STD Code : 0423

Languages : Tamil and English.

Area : 14-sq-kms.

Population : 48,000 (1991 Census).

Altitude : 1,858 m.

Clothing : Light woollen in summer and heavy woollen in winter.

Best Time : November-February.

Location : 19-km Away From Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Climate : Summer Max 27ºC, Min 12ºC / Winter Max: 22ºC, Min: 7ºC

Coonoor - Introduction :

Incredibly scenic, Coonoor is one of the famous hill Stations in South India where exquisite panoramas and vistas unfold at every turn. Perched on the lovely Nilgiri hills in the state of Tamil Nadu, this beautiful hill resort is a destination for the discerning traveler. Blessed with a milder climate, Coonoor also offers some of the finest hiking and trekking in South India, which will enable you to be closest to the rolling mountains and lush green foliage of this hill resort.

History of Coonoor :

From accidental and humble beginnings in 1819, Coonoor has come a long way in becoming one of the most scenic hill resorts in South India. The main reason why it went on attracting visitors is its milder climate. The British made a beeline for this resort.

Accessibility :

By Air : The nearest airport is Coimbatore, which has daily flights to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Rail : Coonoor is on the toy-train line between Mettupalayam (28 km) and Ooty. The toy train leaves Mettupalayam for Ooty early morning and arrives at Ooty by 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.

By Road : Coonoor is well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state.There are regular buses from Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kotagiri

Places to visit :

Sim's Park is a carefully planned and artistically laid park cum botanical garden on the slopes of a ravine with hundreds of rose varieties.A Fruit and Vegetable show is held here in May every year.Take a breathtaking view of the Coimbatore planes from Lamb's Rock ( 5.5 km ), a sheer precipice which drops down several hundred metres into the heart of dense jungle.

Dolphin's Nose ( 12 Km ) has spectacular views onto St. Catherine's Falls on one side and Coonoor and Kotagiri streams, tributaries of the Bhavani, on the other.A Tea and Tourism Festival is held in Coonoor every winter.To visit a Tea or Coffee plantation, contact UPASI (United Planters' Association of Southern India), "Glenview", Coonoor.

Manu Temple: Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali, that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here.