Retreat To Eden: Ways You Can Have A Slice Of The Good Life In Coonoor

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu is one affordable hill station that has recorded rampant growth in terms of investment and tourism. With its close proximity to the Nilgiri hills, Coonoor is blessed with warmer climate, thunderstorms and even freezes during winters. This place is rich in wildlife and tea gardens making it amazing in terms of natural beauty. Here are my two suggestions to not break the bank when planning on visiting Coonoor:  

1. Where To Stay  

There are a range of different guesthouses and hotels around Coonoor that allow for budget travelers to get an affordable and comfortable stay. Many of these establishments offer people a variety of simple yet hospitable rooms while also providing for basic necessities. If you’re looking an escape from all the noise, then try staying in hotels that are surrounded by tea estates.  

2. Visiting Tea Gardens For A Tour  

If you plan on visiting Coonoor, there is no chance you can skip over its tea gardens. You can skip on buying and going on an annoying guided tour, instead, you can and take leisurely strolls through the vast green fields with your friends. Being a tourist in India allows you to go to the Tantra Tea Plantations for a nominal fee where you can watch picking tea leaves and the stunning rolling hills.

3. Sim’s Park in Coonoor 

Sim’s Park located in Coonoor is a highly sought after destination of the region that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and is known for being a botanical garden. The park offers a huge collection of rare species of plants, a well designed landscape all for a small fee pays. With the minimal fee, one is offered a peaceful environment with numerous flowers. 

4. Go for a ride on the Heritage Train 

If you ever wanted to experience what life was like in the past, hopping on board the Coonoor to Ooty train would give you that close nostalgic experience. This particular toy train is both scenic and affordable for anyone who is looking to travel between Coonoor and Ooty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To put it simply, the once in a lifetime experience gives you an insight into valleys, bridges and tea plantations that the area had to offer during the colonial rule. 

5. Local Delicacies Try Out

Tasting out the local delicacies is highly recommended since it won’t cost you a lot. You can easily find local joints and vendors throughout Coonoor that serve authentic South Indian dishes including a variety of dosas, idlis and paruthy. With the authentic taste the dishes are quite friendly for the customers looking to save some money.

6. Venture to Unexplored Places

The idea that Coonoor gets its first visitors because it is a beginner’s trekkers paradise and best trekkers viewpoint; off the beaten paths, views and sites such as Lamb's Rock or Dolphin's Nose can be enjoyed at no fee at all. Pack some snacks and a bottle of water and get ready to experience an adventure of the great outdoors. 

7. Join in the Local Happenings

Do ask about the cultural events or festivals which are scheduled during your stay and be sure to join in. During These cultural festivals in Coonoor, one opportunity to experience first hand what traditional music and dance along with other forms of creative arts looks and feels like. There one gets a chance to engage in many activities without having to pay for a ticket and get inspiration about the people’s way of living down there. 

8. Be Careful While Shopping

There’s no need to fear the Coonoor market further traumatizing your travel budget; just get the right mementos and don’t stay there more than a little. You’ll forget custom’s shops, these sell handicrafts and tea leaves and other memorabilia to tourists and usually it’s possible to haggle over the prices. This way a buyer not only gets to buy original goods but also interacts with local artisans.

9. Go Wild

Coonoor is all about going back to nature. Relax at the parks such as Dolphin's nose view point or Sim's Park where the environment is quiet. Bring along your picnic basket, breathe the fresh air of the mountains and savor the delight of being in nature’s lap.

10. When to Visit

Off-seasons are well worth considering when planning your visit to Coonoor. These could be around the post monsoon period through to the pre winter months. In such times, you would notice prices of accommodation and travel being rather gentle enabling you to not only save but have a more leisurely time.