Mahindra Homestays » Coonoor

Sightseeing and places in Coonoor

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:32:27 +0000

Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is perfect for an understated break for those who love the hills but want to keep away from more touristy locations; a great alternative to popular Ooty. Gentle slopes covered in moss looking tea bushes are easy on the eyes and the weather just helps to put you in a good mood right away.

One of the three key destinations of the British Raj, the vast lineage of the British occupation is evident throughout Coonoor, much of it can be seen in the architecture of old bungalows. While the British left some of the colonial remnants, there is much to celebrate locally with a thriving tribal culture. Though modernised in many ways, some of the tribes still live in the jungles with little access.

There are plenty of sightseeing options and places in Coonoor to visit during your stay. Here are our top seven favourites.

1. Sim’s Park

Join the morning walkers and awe struck visitors at this vast expanse of botanical wonder at the main square. Started by J.D Smith, the park also has some benches where you can sit and absorb nature. An annual fruit and flower festival is held every May.
Entry Fee: Rs 20/ 10 (Adult/Children)
Opening Times: 8.00 a.m – 6.30 p.m

2. Lamb’s Rock

Amongst many, Lamb’s rock is one of the famous viewing points of Coonoor. Head here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get a great view of the Coimbatore plains and a large mountain on the opposite side. Watch the clouds fill the valley as you sip on a hot cup of tea.
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Times: Open Through the Day

3. Dolphin’s Nose

They say that this is the best spot to view the Catherine Falls in Kotagiri, and is seen marvellously from the same falls on the opposite side. A splendid scene of tea pickers and early morning shop keepers unfolds amidst the misty tea clad mountains. Again, start early to avoid the tourist crowds.
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Times: Open Through the Day

4. Lady Canning’s Seat
Named after Lord Viceroy’s wife, the viewing spot provides a vantage point between a thicket, of the green expanse of tea gardens and mountains.
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Times: Open Through the Day

5. The Droog
This is one is great for trekking enthusiasts! An fort built by Tipu Sultan, the place does not have much historical value, but is now transformed into a wonderful picnic spot. Be prepared for a more than mild trek of about 4-5 kms before you hit that picnic basket.
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Times: Morning to early evening

6. Tea Estate Visit

One of the few estates that provide a chance for you to see the entire tea making process, the Highfield Tea Estate is a good option. You can spend an hour here with a guide and also taste or buy some of the produce at a small outlet in the same campus.
Entry Fee: Pay what you like
Opening Times: 8.30 a.m – 6.30 p.m

7. Toy Train

The UNESCO approved World Heritage site, the Nilgiris Toy train has entertained people for years. The train plies from Ooty to Mettupalayam, crossing Coonoor in the middle. The good part is that the Coonoor – Mettupalayam stretch is run by steam locomotive engines and is prettier. Deep gorges, pitch black tunnels, raw green mountain scapes and lush tea gardens make a fantastic view as this small cabined train chugs along slowly. It is recommended to book tickets on www.irctc.com well ahead of time.
Entry Fee: Rs 19/24 (2S/FC)
Times: 3.15 p.m – 5.35 p.m

Hill Station Weekend Breaks From Bangalore

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:59:55 +0000

If you are in Bangalore and want to escape the city for the weekend there are plenty of easily accessible options. Here is a list of our favourite hill station breaks for getting away from it all.

Coorg

Nestled in south-west Karnataka lies Coorg, a small hillstation that’s often called ‘The Scotland of the East’. In Mercara or Madikeri, one finds the proud Madikeri Fort, which was built in 17th century. Here, the Raja’s Seat overlooks a deep valley and from here you can enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. At the Abbey Falls water cascades to a depth of 70 feet into a rocky valley offering an unforgettable sight to visitors.

Tadiyendamol is the loftiest peak in Coorg challenging people to climb it. Located on the banks of the river Cauvery is the Valnoor Fishing Camp where avid fishing enthusiasts can indulge in the luxury of angling for the huge game fish mahseer. Over 5000 monks reside at the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe and it is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in the country.

Wayanad

This hill station is located in the northern part of Kerala. Its natural beauty has been left intact as it hasn’t been overrun by tourism. Wayanad is largely covered by spice plantations, paddy fields and forests. The region’s landscape is speckled with beautiful trekking trails. One important trail is the 10 hour climb to the top of the 2100m Chembra Peak, the highest point in Wayanad.

