Coonoor History / History of Coonoor

The Nilgiri Hills were dominated by the Toda tribe since ages. The beautiful Coonoor became a tourist hub in the 19th century when the British made it a popular hill resort. The cool weather conditions provided soothing relief from the scorching summer heat. As a result, the British fell in love with this place and in the year 1820, the first bunglow was built here. Gradually, its popluarity grew and the British elite came up with numerous settlements in the picturesque hill. It was the colonial rulers who introduced tea plantation in the quiet hill town which is perhaps the lifeline of the local populace today.

With the construction of a railway line, the development process began. Initially reaching the hills was an arduous task since the railway tracks used to end at Mettupalayam from Chennai. From there, one had to ride a pony or bullock cart to reach the hills. With the introduction of Nilgiri railway in August 1891, Coonoor had to wait till 1897 as the railway line finally reached the hill station. The year 1898 was eventful as it inaugurated officially. The line was extended upto Ooty, another picturesque place lying near by.