Coonoor is a hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its tea estates in the surrounding Nilgiri hills. Sim’s Park is a sprawling public garden with plants like rhododendrons, roses and eucalyptus trees. The steam Nilgiri Mountain Railway travels between the towns of Mettupalayam and Ooty via Coonoor. Dolphin’s Nose is a vantage point with views of the cascading Catherine Falls.
When to visit: Peak travel is Apr–Jun, when temperatures are the highest. Coonoor has a warm, temperate climate, with mild to warm temperatures year-round and frequent rainfall. Oct–Nov are the wettest months. The annual Fruit and Vegetable Festival (May) takes place in Sim’s Park and features fruit carvings and displays. Morning visits are recommended for good views from Dolphin’s Nose lookout.