One of the main attractions is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary where it is possible to see deer, bears, macaques, elephants and even tigers. Other attractions include the ancient Sree Thirunelli and Valliyurkava Bhagavathi temples and the 5000 year old prehistoric rock-art in the Edakkal Caves.

Ooty

Ooty is known as ‘the queen of the Blue Mountains’ and is a beautiful hill station located in the Nilgiris. It is known for beautiful gardens, wooded rolling hills, pine and eucalyptus forests, coffee and tea plantations, ancient tribes and monuments. Ooty’s Botanical Gardens has developed over the last 150 years, and offers over 2,000 species of flowering plants.

A popular spot amongst families is the Ooty lake. This is an artificial lake, which was constructed in the early 1800’s.

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and it stands at a height of 8,640 ft above sea level. It is accessible by road and the drive offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and valleys. Ten minutes from the Ooty Market is a Toda Village. The Todas are one of the oldest tribes to inhabit this region and you will find beautiful Toda temples in the area. For those who want to shop, handicrafts can be purchased right from the village at great prices.

Coonoor

Coonoor is the second highest hillstation in Nilgiris and it is perched at a height of 1,856 meters above sea level. Sim’s Park in Coonoor is located at an altitude of 1798 meters and is nestled in a deep ravine. The park is famous for great views to many of Coonoor’s popular tourist spots such as Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose and Lady Canning’s Seat.

Nilgiri’s famous Toy Train is a great way to reach Coonoor. The charming train started operating over a century ago and maneuvers the rocky terrain with ease. Many songbirds like nightingales, babblers, larks and robins, whoare found in Coonoor. The Pomological Station is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits are grown here for research purposes. The Law Falls are located 7 kilometers from Coonoor and water here drops from a height of almost 200 feet.

Yercaud

Located near Salem in Tamil Nadu’s Servarayan range at an altitude of 1,500 meters is Yercaud. Yercaud’s highest point is the Servarayan temple, which is perched at a height of 5326 feet. The hills here are rich with fauna and flora, which includes bison, deer, rabbits, hares, and many other native species. The Yercaud Lake is surrounded by well-groomed gardens and thick trees. One of the best views that Yercaud can offer is at the Lady’s Seat. Panoramic view of the ghats and beyond can be seen from here. Stargazing is a lovely experience at the Lady’s Seat.

The Kiliyur Falls in Yercaus fall from a majestic height of 90 feet andare popular amongst visitors.

Staying in a homestay is the perfect way to enjoy these hill stations. Our reservations team will be happy to help you with planning a perfect getaway, feel free to leave us a comment and we will get in touch with you.

10 Coonoor Things To Do: Nilgiris’ Favourite Hill Station

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:48:40 +0000

Located at a height of 1,856 metres, Coonoor is a small tea garden town and an enchanting hill station. Here we bring you 10 Coonoor things to do that will enable you to make the most of this jewel nestled in the Nilgiri mountains…

1. See Sim’s Park

Sim’s Park sits in a deep ravine. By navigating its meandering paths you can reach the park’s higher peaks. Its most wondrous offering is its wealth of shola trees and the other innumerable varieties, sporadically planted all over. In full bloom, this randomness creates a vibrant and unreal effect. The park is also famous for affording great views to many of Coonoor’s popular tourist spots such as Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose and Lady Canning’s Seat.

2. Take the toy train

Nilgiri’s famous toy train is one of the most popular Coonoor things to do. The charming train started operating over a century ago and, considering the terrain of the region, it is rightfully considered an engineering marvel. The blue-cream train oozes old world charm with delightful wooden coaches and large windows that provide enchanting views. It’s called a toy train because it’s so slow that you can high-five the children outside as it moves. It stops every hour and so you can easily hop in and out for a short photo session. A ride on the usually crowded train should be considered a rare experience rather than treated as a functional mode of transport.

3. Bird watching and listening

Coonoor’s calm and quiet is not just appreciated by peace-seeking tourists but also exotic birds. Here, you can find many songbirds such as nightingales, babblers, larks and robins, who serenade you with their mesmerizing harmonies.

4. Pick the fruits

Coonoor’s Pomological Station is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits are grown here for research purposes. Here, one can also purchase fresh apples, plums, apricots and much more. Freshly made fruit jams are produced on a small scale and are delicious gifts for those back home.

