Places of interest

Kodanaad View Point

Located 20km from the town, Kodannad is perched on the eastern most edge of the Nilgiris. The view is breathtaking; one can see the Mysore Plateau stretching into the horizon with the Moyar river snaking its way through the multitude of valleys.

Catherine and Elk falls

The Catherine falls are set in a ravine and is distinct with its double cascading falls. The Elk falls offer panoramic views of the spectacular surroundings of Echoing Valley of Kookal.

Rangaswamy Pillar and Rock

The Rangaswamy peak lies 20 km 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 un-climbable.

Long Wood Shola

Behind Ridgeway Cottage (3 km away from the town), it forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Wild Life Reserve. Thickly wooded with clear streams running though the forest, the Shola is crisscrossed with trails that form the migratory paths of animals that are finding their way into the Mudumalai range. The forest and the surrounding tea estates are frequented by herds of India Bison (Gaur). Other animals to look out for include Wild Boar, Deer, Monkeys, Giant Squirrels and the seldom seen Leopard. Nature enthusiasts are advised not to venture unaccompanied into the Shola.

Ralliah Dam

This is the water source for the town. The lake is serene with clear cool water. You can walk amidst the pine trees that dot the banks of the lake. Fishing and swimming are prohibited.

Dolphin Nose & Lamb’s Rock

This is a Dolphin shaped rock which should undoubtedly visited by tourists. From this point the tourists can view almost the whole expansion of the beautiful Nilgiri hills. Catherine Falls can be viewed from here as well. This famous point is about 15 km away from the town. Also drop by at Beullah Farms. At the farm fruits and vegetables are cultivated organically. The produce is used as ingredients in a multitude of interesting jams and wines which are on sale.

Ooty and Coonoor

These two towns are more commercialized and have many tourists spots. Ooty is a 26 km / 1 hr and Coonoor is 21 km drive from Kotagiri. Both can be covered in a day of sightseeing.

Sullivan Museum

John Sullivan is best known as the founder of the town of Ootacamund. The first house which Sullivan built at the village Hosatti, near Kotagiri, is currently known as the “Sullivan’s Bungalow” and is located at a place called Kannerimukku, near Kotagiri town. Sullivan contributed to the diversified floral growth in the region and he also introduced potatoes and other English vegetables to the local community at that time (Badagas and Todas )and played a very important role in developing the district as well as the headquarters – Ootacamund (now called Udhagamandalam, in short Ooty)which is an important Hill Station.