Kotagiri, Nilgiris, Indian Hill Station The kaleidoscopic hill resort of Kotagiri, strategically placed at an altitude of 1950 m is indeed a place to enjoy the very beat of nature. Kotagiri, laced with its serenity and tranquility and with the promise of freshness and beauty, till date mesmerise and bewitch. Dotted with large and small buildings, Kotagiri is one of the most attracting places for the visitors, holidaying in South India. The whole station is well connected by brilliant roads.

Nestled at the eastern end of the Nilgiri highland, Kotagiri is 21 miles away from the road to the north of Mettupalayam (the terminus of the broad gauge railway). Kotagiri literally means the lines of the house of the Kotas. In the long gone days Kottagiri used to be known as the "Kota-Keri" or (Kota-gherry) , meaning the street (or line of homes) of Kotas as the Kota village was situated in the middle of the station. Quietly tucked away in the Nilgiris, Kotagiri once used to be the summer resort of the British. Kotagiri was the first place on the hills, where Europeans made their residents. Mr John Sullivan, the Collector of Coimbatore built the first ever bungalow on the Kotagiri hills in May 1819 near the village of Dimhutti, just 1 mile from Kotagiri itself. This ancient building can be still seen standing strong whilst whispering the tales of the bygone days.

The pictorial wonder of Kotagiri with the promise of the fresh hilly air captivates every tourer. The average rainfall is about 62 in. per annum and it is well distributed throughout the year. An impressive view of the Coimbatore district can be enjoyed from one side of the Kotagiri hill. During clear weather days, the distant ranges of the Anamalais, Shevaroys, and Palanies can also be clearly seen.

The hill resort of Kotagiri has several tourist attractions. The crystal cascade named as the Catherine Falls is indeed one of the major ones. The beauty of the double cascade waterfalls add to the beauty of Kotagiri. Then there are the Elk falls, offering panoramic views of the spectacular surroundings of Echoing Valley of Kookal.

The emerald green golf course at Kotagiri presents an incomparable view. The tea plantations and the tea estates are the other places worth visiting in Kotagiri. However to witness breathtaking beautiful sights of the eastern slopes, a visit to Kodanad is must.

At a distance of 16 km from Kotagiri, is the sacred Rangaswamy Pillar. The Rangaswamy Peak is another vintage point to check out the wondrous vistas of the Nilgiris.

Further ahead from Kotagiri one may also move to the other renowned hill resorts of Ooty and Coonor. There are a number of estates and tea plantations that wrap Kotagiri.

Accommodation is also easily available in Kotagiri. A number of tourist lodges, guesthouses, hotels, resorts and elite eating restaurants are there to cater to the varied needs of the tourer.

HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Coimbatore airport is the nearest airport at a distance of over hundred km.

BY ROAD & RAIL - Kotagiri is well connected with other important places in Tamil Nadu through road transport. Regular bus services to Ooty, Mettupalayam and Coonoor are also available.