5. Tour the silk station

A visit to the Silk Rearing Station is a great way to learn the intricacies of Sericulture. On special request you can get a complete tour of the process and see how the famous Indian silk is made. However, do note that the process involves boiling silkworms alive, so it may not be for everyone.

6. Enjoy the falls

The Law Falls are located 7 kilometers from Coonoor and make for a lovely picnic spot. The divine Falls drop from a height of almost 200 feet and what adds to the charm of the area is that it is enveloped by majestic Shola trees.

7. Get some fantastic views

A short drive from Coonoor is a destination called Lamb’s Rock. The tourist spot is a favourite of visitors because it offers divine views of Coimbatore. Just a little further away from Lamb’s Rock is Dolphin’s Nose. The viewpoint is quite simply named after a massive rock, which resembles the face of a Dolphin.

8. Share a point of view

Lady Canning’s Seat is just 9 kilometers from Coonoor. It is so named because the wife of Viceroy Canning loved to sit and marvel at the vista. Here you can find a small residence, which you can explore or just use to rest for a bit. From this destination you can soak-up the enchanting views of the endless tea estates that surround you as well as gaze at the plains

9. Drive to Droog

To reach the Droog, one has to drive 15 kilometers from Coonoor and then take on a 3 kilometer long trek. The Droog serves as a popular picnic spot but it also has great historical significance. The destination once served as an outpost for the great Tipu Sultan. It stands proud at an elevation of 6,000 feet and due to its location it offers incomparable views of the surrounding plains.

10. Day trip to Masinagudi

Masinagudi is a great place to see elephants languidly strolling by, sharing the roads with cars, pedestrians and trucks. The destination is less than 20 kms from Coonoor and the drive is infested with hairpin turns. Trekking is the best way to explore Masinagudi’s beautiful vistas. There are innumerable charming makeshift snack stalls, which serve as great places to take a break and dig into the local delicacies.

Some of our Coonoor homestays are currently on offer. Take a look at the great choice we have here and book online today.

Accommodation Review: Homestay Guest Reveals Trip Pleasure

luke — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:34:49 +0000

A walk in the woods near Eden Garden homestay

We love it when a homestay guest sends us feedback. Which is why, after every booking is over and our guests are back at home, we ask for an honest appraisal of their stay and experiences.

Their comments then feature on our main site, so you can see what kind of accommodation review each homestay gets.

Sometimes guests go further.

We were delighted to receive this from Mr A M Sundar of Bangalore:

“Hi, just wanted to give feedback on our recent stay at Eden Garden – Coonoor. We had a three night stay there. A great place for any family who wish to have a real holiday and not just want to tick a list of places to see.”

Eden Garden is a spacious, well designed cottage surrounded by a verandah, so guests can enjoy the outdoors even if it rains! A deep green lawn surrounds the property and leads to a collection of tea plants. The house is only four years old and is constructed factoring in the ‘vastu’ style of architecture, with its entrance greeting the rising sun.

Mr Sundar sent us some lovely photos from his holiday there and shared a short travelogue:

“Our initial plan was to have a camp at Coonoor and then drive down to Ooty and other places of interest everyday.

“But the amazing location of Eden Garden, the interesting places within trekking distance from our house and the great food served by the hosts ensured that we never had to take out our car till the day of departure.

“Our day started everyday with a breathtaking sunrise, followed by a short trek to locate the home returning bisons – we managed to locate a group of nine of them.

“A trip to the nearby dam is a must and try locating the giant Malabar squirrels. We did a two hour trek to a nearby Toda settlements located deep in the forests- the hosts Jose & family volunteering to be our guides. Luckily it was a festive day and we were treated to some rituals by the tribals. The girls got their hair plaited Toda style and also managed to buy some exclusive shawls.

“The three families staying as guests managed to bond well and the nights were spend by playing board games or chatting by the fire place. “

The Rayalla Dam near Eden

Sunrise at Eden

Have you stayed in a Mahindra Homestay and are you willing to share your holiday experiences? Write an accommodation review and travelogue and we’d love to feature it here. Please include some photos if you can. Get in touch via the comments below.

If Mr Sundar’s recommendation has inspired you, take a closer look at Eden Garden and our other Coonoor homestays. If you’re interested in hearing more from our guests, download the latest podcast and hear how a UK visitor got on when she and her husband enjoyed Rajasthan homestays.