The
serene hill station of Coonoor lies in the arms of the Nilgiri
Hills. In fact Coonoor is located at an altitude of 1800 m.
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 toy train leaves
Mettupalayam for Ooty at 7:45 am and arrives at Ooty at noon. The
total time taken on the return trip back to Mettupalayam is about
3½ hours. However, this train service is often disrupted during
the heavy monsoon season. Coonoor is well connected by bus with
Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kotagiri.
Places to see
Sim's
Park : 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.
The Pasteur Institute : 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.
Pomological Station : The institute is a research center of
the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates, and
apricot.
