Exploring Coonoor and Ooty with Dogs: Pet-Friendly Stays, Scenic Spots, and More! 🐾🌿

J'adore
49 minutes ago
5 min read

J'adore and June in Conoor — At our beautiful stay, Gateway Conoor

Hello, hoomans and fellow floofs! J'adore here, reporting live from the hills of the Nilgiris, where I recently took my hoomans (and my sister June) on an adventure. We sniffed new places, met interesting creatures (some friendly, some very suspicious), and found out that not all places understand the importance of VIPs—Very Important Paws.

Buckle up, because I’m about to spill the kibble on everything we did! 🐶✨

🚗 The Road to Sniffing Paradise

The drive up the hills was a dream! Cool breeze, winding roads, and endless rolling tea gardens—aka giant fields of sniffy goodness. I kept my nose out the window the whole time, collecting as many scents as I could (June tried, but I’m the pro at this).

Every drive in the Nilgiris is a sight for sore eyes

Pro Tip for my furry friends: If your hoomans stop at a tea estate, make sure to hop out and investigate. There are so many spots where you can step in for a quick sniff-and-stretch session!

🐾 Exploring the Nilgiris—J'adore’s Paw-Approved List

✅ Nature Walks & Tea Gardens – These were the best! Green as far as the eye can see, cool mountain air, and a million different things to sniff. We didn't go to any specific tea gardens, just stopped by a few on our way for sniffs and snaps. June and I gave this a solid 10/10 tail wags.

⚠️ Dolphin’s Nose – A scenic viewpoint full of hoomans and MONKEYS. Suspicious little creatures. I had to keep an eye on June’s ears to make sure one didn’t try to steal them. We left and walked around the area which was pretty fun (4/10, would not recommend if you are as scared of monkeys as we are.)

One of the many Tea gardens near Dolphin's Nose

❌ Doddabetta Peak – They didn’t let us up to the viewpoint (rude), so our hoomans took turns going while we waited on a bench, being admired by strangers. The view must’ve been great because they kept saying, "I wish they could see this!"

The view of the horizon from Doddabetta Peak viewpoint — THE VIEW from Doddabetta Peak

Us waiting while pawrents took turns to check out the view

🏡 The Stay: Gateway Coonoor—A Hotel Fit for a King (Me)

We checked into Gateway Coonoor, and let me tell you—it was pawsome. A heritage hotel from 1857, full of charm, open spaces, and best of all, no rules keeping us out of anywhere!

Gateway Conoor

✅ J’adore’s Favorite Things About Gateway Coonoor:

🐾 Freedom! – Dogs allowed everywhere. No weird rules. No “stay outside” nonsense.

🌳 Three Huge Gardens – Zoomies? Check. Sunbathing? Check. Rolling in the grass? Check.🍖 Gourmet Paw-dining – Our hoomans ordered us boiled chicken & mutton with veggies (₹1.5k + taxes). Took a little while to prepare, but worth the wait.

🔥 Fun Things We Did at the Hotel:

🏛️ Heritage Walk – Hoomans loved it, we tolerated it.

🌄 Morning Nature Walks – Absolutely breathtaking! Sniff level: 11/10.

🔥 Bonfire Nights – Cozy cuddles, warm flames, best vibes.

🔭 Stargazing – The hoomans kept saying "wow," but I was just waiting for treats.

⚠️ Things to Watch Out For:

🐒 Monkeys, Again! – I told you, these guys are everywhere. Keep your treats and ears safe!💰 Pet Charges – ₹2k per pet/day (worth it for VIPs like us, but still, hoomans, take note).

🛏️ No Pet Beds – We didn’t ask, but I just stole a hooman pillow, so no complaints.

Would I stay here again? YES. Would I demand a discount for being extra cute? Also yes.

🍽️ Where We Ate (or Begged for Snacks) 🍕🥤

We sniffed out some paw-some pet-friendly cafes where our hoomans enjoyed their food while we patiently did our best begging faces.

🐾 Moddy’s Bakery – Smelled like heaven, but no doggo snacks. Hoomans were happy, though.

🐾 Anma Cafe – Super chill, perfect for a lazy brunch. PS: We got boiled eggs here on asking.

🐾 The Birdhouse Cafe – Hidden gem! Felt like we were deep in the woods.

🐾 The Open Kitchen – Pizzas smelled so good I almost committed a crime. Almost.

🐾 McIver Villa Cafe – The best views (can't say the same thing about their food though)! Sat like a fancy pup while hoomans sipped their drinks. PS: Kapoor and Sons movie was shot in this house.

Would recommend them all, but hoomans, please start sharing more. It’s only fair.

Left to Right: Moddy's Cafe, McIver Villa Cafe & Anma Cafe

🐕 Travel Tips from J'adore

✔️ Pack Your Own Stuff – Hoomans forget things, so remind them to bring your bed, bowls, and blankies.

✔️ Be Off-Leash Only If You Listen – I can, but June? Let’s just say she’s a work in progress.

✔️ Watch Out for Monkeys – They’re sneaky, they’re fast, and they want your food.

✔️ Enjoy the Simple Things – A morning walk, a cozy cuddle, a fresh mountain breeze… it’s the little things that make a trip special.

Would I Go Back?

Overall, it was a good trip, but next time, I’d tell my hoomans to pick more offbeat places. Less crowds, more space for zoomies, and more places that actually welcome VIPs like us.

Would you bring your dog to the Nilgiris? Drop a 🐾 in the comments if yes!

Until the next adventure,J’adore—Explorer, Sniffer, and Treat Connoisseur. 🐶✨

Planning a getaway to the hills? Discover the best pet-friendly stays, cafés, and scenic spots in Coonoor and Ooty with dogs. From tea garden walks to cozy colonial hotels, here's everything you need to know for a pawsome Nilgiris adventure!