This hill lives up to it’s name, it is really pleasant, no cacaphony of hill-station traffic or clambering vendors or commercial establishments. It’s an old world charm of a well planned township. The other side of Coonoor has it’s fair share of tourist sites – the churches, the parks, the hotels, the bus stands, taxi kiosks etc. But ‘Pleasant Hill’ has it’s peace and calm – a perfect place for a holiday. Lot’s of houses (bungalows) are converted to ‘holiday homes’! This region of Coonoor is to rest and recupe! Google helps you locate a perfect staying place at ‘Pleasant Hill’s – Coonoor!
‘Pleasant Hill’ is a small hillock opposite to the Coonoor Hill Railway Station, coming from Ooty you just take a right turn up the hill; going up and left takes you to Coonoor town. A sightseeing tourist zone. One can stay for a quiet relaxed stay at ‘Pleasant Hill’ and traverse the other side being a tourist!
‘Pleasant Hill’ still has it’s old world charm to it. A handful of commercial and official buildings. A few schools etc. Walks in the morning are breathtaking. The old buildings add to it’s charm. The church, the mosque, the schools energises you with the healthy morning stride. Coonoor is the second highest peak hill after Ooty, the frost is less here. If one enjoys solitude, peace and relaxation… ‘ Pleasant Hill’ holiday homes is the right place for you. There are enough to suit every pocket. But summers, holidays and weekends fill up the holiday homes.
This place is an inexpensive holiday zone. One can drive up to this place or take a bus or take a regular train connecting the hill railway to reach this romantic, picturesque holiday hillstation. It’s roughly a 6 -7 hour journey from Bangalore. Tamil is widely spoken. Being a holiday station all languages work. Don’t ever miss visiting the Beautiful Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Sagaya Matha, on top of small hillock at “Pleasant Hill’. Early Morning, this place looks divine. The early morning mass on cold mornings each sunday is touching! This church was established in 1960, and one of the first churches of the new diocese of Ootacamund (Ooty).
Coonoor is 1850 mts (6070 feet) above sea level. It was the original inhabitants of the hill tribes – the ‘Todas’ until an American Explorer named John Sullivan discovered it in 1819. It became one of the British Colonial retreat. This weather and locale resembled them of their home – England! A drive or hike round the region fills up your soul and senses! Closer by to Coonoor is Wellington, a Defence forces Service College, of course entry to tourists is restricted.
Tourist sights to see in and around Coonoor are …
*Nilgiris Mountain Railway, visit the small railway station – Kerri. * Doddabetta. * Sims Park. *Catherine Falls. *Tiger Hill. *Dolphin Nose. Katthey Park. *Black Bridge. * Tea Museum *Wellington Lake. * Lots of Churches. Banagudi Forest *Ralliah Dam. * Pasteur Institute. * Silk Rearing Station. *Wellington Golf Course *Coonoor Club (Members only – Restricted entry). Droog Fortress (Tipu Sultan’s) *Pomdogical Station (Research on fruits). * High Field Tea Factory. *Lots of Valleys and Hiils to trek. Beware of straying into forests. Dress warmly and be prepared for unexpected drizzles and rains. This place experiences winds from both directions.
Remember Coonoor, remember ‘Pleasant Hill’ a good holiday getaway on a long weekend. This place is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Coimbatore in Tamilnadu. But, I say what I strongly believe in … Nothing like your own transport! Be mobile. Cellphone Reception is erratic. Carry cash on you. There are a few ATMs and very few places accept cards. This place is a laid back one – a perfect holiday destination.
Coonoor – Pleasant Hill: The only hillock with few tea gardens !
