Dolphin's Nose & Catherine Falls
"Unique Rock Promontory with Views of Catherine Falls"
Essential Visitor Facts
Verified field facts by local Nilgiri resident for 20261 – 1.5 Hours
09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
₹15 per adult, ₹10 per child, ₹20 camera
₹30 car parking
30 km (1 hour 10 mins drive)
12 km from Coonoor Town
09:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Moderate to High
What is Dolphin's Nose & Catherine Falls?
Dolphin's Nose is a giant rock formation in Coonoor protruding outward like a dolphin's snout at 1,550 meters altitude. It offers an unobstructed vista of Catherine Falls cascading 250 feet down the opposite mountain canyon wall.
Historical & Cultural Significance
The surrounding tea estates produce some of the highest-rated Coonoor teas. The canyon walls host wild rock bees nesting under overhanging cliff ledges.
Location & Coordinates
11.3725°N, 76.8402°EDolphin's Nose & Catherine Falls
Nilgiri Biosphere District, Tamil Nadu, India
What to See & Special Experiences
Dolphin-snout shaped rock promontory lookout
Full view of Catherine Falls cascading down green cliffs
Stretched view of St. Catherine canyon & tea gardens
How to Reach & Transport Options
Drive 12 km from Coonoor through scenic single-lane tea estate roads. High ground-clearance vehicle or local cab recommended.
Infrequent buses; private cab or auto recommended
Parking Guide & Avoiding Peak Crowds
Parking space near the tea estate stalls. Narrow road requires cautious driving when passing oncoming vehicles.
Visit during 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Parking lots fill up quickly after 11:00 AM on weekend dates.
What to Carry Checklist
Itineraries Featuring Dolphin's Nose & Catherine Falls
Follow our resident-vetted, geographically grouped travel blueprints:
Nearby Attractions on the Same Geographic Loop
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolphin's Nose & Catherine Falls
Q. Can we trek down to the base of Catherine Falls from Dolphin's Nose?
No, Catherine Falls is viewed across the canyon canyon wall from Dolphin's Nose. Trekking to the waterfall base requires a separate permit and access route via Kotagiri.