Sim's Park:
Sim's Park is a carefully planned and artistically
laid park cum botanical garden, named after the Honourable
J.D.Sim, a member of the governor-general's council
(1870-75). Sim's park was inaugurated in 1874 and
is situated in a deep ravine at an elevation of 1,768
to 1,798 Mts.
The park consists of 1,000 plant species, which includes
magnolia, tree ferns, pines and camellia, planted
in a scattered fashion all over the place, that lend
a special charm to the park specially when they bloom
in different seasons throughout the year.
The rose garden at the bottom of the slope is equally
remarkable. Many species of trees and shrubs, which
do not thrive, well in Ooty are found to flourish
here. The winding footpath spread all over the park
is the most distinctive and lovable feature of this
park. A newer attraction is a map of the World made
by plants sent by various countries, just like Ooty's.
A Fruit and Vegetable show is held in the park during
the month of May, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Pasteur Institute
Pasteur Institute established in 1907 is located just
opposite to the Sim's Park. This institute is famous
for research on Rabies and giving effective treatment
to persons bitten by rabid animals. It also manufactures
Polio vaccine.
There is an interesting history behind the idea of
setting up an Institute for the production of anti-rabbis
vaccine. Mrs. Lily Packenham Walsh, wife of a senior
British officer, died of a dog bite in 1902 in Chennai.
During those days, the vaccine was available only
in the Pasteur Institute at Kasauli (North India)
and patients had to be taken all the way to Kasauli
for treatment. Therefore, the Pasteur Institute at
Coonoor came to be donated by wealthy American philanthropist
to Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. Lt. Col.
Cornwallis was its first director. The main building
of the Institute stands on the spacious grounds, which
are well laid out. It is an oblong two-storied structure,
with turrets at each corner and presents a solid and
rather imposing appearance. Since Independence many
new buildings have come up.
Pomological Station
Pomological Station is one of the three experimental
fruit gardens in the Nilgiris maintained by the Horticultural
Department where the states Agricultural Department
researches on fruits including Plums, Apples, Peach,
Persimmons, Apricot, Lemons, Pomegranates etc
This garden was established in 1920 with a view to
demonstrate and propagate scientific methods of raising
nursery plants and of growing fruit-bearing trees.
Jams and other fruit preservatives are prepared for
sale to the public.
