INTRODUCTION
Kotagiri which showers one of the best climate next to Switzerland is situated at a distance of about 28 km east of Ooty, at an altitude of 1950 m and it is one of the three hill stations of the Nilgiris.Kotagiri is surrounded by dense Shola forests and splendid green lush of tea estates.Kotagiri is a perfect holiday escape and is steeped in colonial nostalgia thus attracting a lot of tourists. In earlier days it used to be the summer resort of the British. Kotagiri is bestowed with a temperate climate. It happens to be one of the oldest and largest hill stations in southern India. It is also one of the important centre for tea industry next only to Coonoor.Kotagiri also takes the pride of being first place in the hills to which road was made from Sirumugai via Dena in the year 1819.HISTORY
Kotagiri was earlier known as 'Kota-Keri' which literally means the street or lines of the house of the Kotas. Kotagiri is mainly accommodated by members of the Kota tribes who still follow their customs and live as artisans showcasing their talent in baking, terracotta and pottery. These houses were used by the British as a summer resort after which the kota tribes shifted their settlement to Aggal hamlet in 1911. Now the town is fast becoming commercial with the latest advent technologies.ORIENTATION
The hill resort of Kotagiri is located in the famous Nilgiri Hills.Kotagiri is located at 11°26N 76°53E / 11.43°N 76.88°E.BEST TIME TO VISIT
Kotagiri because of its mild temperature all round the year, it can be visited at any time.FESTIVALS
There is a temple dedicated to Kamataraya deity and the annual festival which falls on Arudra Darshan day is of great importance to all the Kotas.Also the thaipoosam festival which falls in the month of February is celebrated with great pomp in the Elk Hill Murugan Temple.PLACES OF INTERESTS
KODANAAD VIEW POINT
Apart from this you get breathtaking views of the Moyar and Bhavani rivers and the Mysore Plateau.
This place is also referred as the Terminus Country.
ELK FALLS
Though this waterfall comes in full gush only in the rainy season it is worth visiting this place to get the view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal.
The other attractions here include the first European house built in 1819 by collector Sullivan at the Kannerimukku village which now remains as ruins.
You can also have a close look into the lives of the tribal people by exploring the Badaga settlement, on the road to the falls.
St.CATHERIAN'S FALLS
This double-cascaded Falls is the second highest in the district (250 ft) and it waters from the upper stream of the kallar river crossed by the invisible Mettupalyam-Ooty road beyond the mountains in the south-west.
From this point of view Dolphin's Nose of Coonoor is also seen across the mighty gap in the hills.
It presents a lovely view of the tea gardens and forests and woodlands
LONGWOOD SHOLA
Longwood shola is one of the major water resources in Kotagiri for more than 15 villages in the Aravenu area.
In this area of the Western Ghats one can get to see the stunted evergreen vegetation or the shola forests and this plays a major role in Kotagiri's microclimate.
This is an ideal place for trekking and for bird watchers. Longwood Shola is also noted for Indian giant squirrel, bonnet macaque, barking deer, Nilgiri Marten and Indian bison.
BIKKAPATHI RESERVE
Bikkapathi Reserve about 10 kms from Kotagiri is under the control of the Forest Range Officer of Kattabettu at Kotagiri.This reserve is an ideal place to trek but only on prior permission.
RANGASWAMY PILLAR AND ROCK
The Rangaswamy roch which is about 400 metres high is literally a nightmare for the rock climbers.
This is a very adventurous place which should never be missed in Kotagiri.
SHOPPING
There are number of shops in and around Kotagiri selling South Indian artifacts by the Kota tribes.Kotagiri is also famous for its tea, hand made antiques, Indian handlooms, and shawls.
Irish and Belgian table sets and shadow-worked bed sheets are also readily found in the Kotagiri shops.
EAT OUTS
There are number of restaurants in and around Kotagiri which concentrates mainly on South Indian food. However, a number of hotels also offer North Indian and Chinese cuisine like the Nahar Hotel. The Tea however is best had in the small shops that dot the hill side.
ACCOMMODATION
1.Belair Cottage
43/9 Club Road, Kotagiri - 643 217, The Nilgris, Tamilnadu. Phone : +91 04266 272888
2.Misty Heights
3.HOPE PARK HOTELS AND RESORTS
4.Blue Star Hotel
5.Nahar Retreat and Wellness Spa 6.Peak View Cottage
7. Pyrenees Resort India Pvt Ltd, Adathorai Estate, Nihung post,
8. Heenlystay Familly's retreat,
9. Green Nest Eco-Resort, |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore (105 km). It is connected to Chennai, Bangalore and Cochin.