Coonoor in India, a little town full of smiles and colors. Nothing we knew about before getting there. We thought Coonoor must be another busy, chaotic and hectic Indian town so we were not very excited. But this small town turns out to be much more than we expected…
David and I had already been staying a couples of days in Ooty visiting the area by scooter and we had a day to kill before leaving the Nilgiri hills, famous for the beautiful tea and coffee plantations. David and I had zero expectation that last day when we decided to visit Coonoor, one of the three Nilgiri hill stations in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. We were going to Coonoor most for a so-called Toy train, the popular way to travel around the hill stations.
At the first km out of the train station we were already overwhelmed by the honking, the traffic and the crowds. But we were not giving up exploring the town. Beyond the traffic we saw colorful houses up on a hill and start walking toward that direction.
Once we got up it was like we were completely on another world! It was so peaceful! And the air felt fresher somehow.
Under the 18th the Nilgiri Hill area where occupied by the British citizens therefore all the churches around. But among the churches there were aswell the hindu temples.
Notice all the laundry hanging to dry!
I think the day we were in Coonoor it happens to be the laundry day! Not only the buildings and houses were colorful, the clothes aswell.
Not a single moment did we felt unwanted.It was the contrary as we were invited many times for a chat and a cup of tea in people’s home but we kindly decline. Now many years later thinking back, we regret not taking the occasion to speak more with the locals.
Boyz of the hood…a bunch of funny old men!
After hours of wandering around the joyful neighborhood we decided to end our adventurous day with another adventurous thing; tasting something new from the local menu. I just can’t remember though what this was! Anyone can tell me?
Yes, Coonoor was busy and chaotic but we were so lucky to have seen a brighter side of the town. So if you are nearby, please don’t leave without visiting the heart of Coonoor! It’s so unreal and seems so exotic thinking about it now.
78 Comments
This is definitely a side of India I’ve never seen before but I love it just as much as the large cities I’ve visited. Funny enough so much of it reminds me of my own country, Trinidad and Tobago. Out of everything you’ve revealed of Coonoor however, the thing I love the most believe it or not is the laundry. Between the almost artful way they lay and hang their clothes, and your keen photographer’s eye, the laundry became something from their day-to-day life that is so beautiful to watch!
Like you, I’ve never known of this town’s existence. It is good that you chose to explore because you will never know what you could end up finding when you travel. You are right it does look so bright and cheery. I have definitely wanted to go to India to see the cultural sites but exploring small towns might be a fun idea too.
I have ridden in the Metupalayam-Ooty toy train before and I can totally relate to the heavenly feeling crossing the nature throughout. Though I did not get a chance to drop by at Coonoor, I made a note to visit it someday. Those are some lovely shots. I am sure you had a good ride down at Coonoor. And laundry day –Haha.. That seems hilarious.
Amazing Article And Images. of Coonoor Information Is Asama. Thanks For Sheering. All Content. This Is Pradeep From Fox Travels.
What you ate is dosa.
Thanks for exploring the town & posting.
Nice post and very good places to visit in Coonoor specially temples. I would like to visit with my family. Thanks for sharing this blog.