Kotagiri

The unique experience

If one must make a plan to visit Ooty, they must always include Kotagiri in their travel schedule. This small hill retreat is considered one of the most pristine and prime hill stations located in the Nilgiri belt. What makes Kotagiri unique is its tranquil setting that makes one truly enjoy nature without the cacophony of tourists. Amongst other things, the shola forests and the umpteen tea plantations make Kotagiri one of the most popular places to visit in Ooty.

About Kotagiri

Tucked enchantingly in a section of the lush mountains of the Nilgiri range, Kotagiri is lodged merely 29 kilometers from Ooty at a height of 1793 meters. Its one of Tamil Nadu’s major hill retreats that attracts visitors from far and near. In the past, the hill station was inhabited by a tribe called Kotas and was thus named Mountain of the Kotas or Kotagiri. Coonoor, another major hill station is positioned only 20 kilometers from this beautiful hill retreat.

Kotagiri history

Counted as one among the most serene places to visit in Ooty, this hill station was a popular vacation retreat during British Raj. It was discovered accidentally by two British civil servants serving in the Madras Government. They named the hill station Kotacherry. Kotagiri became the retreat for the British collector of Coimbatore named John Sullivan who built a mansion amidst the pristine landscape here. 

More about the place

Regarded as a competitor to other major Ooty tourist places, Kotagiri attracts you to its mind-blowing scenic beauty that is absent even in other hill stations like Ooty that are crowded and congested. The place became known as a tea lover’s paradise, thanks to the efforts of a British lady.

Amongst other things like taking a peaceful morning walk by the shola forests, many tourists prefer to participate in adventure activities like rock climbing and trekking. The trekking trails in this hilly region take the trekkers through the dense shola forests that look mesmerizing with winding rivers and scenic tea plantations. Some of the most popular trekking trails take the tourists to Catherine Falls, Kodanad and Longwood Shola. 

What else?

There are a number of places to visit when you are in Kotagiri such as those that are listed below:

Kotagiri Viewpoint

The viewpoint is the most famous spot where tourists get to enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding Nilgiri ranges. From this vantage point, one can also view the picturesque Rangaswamy Peak, Catherine Falls, and Dolphin’s Nose. The Kodanad Viewpoint is about 1793 meters in altitude.

Catherine Falls

Known popularly as Geddhehaada Halla meaning ‘foothills of the Dale River’, the waterfall cascades down 250 feet below and connects the Kallar River. It was named Catherine after a British coffee planter’s wife. 

Elk Falls and Rangaswamy Hill are other noteworthy places that you must visit. While the former is a beauty with majestic cascading waters, the latter is a hillock known as the home of Lord Rangaswamy.

Any Ooty Tourism Package will have Kotagiri in its itinerary. Do not miss a chance to experience its splendor!

How to reach

Distance in kilometers from:
Ooty: 29 Kms
Coimbatore Airport-47 kilometer
Mettupalayam Railway Station-33 kilometer