Kotagiri

Kotagiri is a town and taluk headquarters in Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India. Located in the Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats, it lies to the north of Ooty and is connected by road to the major hill stations in the region. The town sits at a high elevation and experiences a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters, often accompanied by mist and rainfall during the monsoon season.

Economy and landscape: Kotagiri is part of a rural highland area known for tea and spice plantations. Tea estates, coffee farms, and horticultural crops form the backbone of the local economy, with agriculture remaining central and tourism playing a supportive role as visitors come to enjoy the scenic countryside, estates, and tranquil hill-country vistas.

History and administration: Kotagiri is one of the older hill stations in the Nilgiris and serves as the administrative center of Kotagiri taluk. The Nilgiris region gained prominence during British colonial times for its climate and agricultural potential, a heritage that shaped the development of towns like Kotagiri.

Demographics and culture: The area is home to Tamil-speaking communities and indigenous groups historically associated with the Nilgiris, including various tribal communities. As a taluk town, Kotagiri functions as a local hub for markets, education, and services that serve surrounding villages.

Transport and access: Kotagiri is connected by road to neighboring towns such as Ooty and Coonoor. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway serves nearby towns, but it does not directly pass through Kotagiri, with rail access typically via other parts of the Nilgiris.