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COONOOR: A MUST-VISIT
DESTINATION FOR TEA LOVERS

Home/ blog/ travel tales/ coonoor must visit destination tea lovers

COONOOR: A MUST-VISIT
DESTINATION FOR TEA LOVERS

By Gateway Hotels |Updated On April 10, 2025 - 7 minutes read |

01Gateway Coonoor: A Tea Lover’s Haven

02Gateway Coonoor: A Tea Lover’s Haven

03Immersive Tea Experiences in Coonoor

04 Complementary Experiences Enhancing the Tea Journey

05Conclusion

Coonoor, nestled in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills, is a paradise for tea lovers. As one of India’s largest tea-producing regions, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience tea in its purest form.

Coonoor stands out not just for its exceptional Nilgiri tea but also for its rich colonial heritage that dates back to the British era when it became a tea plantation hub. Today, visitors can explore lush tea estates, enjoy guided tea tastings, and savour delicious tea-infused cuisine with the flavours of Nilgiri tea. Coonoor promises an unforgettable experience for every tea enthusiast.

For those looking for a luxurious yet immersive tea experience, Gateway Coonoor is an excellent choice. The hotel offers colonial-style charm, where guests can unwind with a cup of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea while admiring breathtaking plantation views.

Gateway Coonoor: A Tea Lover’s Haven

You will enter a perfectly harmonious realm of history, luxury, and tea culture at Gateway Coonoor. Indulge your tastebuds with fine Nilgiri teas, relax in the heritage ambience, and discover the richness of Coonoor's tea gardens. Whether you are a tea aficionado or a wanderer looking for peace, Gateway Coonoor guarantees an unforgettable experience that is rich in flavour and heritage.

Historical Significance

Although Coonoor was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes of the Nilgiris, the town’s history is visibly apparent from the time of the settlement of the British. It was then that Coonoor became a sought-after retreat for British administrators, who set up the tea estates and constructed colonial bungalows. Gateway Coonoor too is steeped in this history as it is housed in buildings dating back to the British colonial era. The hotel embodies its historical connections, giving its guests a glimpse of Coonoor’s past, blended with all the comforts of today.

Architectural Charm

The colonial-style architecture of Gateway Coonoor enhances the overall tea experience. The hotel features:

High ceilings and wooden floors that exude a vintage charm.

Wide verandas overlooking lush greenery, perfect for sipping tea in the fresh mountain air.

A warm and inviting atmosphere that blends historical elegance with contemporary luxury.

Staying at Gateway Coonoor allows visitors to step back in time while enjoying a modern tea retreat, making it an ideal destination for tea aficionados and history lovers alike.

Gateway Coonoor: A Tea Lover’s Haven

At Gateway Coonoor, dining is more than a meal; it is an experience infused with tradition and flavour. The culinary options at the hotel pay tribute to the rich Nilgiri cuisine while infusing it with international flavours. Here is a review of the dining venues you have at Gateway Coonoor.

Peony

Peony is an all-day-dining restaurant with stunning views of the mountains and valley. A diverse menu has been curated to cater to all tastes, featuring regional specialties, international cuisines, and 'active foods' for the health-conscious. With warm and attentive service, every meal is transformed into a delightful experience.

The Hampton Bar

A colonial-style lounge with rosewood panels and high stools that exudes old-world charm, offers a cosy ambience for guests to relax and enjoy signature cocktails. You can pair your drinks with delicious finger foods, and let the evening unfold in the most delightful way.

Immersive Tea Experiences in Coonoor

Beyond Gateway Coonoor, the town offers many different tea-centric activities that provide deeper insights into the world of Nilgiri tea. Although Gateway Coonoor does not offer official tea-tasting sessions with a sommelier, it does provide visitors the opportunity to taste some of the best single-estate teas available from Glendale Estate. This provides guests with the unique flavours of Nilgiri tea in a sophisticated and laid-back atmosphere.

Tea-Tasting Sessions

Tea-tasting in Coonoor offers an immersive journey into the world of Nilgiri teas, allowing visitors to appreciate their distinctive flavours, aromas, and brewing techniques. These curated sessions provide the opportunity to sample a variety of high-quality teas sourced from the region’s renowned plantations.

