Kotagiri is deep in the Nilgiris and is considered one of the rare gems because it is quieter than Ooty, greener than Coonoor, and still untouched by the chaos that has rolled into other hill stations.
A trip to Kotagiri brings back unexpectedly needed silence. It is here where mornings are heralded by the sweet tunes of bulbuls and dancing of leaves of eucalyptus trees. The sun does not hastily make his grand appearance – he oozes in gently bathing the mist and transforming it into golden rivers flowing through the valleys. For someone who wishes to relax, Kotagiri is an epitome of vacancy turned vacation. It does not just welcome peaceful serene hills it welcomes you home.
The striking features of this area’s natural scenery are breathtaking. While not far away, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar sit as a timeless guard of Other hills. An ancient tribal King named Rangaswamy is said to have leaped the gap dividing the peaks, which is ethereal on par with the attractive sights themselves. A myriad of lands covered with mist, forest, and sky can be observed from the peak. There is also Longwood Shola, a neighboring marvel that is bound to capture your attention, which is one of the last surviving pockets of pristine shola forest. It feels like walking through its old trees transports you into a sacred, ancient world.
Black Thunder, South India’s colossal waterpark, is a new favourite among thrill seekers. Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiris, is also a must-see. You can enjoy the view from old colonial buildings as well as from a neighbouring state on a bright sunny day.
Traveling to Kotagiri could be time-consuming due to the distance from the railyway stations — all of which are a good drive away — but it is its charm in disguise. The beauty of the wavy roads and the landscapes covered in mist along with the rare glimpses of bison and wild boars assure a traveler that they are not leaving behind the ordinary, but rather braving the extraordinary.
Nonetheless, the sights are not the only thing that distinguishes Kotagiri from other places, it is the lift of breath it offers. Unlike over-crowded hill stations where tourists are found more than trees, Kotagiri offers blissful solitude. Locals tend to greet you with a smile. For an unscheduled visit and tea served directly from the estate, the tea gardens are more than happy to offer. No noise pollution and traffic jams. לדור mountains and time measured with the setting sun and stars.
The right accommodation in Kotagiri can impact your stay immensely. While some villas and homestays try to capture the essence of the hills, only a handful succeed. One of the successful captures is Wattle Grove Resort. Wattle Grove is a resort set amidst sprawling gardens, giving just the right balance between peace and tranquility. The resort boasts spacious rooms designed to capture unrestricted breezes and light, which open to breathtaking views. Customers at this resort are treated like family instead of mere guests. Their price of ₹3900 puts them at a combination of luxury and practicality.
Wattle Grove is ideal for anyone in search of a quiet nature retreat, including families looking for a break from the maddening chaos, and offers plenty of activities. Hidden gems located in and around Kotagiri, like Wattle Grove, make it effortless to disconnect from the modern world. This type of travel can be defined as not being merely scenic; it’s the shift in landscape, tempo, heart, and breath that makes it worth it.
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