Catherine Waterfall

About:

The Nilgiri Hills are famous for their sublime hill stations. Notable among them is Coonoor, located at the head of the Hulikal ravine at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level. It is 19 km from Ooty , another famous hill station of the Nilgiris. Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. Coonoor provides a perfect setting for activities like trekking and hiking. It is also famous for its tea plantations and festivals. During summer, this hill town is over-spilled with holidaymakers.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

In summer: maximum - 25oC, minimum - 21oC. Winter: Maximum - 10oC, Minimum - 5oC.
Its climate is milder than Ooty and the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.

History:

The Nilgiri hills have been the home of the Toda tribe for centuries. Coonoor began to develop as a tourist destinationin the 19th century when the British made the region a popular hillstation. During summers Coonoor enjoys a mild climate while the burningsun scorches the surrounding plains. The British gentleman, who discoveredthese hills in 1819, returned the following year to build the firstbungalow. Attracted by the temperate climate, the British elite lostno time and established their settlements in the hills. With them cametea plantations. The construction of a railway line accelerated thedevelopment of this region.
In those days the rail track from Chennai ended at Mettupalayam. From there the journey to the hills had to be undertaken on pony or bullock cart. In August 1891, the Governor of Chennai laid the foundation of the Nilgiri railway. The concourse was ready within three years, after which a new company undertook the project. In 1897, the line reached Coonoor and was officially inaugurated the following year. By 1908, the line was extended up to Ooty. Today the train is a major attraction and Coonoor attracts a large number of tourists round the year.

Interesting places to Visit:

There are several places to see and visit near Coonoor.

The Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint:which is 10 kms from Coonoor, is an important place to visit. It not only provides a panoramic view of the vast expanse of the Nilgiri hills but also of the famous Catherine Falls.

St. Catherine's Falls is a popular attraction in Coonoor. This cascading beauty falls from an impressive height of 250 feet and can be clearly seen from the top of Dolphin's Nose. One can also take a road to the top of the falls. This vantage point offers lovely views

Droog Fort (once a military outpost) is another exciting thing that you can do in Coonoor. This old and worn out fort offers panoramic views. Today, only a wall remains of this military outpost. The fort was used by Tipu Sultan as a military outpost

St. George's Church is an excellent example of a typical Cantonment Church. It was built in 1826 and was designed by Colonel J.T.Boileau. It is made of yellow ochre stucco with white dressings.

Wellington Golf Course in the cantonment of Wellington is another important landmark in Coonoor. The cantonment is home to the prestigious Defence Services Staff College. The Golf Course here is hugely popular with film makers who frequently come here to shoot their song sequences.

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Kotagiri :19 km away is a typical tea territory and the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris

Ketty (15 km): en-route from Ooty to Coonoor is a small village known for its beautiful landscape.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

The Gateway Hotel Church Road
Church Road Upper Coonoor, Coonoor, 643101- 080 43208900

Riga Residency
Appleby Road, Wellington, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu - 0423 2234401

Taj Garden Retreat Coonoor
Church Rd, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 643101 - 0423 2230021

Kurumba Village Resort
Ooty Mettupalayam Road,, Hill Grove Post, Kurumbadi, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643102 - 022 66181940

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Thudiyalur Police Station
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2642990

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2617258

Karamadai Police Station
Karamadai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Nearest Hospital:

KG Hospital
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2212121

Vikram Hospital And Ent Research Institute
Venkatasamy Rd, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 0422 2550633

Sheela Hospitals
46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Ganga Hospital
313, Mettupalayam Road, Alagesan Rd No. 2, Saibaba Koil, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 043- 0422 2485000

Catherine Waterfall