Kotagiri is a hiker's
paradise, with endless trails and sufficient 'off-beatness'. It is
the third largest and the oldest hill station in the Nilgiris. 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.
Kodanaad View point - Otherwise called the Terminus Country,
because of its location (perched on the eastern most edge of the
Nilgiris.) 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 kms
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 kms 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.
555 kms from Chennai
Nearest airport - Coimbatore
Nearest rail hub - Coonoor
Connected to nearby tourists spots by road.
Author - Leslee Lazar |
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