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Coonoor is located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level and is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills. It is an ideal base for a number of trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiris. It is surrounded by tea plantations which happens to be a major economic activity of the region. However it owes its popularity greatly to it being an excellent getaway for those looking for peace and quiet as well as adventure. Coonoor gained popularity as a hill-station way back in the 19th century when it was established by the British. In 1819 a wealthy British businessman built a sprawling bungalow Silverdale thus attracting other British settlers who developed the tea plantations and a railway line. The historic bungalow Silverdale then went on to become a residential school and finally an orphanage. Coonoor is divided into upper and lower parts with the commercial part being in the lower and residences in the upper part.
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