Sim's Park is a botanical garden established in 1874 with over a thousand plant species. It is a perfect location to appreciate nature and relax in the peaceful environment. The park flaunts a vast variety of flowers, plants, and shrubs arranged beautifully in the terraced slopes. The garden also has several themed sections with exotic plants like the Swiss Garden, Rock Garden, and Fern Garden. After exploring the gardens for an hour, walk to Coonoor bus stand and take a bus to Lamb's Rock.
Lambs Rock is a vantage point from where you can see the mesmerizing view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is named after Captain Lamb who discovered it. On reaching the viewpoint, you can witness the enchanting Coonoor stream flowing below, often surrounded by the mist. With its splendid views and serene atmosphere, you can enjoy a quiet time while sitting on the rocks. Once you finish, head back to Coonoor town for lunch.
Sidewalk Cafe is a cozy restaurant that serves delicious Italian and Continental cuisine. It's located close to Coonoor bus stand and is known for its variety of pizzas and burgers. The restaurant has a casual ambiance with wall paintings, outside seating with lots of greenery.
After lunch, head to the Sims Park Tea Center where you can witness how tea is processed and packed. Here you can also taste various blends of tea that Coonoor is famous for. They also have a small store from where you can buy the famous blends. After tasting tea, head to St. George's Church.
St. George's Church was built in 1826 and is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris. The church has beautiful stained glass windows and a stained glass painting of Jesus Christ in the center. You can also witness a brass plate with an inscription indicating the consecration of the church. After exploring the Church, head back to the hotel.
Dolphin's Nose viewpoint is named because of its peculiar shape - similar to a dolphin's nose. Dolphin's Nose viewpoint offers an impressive view of the scenic surroundings, which includes the Catherine Falls and the lush green hills of Coonoor. This viewpoint is usually covered with dense foggy clouds in the morning, giving it a surreal look and feel. It is a perfect location for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of nature.
Highfield Tea Factory was established in 1832 and is one of the oldest tea factories in Coonoor. The factory produces tea of exceptional quality, which can be tasted and purchased in their factory store. The guides at the factory will take you through the process of tea making, from plucking to packaging. It is an insightful experience for tea lovers to learn about the art of tea making. After the tour, head to lunch.
The Culinarium is a restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine. It is located near the tea factory, has a cozy ambiance, and is known for its aromatic spices and flavors. The rooftop view from the restaurant of the Nilgiri Hills adds to the overall dining experience.
The Ralliah Dam is situated in Upper Coonoor. The dam offers an enchanting view of the serene valley with its crystal clear water and rich green surroundings. It is also a popular picnic spot that provides plenty of photographs on offer for nature-lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique steam locomotives, picturesque surroundings, and train journey. If you have time, you can experience the train journey from May to September. The journey to Ooty and back, with its hairpin turns, scenic vistas, and lush greenery, will leave you spellbound.
If you have more than two days, you can include other Coonoor attractions like Law's Falls, Ketti Valley view, and Lady Canning's Seat. The timings of the sightseeing spots can vary on different days, so make sure to double-check before visiting. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying water and sunscreen when exploring the town.