A former summer refuge to the British, Coonoor continues to retain its colonial charm to this day, with its club culture, reputed schools and a gorgeous plantation lifestyle. I loved this tea town for it is a quieter cousin of Ooty. Rama Sreekant suggests 5 things you should do when in Coonoor
Take a ride
Though the stretch from Ooty to Mettupalayam is most popular, the route taken by the Nilgiri toy train from Coonoor to Mettupalayam will suffice to sample the experience.
Pic Courtesy: Rama Sreekant
Drink chai
It doesn't matter that you are in South India, which is a coffee drinker's haven. Because when in tea town, drink only tea. A trip to the 50-year-old High Field Tea Estate is a must. Take a tour of the estate and get an understanding of the tea-making process—from growing to brewing to tasting. Stop by the little store outside the factory to sample different kinds of tea—chocolate tea, ginger tea, lemongrass tea, nilgiri tea, masala tea...You can even buy these varieties at the store.
Visit a park
If Ooty has the Botanical Garden, Coonoor takes pride in it Sim's Park. Wake up early and take a stroll, you'll find trees as old as 300 years blooming with life. It spells serenity and quietude.
Pic Courtesy: Rama Sreekant
Be Enthralled
Drive through a jungle-fringed road that meanders all the way up to Lamb's Rock. During peak season you may need to jostle with tourists for a spot at this popular viewing point—the weekends can get quite frenetic—but once you bag a spot, the enthralling view of the sprawling Coimbatore plains and valley below is reward enough. For a more panoramic view, go further a few steps just off Lamb's Rock Road to Lady Canning's Seat. Named after Lord Viceroy's wife, this viewing spot commands brilliant views.
Eat a Fruit
The Pomological Garden at Coonoor is one of the three experimental fruit gardens or research centre for the State Agricultural Department. They do research on different fruits grown here – like pomegranate, apples, plums, and apricots.
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Pic Courtesy: Rama Sreekant)
Pic Courtesy: Rama Sreekant
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