Sim’s Park

Sim's Park in Coonoor (celebrated across South India as one of the country's most exquisite, diverse, and historically significant hillside botanical gardens, renowned for its rare hybrid design blending traditional Japanese landscaped garden artistry with classical English terraced parkland across a naturally undulating mountain ravine), situated at an elevation of 1,780 meters / 5,840 feet in the northern valley of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, is one of Tamil Nadu's premier living botanical sanctuaries.

Established in 1874 by British horticulturists J.D. Sim (then Secretary to the Government of Madras) and Major Murray, this grand 30 acre (12 hectare) botanical paradise houses over 1,000 distinct species of temperate and subtropical plants, including centuries old exotic trees imported from Australia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

It's the home of the rare Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and Queensland Karry Pine, the aromatic Cinnamon tree groves and Australian paperbark trees, the manicured Japanese rockery gardens with miniature wooden bridges and winding gravel streams, the multi tiered glasshouse conservatory sheltering exotic orchids, begonias, and ferns, the tranquil central boating lake where paddle boats glide beneath weeping willow branches, the world famous Rose Garden exhibiting hundreds of fragrant hybrid cultivars, the sprawling open lawns hosting the grand annual Nilgiris Fruit Show and Vegetable Exhibition every May, and a deeply refreshing alpine atmosphere where crisp mountain air carries the fragrant blend of pine resin, blooming camellias, and fresh grass.

It represents a rich 19th century British botanical heritage, Japanese landscape architecture, and Nilgiri horticultural science where 1,000+ exotic plant species, 150 year-old heritage trees, pedal boating lakes, and colorful flower terraces unite in Sim's Park Coonoor.

Located in Upper Coonoor, it sits just 4 km from Coonoor Railway Station (Nilgiri Mountain Railway), 19 km from Ooty, 18 km from Kotagiri, and 72 km from Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), easily accessible by town buses, auto rickshaws, and private cabs.

1,000+ Exotic Plant Species & 150 Year Heritage Trees

The park preserves remarkable specimen trees including the Elephant Foot Yam tree, the Queensland Kauri Pine, Brazilian Monkey Puzzle tree, and Spanish cherry.

A rare Rudraksha bead tree and a fragrant Ceylon Cinnamon tree planted in the late 19th century continue to thrive along the central forest walking trail.

Truth is, walking beneath the towering 150 year-old pine canopies while sunlight dapples the green lawns is deeply soothing.

Japanese Rockery & The Rose Conservatory

Japanese Garden: A dedicated terraced slope is landscaped with authentic Japanese Zen rock placements, arched wooden bridges, stone lanterns, and decorative bamboo groves.

Rose Beds: The upper garden features colorful geometric rose beds with prize winning miniature, floribunda, and climbing rose varieties in full bloom.

Pedal Boating Lake & The Annual May Fruit Show

Boating Lake: A natural lake at the bottom of the ravine offers 2 seater and 4 seater pedal boating surrounded by weeping willows and flowering lilies.

Annual Fruit Show: Every May, the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department hosts the 2 day Nilgiris Fruit Show, drawing over 100,000 visitors to view colossal fruit sculptures.

After exploring Sim's Park, take in panoramic vistas from Dolphin's Nose and Lamb's Rock, tour historic St. George's Church in Wellington, or ride the heritage Nilgiri toy train.