Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Kotagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu

The scorching summer is right here, and it’s time to pack your bags for a pleasant trip. Amongst the most frequently visited Ooty and Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is a beautiful haven that’s less explored. It is situated at an elevation of 5,880 feet surrounded by beautiful green landscapes. The traditional home of the Kota tribe is popularly known as Kotagiri, the mountains of the Kotas. 

Enchanting nature and the quaint beauty of Kotagiri hills are sure to make your trip extraordinary. From rock climbing to trekking, it is a great destination to explore. The spectacular mountain views and the enthralling waterfalls are added attractions. Get ready to soak yourself in the cool climate and here’s a list of the Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Kotagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.

Top Tourist Destinations In Kotagiri Hills

1. Rangaswamy Peak And Pillar

A rocky column in Kotagiri, located at a distance of 20km is the Rangaswami peak. The gushing water of Bhawani Sagar along with the lush lures of a majestic valley makes this pretty hamlet iconic. The months of January to May offer a delightful trekking experience to Rangaswami peak. The Rocky Rangaswami pillar rising to about 400 feet high can be viewed and is also one of the best photography spots in Kotagiri hills. The conical peak that offers an exciting view of the harmonious city is indeed one of the best scenic spots in Kotagiri hills.

2. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

The exotic tropical rain forest, Longwood Shola is one of the best places to visit in Kotagiri hills. A sparkling forest with distinct canopy trees, orchids, and medicinal plants. Leopards, deer, and gaurs are a part of the fauna. The Longwood Shola Forest is best explored from January to June. The bird-watching activity in the forest is ideally done during these months. It is also home to several endemic species. The 3-hour trek through the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest reveals treasures one after the other and is one of the best Kotagiri hills weekend getaway places for a picnic.

3. John Sullivan Memorial

Located two kilometres from Kotagiri town, the John Sullivan memorial is a tribute to the colonial administrator Sullivan. He is the founder of the British Settlement at Ooty. The memorial which preserves the region’s heritage can be visited at any time and is a fascinating getaway to unravel the lesser-known stories of colonial times. It is a historic site and Kotagiri’s top 10 best sightseeing places. Sullivan’s residence refurbished into a mighty red museum houses photos, documents, and articles about the local tribes and their traditions. The journey to the memorial involves a picturesque road trip.

4. Kodanad Viewpoint

Situated in the panchayat town of Kotagiri, Kodanad Viewpoint has an elevated locale, attractive landscape, and pleasing weather. The viewpoint is 1790 meters above sea level. It is the best tourist spot for trips with friends and family with a fascinating backdrop of light and dark-hued scenery of the beautiful Nilgiris. One can see the Moyar river, Catherine Falls, Dolphin’s nose, and Bhavani Sagar Dam from here making it the Kotagiri hills best attractions. The best time to visit the Kodanad Viewpoint is during the daylight between January to June to enjoy the crystal colours of the region.

5. Nehru Park

The enchanting botanical garden located in Kotagiri town offers plenty of leisure activities. The Nehru Park offers a beautiful bloom from March to June. The rare variety of roses is a spectacle to watch. The vegetable and flower show at this garden is an annual event that attracts several tourists. It is the top-rated family-friendly place in Kotagiri hills with a congregation centre, playground, and an indoor game venue. The tender gardens, open green expanses, and various cultural festivals make Nehru Park one of the famous Kotagiri hills tourist places to keep an eye out for.

6. Elk Falls (Uyillati Waterfalls)

The magnificent Elk waterfall, eight kilometres from Kotagiri, is one of the topmost falls in the Nilgiris. This stunning marvel located at the Uyillatti village is in between Kookal, an echoing valley. The lofty Elk falls can be visited from January to April, after the rainy season. Its downstream shower helps green coffee and tea plantations bloom. You can take a trek along the region, view the Badaga habitations, and reach up to the waterfalls. The neighbouring Kookal valley is sure to surprise you with blooms of mellow orange fruit. The Uyillati waterfalls top the list of Kotagiri tourist places in Tamil Nadu. 