What to Expect in a Tea-Tasting Session:

Diverse Tea Varieties: Guests can sample an assortment of teas, including:

Nilgiri Orthodox Black Tea

Green Tea

White Tea

Hand-rolled and artisanal blends

Sensory Exploration: Participants are guided through the tasting process, focusing on:

Aroma and fragrance notes

Flavour profiles and mouthfeel

The impact of altitude and climate on tea characteristics

Brewing Techniques: Experts or knowledgeable guides explain the ideal steeping times, water temperatures, and pairing options for different tea types.
Interactive Experience: Some venues allow guests to compare freshly brewed teas side by side, helping them develop an appreciation for Nilgiri’s unique tea culture.

Tea Estate Visits

A trip to Coonoor is incomplete without a visit to its tea estates. Walking through the neatly arranged rows of tea bushes, watching skilled workers pluck tender leaves, and learning about tea processing are all part of this enriching experience.

Popular tea estates that offer guided tours include:

Glendale Tea Estate – Known for its sustainable farming practices and scenic plantation walks.
Highfield Tea Factory – Offers a step-by-step demonstration of tea processing.
Singara Tea Estate – Specialises in premium organic teas; affords breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills.

These visits allow tourists to understand the hard work and craftsmanship behind every cup of tea, thereby enhancing their daily tea-drinking experiences. These tea estate visits must be organised by the guests independently; however, our customer support staff and concierge are of course available to extend any assistance you may require. It must also be noted that tasting session bookings are subject to availability.

Culinary Delights

Tea is not just for drinking in Coonoor—it is also infused into local culinary creations. Several hotels and cafes experiment with tea-based dishes, offering unique flavours that highlight Nilgiri tea’s versatility.

Popular tea-infused treats include

Earl Grey-flavoured cakes and cookies – A delightful combination of buttery sweetness and the floral aroma of tea.

Tea-infused chocolates – Combining the richness of cocoa with the delicate notes of Nilgiri tea.

Tea-based mocktails and cocktails – Refreshing beverages that blend tea with fruit and herbs for a sophisticated taste.

Some of the best places outside the hotel to experience these tea-inspired delicacies include Tea Nest and Café Diem. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Peony offers a range of ‘Lunch and Dinner Tea Gastronomy’ choices on their menu - among them are tea leaf fritters, pan seared green tea chicken and a white tea bouillon, among others. Savour these and enjoy tea-centric gastronomy!

Complementary Experiences Enhancing the Tea Journey

To make the most of a tea-centric trip to Coonoor, visitors can engage in activities that complement the tea experience while immersing themselves in the region’s natural beauty.

Nature Walks and Bird Watching

Coonoor’s tea estates are surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making them ideal for nature walks. The combination of misty landscapes, the cool breeze, and scent of fresh tea leaves creates a serene environment. Some of the best trails include:

Lamb’s Rock – A scenic spot offering panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains and the Coimbatore plains.

Dolphin’s Nose – A famous viewpoint that showcases the vast tea estates stretching across the hills.

Sim’s Park – A beautifully landscaped botanical garden featuring rare plant species.

Tea plantations also serve as great spots for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of species like the Nilgiri flycatcher, Malabar whistling thrush, and hornbills among the trees.

Wellness and Relaxation

For those seeking relaxation, Coonoor offers wellness experiences that complement its tranquil tea culture. Several resorts and spas incorporate tea-based therapies, using the antioxidant-rich properties of tea for skin rejuvenation and relaxation.

Some popular wellness offerings include:

Tea-infused aromatherapy massages – Using tea essential oils for relaxation.

Green tea facials and scrubs – Harnessing the detoxifying properties of tea.

Yoga and meditation sessions – Conducted amidst serene tea gardens.

These experiences make Coonoor not just a tea destination but also a rejuvenating retreat for visitors looking to unwind and recharge.

Conclusion

Coonoor is much more than just a scenic hill station—it is a dream destination for tea lovers. From sipping premium Nilgiri tea at Gateway Coonoor to exploring tea plantations, indulging in tea-infused cuisine, and enjoying tranquil nature walks, every aspect of this town celebrates the art and tradition of tea. Whether you are a casual tea drinker or a true connoisseur, a visit to Coonoor promises an enriching and unforgettable experience, steeped in history, flavour, and a relaxing atmosphere.