Coonoor Holidays

The serene hill station of Coonoor lies in the arms of the Nilgiri Hills. Geographically speaking, Coonoor lies at the head of Hulikal ravine. This picturesque retreat is covered by grassy meadows, tea bushes, a profusion of sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons, all growing wild. Coonoor is essentially a small tea garden town where the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.

Links with the world Coonoor does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is in Coimbatore. Coonoor is on the toy-train line between Mettupalayam (28 km) and Ooty.

The Sim's Park is an important place to visit in Coonoor. It is a 12-hectare park, having a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. The botanical garden developed partly in the Japanese style got its name after J. D. Sim, the secretary of the Madras Club in 1874. The key attraction of the park is the annual fruit and vegetable show held in May.

Very near to the Sim's Park, the Pasteur Institute came into existence in 1907. It specializes in the research for vaccines for rabies and polio. The institute can be visited only on Saturdays. However, on other days, one can visit the institute with the prior permission of the Director of the Institute. The tour of the Institute is guided.

The Pomological Station is a research centre of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates, and apricot.