Kotagiri Hill
Station-Indiia
 In the serene
setting of the Nilgiri Hills and just an hour's drive from
Udhagamandalam, Kotagiri is a small resort set among the lush tea
estates. Retaining the essence of hill magic and charm, the
resort offers year round sylvan charm. Trips to Kodanad View
Point, St. Catharine Falls and Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak are
worthwhile.Kotagiri is a hiker's paradise, with endless trails
and sufficient 'off beat ness'. It is the third largest and the
oldest hill station in the Nilgiri's. Like all hill stations in
India, this also has had strong presence of the British Raj. The
town is fast becoming commercial, with many banks and shopping
facilities coming up. It has a Kota temple in the middle of the
town, even though the Kota tribes have long moved out, giving it
an exotic tribal feel. Kotagiri has one of the best climates in
the world. It is more temperate than Ooty, attributed to its
altitude of 1984 metres above sea level.
Places to see
Kodanaad View point :
Otherwise called the Terminus Country, because of its location
(perched on the eastern most edge of the Nilgiri's.) From here
one can see an entire array of natural processes like rivers
Moyar and Bhavani, the Mysore Plateau, Valleys, trenches and also
paddy fields.
Elk falls : Even though dry for some months of the year,
is worth visiting this place; reason being, it has the first
European house built in Nilgris here. Now a ruin, but still is a
captivating sight. Another reason is the Badaga settlement, on
the road to the falls. Quaint and idyllic, this is a beautiful
definition of a tribal village. Great place for anthropology.
Rangaswamy Pillar and Rock : The Rangaswamy peak lies 20
km from Kotagiri. This peak is sacred for Irulas (a tribe),
adding mysticism to this natural beauty. Nearby is the Rangaswamy
rock, a rock-climbers nightmare. Rising abruptly on all sides to
about 400 metres, it is unclimbable.
Long Wood Shola : 3 km away from the town, it is a wild
life reserve. Perfectly peaceful and untouched forest trails are
an invitation to serenity seekers. Also a great place for
Ornithology.
How to reach :
By Air : The nearest airport is
Coimbatore (105 km). It is connected by Indian Airlines with
Madras, Bangalore and Cochin.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Coonoor (21 km).
By Road : Kotagiri is connected to nearby places of tourist
interest
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