- ~1,800 mAltitude, mild all year
- ~29 kmFrom Ooty
- KotaThe community it is named after
Why visit Kotagiri
Kotagiri is the oldest of the Nilgiri hill stations. John Sullivan built his first house in these hills before he founded Ooty, and the town is named after the Kota community.
Today it is the calmest of the hill towns, surrounded by tea estates, with a mild climate and very little traffic. Come here for space, views and long walks.
Getting there
About 29 km from Ooty, through tea country. From the plains, the Kotagiri ghat road from Mettupalayam is gentler than the main Coonoor ghat, with fewer hairpin bends.
Seasons in Kotagiri
- Nov – Feb: cool and clear, with the waterfalls still flowing.
- Mar – May: warm days and fresh tea flush in the estates.
- Jun – Oct: monsoon. Misty, with the falls at their fullest.
How far
Coonoor ~21 km · Ooty ~29 km · Kodanad ~18 km · Coimbatore ~70 km
Places worth your time
Kodanad Viewpoint
On the eastern edge of the Nilgiris, looking down over the Moyar valley towards Rangaswamy Peak. Open all year.
Tea estate trails
Quiet walking paths through working estates around the town.
John Sullivan Memorial
The restored bungalow of the man who opened up the Nilgiris, now a small museum.
Catherine Falls
A tall, two-tier waterfall, best seen from a distance after the rains. Access depends on the season.
Longwood Shola
A protected patch of native shola forest. Entry needs Forest Department permission.
Local tips
- Mornings are best for Kodanad. By afternoon the valley often clouds over.
- Food options are fewer than in Ooty, so plan lunch with your driver.
- Kotagiri pairs well with Doddabetta on the way back to Ooty.
Plan your day
A fuller day, 10 AM to 6 PM, through Kotagiri to Kodanad and back via Doddabetta.
See it with a local driver
Matching tour: Kodanad & Ooty
Pairs well with
Timings, fees and forest rules change. We check the current ones for your dates when you enquire.