Sim’s Park is a botanical garden in Coonoor, a hill station near Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located on the Cantonment Area Road, about 3 kilometers from Coonoor bus stand and railway station. It is an important tourist place to visit in Coonoor, at a height of 1780 meters above mean sea level. It features various types of plants, flowers, trees, etc. from different parts of the world. Visit during Coonoor Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park is situated in a deep ravine on the northern side of Coonoor town, at an altitude of 1780 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and eucalyptus trees, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. It covers an area of 12 hectares of undulating land and possesses a number of natural advantages.
Timing / Entry Fees Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week. The entry fee is Rs. 30 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners. The camera fee is Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 100 for video camera.
How to Reach Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park can be reached by road from Coonoor or Ooty. You can take a bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also hire a private vehicle or a bike for more convenience. There is ample parking space available near the park.
Things to Do / Must See Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park offers various things to do and see for tourists of all ages and interests. You can explore the park and admire the variety of plants, flowers, trees, etc. from different parts of the world. You can also enjoy boating, fishing, photography, etc. at the park. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Highfield Tea Factory, Heritage Train and Dolphin’s Nose View Point.
- Boating: Boating is one of the attractions at the park. You can choose from pedal boats or row boats to explore the lake inside the park and enjoy the scenic views.
- Fishing: Fishing is another activity that you can enjoy at the park. You can catch some varieties of fish such as carp, catfish, tilapia, etc. at the lake. You will have to bring your own fishing equipment and license.
- Photography: Photography is another activity that you can enjoy at the park. You can capture the beauty of the park and its surroundings such as hills, tea estates, birds, etc.
- Highfield Tea Factory: This is another attraction near the park. It is located about 0.8 kilometers from the park and showcases the history and process of tea production in Coonoor. You can also taste some varieties of tea and buy some souvenirs from the factory shop.
- Heritage Train: This is another attraction near the park. It is located about 1.7 kilometers from the park and runs between Coonoor and Ooty on a meter gauge track. It offers a scenic ride through the Nilgiri Hills and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Dolphin’s Nose View Point: This is another attraction near the park. It is located about 10 kilometers from the park and offers a splendid view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls.
Significance of Sim’s Park
Sim’s Park is a place of historical and botanical significance. It was inaugurated in December 1874 due to the efforts of Mr.J.D.Sim, Secretary to Government and Major Murray, acting Superintendent of Nilgiris forests, and was named after the former. It was started as a pleasure resort for the residents and visitors but later developed into a botanical garden for introduction and trial of various exotic species of plants of systematic and economic importance. The park has more than 1000 species of plants belonging to 85 families, many of which are rare and endangered.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Sim’s Park?
A: The best time to visit Sim’s Park is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Q: What are the facilities available at Sim’s Park?
A: There are basic facilities available at Sim’s Park such as parking, toilets, drinking water, etc. There are also some shops and stalls that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs, etc.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Sim’s Park?
A: Some tips for visiting Sim’s Park are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk to explore the park.
Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
Be respectful while viewing the plants and do not touch or damage them.
Do not litter or feed the animals at the park.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Sim’s Park is a botanical garden in Coonoor that features various types of plants, flowers, trees, etc. from different parts of the world. It was inaugurated in December 1874 due to the efforts of Mr.J.D.Sim and Major Murray and was named after the former. It is an important tourist place to visit in Coonoor and attracts many tourists and botanists. It is a perfect place for a picnic, a boating, a fishing or a photography session. If you are looking for a refreshing and relaxing getaway in Coonoor or Ooty, Sim’s Park is a must-visit destination.
