While searching for a hill station in Tamil Nadu, there is an overlooked place, Kotagiri, which not only offers scenic beauty but is also perfect for those looking for a less-crowded tourist destination for their next trip. Discovered by two former civil servants of the Madras Government, the hill station is blessed with green meadows, widespread tea plantations and a chilly climate similar to that of Europe. The places to visit in Kotagiri have plenty to offer to every visitor.
From adventure activities like trekking and rock climbing to scenic viewpoints, you can enjoy a great time with your loved ones in this place. So, let’s explore this hidden gem and soak in the peaceful and serene places to visit in Kotagiri.
Best Time to Visit Kotagiri
Kotagiri, covered in dense, lush greenery and misty hills, is a perfect place to visit throughout the year. The best time to visit Kotagiri depends on your personal choice. If you are looking for chilly days with temperatures ranging from 9 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius, the winter months (October to February) are ideal for visiting the place. In case you are planning a budget-friendly trip to Kotagiri, then the monsoon months (July to September) are perfect to find stays at low prices. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy cosy days indoors, listening to the sound of rain and sipping a hot tea.
If you want a break from the summer heat, Kotagiri is the perfect choice to visit during March to June. During your trip in these months, you can enjoy leisure walks, bicycle rides and tea estate tours, which are one of the best tea gardens in India.
How to Reach Kotagiri
Kotagiri has excellent connectivity to the nearby cities and state through air, road and rail. The nearest transit point is the Kotagiri Bus Terminus at 1 km away from the city center. The Coimbatore Airport is the closest airport located at 69 km away.
You can also reach the hill station by train, as Coimbatore Railway Station, at 69 km away, receives numerous trains from major cities of the country.
Places to Visit in Kotagiri
1. Elk Falls
Located at a distance of 8 kms from the city centre, Elk Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kotagiri. It is also known as Uyilatty Falls in the local language and is one of the top waterfalls in the Nilgiris region. Surrounded by green tea and coffee plantations, it is a lofty fall with patter water which showers downstream, offering breathtaking views.
During the rainy season, the waterfall comes in full gush, making it the best time to visit the waterfall and enjoy its peak beauty and witness the valley bloom with mellow orange, one of the tastiest oranges in the world.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Location: 9VM5+C5W, Tamil Nadu 643201.
2. Longwood Shola
The scenic hill station of Kotagiri is covered with diverse Shola forest with an abundance of flora and fauna. Located at 3 kms from Kotagiri Bus Stand, the Shola Reserve is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Ramsar wetland. Shola stands for a tropical montane forest of southern India, which is usually found in patches separated by grasslands. Therefore, the Longwood Shola trail features marshes and streams filled with unique wildlife.
Here, you can spot various wildlife, including sambar deer, Indian gaur, wild boar, barking deer and porcupine. It is also the best places to visit in Kotagiri for birdwatching and photography.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Location: CVHF+7HC, Kotagiri – Kodanadu Rd, Kairbetta, Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu 643217.
3. Rangasamy Pillar and Peak
Situated at a height of 1794 m, Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak is located around 20 kms from Kotagiri. This mysterious pillar is one of the famous places to visit in Kotagiri among locals and tourists. According to the local legends, the pillar got its name after one Mr Ragaswami had his estate below this Pillar. This unique cut column jutting out from a thick green cover resembles a green cauliflower staked on the mountain flanks and offers a visual treat to the visitors.
It is also the most sacred place for the Irulas, who consider it the home of the deity Rangaswamy and the Badagas, who hold their rituals of Giri Habba. The best time time visit the place is during the annual harvest-fertility festival to witness the local culture.
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Location: FW2M+2W8, Kil Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu 643216
4. Kodanand View Point
Located at a distance of 18 km from the city centre, Kodanand View Point is one of the best places to visit in Kotagiri. The viewpoint is situated at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level and has an upper deck and a lower deck. You can enjoy the magnificent views of Rangaswamy Peak, Dolphin’s Nose, Catherine Falls, Rangaswamy Pillar, Thengumarahada Village, the Deccan Plateau and Bhavanisagar Reservoir.
After a scenic drive through the verdant expanse of tea estates, you can enjoy a leisurely walk from the parking towards the viewpoint and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the area.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Location: GWF8+V7W, Gandhi Nagar, Tamil Nadu 643217.
Famous Places to Visit Near Kotagiri
While visiting the Kotagir, you can also explore nearby famous places to visit in Tamil Nadu and enjoy a relaxing stay at budget-friendly hotels around key tourist attractions. Some of the famous places to visit near Kotagiri include:
1. Ooty
Located just around 28 kms away from Kotagiri, Ooty is one of the charming hill stations in South India. It is also called the “Switzerland of India” for its breathtaking beauty. Surrounded by a chain of misty hills across a lush green valley with a pleasant climate throughout the year, it was once the summer resort of the British Raj in India.
Famous places to visit in Ooty include Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Pykara Waterfall, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Fernhill Palace, Stone House, Doddabetta Peak, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Government Museum, Tea Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Sim’s Park, Rose Garden and Kamaraj Sagar Lake.
For a comfortable and relaxing stay, you can easily find Treebo hotels in Ooty, which are well-equipped with modern amenities.
2. Coimbatore
The “Manchester of South India”, Coimbatore, is located near the Nilgiri Hills along the Noyyal River in Tamil Nadu. The city, being a major transit point, is around 69 kms away from the places to visit in Kotagiri. Famous for its textile, automobile and agricultural industries, Coimbatore is also a popular tourist destination. Its culture and architecture are highly influenced by various dynasties such as Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara.
Famous tourist places to visit in Coimbatore include Planetarium and Science Centre, Parks and Gardens, Theme and Amusement Parks, Museums, Sri Perur Pateeswarar Temple, Vellingiri Hill Temple and Marudhamalai Murugan Temple.
If you are looking for an affordable stay near the transit points and tourist attractions, look out for Treebo hotels in Coimbatore, offering easy accessibility and a comfortable stay.
3. Coonoor
It is one of the nearby tourist places to visit in Kotagiri, located at just 21 km from the city center. Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, covered in a blanket of lush greenery. It is also a popular choice among adventure lovers as there are numerous hikes and treks in the region.
The area is filled with spellbinding viewpoints, verdant hills, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. You can also enjoy bird watching, trekking and photography while visiting Coonoor. Some of the famous places to visit in Coonoor include Lamb’s Rock, Sims Park, Catherine Falls and Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint.
You can easily find budget-friendly hotels in Coonoor offering top-notch amenities like free breakfast, Wifi, parking and much more.
Thus, these are some of the best places to visit in Kotagiri and around that are perfect for your next getaway.
