The 10 Best Things to Do in Coonoor For an Unforgettable Experience

Nestled amidst the majestic Nilgiri Mountains, Coonoor is a serene and enchanting hill station that offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Situated near the famous hill station of Ooty, Coonoor is renowned for its picturesque tea estates, which produce the renowned Nilgiri tea, known for its distinct flavour and aroma.

The town is also home to numerous breathtaking waterfalls, valleys, hills, and ravines, providing some of the most spectacular panoramic views. For those seeking adventure, there are a range of activities to do in Coonoor, including hiking, trekking, boating, horse riding, and more.

Smaller and quieter than Ooty, Coonoor offers a more secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Ooty. There are also many beautiful resorts in Coonoor, making it the perfect destination to unwind while savouring the famous Nilgiri tea. So, if you are planning a trip to South India and seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature, then don’t forget to add this enchanting hill station to the itinerary of your South India tour package.

Top 10 Things To Do in Coonoor

From visiting the lush tea estates, hiking to the panoramic valleys, and witnessing waterfalls that are a treat to sour eyes, to taking a joyride in a toy train connecting Mettupalayam and Ooty, there are so many things to do in Coonoor that you will fall short of days.

Here are some of the best things to do in Coonoor that you must add to your itinerary:

• Take a Joy Ride at Nilgiris Mountain Railways
• Gaze at Scenic View from Dolphin’s Nose
• Marvel at the Beauty of Law’s Fall
• Explore the Sim’s Park
• Enjoy a Scenic Hike to Hidden Valley
• Explore and Learn in High Fields Tree Factory
• Shop at the Bustling Markets of Coonoor
• Visit the Hidden Gem, Rallai Dma
• Try Some Mouthwatering Delicacies at Local Bakeries
• Explore the Whispering Medows of Ketti Valley

1. Take a Joy Ride at Nilgiris Mountain Railways

While there are numerous things to do in Coonoor, the one thing that always tops the list is taking a joy ride on a toy train at Nilgiris Mountain Railways. Snaking through narrow passages, inside dark tunnels, and over picture-perfect bridges, riding in these trains while witnessing the panoramic views is an experience you will cherish forever. Built by the British in 1908, the train connects Mettupalayam and Ooty via Coonoor. However, to get the exciting opportunity to travel on the train, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance. The train fees start from as low as 25 INR, with 250 INR being the fair for first-class sitting.

2. Gaze at Scenic View from Dolphin’s Nose

Named for its unique shape that resembles a Dolphin’s Nose, this place is the best thing to do in Coonoor for those who want to witness nature at its best. Perched at an altitude so high that it will appear you are in the skies, this viewpoint offers such a beautiful view of surrounding nature that it will leave you breathless. Besides gazing at the panoramic view, travellers can also indulge in different activities at the viewpoint including going horse riding, enjoying some picnic time with family, and clicking pictures with the scenic Nilgiri hills as the backdrop.

3. Marvel at the Beauty of Law’s Fall

Law's Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just a few kilometres from Coonoor on the way to Mettupalayam. Surrounded by lush green forests, the falls offer a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. Visiting Law’s Fall is the best thing to do in Coonoor for those seeking a quiet spot for picnics and nature walks. The waterfall is at its best during the post-monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.

4. Explore the Sim’s Park

Home to a wide variety of plant species, some of which are rare and endemic, Sim’s Park is among the best things to see in Coonoor, especially if you are a nature enthusiast. The botanical garden is a testament to nature’s artistry, where every inhale you take is filled with fragrances of exotic flowers. Some of the exquisite varieties of trees that you can find at Sim’s Park include Cinnamomum, Rudraksh or beed trees, and Queensland Karry Pine.

5. Enjoy a Scenic Hike to Hidden Valley

True to its name, the Hidden Valley is an untouched paradise explored by only a few travellers, making it one of the best offbeat things to do in Coonoor. With its crystal-clear streams, lush green forests, and serene atmosphere, this valley is a haven for nature lovers. For those looking for adventure activities in Coonoor, a hike to Hidden Valley is perfect for you. The valley is conveniently located just a short distance from the city centre, offering a range of activities to keep you engaged.

6. Explore and Learn in High Fields Tea Factory

High Fields Tea Factory is the heart of Coonoor tea culture, offering a glimpse of the tea-making process. This iconic destination is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Coonoor, offering a unique and educational experience for tea enthusiasts and those curious about the art of tea production. Within the tea estates of Coonoor, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities that will delight their senses and broaden their knowledge. These activities include savouring the distinct flavours of freshly brewed tea during a tea-tasting session, gaining insight into the tea-making process, and purchasing an array of tea varieties, as well as other local products such as eucalyptus oil and handcrafted chocolates.

7. Shop at the Bustling Markets of Coonoor

The bustling markets of Coonoor are a treasure trove of experiences, offering a sensory delight that combines the rich aromas of fresh spices, homemade chocolates, and handcrafted cheeses. You can shop for an array of items, including teas, silk fabrics, handicrafts, jewellery, toys, clothing, and much more. If you are a shopping enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking for souvenirs to take back home, exploring these markets is the best thing to do in Coonoor for you.

8. Visit the Hidden Gem, Rallai Dam

Tucked away in the dense forest, Rallai Dam is among the offbeat things to do in Coonoor, offering a perfect retreat for those seeking quiet. Besides being the crucial water source for the town, Rallai Dam also serves as an ideal spot for meditation, bird watching, and a walk surrounded by nature. To get the best experience, visit the dam either during sunset or sunrise, as the view during this time is so mesmerizing that it will leave you breathless.

9. Try Some Mouthwatering Delicacies at Local Bakeries

Visiting a hill station and not checking out its local bakeries is a missed opportunity. If you are a foodie or someone who loves indulging in delicious delicacies from different places, then don’t forget to add visiting local bakeries to your list of things to do at Coonoor. The most famous and worth-visiting bakeries in Coonoor are the India Bakery and Crown Bakery. The Crown Bakery was established in 1880 and has since become a cherished place serving baked goods woven in timeless flavours and traditions.

10. Explore the Whispering Medows of Ketti Valley

Known as the Switzerland of South India, Ketti Valley is a hidden gem nestled on the Coonoor-Ooty road. Being one of the largest in the world, this vast valley is a feast for the eyes, making it a definite inclusion for your list of things to see in Coonoor. It is the perfect place for those who want to soak in nature, offering lush greenery, pristine waterfalls, and flourishing wildlife. Some of the things to do at Coonoor’s Ketti Valley include, enjoying the mesmerizing sunset and sunrise, eating your favourite food at a little cafe called The Culinarium with the best view, and visiting the bustling markets.

As we conclude our exploration of the best things to do in Coonoor, it's evident that this hill station has so much to offer. Whether you are seeking a serene escape amidst nature's beauty, a cultural immersion through the fascinating history of its renowned tea estates, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure filled with activities, Coonoor promises an unforgettable experience for all its travellers.

Plan a hassle-free and unforgettable trip to Coonoor by booking a tour package from Veena World. We offer a wide range of Coonoor tour packages, each tailored to match the needs and preferences of every traveller, ensuring that you have a wholesome experience.