Kotagiri is the oldest hill station in the Nilgiris, sitting at about 1,800 m, 28 km from Ooty. It's known for the Kodanad Viewpoint, Catherine Falls and the indigenous Toda community whose villages dot the surrounding hills.
Key sights
- Kodanad Viewpoint — a sweeping panorama where the Nilgiris meet the plains; best at sunrise.
- Catherine Falls — a tall, twin-streamed waterfall visible from a viewpoint on the Kotagiri road; peaks during monsoon.
- Rangaswamy Pillar — a single granite monolith rising above the hills, a sacred site for local communities.
- Toda heritage — traditional barrel-vaulted Toda settlements in the surrounding villages.
How Kotagiri pairs with Ooty
Kotagiri is an easy day trip from Ooty — 28 km by road, around an hour each way. It's the quieter alternative to a Doddabetta sunrise, and pairs naturally with a Catherine Falls stop. For the rest of your itinerary, browse the Ooty sightseeing list and our tour packages. If you're choosing your travel window, see Best time to visit Ooty.
Add a Kotagiri day to your Ooty trip
We can fold a Kodanad sunrise + Catherine Falls half-day into any Ooty itinerary.