KOTAGIRI TOURISM | PLACES TO VISIT, TRAVEL GUIDE & TRAVEL GUIDE TO KOTAGIRI
Hill Station
About Kotagiri
#100 of 26 Places to visit in Tamilnadu
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days
Nearest City to Kotagiri: Coimbatore (70 Kms)
Best Time to Visit Kotagiri: November to May
Peak Season: December to January & March to May
At a distance of 21 km from Coonoor, 29 km from Ooty, and 70 km from Coimbatore, Kotagiri is a small hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Tamil Nadu, and among the top places to visit near Coimbatore.
Situated at an altitude of 1793 m, Kotagiri is the oldest and the third largest hill station in the Nilgiris after Ooty, and Coonoor. The name Kotagiri literally means 'mountains of the Kotas' that refers to the Kota tribe who lived here in the past. Once a prominent coffee plantation site, the tranquil town of Kotagiri is now embellished with extensive tea plantations that span approximately 30,000 acres. It is considered one of the essential destinations to include in Ooty tour packages.
Kotagiri was the first British settlement in the Nilgiris and served as a favored summer retreat. The area was discovered by two civil servants from the Madras government while they were tracking down outlaws, who referred to it as Kotacherry. John Sullivan, the collector of Coimbatore at the time, was captivated by Kotagiri and established a residence there, becoming the first European to settle in the area. The first coffee plantation was established here in 1843, followed by numerous others. However, the introduction of tea plantations in the late 19th century by the daughter of MD Cockburn gradually led to tea overtaking coffee as the dominant crop in the region.
With its verdant landscapes, mist-laden mountains, and picturesque tea estates, this charming hill station provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Kotagiri caters to all. Kodanad Viewpoint, Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, and Rangaswami Peak and Pillar are some of the top places to visit in Kotagiri. Steeped in vast expanses of greenery and rolling hills, Kotagiri offers plenty of trekking and hiking opportunities for adventure lovers.
About 69 km from Kotagiri, Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport that is well-connected by flight with all the major cities of India including Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. Coonoor railway station is the nearest railway station to Kotagiri, 21 km away from the same. Coimbatore Junction about 70 km from Kotagiri is the nearest railhead, which has connectivity to Mettupalayam from where you can get Ooty Toy Train which is an exclusive train service from Mettupalayam to Ooty and Coonoor. Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs once a day from Mettupalayam to Ooty at 7:10 AM. Kotagiri is well-connected by bus with major cities like Trichy, Coimbatore, Erode, Mettupalayam and Tirupur.
Kotagiri offers a wide array of accommodation choices, including resorts, villas, and lodges that cater to various budgets, ranging from economical to mid-range and luxurious hotels. Notable establishments include Lazy Hills, La Mansion, Moon Shadow Cottage, and Bel Air Cottage, among many others.
This charming hill station enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it an ideal destination at any time. Nevertheless, the period following the monsoon and during winter is considered the optimal season to experience the true splendor of the Nilgiris. This timeframe is particularly suitable for sightseeing and engaging in adventure activities such as hiking and trekking in Kotagiri. While summer is also a favorable season for visiting, it tends to attract a significant number of tourists, resulting in larger crowds.
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