Kotagiri Tourism

Charming and scenic, Kotagiri is the best-kept secret of the Nilgiris district. It enjoys the world’s best climate next only to Switzerland. Kotagiri has always played second fiddle to its sister Ooty. Of late its beautiful mountains, lush green forests, and thriving tea plantations are attracting many visitors. Kotagiri has an unpolluted, unhurried grace, making it quite the place for a peaceful sojourn. The locals of this hill station are renowned for their hospitality. So come savor life’s little joys by visiting this most invigorating hill station in India.

KODANAD: It is 18 kms away from Kotagiri on the easternmost ridges of the Blue Mountains and hence the name meaning Terminus Country.From this point, the country lies spread out before the eye sparkling hills row after as though bathed in the mystic silver sunshine. The enchanting valley dips down to embrace the historic gajalahatti pass glancing at the green corpeted paddy fields of Thengumarahaada and watced over from its eyrie by the habitat of Hallimoyar.While the River Moyar scurries along to join her pal Bhanvani round the corner, across the valley of Talamalai ranges of the Eastern Ghats cuddle upto Mysore Plateau, westerly strides of which again adjoin the Kodanaadu stairs in the north, over the deeptrenched Mysore Ditch.

Catherine Falls is about 8 kilometres from Kotagiri, named after Catherine, the wife of Mr.M.D. Cockburn. This couple was among some of the first Europeans to settle in Kotagiri and they lie buried side by side in the cemetery there.

The Falls are at a distance of 7 km. from Kotagiri and consists of an upper and a lower fall. The upper fall, which is the second highest in the Nilgiris, takes a leap of about 250 feet.

From above the falls, one can see the magnificent view of Dolphin’s Nose and the surrounding country.

SULLIVAN MEMORIAL: 1 km from Kotagiri, at kannerimukku village is found the first European house in the Nilgiris built by Collector Sullivan in the year 1819, which has recently been restored as a memorial to him.

ELK FALLS: This place is located at a distance of 7 km from Kotagiri and is situated below Uyillatti village. The road passes through serenely laid out Badaga habitations. En-route to the Kannerimukku village is the first European house in the Nilgiris built by Collector Sullivan in the year 1819. Here, there is a European house that was built during the colonial period, though the two storied house now stands ruined. At the Elk falls, the water is full only in the rainy season but it is still worth a visit. The view from here is amazing and you can see from here an exquisite valley called ‘kookal’ which is known for its oranges. Otherwise it is a quiet place to just listen to the sound of the silvery water and click some great pictures.

LONGWOOD SHOLA: It is a very primeval patch of forest on the edge of Kotagiri town. It plays a vital role in regulation rainfall and it is the major water source to many villages. Longwood shola is a paradise for bird watcher, it provides shelters to many varieties of birds, flora and in addition to Indian giant squirrel, barking deer, Indian Gaur [Bison] etc.