About Kotagiri, Ooty
Kotagiri is a treasure trove of nature and sights nestled in the stunning Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. It is the third largest hill station in this southern Indian state, after Ooty and Coonoor. City weary souls book hotels in Kotagiri to sheer away from the daily mundane routine so as to rejuvenate themselves in the lap of nature. This beautiful getaway that resonates with calmness also attracts trekkers, hikers and rock climbers in large numbers to venture into the Nilgiris. Another highlight of this place is its tea plantations that are best for leisurely strolls while soaking in the serenity of Kotagiri. Furthermore, the hill station with colonial nostalgia has all basic facilities, including shops, restaurants, banks, hotels and many residential as well as non-residential schools, to mention a few.
Shopping and Dining in Kotagiri
Shopping in this serene hill station is nothing similar to scouring stuff at the sprawling malls in cities. There are shops peppered across this hill station that sell varied items, ranging from freshly baked plum cakes and honey to tribal art and crafts. One thing that travellers staying in hotels in Kotagiri, Ooty, and Coonoor must buy are tea sourced directly from the tea estates surrounding these beautiful hill stations. They can also buy Kota and Toda tribal crafts, including intricately designed shawls, stoles, and handicrafts in Kotagiri. Honey, essential oils, chocolates, handmade soaps, woollens, and many other items find a place on the shoppers’ list. Kotagiri Woman’s Cooperative Cottage Industrial Society at Ramachand Square and Keystone Foundation's Green Shop at Johnstone Square are popular places to shop in this hill station.
There are several restaurants, cafes and bakeries near Kotagiri hotels that serve an array of delicacies. While here, tourists must try freshly baked plum cakes and varkey along with speciality tea at bakeries near Johnstone Square. They can visit Hari Mess, Tea County Restaurant & Café, Silvertip Café, Waldorf Restaurant, The Tandoori Hut, Hotel Kasthuri, and other popular places to eat, which are mostly concentrated near Johnston Square and Donington Square.
Places to Visit in and around Kotagiri
Kotagiri with mist-clad mountains, verdant landscape and pleasant weather is the perfect place to escape the urban humdrum. Along with basking in the warm sunshine while exploring the region, tourists can visit numerous attractions in and around Kotagiri. Catherine Falls, St. Luke’s Church, John Sullivan Bungalow, Elk Falls, Lord Rangaswami Pillar, Kodanad, Longwood Shola, and tea estates are popular tourist attractions. Besides, Doddabeta Range and Droog Fort are part of the itinerary of every tourist staying not only in Kotagiri, but also in nearby Coonoor (20 km) and Ooty hotels (28 km).
How to Reach Kotagiri
The best way for tourists to reach Kotagiri is by taxi that is available at their disposal. Private and state buses also provide connectivity to this hill station from major destinations across the state and beyond. Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station at a distance of 33.2 km, while Coimbatore Junction is 69.3 km away. Furthermore, Coimbatore International Airport is around 70.2 km away from Kotagiri, which can be reached in nearly 2 hours by cab.