Kotagiri is a picturesque hill station set amidst the serenity of the Nilgiri Hills. This charming hill resort is located at an elevation of 1793 metres above sea level in the state of Tamilnadu. With its beautiful mountains, lush green forests, and charming tea plantations Kotagiri enjoys the world’s best climate next only to Switzerland. Kotagiri it is one of the three hill stations of the Nilgiris and is surrounded by dense Shola forests and lush green tea estates. It is just an hour's drive from Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty.
Kotagiri used to be the summer resort of the British during the British Raj days. Kotagiri has been the traditional home of the "kota" tribes who are known for their expertise in the craft of pottery and terracotta baking. This place was earlier known as 'Kota-Keri' which literally means the street or lines of the house of the Kotas. The kota settlement was shifted to Aggal hamlet 2kms away from Kotagiri after the government had acquired the land in 1911. Kotagiri has a Kota temple in the middle of the town dedicated to Kamataraya deity worshipped by the kota tribes.
Still untouched by commercialisation, the climate of Kotagiri is a temperate one and many tourists visit this picturesque hill station to enjoy the nature’s beauty.
Trekking is a major attraction here. The place also boasts of lush green golf course.
Major Tourist Attractions in and around Kotagiri
Kodanaad View Point
Kodanad View Point is around 16 km away from Kotagiri and at an altitude of about 6500ft. One can see the Rangasamy Peak, Rangasamy Pillar, Catherine Falls and Dolphin's Nose from this view point. You can also get a beautiful view of the Moyar and Bhavani rivers, the Mysore Plateau and the green paddy fields of Tengumarahaada village lying below.
Elk Falls
Elk Falls is situated about 7 km from Kotagiri close to the Uyilathi village. At the Elk falls, the water is full only in the rainy season but it is still worth a visit because of the spectacular view it offers of the valley called the kookal. The major attraction here is the first European house built in Nilgiri which is now in ruins. Another attraction here is the Badaga settlement.
LongWood Shola
Longwood Shola is a dense wooded forest in Kotagiri located 3 km away from the town. Longwood shola is one of the major water resources in Kotagiri. This place is well-known for its wildlife like the Indian bison , bonnet macaque, Indian giant squirrel, barking deer and flying fox. Longwood shola is also a paradise for bird watchers.
St. Catherine’s falls
It is 8 km from Kotagiri on the Mettupalyam road. This falls has been named after Catherine, the wife of Mr.M.D. Cockburn believed to have introduced the coffee plantation to Kotagiri. Catherine Falls is a double cascade waterfalls made up of upper and lower levels of the falls. The upper fall is one of the highest in Nilgiri hills at 250 feet. One can enjoy the magnificent view of tea gardens and forests below as well as Dolphin’s Nose from here.
Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar
Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar lies 20 kms from Kotagiri town. Rangaswamy peak is considered very sacred by a tribal community named Irulas and a shrine dedicated to Lord Rangasamy can be found here. Rangaswamy pillar is an extraordinary rocky pillar which rises abruptly on all sides to a height of about 400 ft. and is a challenge for rock climbers.
How To Reach Kotagiri Hill Station
This hill station is about 23 km from Coonoor, 16kms from Ooty and 33 kms from Mettupalayayam. The nearest airport is Coimbatore at a distance of about 105 km from Kotagiri. The nearest railway station is Coonoor which is located 21 km away. Kotagiri is well connected to all the major cities of Tamil Nadu by well linked road network. KSRTC and private buses provide plenty of buses to Ooty, Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
There are plenty of accommodation options available in the town as well as in the nearby tea gardens. Tourists also have plenty of homestays options.