Cheese Farm, Toy Train & Fort: 8 Must-Do Things When In Coonoor

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.

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.

Gouda, Colby, Cheddar or good old Mozzarella, learn how to make cheese at Acres Wild, a lovely farm and resort. If you’re not much into cheese and just want a session as opposed to a course, then they’ll teach you easier ones as part of your stay. Check in here for a very different kind of holiday that is all about being cheesy.

Find out more about them here.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.