Coonoor

Coonoor is a hill station and town in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, it sits at about 1,600 meters above sea level, roughly 20 kilometers north of Ooty. The town is part of a chain of tea-growing settlements in the Western Ghats, with a temperate climate and scenic landscapes that include tea estates and forests.

Coonoor grew as a British hill station in the 19th century and became a center for tea cultivation in the Nilgiris, with estates established during the colonial era. It has since developed as a tourist and agricultural hub, retaining colonial-era architectural influences in some neighborhoods.

The economy centers on tea production, spice plantations, and tourism. The population is diverse, with Tamil-speaking communities and migrants from various parts of India; English is commonly used in tourism and administration.

Access is via road from Coimbatore and Mettupalayam, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway passes through Coonoor on its route between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). The railway is a popular heritage line for visitors. Local transport includes buses and taxis.

Coonoor offers attractions such as Sim's Park, a botanical garden; Lamb's Rock and Dolphin's Nose viewpoints; Law's Falls; Catherine Falls nearby; and the High Field Tea Factory where visitors can learn about tea processing. Nearby are other spots like Droog Fort and tea plantations, contributing to the area’s reputation as a quiet hill retreat.