Kotagiri, Mountain town in Nilgiris district, India
Kotagiri is a mountain town in the Nilgiris district situated at about 1800 meters elevation across multiple rolling hills. The landscape is shaped by tea plantations that cover large areas and natural green spaces that spread throughout the terrain.
John Sullivan discovered this settlement in 1819 and established it as a summer retreat during British colonial rule in the Madras Presidency. This colonial legacy shaped its development as a hill station and made it a popular escape from the plains below.
The name Kotagiri comes from 'Kota-keri,' meaning street of the Kota people, an indigenous group whose descendants continue to live in the area. Their presence shapes the character and rhythms of daily life in the town.
The town is connected by roads to major cities across Tamil Nadu, with the nearest railway station located about 50 kilometers away in Mettupalayam. When planning a visit, factor in the hilly terrain and cooler temperatures at this elevation.
Despite its rural character, the town has an unusual gender ratio with about 1073 women per 1000 men, which exceeds the state average. This demographic feature sets it apart from many similar hill stations in the region.
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