- ~1,850 mAltitude, a little warmer than Ooty
- ~19 kmFrom Ooty
- Toy trainStops at Coonoor station
- WellingtonHome of the Madras Regiment
Why visit Coonoor
Coonoor is Ooty's quieter, greener neighbour, wrapped in tea estates. It sits lower and is a few degrees warmer, which is why many people prefer to stay here.
It is the place to see tea country properly: estates rolling down to the plains, viewpoints over the ghat, and heritage bungalows from the planting days.
Getting there
Coonoor is about 19 km and 45 minutes from Ooty. Coming from Coimbatore or Mettupalayam, you pass through it on the way up. The toy train runs between Ooty and Coonoor, and the steam section continues down to Mettupalayam.
Seasons in Coonoor
- Oct – Mar: cool and dry, with the clearest viewpoints.
- Apr – mid-Jun: summer and the fruit show at Sim's Park in May.
- Mid-Jun – Oct: monsoon. Lush, misty, and lovely if you don't mind the rain.
How far
Ooty ~19 km · Kotagiri ~21 km · Mettupalayam ~36 km · Coimbatore ~71 km
Places worth your time
Sim's Park
A 12-hectare botanical garden on a natural ravine, with a small boating lake. The fruit show is held here every May.
Dolphin's Nose
A rock outcrop with a long view over the gorge, with Catherine Falls in the distance.
Lamb's Rock
A cliff-edge viewpoint over the Coimbatore plains, a short walk from the road.
Tea estates
Walk between the rows, see how leaf is picked, and taste a fresh cup.
Army Museum, Wellington
Uniforms, medals and battle honours of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest in the Indian Army.
Local tips
- Viewpoints are clearest in the morning. Afternoon mist can roll in fast.
- Taking the toy train? Get tickets on IRCTC well ahead. Ooty is UAM, Coonoor is ONR.
Plan your day
Start around 10 AM and wrap up by 6 PM. Add the toy train one way at no extra cost for the car.
See it with a local driver
Matching tour: Coonoor Sightseeing
Pairs well with
Timings, fees and forest rules change. We check the current ones for your dates when you enquire.