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Coonoor,
TamilNadu
Coonoor,
1,858 metres (6,096 feet) above sea level, is the second largest
hill station in the Nilgiris, with a population of 45,000 and is
13 km from Ooty. It lies on the eastern side of the Dodabetta Range
at the head of the Hulikal Ravine. It has climate which is slightly
warmer and less wet than that of Ooty, and has its share of period
churches and boarding schools, its own branch of Spencer's and a
golf course.
How
to go there:
Air:
The nearest airport is Coimbatore and transfers are easily
available. Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and NEPC have flights to
Coimbatore.
Rail:
Mettupalayam is the common mainline railhead for Ooty as well as
Coonoor. The narrow gauge link from Mettupalayam to Ooty passed
via Coonoor.
Road:
Buses coming from Coimbatore passes through Coonoor on their
way to Ooty and the visitor can alight en route. There is an alternative
route to Coonoor from Mysoure. Visitors coming by this route have
to change buses at Ooty for Coonoor.
Accomodations:
- Taj
Garden Retreat, at Church Road, tel: 20021, The Ritz,
at Orange Grove Road, tel: 20084, 20484.
- There
are numerous Guest House & budget hotels, including YMCA, in the
town.
What
to see:
There are several vantage points around Coonoor from where the visitor
can get an excellent view of the unduling surroundings.
Lamb's Rock:
It is 8 km from Coonoor bus stand. It is a sheer precipice of several
hundred meters and commands a good view of the Coimbatore plains.
Sim's Park:
This park-cum-botanical gardens contains many species of trees not
found in Ooty. The annual fruit and vegetable show is held in May.
Honey and a rare variety of coffee, Robusta, are available here.
Law's Falls:
It is 5 km from Coonoor on the Mettupalayam road. The Law's Falls
make a gorgeous sight while providing a popular picnic spot. The
height of the falls is about 180 feet.
Dolphin's
Nose:
It is 12 km from Coonoor bus stand, situated near Tiger hills. A
unique rock of tremendous proportions in the form of the nose of
an uprushing dolphin, the view is nature's tribute to the human
sight and sense of marvel. Enjoy the micro climate of the Shola
forest criss-crossed by the winding road. One can also view the
Catherine Falls from here. The area is also abundant with wild life.
St.
Catherine Falls:
Located 8 km from Coonoor, these falls are breathtakingly beautiful.
Kotagiri:
20 km from Coonoor and 28 km from Ooty, is not crowded and a nice
place for those who want hills minus tourists. Kotagiri is the oldest
and the third largest of the hill stations in the Nilgiris. It is
1,983 mts above sea level and has a climate advantage over Ooty
as it is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges from the onslaught of
the monsoons.
Other picnic spots around Coonoor include Lady Canning's Seat,
about three kilometres (two miles) away, named after Countess Charlotte
Canning,Kattery Falls and Rallia Dam.
The only institute for making vaccines for rabies in India, the
Pasteur Institute, is also situated at Coonoor.
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