This unusual park-cum-botanical garden was developed around the natural contours of the land more than a hundred years ago., Ethnic trees, shrubs and creepers, co-habit with many unusual species of foliage brought in from various parts of the world. Rudraksha – the bead tree and Queensland karry pine, a handsome ornamental tree, are among the many attractions in this park. Sim’s park and the Botanical Garden to gather from the largest repository of temperate plants in India and an important destination for Botanists. Sim’s Park is the venue for the annual vegetable and fruit show.
Sim’s Park, Coonoor, came into existence due to the pioneer efforts of the early European settlers. It was inaugurated in December, 1874 due to the efforts of Mr. J.D. Sim, Secretary to Government and Major Murray, acting Superintendent of the Nilgiris forests, and the park was named after the former.
Though this was started as a pleasure resort for the residents and visitors, the park has now developed into a Botanical Garden for the purposes of introduction and trial of various exotic species of systematic and economic importance.
The park is situated in a deep ravine on the northern side of Coonoor railway station at an elevation of 1768 to 1798 metres above MSL. It extends over an area of 12 hectares of undulating land and possesses a number of natural advantages. It adjoins the Pomological Station, Pasteur Institute and Silk Worm Seed Station.
The British transplanted several exotic plants to this park from the far off corners of the world. Some of these foreign ‘guests’ who have taken root here are the Rudraksha [bead] tree and the Queensland Karry pine, a handsome ornamental trees. Best time to visit: April, May and September.
