Other Places of Interest

St. John’s Church is another picturesque spot to visit. Christianity finds representation in the form of the various small to big churches in and around Coonoor. Small places of worship containing statues depicting Christianity can be spotted even on the way from the plains to the hills.

Wellington, the nearby town, is certainly to be visited for it has other beautiful spots for tourists to explore. Home of the Wellington Cantonment, this town exhibits principles of neatness and good maintenance. Also situated here is the Wellington Defense Services Staff College (DSSC) The golf course located here is also famous and has been frequented by film shoots. Perfect for long walks and long drives is my advice!

The Pasteur institute in Coonoor is famous for research on rabies and developing antidotes. Founded in 1907, one of its important projects is preparing polio vaccine. It located near the Sim’s Park and can be visited only on Saturdays. To visit the place on the other days, one is required to have permission granted by the Director of the Institute. If you're all scientific and highbrow, make this a stop!

The Catherine Falls is a spectacular sight that can be seen from Dolphin’s Nose.

It gushes down for 250 ft. and is accessible from Kotagiri. You can see it perfectly from a little wooden outpost near the row of shops along the route up to Dolphin's Nose. Perfect camera angle too!

Two sights in one journey...Dolphin's Nose and Catherine Falls!

Droog, ruins of a fort used by Tipu Sultan in the sixteenth century, is situated 13 km from Coonoor. Tourists have to trek 4 km to get to the spot, but the fabulous view offered almost makes up for it!

More tea! The Tea Factory present in Coonoor produces varieties of tea that the town is famous for. The separating sheds for tea can be seen on the slopes where the tea is grown. A bi-weekly auction is held by UPASI (United Planters Association of South India). Prior permission is required to attend the auctions. The timings are between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm.

Trips to these spots on interest can be finished within 3-4 days of staying in Coonoor. Engaging a form of transport to get to these places is also easy. As most of them are viewpoints, it's the best way to see the beauty of the mountains. And you may just discover why they call them the "Blue Mountains"! :-)