In Love with Connor, irristable

There is something about the Nilgiri's that's different. In the lap of mist, the tea-scented winds and whispering pines, its pure poetic romance. The mystique of a serene getaway with lush landscapes, foggy mornings and charming colonial touches, Conoor, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu can be your perfect escape, a less-trammeled destinations for a savvy explorer.Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Ooty, Conoor offers a quieter, more intimate experience with nature—ideal for those who want to unwind and reconnect with the beauty of the outdoors.

Getting to Conoor :

Take a flight to Coimbator. From there start your road journey to Conoor which is an approximately two hour journey. Taxi is the best option that comes for around Rs 2000-2500. Coimbator airport mirrors the art, spirituality and biodiversity of Tamil Nadu. Take a glimpse of the place: https://youtube.com/shorts/KxeS0GqyOnM?si=VBOtKQX5H69DbzB0

Situated on a lower height than Ooty, Conoor has a milder and a more pleasant weather. You will still need light woolens at night in the month of May.

The adventure begins as the journey commences from Coimbatore to Conoor. The road is a thrilling ascent through 14 hairpin bends that cut across the forested slopes of the Nilgiris. As your vehicle winds its way up, each bend reveals panoramic views of dense jungles, smoky valleys, and tea gardens that cling to the hillsides. With every turn, the air grows cooler, the scenery greener, and your excitement deeper.

Once you reach Conoor, you’re greeted by the gentle hum of nature and the aroma of fresh mountain air mingled with eucalyptus.

The not so sleepy town is rich in natural beauty and colonial heritage, with an array of scenic viewpoints, quaint cafes, and cultural attractions.

Wellington, the Army Cantonment area of Conoor can take away your breath with its well manicured lawns, trees 100 years old, a 6000 yard and the most beautiful 18 hole hill Golf Course in the country. The Wellington Gymkhana Club offers a lot of sports activities for a fee. https://wellingtongymkhanaclub.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wgc_slide_3.jpg Wellington famously houses the Defence Staff College from pre independence times.

Where to stay:

The options cater to various preferences, from luxury resorts and heritage hotels to cozy homestays and budget-friendly hostels.

Exploring Conoor: What Not to Miss

LAMB’S ROCK: One of the major attractions in Conoor is the Lamb’s Rock, located about 8 km from the town. Named after Captain Lamb, this viewpoint offers a stunning vista of the Coimbatore plains far below, often covered by drifting clouds. It’s a peaceful spot to sit, reflect, and watch the sun set over the forested valleys.

The entrance point starts with a small wayside market place with stalls of souvenirs, beverages, fruits, and spices for sale. What I noticed was that here you can see more variety of spices than in the city’s local market.

A ticket of Rs 50 will allow you to take the climb up the Lamb’s Rock point. With jungles on both sides of the path we spotted Bisons’. You may too.

DOLPHIN’S NOSE: Dolphin’s Nose, a rock formation resembling the nose of a dolphin captures the essence of the Nilgiris in a single sweeping glance. From here, you can witness the breathtaking Catherine Falls, a double-cascading waterfall surrounded by thick greenery. This place too has an entry ticket by Tamil Nadu government. You can spot lot of monkeys on the way.

TOY TRAIN: Hop aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, fondly known as the Toy Train to wind across mesmerizing valleys, cascading waterfalls and loopy bends. A lot of Indian films have been shot on the train. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this train chugs along a narrow gauge line that connects Mettupalayam to Ooty via Conoor. It’s not just a ride—it’s a nostalgic journey through tunnels, over bridges, and past verdant tea gardens.

TEA & CHOCOLATE FACTORY: Speaking of tea, Conoor thrives on its tea-growing culture. The hills here are blanketed with meticulously maintained tea plantations. Estates like Highfield Tea Factory demonstrate the tea-making process till it is turned into a perfect cup. Enjoy the aroma of freshly plucked leaves and scenic views of terraced slopes.

A visit to a Tea Factory offers a behind-the-scenes look at how fresh tea leaves are processed. You can even sample various tea blends and locally made chocolates—a treat for the senses. You can be spoilt for your choice of tea…Green, Black, Orange, White with brands like Glendale and Pekoe apart from others. My all time favorite was the Lipton Leaf Tea that I bought.

EATERIES & CAFES: Don’t miss on the original Filter coffee of South India if you are in Conoor. Its highly aromatic coffee with a unique flavor and strong taste is what distinguishes it from the instant one. Inquiring from local people and some internet search we reached Tamizhagam Coffee, a small, old age coffee shop right in the middle of the main market.

Lunch at Elegantia, a beautiful restaurant that overlooks the city had some good variety to offer. Celesti by Mindscape, another multi cuisine joint gives good food, has an amazing ambience and the stunning view doubles the pleasure of savoring a meal sitting amidst clouds and tea gardens. Many eateries and Cafes are set in colonial-era bungalows or amidst tea estates.

BIRDS MUSEUM: For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Birds Museum is a very interesting place. It houses an extensive collection of multiple preserved bird species found in the Nilgiris, making it a fascinating stop for bird watchers and families. It also houses Ostriches, rabbits, exotic cats and mountain goats.

GO SPICE SHOPPING: Before leaving, don’t miss the vibrant local spice market in the heart of town. Here, the air is rich with the aroma of spices that additionally make perfect souvenirs and add a taste of Conoor to your home kitchen.

Conoor markets offer fresh spices like cardamom, cloves, and pepper, locally grown tea varieties, handmade chocolates, essential oils, fragrant eucalyptus products, woollens, and handicrafts. Visitors can also find aromatic coffee, herbal products, and souvenirs reflecting Nilgiri culture—making it a delightful spot for authentic and memorable local shopping.

MUDUMALAI TIGER & ELEPHANT RESERVE: We thought of taking a downhill tour of this natural wildlife park when we had come so close to it. Famous for the award winning film ‘Elephant Whisperers’ being shot in the elephant camp situated right in the centre of the forest, the Reserve is located about 70 km from Conoor. You will witness 38 exciting hairpin bends in this route.

Nestled at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, this reserve is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, gaurs, and over 250 bird species. A jeep safari or guided forest tour offers a chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary’s lush forests, riverine landscapes, and diverse flora make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. It’s an exciting detour for those seeking adventure amidst Conoor’s tranquility.

Why Conoor Should Be on Your Travel List

While Ooty is more famous, Conoor offers a quieter, more serene alternative for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty without the crowds. It’s less commercialized than Ooty, making it ideal for leisurely walks, cafe hopping, and soaking in unspoiled landscapes.

For a relaxed, scenic, and authentic hill station experience, Conoor is the perfect, less crowded escape from the bustle of Ooty.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a slow-paced retreat, here are eight good reasons why Conoor should be on your travel list.

1.Breathtaking Tea Gardens
2. Peaceful alternative to Ooty
3. Scenic Toy Train ride
4. Colonial-era charm
5. Pleasant climate year-round
6. Delightful Cafés and local cuisine
7. Easy treks and nature trails and
8. Birdwatching and Wildlife.

For a first hand peep into the surreal beauty of Conoor, here is the link of the hill town……. https://youtu.be/rC4C2p5KdUU?si=HEPuFtppJoHbw9SY

So pack your bags and take the road with 14 bends—you’ll find that every turn leads you closer to nature’s magic in Conoor.