LOCATION
Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris and is perched at an altitude of 1839 metres. It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu at the head of the Hulikal ravine and is 19 km from Ooty.

HISTORY
For centuries, the Nilgiris have served as home to the Toda tribe and Coonoor was no different. But as it gained importance as a tourist destination in the 19th century under the British. It was discovered in 1819, by a British gentleman who returned in 1820 and built Coonoor's first bungalow. Its temperate climate attracted the British elite in massive numbers who made settlements in the area. Along with them they brought tea plantations and railway lines.

CUISINE
The regional cuisine is simple and it's highlighted by its freshness. Cuisines from other parts of the world are slowly making inroads in Coonoor. But the regional still reigns supreme.

ATTRACTIONS
Coonoor's surrounded by the Nilgiri hills and tea estates and offers panoramic vistas of the region around. People come here looking for a quiet escape and to enjoy activities like bird watching, trekking, photography and to simply unwind. Sim's Park is a small but well maintained botanical park in Coonoor. Located 10 kms from Coonoor is The Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint, which offers a beautiful view of the Nilgiri hills and of the Catherine Falls. A journey on the Nilgiri toy train is loved immensely by people. This unique rail line is the steepest in all of Asia and covers the distance between Mettupalayam to Ooty.