|
Kotagiri is the oldest and the third largest hill station in the Nilgiris. Looming over and above all the surrounding hills in the North-eastern escarpments, its climate is claimed
to be one of the best in the World, although remains relatively unknown to outsiders. The name ‘Kota-giri’ itself means ‘mountain of the kotas’. Kotagiri is quietly tucked away in the Nilgiris and used to be the summer resort of the British. Unlike Ooty and Coonoor, Kotagiri is situated in an ’open-terrace’ massif. At an elevation of 1985 m. the town has developed around numerous knolls and valleys. The Kotagiri weather is more bracing than that of Coonoor and balmier than that of Ooty. Kotagiri is just 16 kilometres away from Ooty.
Sight SeeingKodanad View Point: 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 carpeted paddy fields of Thengumarahaada and watched 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 deep-trenched Mysore Ditch. St. Catherine’s Falls: It is 8 km from kotagiri on the Mettupalyam road branching off at Aravenu. 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. The native name of the Falls is Geddhehaada Halla meaning "Foothills Dale River". This region presents a lovely panoramic view of the sweeps of forests and woodlands, waylaid by tea gardens and yet running to meet the plains in the south-western moorings.The glittering Dolphin’s Nose of Coonoor is also seen across the mighty gap in the hills-one of the three great systems of faults in the geological formation of the Blue Mountains. Elk Falls: It is 7 km from Kotagiri and situated above Uyilathi village. The road passes through serenely laid out Badaga habitations. The Badagas are the indigenous people inhabiting the Nilgiri hills. ’Enroute’ at the Kannerimukku village is found the first European house in the Nilgiris built by collector Sullivan in the year 1819. The two-storeyed house is now in a sad-state of ruins. Though the water is fully only in the wet months, the site is always worth a visit. It commands towards the north, a spectacular view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal and a vista of exquisite surroundings. Long Wood Shola: About 3 km from the town, the road proceeding towards the Badaga village of "Milidhane" branes off to Longwood Shola which is Forest Reserve. A very primeval tract of wild enclave, the Shola provides a grand opportunity for bird-watchers and a perfect rendezevous for serenity - seekers. Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar: It is 20 kms from Kotagiri via Kil-Kotagiri. The conical peak exudes an exhilarating view of the wild yet harmonious semblance of the country lying around. Topping 1785 m above MSL, the site is crucially sacred to the Irulas (Irula community). North by West to the peak is a huge detached pillar of rock rising abruptly on all sides to a height of about 400 ft.
When to visit Kotagiri :
Kotagiri experiences pleasant and comfortable weather all through the year .
How to reach Kotagiri : By Air: The airport at Coimbatore is the nearest to Kotagiri at a distance of over a hundred kilometres.
By Road & Rail: Kotagiri is well linked with the other important places in Tamil Nadu through road transport. There are regular buses to Ooty, Mettupalayam and Coonoor operating throughout the day.
Accommodation
Accommodation is easily available in Kotagiri. There are several tourist lodges, guesthouses, and hotels
|