About KOTAGIRI

Kotagiri, a picturesque hill station and taluk in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district, is steeped in history and natural beauty. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, the region is traditionally home to the "Kota" tribes, with the name 'Kotagiri' meaning 'mountains of the Kotas.' Historically, it was referred to as 'Kota-keri' or 'Kota-gherry,' meaning 'street of the Kotas.'

Located at an average elevation of 1,950 meters (6,400 feet), Kotagiri is one of the largest hill stations in the Nilgiri Mountains, characterized by its charming knolls and valleys. Discovered in 1819 by John Sullivan, who first visited the nearby village of Dhimbatty, Kotagiri was once a favored summer retreat during the Madras Presidency era. It enjoys the third coldest climate in South India, following Ooty and Kodaikanal, making it a serene destination for nature lovers and travelers.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census, Kotagiri, a special-grade town Panchayat in Tamil Nadu, has a population of 28,207, comprising 13,607 males and 14,600 females. Children aged 0–6 make up 8.30% of the population, totaling 2,340. The town boasts a Female Sex Ratio of 1,073, significantly higher than the Tamil Nadu state average of 996. The Child Sex Ratio in Kotagiri stands at 945, slightly above the state average of 943.

Kotagiri also excels in education, with an impressive literacy rate of 86.79%, surpassing the Tamil Nadu state average of 80.09%. The male literacy rate in the town is 93.55%, while the female literacy rate is a commendable 80.57%, reflecting a strong emphasis on education and gender equity.