V Resorts Kotagiri

V Resorts Kotagiri is a four room villa nestled in the famed Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Only 8 kms from the main city centre and 22.6 kms (56 mins drive time) from Ooty, this place is an ideal base to explore various attractions in the Nilgiri region including Ooty, Kotagiri and Coonoor which is a mere 13 kms from the resort (key mention: since the resort is located at a considerable height, guests will have to trek/climb some steep stairs, so make sure you plan accordingly). 

Picture perfect in every direction, this 4 room villa is surrounded by tea-plantations that are a monetary lifeline for the local community. Unwind on the hammock with a cup of tea and good book, go for a trek to the nearby Rallia dam (take a packed picnic from the resort), and bond with your friends over a bonfire & meaningful conversations while you watch stars lights up the sky. In fact, you might be tempted to stay for a few more days.

Go Local

Although it is a cliche, we recommend you make a stop at Ooty, which is the most popular destination in the Nilgiri region (Ooty is 22.3 kms from the resort; 1 hour drive time). Once you have had your fill of the lake, head to the Thread Garden which is the brainchild of Antony Joseph, an artist from Kerala & located only a few minutes from the Ooty Lake. If you have more time on your hand, other local attractions that you can tick off your list includes the St. Stephen’s Church and the Doddabetta Peak which offers stunning views of the Hecuba, Kattadadu and Kulkudi peaks. If you like tea, another place that you need to stop by is the Tea Factory and Museum, which is 17.5 kms from the resort.  

Kotagiri too has a host of attractions for travellers. Stop at the Sullivian Memorial (7.8 kms from the resort) which provides a concise history of the region and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The town also has several Christian establishments: Christ Church, St. Luke’s Church and Kota Hall, the latter a sanctuary for young boys that was built by missionaries.

Some of most popular hiking trails here are the ones to Rangaswami Pillar, Elk Falls, and Catherine Falls. Day-long hikes or advanced treks through the jungle can be organised by the resort. Make sure you ask the manager for more details as they will be able to guide you on the best trekking route, depending on your interest/time. Also, don't forget to carry sturdy shoes if you intend to do some trekking.

V Tip

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway’s toy train is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and worth all the effort required to find a seat. There is no station at Kotagiri and you will have to board the train from Coonoor which is 15 kms from the resort.