Coonoor

The Hidden Valley is one of the most fascinating places at Coonoor. A trek through this area will reveal the natural beauty of this location. The mountainous forests, the greenery all around, the scenic routes and the fresh mountain air are enough to make this trek worthwhile. This site also has some of the best views of the hill-station to offer. Dolphin’s Nose is another good scenic spot you can head to, while at Coonoor. So named because the shape of the peak resembles the nose of a dolphin, the view from here is spectacular. You can spot some of the most important sights of the Nilgiris from over here. It is also a very popular trekking destination. On the way to Dolphin’s Nose, you can stop at Lamb’s Rock. An 8 kilometers trek, this spot is very picturesque, and is perfect for a leisurely picnic. The spot also provides some gorgeous views of the Coimbatore plains. Droog Fort is another beautiful location you can visit. The fortress, which was once resilient and formidable, now sits in ruins, but even the dilapidated structure retains the beauty of the yesteryears. Tipu Sultan had used this fort as a military outpost, as the location was perfect to hide from the enemies and to ward off enemy attacks efficiently. The outpost provides a pin point view, which was perfect for military strategizing. You have to trek for a bit to get there, but the walk is worth the effort. There are lots of birds who have made the space in and around the fortress into their homes, and for a bird-watcher, this spot is quite a delight. Sims Park, named after the man who was the Secretary of the Madras Club in 1874, J.D Sim, is a horticultural reserve. This is one of the most fascinating spots in Coonoor. The 12 hectares of land here is covered with some gorgeous, rare plants. Built along the lines of Japanese aesthetics, this park is beautiful and informative, since it contains about a thousand species of plants. While you’re at Coonoor, you must not miss out on the Guernsey Tea Factory. Tea is something Coonoor is famous for, and this particular tea factory is one of the best when it comes to producing perfect Nilgiri tea. There are guided tours which happen from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening, and the guides take you around the factory, explaining the process in a relatable manner. Do not forget to taste the Nilgiri tea and picking up some Nilgiri tea from here might not be such a bad idea either. Law Falls is seven kilometers from Coonoor. This location provides for a breathtaking sight of water cascading down from 180 feet above. The water spraying itself all around, the sheer force of the waterfall, and the scenic beauty all around makes this site worth a visit. The area surrounding the waterfall is beautifully strewn with sholas and rocks. Savour in the jams which are made from fresh and juicy peaches, mulberries. Get to taste the unadulterated organic honey and do carry some bottles of jams and honey back home. Do not miss the Rajma and Avare Beans, the local dish of Coonoor.