Its been a long time since we set out on a drive outside of Bangalore (of course we do not count the new Bangalore International Airport as being outside of Bangalore). So its time we prepared for, and made a trip within driving distance.
After a lot of research (once again), we shortlisted Coorg, Chikmangalur, Ooty-Wellington-Coonoor. Since we have a nice long break in December, we decided to make full use of it and cover Ooty, Wellington and Coonoor in one trip. They being within 30 kms of each other really helps :)
So we did a lot of research, because the place we stay in is extremely important to us. We need to be comfortable and pampered. We browsed HolidayIQ all night searching for the best resort. We shortlisted a few, but were not totally convinced. As of today, we are still not sure where we want to stay!
That apart, we have done some research on Coonoor (most likely that would be our base). Here are some places to visit in Coonoor:
| Sl. No. | Place | Description |
| 1 | Sim's Park | It is a 12-hectare park, having a collection of over 1,000 plant species, which include magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. Incredible variety of flora including the magnolia, pines, tree ferns and camellia, lending a special charm to the park |
| 2 | Pasteur Institute | The institute can be visited only on Saturdays. However, on other days, one can visit the institute with the prior permission of the Director of the Institute. The tour of the Institute is guided. |
| 3 | Pomological Station | Carries research on different fruits, which are grown here. Prominent among them are apples, plums, peaches, persimmons, lemons, apricots and pomegranates. Surplus fruits are sold to the public. |
| 4 | Lamb's Rock | 5.5 Km from upper Coonoor is located the extremely charming picnic spot of Lamb's rock. Named after Captain Lamb who made a narrow path to this spot, the Lamb's Rock offers mesmerizing views of the Hulikal spur, Hulikal ravine and the Mountain Railway. |
| 5 | Law Falls | 7 Km from Coonoor are the scenic waterfalls of Law's Falls, located on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam Road. An alluring picnic spot, the falls gushes down from a height of 180 feet. Huge stretches of undisturbed sholas make the place a veritable paradise for nature lovers. |
| 6 | Toy Train | Must do |
| 7 | Dolphin's Nose | Another major nearby attraction is the viewpoint of Dolphin's Nose, located 10 Kms from Coonoor. An exceptional rock of incredible proportions, the place offers the marvelous panoramas of the Nilgiris. |
| 8 | Droog | Another beautiful picnic spot, which can be visited for a day trip from Coonoor, is the historical place of Droog, once Tipu Sultan's outpost. Situated at a height of 6000 feet the place can be approached only if you can opt for a 3 km long trekking path. |
| 9 | Ooty | Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam and Ootacamund. 19 kms from Coonoor, the spectacular hill station of Ooty offers something for everybody.... relaxation, fun, adventure… |
| 10 | Tea Plantations | |
| 11 | Lady Canning's Seat | Lady Canning's Seat is about 8 Kms. from Coonoor bus stand and further along the same road as that to Lamb's Rock. It is perhaps the loveliest point in the heart of the woods. Lady Canning, wife of the Viceroy was fond of this spot, which commands a panoramic view of the numerous tea estates. |
| 12 | St. John's Church | |
| 13 | Wellington | Permission might be required |
| 14 | Kotagiri |
Our planned dates of travel are 27th December to 29th December.
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