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About COONOOR
Coonoor, a serene taluk and municipal town in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district, is a popular destination known for its natural beauty and pleasant climate. Located at the southeast corner of the Nilgiri plateau, this charming town serves as the starting point of the Coonoor Ghat, a key pass connecting the Nilgiris to the plains. As of the 2011 census, Coonoor had a population of 45,494. Situated just 19 km (12 miles) from Ooty and 584 km (363 miles) by rail from Chennai, the town nestles in the scenic Jackatalla Valley (Jagathala), surrounded by lush, wooded hills.
History
Coonoor, a prominent hill station in Tamil Nadu, has a rich history dating back to British colonial rule. It served as the terminus for the Nilgiri branch of the Southern Railway zone (formerly part of the Madras South-Western Railway). In its early days, Coonoor boasted facilities such as a sub-magistrate's court, a hospital, three churches, multiple schools, a library, and numerous shops and hotels catering to Europeans. Nestled amidst lush tea and coffee estates, the town was a favored retreat in the Madras Presidency, second only to Ooty in natural charm. The European settlement occupied the upper plateau, while the local population resided on the lower valley slopes.
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census, Coonoor recorded a population of 45,494, with a commendable sex ratio of 1,058 females per 1,000 males, significantly higher than the national average of 929. The town had 3,768 children under the age of six, including 1,871 males and 1,897 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes represented 27.92% and 23% of the population, respectively. Coonoor boasted a high literacy rate of 84.79%, surpassing the national average of 72.99%. The town comprised 12,384 households and a total workforce of 17,421, including 50 cultivators, 152 agricultural laborers, 266 workers in household industries, 15,790 in other professions, and 1,163 marginal workers in various sectors.
In terms of religious demographics, Hindus made up 61.81% of the population, Christians 23.99%, Muslims 13.01%, Sikhs 0.04%, Buddhists 0.06%, Jains 0.95%, and others 0.08%. Additionally, 0.05% of respondents identified as having no religion or chose not to specify their religious affiliation.
Tourism
Sim's Park, a stunning botanical garden in Coonoor, spans 12 hectares and houses over 1,000 unique plant species. Established in 1874, it was named after J. D. Sim, the then secretary of the Madras Club. The garden features elements of Japanese design and is a must-visit attraction, especially during the annual Fruit Show held every May.
Another popular spot near Coonoor is Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, located 10 km away, offering breathtaking views. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy a scenic trek from Lady Canning’s Seat to Dolphin’s Nose. Lamb’s Rock, situated about 5.5 km from Coonoor, is yet another picturesque vantage point, ideal for nature lovers.
Administration and Politics
Coonoor serves as the headquarters for its taluk and oversees six Panchayat villages: Bandishola, Bearhatty, Burliar, Hubbathalai, Melur, and Yedapalli. The Coonoor block includes several revenue villages, such as Adigaratty, Burliar, Coonoor Town, Yedapalli, Hubbathalai, Hullickal, Ketti, and Melur. Politically, Coonoor falls under the Coonoor assembly constituency, which is part of the Nilgiris (Lok Sabha constituency).