Kotagiri Hill Station in Tamilnadu

The first English report on Kotagiri was that it possessed “a European climate”, so the ruling elite and homesick Englishmen flocked here during the summer months in Chennai, then Madras. Situated at an elevation of around 1,793 m above sea level, Kotagiri, in Nilgiris district, was the first hill station discovered by the Europeans. It is just 16 km from Ooty and is the typical hill paradise, with tea plantations stretching endlessly ahead against misty skies and with the cool weather giving wildflowers that little extra colour. The traditional home of the Kota tribe, who excelled in pottery making and terracotta baking, the name Kotagiri literally translates to “mountain of the Kotas”.

The first European settler in this hill station was the Collector of Coimbatore, John Sullivan. His beautiful bungalow, built in 1819, is today open for a look-see to the public.

Getting there: -
Kotagiri is well-connected with all the major cities of Tamil Nadu by road. Frequent buses are available to Kotagairi from Mettupalayam near Coimbatore and also from Ooty, Hill station.
Nearest railway station: Coonoor in the Nilgiri Railways, about 20 km.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport, about 76 km via State Highway 15