Kotagiri Hill Station - Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

Introduction

Kotagiri is a small hill station in Tamil Nadu set amidst lush tea estates. Located 16 km from Udagamandalam, Kotagiri Hill Station is the third largest and the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris. Perched at a height of 1985m, Kotagiri was the summer resort of the British way back in 1819 AD. This picturesque hill station is one of the best tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu.

Kotagiri literally means the lines of the house of the Kotas. Though the Kota tribes have long moved out, Kotagiri Hill Station in Tamil Nadu has a Kota temple at the heart of the town. Experience an exotic tribal feel at Kotagiri on your tour to Tamil Nadu. Kotagiri enjoys one of the best climates in the world. A lush green golf course and some dense forests called Sholas are few attractions of Kotagiri.

Following are some places of interest in and around Kotagiri –

• Kodanaad View point: Set atop the eastern most edge of the Nilgiri's, you can enjoy charming views of rivers Moyar and Bhavani, the Mysore Plateau, valleys, trenches and paddy fields from Kodanaad View point, also known as the Terminus Country.
  
  
• Elk Falls: This waterfall is home to the first European house built in Nilgiris. The house is now a ruin, but still attracts several tourists. The nearby Badaga tribal village is a great place for anthropology.
  
  
• Long Wood Shola: This tranquil wildlife reserve, 3 km away from Kotagiri, is a prefect place for bird watching.
  
  
• St. Catherian's Falls: This 250 ft double-cascaded falls is the second highest in the Nilgiri district. This waterfall is positioned 8 km from Kotagiri on the Mettupalyam road.
  
  
• Rangaswamy Pillar and Rock: Located 20 km from Kotagiri is the Rangaswamy peak, sacred for the Irulas tribe, and near to it is the imposing 400m Rangaswamy rock.