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Tourist Places in Coonoor |
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| Tuesday, 18 March 2008 | |
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History of Coonoor
The Nilgiri hills have been the home of the Toda tribe for centuries. Coonoor began to develop as a tourist destination in the 19th century when the British made the region a popular hill station. During summers Coonoor enjoys a mild climate while the burning sun scorches the surrounding plains. The British gentleman, who discovered these hills in 1819, returned the following year to build the first bungalow. Attracted by the temperate climate, the British elite lost no time and established their settlements in the hills. With them came tea plantations. The construction of a railway line accelerated the development of this region.
Tourist Attractions in Coonoor
Sim's Park
The Sim's Park is an important place to visit in Coonoor. It is a 12-hectare park, having a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. The botanical garden developed partly in the Japanese style got its name after J. D. Sim, the secretary of the Madras Club in 1874. The key attraction of the park is the annual fruit and vegetable show held in May.
Lamb's Rock
En route to Dolphin's Nose, about 5½ km from Coonoor, lies Lamb's Rock, another vantage point to view the spectacular landscape and the tea and coffee plantations.
Droog
At a distance of 13 km from Coonoor, Droog takes one into the past, with the ruins of a fort, which was once used by Tipu Sultan in the 16th century.
Ooty
The famous hill station of Ooty is 19 km northwest of Coonoor. Ooty is the popularly known as the queen of the southern Indian hill stations and is an immensely popular tourist destination. Like Coonoor, Ooty is also set amongst the green settings of the Nilgiri hills and is famous for its lake, gardens, and colonial architecture. Travellers can enjoy a number of outdoor activities like horse riding, trekking, hiking, and boating in Ooty.
How to reach Coonoor
By Air :
The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and Coimbatore.The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Indian Airlines flies Delhi-Kochi via Mumbai and Coimbatore.
By Rail :
Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). Major broadgauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities. Mettupalayam to Ooty, is connected by a Mountain Railway which is 4 hours journey.
At a height of 2,600m stands Udhagamandalam (Ooty) the Queen of Hill Stations. The 'Nilgiri toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris.
The constructions of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to built a mountain railway from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills.
But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a charming blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows. It is hauled uphill by steam engines, desgined and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines survive even today.
The train covers the 46 km to Udhagamandalam in four - and - half hours. There are five stations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar, Adderley, Hill Grove, Runnymede and Kateri - and, at one time, there were five between Coonoor and Ooty too. Though Wellington, Aruvakadu, Ketti, and Lovedale are still functional, Fern Hill, the last one, was closed down a few years ago.
Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). Major broadgauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities. Mettupalayam to Ooty, is connected by a Mountain Railway which is 4 hours journey.
At a height of 2,600m stands Udhagamandalam (Ooty) the Queen of Hill Stations. The 'Nilgiri toy train' connects Ooty to Mettupalayam, at the foot of the Nilgiris.
The constructions of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to built a mountain railway from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. The train itself is a charming blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows. It is hauled uphill by steam engines, desgined and built by the Swiss Locomotive Works. Twelve of such locomotive engines survive even today.
The train covers the 46 km to Udhagamandalam in four - and - half hours. There are five stations between Mettupalayam and Coonoor - Kallar, Adderley, Hill Grove, Runnymede and Kateri - and, at one time, there were five between Coonoor and Ooty too. Though Wellington, Aruvakadu, Ketti, and Lovedale are still functional, Fern Hill, the last one, was closed down a few years ago.
Extensive rice fields surround the 7 km stretch between Mettupalayam and Kallar. Soon after is an impressive 21 km section through truly rocky terrain. The track passes over 26 viaducts, and twists and bends through 13 tunnels. After a steep climb, the train enters Coonoor, the little hill station known for its tea plantations. From here, the track is uphill till you reach Fern Hill at a height of 2,218m, the highest point on the railroad. Shortly before Ooty, the line dips downhill. If you enjoy taking pictures, keep your camera ready for a few shots of the viaduct between Kallar and Adderley.
This ride is sure to turn the most hardened rail critic into an avid fan. You'll delight in the edge - of -the - seat twists and turns as the train runs cross tall grider bridges, and over green hills before gently meandering through rolling tea estates. The exhaust beat of the loco never falters, maintaining a defening staccato which can be heard for miles around. Truly a journey to remember.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 September 2008 ) | |
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