COONOOR (PART OF OOTY REGION) PLACES TO VISIT

Coonoor

It is located in an area of 13.2 sq on the way from Coimbatore to Udhagamandalam. It is second largest hill station in the Nigiris. It stands on a lower ridge of the plateau at an altitude of 1858 mts. ( 6100 ft.) Population is 48003. 

Sim's Park, Coonoor

Sim's Park is an unusual botanical garden that was developed back in 1874 by Mr. J.D. Sims and Major Murray. Naturally occurring trees, shrubs and creepers, are in the park as are many unusual species of plants that have been brought in from a variety of places around the world. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the northern side of Coonoor and covers twelve acres of undulating land. The well though out park has a beautiful lay out. There is an annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in the park that is well attended.

This botanical park is located at a height of 1780 meters above mean sea level. Here maximum temperature goes upto 30 degree centigrade and minimum falls to five degree centigrade. This garden gets average rain fall of 150 cm. Established in the year 1874 this park is located in an area of 12.14 Hq. This plant has more than 1000 species of 255 generas belonging to 85 families widely covering different group of plants. 

This park has resulted by the introduction of many rare species belonging to Eucalyptus, Acacia, Pinus, Cinnamomum etc.

There are beautiful terrace with colorful flower beds, lawns and rockeries inside this park. Most of the plants here are exotic and introduced from almost all the countries. There are rare economic trees like Rudraksh ( bead tree ), Cinnamomum etc and graceful trees like Araucaria, Quercus, Phoenix, Magnolia, Pine, Turpentine, Tree ferns, Camellia etc.

The tariff is Rs 5 for adults and Rs 2 for children. To take inside your still camera you have to pay Rs 25. For taking Video camera one has to pay Rs 250. 

There is a glass house housing different ornamental plants and flowers.

Lamb's Rock, Coonoor   (part of ooty region)

Lamb's rock is an excellent picnic spot near Coonoor. It is a point on the way to Dolphin's Nose. It was named after the man Captain Lamb who tried in earnest to open a path to that particular point. With such a view, no wonder this man put forth such a valiant effort to reach the point. The rock is a jagged cliff that drops down several hundred feet to the lush jungle below. On the right hand is the Hulical ravine. It is possible to see the Coonoor stream some 5000 feet below. This vantage point also provides you with an excellent view of the Coimbatore plains.

Near coonoor, lamb's Rock is another lovely view point and is ideal for all type of photographers. It is around 9km from coonoor.

Ketty, Coonoor   (part of ooty region)

Ketty is a small village near Coonoor that remains almost untouched. The beautiful landscape is one of the biggest reasons to visit this small village. The flowers that abound in the area make it a most picturesque location. The St Michael Convent is the largest draw to the area after the beautiful scenery. The convent creates a pretty picture with its green roof. This building is then set among the local cabbage fields. The effect is charming to say the least. It is also important to note that this particular convent also has a large statue of a silver angel.

Situated on the coonoor Road This valley is the second largest valley in the world. This region is a seen with larger constellations of villages, that forms the parts of coimbatore and mysore. Home to the Badagas and tribes such as the Todas, Ketti represents a way of life that revolves around caring for livestock and cultivation of vegetables and potatoes.

Ketti Valley, Ooty

Ketti valley is a small village developed in the valley region of the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil nadu. Ketti valley is a valley, which stays to be 7000 feet deep inside the mountains near coonoor. 

The climate is wonderful and it stays to be good enough all year round. The temperature fluctuations in the year are not much and it stays in the range of 25 to 21 degree centigrades. 

There are different tea plantations available in the region and tea plantation was firstly introduced in this particular region in southern India. The village is wonderful and it goes to sleep early and follows the old traditional approach of life, which is indeed wonderful.

Second World War Memorial Pillar, Coonoor

   (part of ooty region)

The Second World War Memorial Pillar, which is also called as Cantonment of Wellington is located on the way to Coonoor. Built to commemorate the soldiers in the Second World War, tourists are not allowed to take pictures of this place and even entry of the tourist vehicle is banned.

Lady Canning's Seat, Coonoor   (part of ooty region)

Located merely 9 km from Coonoor, Lady Canning’s Seat is a small Victorian style mansion overlooking the numerous tea states, Lampton’s peak, Lamb’s Rock and the Droog.

Law's Falls, Coonoor   (part of ooty region)

The Law's Falls is a small waterfall located on the Coonoor river near its junction with the Mettupalayam Ghat Road. It is named after a man named Col. Law. This was the man who traced and who was behind the construction of the new Coonoor ghat. Even though it is a relatively small waterfall, it attracts a lot of visitors. This is because it is one of the prettiest locations anywhere in the area. The surrounding landscape is extremely rocky and wild. Such a setting is a huge draw for naturalists. In fact, this location is almost heaven to such enthusiasts.

Guernsey Tea Factory, Coonoor   (part of ooty region)

A pretty site where one can get see how tea is being processed. Besides, visitors can have a cup freshly prepared tea at Guernsey Tea Factory, which will really be quite fascinating. In fact, take a tour in the campus to see how the tea leaves are processed and to enjoy the serenity of the place.

Wellington

Very few people visit this beautiful place near Coonoor as it is under Army. I was lucky last time that I got a chance to stay here. It is a very scenic and serene place. The golf course ( 18Hole gollf course) is one of the most beautiful golf course I have seen. ( I have not seen many though) . If you have more time with you, you can visit the Madumalai National forest and go for camping and safari. There are vast variety of animals and birds in this forest. Bandipur national forest and Madumalai National Forest are the same forest except that they are in different states.