Morning

Arrival in Coonoor

You can arrive in Coonoor via different means:

By Air: The nearest airport to Coonoor is the Coimbatore International Airport. From there, a two hour and thirty minute scenic taxi drive will bring you to Coonoor.

By Train: Coonoor has a railway station on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. To reach Coonoor by train, you can board the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train from Mettupalayam

By Road: Coonoor is well connected by road. You can take a bus or car, both of which are cost-effective and convenient options. Ooty and Coimbatore are 20 and 70 kilometre drives on NH 181, respectively.

Check-in & relax

Synonymous with other tourist spots, Coonoor offers its tourists a wide range of luxury, mid-range, and budget stays, with a mix of comfort and local sights to make your stay memorable. Almost all the best resorts in Coonoor offer different ways to soak up the beauty of nature without sacrificing modern amenities, sprawling gardens, or outdoor play areas. You can settle in to freshen up before beginning your exploration.

If you're seeking a comfortable and luxurious stay to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Gateway Coonoor is the perfect choice. With its charming colonial-style rooms, delicious food options, fitness centre, versatile event spaces, and fantastic concierge service, you’ll feel right at home while enjoying a relaxed weekend in Coonoor.

Visit Sim’s Park

Once you’ve settled into your comfortable room at Gateway Coonoor, it’s time to treat your eyes and senses to some of the best attractions around. Begin your adventure at Sim’s Park. It’s a beautifully kept botanical garden that’s a little paradise filled with all sorts of trees and plants, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. Wandering through the tree-lined paths, rock gardens, and the artificial lake is a great way to recharge before you check out the other places to visit in Coonoor!

Afternoon

Visit Sim’s Park

After Sim’s Park, make sure to swing by the tea estates in Coonoor to finish off your day! Even if you're not a tea enthusiast, the smell of fresh tea in the cool mountain air will draw you in. The coolest part about visiting the tea estate is that you can learn how tea is made from the ground-up, and you can even try different varieties!

Leisure time

After checking out the tea plantations and factory, you can take a break and unwind. Swing by the man made Wellington Lake for some peace and quiet in an idyllic natural setting.

It’s one of the best places to stay in Coonoor; from here you can continue exploring more. You can enjoy a leisurely boat ride, paddle around the calm waters, or just lie back on the shore with a good book and soak up the serene vibe.

Evening

Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint

The Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint is the perfect spot to end your day of exploring the beautiful places in Coonoor. Its resemblance to a dolphin’s nose earned it this moniker; it offers mesmerising views of the stunning Catherine Falls, the lush Nilgiri Hills, far-off tea estates, and the Mettupalayam plains. The highlight? The sunset over the valleys here is a must-see when you’re in Coonoor!

Dinner & Rest

In Coonoor, you can find a mix of traditional South Indian and Western dishes perfect for a cosy dinner before hitting the hay for a good night's sleep. Enjoy lamb chops, steaks, goat cheese fig pizzas, pumpkin tarts, hearty soups, or pot pies.

Morning

Start the day with a scenic walk

There's nothing quite like a morning stroll through the lush green tea plantation to start the second day. The smell of freshly brewed tea and the cool mountain air offers a refreshing way to kick off the day!

Lamb’s Rock

If you’re feeling adventurous, embark on a hike to yet another iconic spot that tops the list of the best places to visit in Coonoor: Lamb’s Rock. This is a charming jagged rock precipice that offers unique views of the Coimbatore plains and the Nilgiri hills below. It was named after Captain Lamb, who created a path to this spot. Ideal for photography, visiting this place offers an unforgettable scenic experience as you soak in the natural beauty.

Afternoon

Heritage train experience

If you want to add a dash of excitement to your trip to Coonoor, take an exciting ride on the old-school Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This train, which dates back to the 19th century when the British were around, is a fun way to travel, and now open to tourists. You'll enjoy a scenic 46-kilometer journey through the stunning Nilgiri mountains!

The best time to visit Coonoor to take this train ride is all-year round, except perhaps the monsoon, when views may be restricted. Here’s a tentative cost for adults and children for the trip from Mettupalayam to Coonoor:

1. First Class: Rs 650/- for children and Rs 1,100/- for adults
2. Second Class: Rs 500/- for children and Rs 800/- for adults (please verify before booking)

Pro tip: Book online in advance to reserve a first-class seat and get the best views of the terrain!

Cultural exploration

After your train ride, check out the local heritage in Coonoor to get a taste of its fascinating history. Visit the iconic Droog Fort, a 17th-century fort sitting atop a hill with intricate ancient architecture. Enjoy the views of the valleys and hills from atop. Legend has it that the fort is associated with Tipu Sultan, making it a significant piece of Coonoor's past. Although it might not be the most popular tourist spot, it offers breathtaking natural beauty and a rich historical vibe.

Evening

Leisure time at the property

Wrap up your day of exploring Coonoor by heading back to your hotel and enjoying a hot cup of Nilgiri tea. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day of Coonoor sightseeing.

Dinner & stargazing

Coonoor isn’t just about stunning views and historical spots; it features incredible places for stargazing while you enjoy a great meal at a local restaurant. Rooftop dining is an excellent way to soak in the stars. For the best experience, when the sky is clear and the moon is in a crescent or gibbous phase, make sure the place you are at isn’t too brightly lit.

Morning

Leisurely breakfast

On your last day in Coonoor, treat yourself to some delectable local cuisine. Select from a wide range of options, from South Indian to Mediterranean, Italian, American, and French. If you’re not sure where to start, get a hot cup of the classic filter coffee, Thattu Idly, crispy dosas, and delicious curries at a local eatery. But if you’re in the mood for something different, check out the thin-crust wood-fired pizzas, bacon bomb pizzas, juicy burgers, creamy homemade ice creams, and tasty veg platters.

Shopping for souvenirs

Before you leave, make your Coonoor trip memorable with a souvenir or two. Get a packet of tea, fresh fruit jam, handmade chocolates, freshly baked cakes, beautiful antiques, gourmet cheese, cosy shawls, or Indian handlooms. You can also pick up some of the organic products that are popular here, like eucalyptus oil and pure lavender.

Check-out & departure

Finally, it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful hill station. Most hotels have a few checkout rules, like specific times (for example, Gateway Coonoor lets you check out until noon) and extra charges for the use of additional services. So, make sure to discuss the procedure with the staff before you head out.

When you're ready to leave Coonoor, you can catch a train to Udagamandalam or Coimbatore, and from there, hop on a flight to reach your next destination.