One of the three popular hill stations in the Nilgiris, Kotagiri is
quintessential plantation country. Situated at an elevation of 5882 ft, the
hill station is located in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Kotagiri is about
29 km east of Ooty and 19 km northeast of Coonoor.
Kotagiri is relatively less known today but it was the first region to be settled by the British during the Raj. It was the first choice of British officials from the Madras Presidency as a summer retreat.
The most popular trekking trails in Kotagiri are towards Kodanad, Catherine
Falls and Longwood Shola. The trail leading to Kodanad goes through a meadow,
tea estates and the Moyar River.
The major attractions near the hill station of Kotagiri are the Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, Doddabetta Range and the Rangaswami Pillar. There are motorable roads up to a point but trekking to these sightseeing spots is an enjoyable experience. Kodanad Point offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys and it is a favourite with landscape photographers.
The best time to visit Kotagiri is during the month of October but Kotagiri can be visited throughout the year. Kotagiri has an advantage over Ooty and Coonoor when it comes to weather. The weather here is pleasant where as the weather is more extreme when it comes to temperature and dampness in Ooty and Coonoor.
Kotagiri enjoys a climatic advantage over Ooty in that it is protected by the a mountain range from the onslaught of the south-west monsoon.
Kotagiri is relatively less known today but it was the first region to be settled by the British during the Raj. It was the first choice of British officials from the Madras Presidency as a summer retreat.
Surrounded by tea estates and beautiful green landscapes,
Kotagiri offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and rock climbing. Besides
trekking, there is nothing much to do in Kotagiri except take leisurely strolls
through the plantations, watch the workers pluck tea leaves and soak in the
cool climate of the region
The major attractions near the hill station of Kotagiri are the Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, Doddabetta Range and the Rangaswami Pillar. There are motorable roads up to a point but trekking to these sightseeing spots is an enjoyable experience. Kodanad Point offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys and it is a favourite with landscape photographers.
The best time to visit Kotagiri is during the month of October but Kotagiri can be visited throughout the year. Kotagiri has an advantage over Ooty and Coonoor when it comes to weather. The weather here is pleasant where as the weather is more extreme when it comes to temperature and dampness in Ooty and Coonoor.
Transportation Links
Kotagiri is linked by road to Mettupalayam. The
road which continues on to Ooty (27 km from Kotagiri to Ooty) is one of the
Nilgiri Ghat Roads and is now one of the five access routes for the entire
district. Coonoor is 23 km from Kotagiri and connected by a road that branch
off the Ooty road. Buses to Kotagiri are available from Mettupalayam near
Coimbatore in the foothills and also from Ooty and other places.
Kotagiri is well-connected with all the major cities
of Tamil Nadu by road. There are regular bus services from Ooty, Mettupalayam
and Coonoor. The nearest railhead is in Coonoor. The nearest airport is in
Coimbatore International Airport (65 km) which is well-linked to cities like to
all the major cities in India and to Gulf and Middle East countries
Geography
Kotagiri is located at 11.43°N 76.88°E.[1] It has
an average elevation of 1793 metres (5882 ft).Kotagiri enjoys a climatic advantage over Ooty in that it is protected by the a mountain range from the onslaught of the south-west monsoon.
