Nilgiris Beyond Ooty – A Staycation in Kotagiri

Living in Bangalore has an advantage: you’re never too far from untouched destinations. The Western Ghats, serene beaches, and misty Nilgiris are all within a comfortable travel time of 8 to 12 hours. One such hidden gem is Kotagiri, just two hours away from the more popular Ooty, yet offering a quieter, more laid-back vibe.

Kotagiri is perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Kotagiri is a lovely place where you can unwind away from the noise and crowd of Ooty. In Kotagiri, you are never too far from the lush tea gardens and the majestic blue mountains of the Nilgiris. It’s an ideal spot to relax, rejuvenate, and simply do nothing.

Kotagiri – Nilgiris Hidden Gem

I grew up in the 90s, a time when so many movies were set against the backdrop of Ooty and the Nilgiris. Since then, I’d always been fascinated by this region, though I never got the chance to explore it. My first trip to Ooty was on a shoestring backpacking adventure with a group tour. We hit all the famous spots, snapped some pictures, and called it a day. But somehow, the magic just didn’t click.

Fast forward to my days as a corporate slave in Bangalore, where I was looking for a little remote work break. That’s when I stumbled across a charming hostel in Kotagiri (more on that later). One look at the place, and it stole my heart—I had to plan a trip.

Kotagiri is a small settlement with just a handful of resorts and hotels. Parts of it feel like they’ve stepped right out of *Malgudi Days*. Life here moves at its own easy pace, inviting you to sit back, unwind, and embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing. But if you are a trekking, photography, sightseeing kind of person there are some activities for you as well.

What to do in Kotagiri

Tea Plantations Tour
Kotagiri is surrounded with tea plantations. If you are looking for a no-frills activity then tea plantations tour will be ideal for you. Stroll along emerald-green hillsides and if you love photography then these tea plantations will provide a serene backdrop for these shoots.

Catherine Falls
Catherine Falls is a lovely two-tiered waterfall, located a short trek away from Kotagiri town. The falls offer an idyllic setting for a picnic and trekking. It’s also a popular spot for nature photographers and birders.

Rangaswamy Pillar
The rock formation is a sacred site which is revered among the locals. The pillar can be reached via a moderate trek. The location of Rangaswamy Pillar offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Ask your resort or homestay owner, they’ll send a guide with you for the trek otherwise you can also do it yourself.

Kodanad View Point
Kodanad View Point provides a lovely panorama of tea estates and valleys around the region. On clear days you can also get glimpses of the Moyar River. It’s a most sought after location for sunrise or sunset. People travel all the way from Ooty to see the sunset from here.

Cafe Hopping
Kotagiri’s has a budding cafe scene. There are cozy spots to relax especially for those who are not looking for sightseeing or trekking. Silvertip Cafe is famous for homemade cakes and local brews. You can also visit High Grown for delicious tea, and Tea County Restaurant for a meal with stunning views.

Door to Nirvana – Perfect Staycation Experience in Kotagiri

If you’re planning a long or short-term workation in Kotagiri, *Door to Nirvana Hostel* is a great staycation choice. This charming hostel is surrounded by tea plantations and offers views of Nilgiris. You can choose from private rooms with balconies that overlook the hills or opt for dorms if you’re traveling solo or on a budget. The dorm also have a common balcony.

The hostel has resident dogs, plenty of open spaces, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for working, socializing, or just chilling. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of birds and spending your mornings strolling around the roads through tea gardens. There’s also a cafe with a limited menu. If you are just looking for a workation and not explore much then the café and hostel is perfect.

How to Reach Kotagiri

From Bangalore

By road, Kotagiri is around 350 km from Bangalore. You can either drive your own car or take a bus to Ooty and then continue onward to Kotagiri.

There is a direct bus from Bangalore that drops you near Kotagiri, from where you can catch an autorickshaw or taxi to your resort or door to nirvana hostel.

Trains and flights are also available from Bangalore to Coimbatore, which is about 65 km from Kotagiri. From Coimbatore,

From Ooty

Kotagiri is approximately 30 km from Ooty and can be reached in around an hour by road. Regular buses and cabs are available from Ooty.