7. Banagudi Shola Trail

Hidden beauty in Kotagiri, the Banagudi Shola is closest to Longwood Shola Forest. Banagudi Shola, also known as the sacred forest for the Kurumba tribe, is an ideal spot for cultural tourism. A guided hike across the forest coupled with a birding trail after a hearty breakfast made of traditional millets like ragi, samai, and thinai makes a wholesome trip. It is a great spot for adventure lovers and is also the top tourist destinations in Kotagiri hills. En route one can visit the enormous acres of tea plantations and have a fresh brewing cup of hot tea.

8. Catherine Falls

The two-step waterfall located amidst the Kotagiri forests, Catherine Fall is about 250 feet high. It is formed by the Kallar river and is the second-largest waterfall in the Nilgiris. The serene falls are named after M.D. Cockburn’s wife, the introducer of coffee plantations. The ideal time to visit the falls is in the morning and noon from January to April. It offers a beautiful trekking experience and is the top-rated family-friendly place in Kotagiri hills. It is also adjacent to Rangaswami peak, biconical peak, and Elk waterfalls. The lush greens and the pristine location add to the beauty of the waterfalls.

9. Mettupalayam View Point  

An enchanting scenic spot to stop by on the way to Kotagiri is the Mettupalayam viewpoint. The picturesque beauty of the Mettupalayam Ghats and town is best viewed during early evenings filled with lights and glory. The gentle calmness that they exude and their mesmerizing views allow you to explore Kotagiri hills in Tamil Nadu. It is a place to relax and unwind as the beauty of nature surrounds you. It also serves as an instant studio for all your beautiful photographs. 

10. Ralliah Dam

Located in Kotagiri and built back in 1941, the Ralliah dam provides water for the entire area. A small walk-through allows you to enjoy the tranquil water. It is an excellent spot for a picnic featuring a beautiful serene escape with astonishing bird species. The Ralliah dam is a must-visit place from January to May. It is an ideal location to seek some calm time with nature and enjoy the beautiful landscape. As you visit this dam, Coonoor is just closer and you can visit exciting places there too.

The paradise of Kotagiri abounds with vast tea fields, rolling hills, and misty mountains. It is undoubtedly one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu offering leisurely strolls, trekking, and rock climbing activities. The mist-cloaked valleys, the enthralling Kotagiri-Kodanad trail, the sacred forest trail, pristine waterfalls, and dams, and the unspoiled beauty of Kotagiri make a comprehensive and memorable trip.

Still want to see more picturesque locales in Tamil Nadu? Check out our Top 10 Best Lesser-Known Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu article.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kotagiri

1. What is Kotagiri famous for?

A hill station that promises a wonderful holiday with soul-soothing vibes, alluring tea estates, lush green surroundings, and scintillating waterfalls. Spectacular trekking trails make it the ideal spot for adventure lovers. 

2. What is the best time to visit Kotagiri?

The end of winter and the onset of summer is the best period to visit Kotagiri. December to May remains the favourable months for travel as the pleasant climate offers the best vacation experience. 

3. What are some must-visit places in Kotagiri hills?

The enthralling Catherine and Elk waterfalls, the Longwood and Banagudi Shola Trail, the Kodanad viewpoint, the Rangaswami Peak and Pillar, and the John Sullivan memorial are some of the must-visit places in Kotagiri hills. 

4. What is the meaning of Kotagiri?

The oldest hill station in the Nilgiris, Kotagiri means “Mountains of the Kotas’. The hills were the homes of the Kota tribe and hence the name. 

5. What wildlife can be found in Kotagiri?

The forest reserve in Kotagiri has abundant flora and fauna. About 80 different species of birds, Indian gaur, Malabar giant squirrels, Indian bison, Bonnet macaque, deers, wild boars, and sloth bears are spotted.