Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the world from a dolphin’s perspective? Well, you can get a glimpse of that at Dolphin Nose Coonoor, a natural viewpoint that resembles a dolphin’s nose and offers a breathtaking view of the Nilgiri hills, Catherine Falls, Kotagiri streams, and tea estates.
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is one of the most popular attractions in Coonoor, a hill station in Tamil Nadu that is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and tea culture. In this article, we will explore the beauty and charm of Dolphin Nose Coonoor, the things to do and see there, the best time to visit, how to reach, and some tips for a memorable experience.
Things to do at Dolphin Nose Coonoor
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is not just a viewpoint, but also a destination for adventure and fun. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at Dolphin Nose Coonoor:
Horse riding: If you love animals and nature, you can opt for horse riding at Dolphin Nose Coonoor. You can ride a horse along the winding roads and enjoy the scenic views of the hills and valleys. Horse riding is a fun and adventurous way to explore the surroundings and enjoy the fresh air.
Boating: If you prefer a relaxing and romantic activity, you can go for boating at Dolphin Nose Coonoor. You can rent a boat and paddle on the calm waters of the lake. You can admire the reflection of the hills and the sky on the water and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.
Tea tasting: If you are a tea lover or a curious traveler, you can try tea tasting at Dolphin Nose Coonoor. You can visit one of the many tea estates in the area and learn about the different varieties and flavours of tea grown in the region. You can also taste some of the finest teas in India and buy some as souvenirs. Tea tasting is a cultural and educational activity that will enrich your knowledge and palate.
Photography: If you are a photography enthusiast or a social media influencer, you can indulge in photography at Dolphin Nose Coonoor. You can capture the stunning beauty and diversity of Dolphin Nose Coonoor from different angles and perspectives.
Places to visit near Dolphin Nose Coonoor
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is not only a place to visit, but also a base to explore other nearby attractions. Here are some of the places that you can visit near Dolphin Nose Coonoor:
Lady Canning’s Seat: If you want to see another viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the Nilgiri hills, Coonoor town, and Lamb’s Rock, you can visit Lady Canning’s Seat. It is named after Lady Charlotte Canning, the wife of Lord Canning, who was the Governor-General of India during British rule. She used to sit here and paint the scenery. Lady Canning’s Seat is about 2 km away from Dolphin Nose Coonoor.
Rallia Dam: If you want to see a man-made reservoir that provides water to Coonoor and is surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, you can visit Rallia Dam. It is also known as Tiger Hill Reservoir or Tiger Hill Dam. It was built by Sir Vere Henry Levinge in 1874. He was also responsible for introducing trout fishing in Ooty Lake. Rallia Dam is about 3 km away from Dolphin Nose Coonoor.
Sim’s Park: If you want to see a botanical garden that showcases a variety of exotic plants, flowers, and trees from different parts of the world, you can visit Sim’s Park. It was established in 1874 by J.D. Sim, who was the Secretary of Madras Club. It covers an area of 12 hectares and has more than 1000 species of plants. It also hosts an annual fruit show in May or June that attracts thousands of visitors. Sim’s Park is about 5 km away from Dolphin Nose Coonoor.
Best time to visit Dolphin Nose Coonoor
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is open throughout the year, but there are some factors that may affect your visit, such as weather, crowd, and events. Here are some tips on when to visit Dolphin Nose Coonoor:
Weather: The best time to visit Dolphin Nose Coonoor is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and clear, and the views are more visible. The summer months from April to June are also good for visiting, but can be hot and humid. The monsoon months from July to September are not recommended, as they can be rainy and foggy, and the views can be obscured.
Crowd: The best time to visit Dolphin Nose Coonoor is during weekdays or off-seasons, when the place is less crowded and more peaceful. The weekends or peak seasons can be more crowded and noisy, and may require advance booking or longer waiting times.
Events: The best time to visit Dolphin Nose Coonoor is during festivals or special occasions, such as:
Tea and Tourism Festival: A three-day festival held in January or February that celebrates the tea culture and tourism of Coonoor. It features various events such as tea tasting, cultural programs, flower shows, etc.
Fruit Show: A two-day event held in May or June that showcases a variety of fruits grown in the region. It attracts thousands of visitors who can see, taste, and buy different fruits.
How to reach Dolphin Nose Coonoor
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is well-connected by road with major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. You can choose from different modes of transport to reach Dolphin Nose Coonoor, such as:
By air: The nearest airport to Dolphin Nose Coonoor is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 70 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Coonoor town, which is about 20 km away from Dolphin Nose Coonoor.
By train: The nearest railway station to Dolphin Nose Coonoor is Coonoor Railway Station, which is about 10 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to reach Dolphin Nose Coonoor. Alternatively, you can also take the heritage toy train from Ooty or Mettupalayam to reach Coonoor Railway Station. The toy train runs on a narrow gauge track and offers a scenic ride through the hills and valleys.
By road: You can drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a cab to reach Dolphin Nose Coonoor. There are also regular buses available from Ooty or Coimbatore to reach Coonoor town. The road to Dolphin Nose Coonoor is steep and narrow, so you need to be careful while driving.
Tips for visiting Dolphin Nose Coonoor
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is a place that will leave you spellbound with its beauty and charm. However, there are some things that you need to keep in mind while visiting Dolphin Nose Coonoor to make your trip safe and comfortable.
1. Carry warm clothes and umbrellas as the weather can be unpredictable and chilly at times.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water and snacks as the trek to Dolphin Nose Coonoor can be steep and tiring.
3. Be careful of the monkeys and donkeys that may roam around the area and avoid feeding or teasing them.
4. Respect the nature and the locals and avoid littering or damaging the environment.
5. Enjoy the views and the experience and make some unforgettable memories.
Dolphin Nose Coonoor is a place that will make you fall in love with nature and yourself. It is a place that will inspire you with its beauty and charm. It is a place that will make you feel alive and happy. If you are looking for a destination that will offer you a mix of adventure, fun, culture, and relaxation, then Dolphin Nose Coonoor is the place for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Dolphin Nose Coonoor today and get ready for an amazing experience.
