Factory in Coonoor started operations in 2005, and when the founder, NK Krishnamoorthy, wanted to add a museum, it seemed like a fine idea. So if you’re a tea-totaller, head here to learn all about the history of tea, all the way back to when the Chinese apparently discovered (or Buddha, perhaps) and brings you to current times of the Nilgiris tea. Apart from the origins of tea, you’ll also learn how tea is treated as a beverage as well as a trade commodity. Plus, the cultural influences that tea has had across the globe. Check it out here.
Catch The Katary Waterfalls
Currently the third highest waterfall in the Nilgiris, this pretty one is particularly interesting as it’s two-tiered. At 180-metres, you can see it from a distance, but it’s usually safe to trek up to so we suggest you make an adventure of it. Naturally don’t venture out in the monsoon as it’s slippery and the waterfall gets a bit more fierce too. The falls are the site of India’s first hydel power plant, so check out the dams and the massive generator when there.
Picnic At Sim's Park
Picnic in a botanical garden -- that's what's on offer at the famous Sim's Park. The botanical garden is home to over 70 varieties of roses, trees, flowering plants, and a lily pond. There are walkways and a boating area that you must go check out. Apart from this, take a walk through the tree-lined path and you'll find little placards about the trees and where it is from. The Queensland Karry Pine and Rudraksha Tree are not to be missed.
Panoramic Views Atop Doorg Fort
Once the outpost of the famous Tipu Sultan, Droog Fort is not to be missed while in Coonoor. It's a popular spot amongst ornithologists and the fort is located 6,000 feet above sea level, and if you climb up the watchtower you can get a bird's eye view of the land below.
Lunch At Cafe Diem
Cafe Diem is one of our favourite spots in Coonoor for lunch, and they are perched on top with an unbeatable view to offer. The cafe has a garden pathway and it’s basically a cottage that’s turned into this beautiful cafe, and you’ll find that on most days, it’s sold out. The menu has a bit of everything from Italian to bakes, and French to good-old handcrafted ice cream.
LBBTip: They do not accept walk-ins, only reservations.
Go Shopping At Coonoor Bazaar
The Coonoor Bazaar is one of the oldest markets, if not the only market, in Coonoor, and this is where pretty much everyone shops at. The market is filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to daily groceries, as well as kitchenware, stationery, and a bit of accessories. It’s a maze and it’s fun to get walk around and pick up stuff.
Dinner At The Culinarium
A cliffside restaurant just before the Ketty village of Coonoor, The Culinarium is a slice of heaven! They serve very authentic European, English and American food with the roast chicken and pot pies being the favourites. They also have a patisserie so naturally. the cakes, breads and tarts are dreamy. Take some home, we say! Oh, and did we mention it’s got unobstructed views of the valley below?
Read more about it here.
Load Up On Pony Needles
Opposite The Culinarium is the headquarter and manufacturing facility of Pony Needles. Don’t know what that is? Well, it’s one of the largest needle and knitting product manufacturers in the country. They have fine quality sewing needles, knitting pins, snap fasteners, hooks, eyes, and threads of all colours. We also love the DIY craft kits that help you make bookmarks, pouches and toys for kids. Don’t leave without buying their coloured safety pins though. They are super useful, more so when you’re wearing ethnic Indian clothes.
