Kothagiri hill station is in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the famous hill stations at Nilgiri. It is located at an elevation of 1793 m above sea level. This beautiful hill station is 33 km away from Ooty. It is surrounded by various valleys and knolls. People like to visit the place as it has numerous trekking points such as Elk falls, Catherine falls, Rangaswami pillar. There are various tea factories, which produces a popular Nilgiri tea. Kotagiri has European style bungalows, which are built by the British.

History

Kotagiri was also known as Kota-Gherry or Kota-Keri in the past. The Nilgiri hill is the home for Kota tribes. The meaning of the Kotagiri is ‘mountain of Kotas’. The Kotas are expert in the pottery. The Kota tribe is reluctant to mix with outsiders. In 1911, the government acquired the land for improvement and Kotas shifted to Aggal hamlet, which is 2 km away. The Kotas worshipped at the temple of deity ‘Kamataraya’ every month. The annual festival is very important for all the Kotas.
Kotagiri is the first place in the Nilgiri hills developed by the British. Most of the Madras Government servant like to spend their vacation in Kotagiri. It is the first region, where crops like spices, Tea, coffee were planted. In 1843, coffee estate was planted first time. The first tea plantation was done in 1863. After which, tea plantation has grown steadily and this proved beneficial.

Geography

Kotagiri is situated at 11.43°N 76.88°E, with an elevation of 1793 meters. The Doddabetta mountain range protects Kotagiri hills from the south-west monsoon. The climate of Kotagiri hills is pleasant as compared to Ooty.

Environment

The climate is very pleasant at Kotagiri hills. Kotagiri hill is surrounded by green tea. The green and unpolluted environment makes the place wonderful. Kotagiri hill is a peaceful place. As compared to Ooty and Coonoor, the weather is very pleasant. Tea factories produce tea of different flavors and qualities. There has been growth in hi tech flower farms from a few years. Farmers use climate controlling greenhouses to grow high value flowers. You can visit the Kotagiri any time throughout the year. But the best time is during the October month.

Tourism

This beautiful place is surrounded by many interesting tourist points. This place offers rock climbing and trekking opportunities. Kothagiri-Kodanad, Kothagiri-Longwood shola and  Kothagiri-St. Catherine falls are the popular trekking trails. Tourists like to visit sightseeing places such as St. Catherine waterfalls, Kodanad View Point, Thengumarahada, Lord Rangaswamy Peak, Lord Rangaswamy Pillar. The Kodanad offers great view of valleys and hills near by.

Places to See

Kodanad View Point

It is 16 km from Kotagiri. It provides a great view of Mysore Plateau, Kotagiri region peaks, tea estates, Moyar river and Thengumarahada  village.

Longwood Forest

It is situated in Kotagiri town. Flying fox, which is a large squirrel seen in this forest.

Nehru Park

It is in the Kotagiri town. It consists of temple of Kotas, a Congregation center and public playground Gandhi Maidan. It is on the Coonoor road, 3 km from town.

Rangaswamy Peak

It is a located 12 km away from the Kil-Kotagiri. It is visited by most of the pilgrims every year and devotees pray for Lord Rangaswamy. The Rangaswamy peak is the most sacred place for the people from Kotagiri region. As per the legend, it is said that Lord Rangaswamy quarrelled with his wife and came to this place.

Rangaswamy Pillar

It is located 4 km from Kil-Kotagiri. This sacred pillar is worshipped by many devotees. This extraordinary, isolated rocky pillar has a height of 400 feet.

Ooty

It is the famous tourist attraction in Southern India. It has botanical gardens, developed in 1847. Ooty lake and Rose Garden are the major attractions. Numerous tourists across the world visit this beautiful place every year.

Coonoor

It is surrounded by tea plantation. It is a great attraction for bird spotters. Sims park, a botanical garden is attraction for most of the tourists. The Dolphins nose is near to this. This is a must visit place to witness the beauty of the hills.

Droog Fort

It is located near to the Coonoor hill station. It is 1800 meters from the surface. The Great Tipu Sultan used this fort for their outpost. To reach to the fort, tourist needs to follow the trekking trail.