How Coonoor has emerged as a southern rival to the west’s Goa & Alibaug and Mussoorie in the North

financialexpress.com:

Although there is a long history of affluent city-dwellers owning second homes in popular places such as Goa and Mussoorie, this trend has gained momentum since the pandemic. In addition to rising disposable incomes, this is due in part to remote work becoming increasingly common. Traditional options include tropical and ‘beachy’ destinations such as Goa and Alibaug, as well as more temperate towns such as Mashobra or Darjeeling. Coonoor is a relatively recent entrant to this club but has quietly become a popular choice among a small clutch of urban elite who are looking for an unspoilt but also convenient location for a second home.

Coonoor’s growing popularity has been driven both by social and logistical considerations. A critical mass of individuals with second homes in Coonoor has meant that it has achieved a certain cachet and reputation. Coonoor is also lucky to enjoy easy access from all major Indian cities, excellent road connectivity and mild and pleasant weather throughout the year. Collectively, these have allowed it to emerge as a sought-after destination for those seeking an escape from the noise and pollution of major Indian cities. It is particularly popular among successful entrepreneurs, industrialists and senior professionals from cities such as Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. Coimbatore is two hours away by car and offers direct flights not only to all major Indian cities but also to cities in the Middle East and SouthEast Asia, which has made Coonoor a popular option even for NRIs in those regions.

Unlike several of its counterparts, such as Goa, Coonoor has never been a mass tourist destination. The majority of visitors to Coonoor have traditionally been local tourists, primarily