Scenic drive
Kotagiri Ghat Road
The oldest and gentlest of the Nilgiri ghats — barely four hairpin bends in thirty-odd kilometres, climbing through tea estates with long, open views back over Mettupalayam and the plains.
Highlights
- The least-trafficked way up the Nilgiris — calm where the Coonoor ghat is busy
- Only four hairpin bends, with sweeping tea-and-valley panoramas the whole climb
- Easy detours to Catherine Falls, Kodanad viewpoint and the Kil Kotagiri tea trails
- The historic original ascent of the hills, cut in the 1830s
Of the five ghat roads onto the Nilgiri plateau, the Kotagiri ghat is the oldest and, many drivers think, the most beautiful. It links Mettupalayam to Kotagiri in about 33 km with only four major bends.
Because most traffic takes the Coonoor or Gudalur routes, this road stays quiet, winding past smallholder tea, silver-oak and the occasional Badaga hamlet.
It makes a relaxed alternative ascent — and a natural string to thread Catherine Falls, Kodanad and the lower Kotagiri tea country into one unhurried day.
- Hairpin bends
- 4
- Length
- ~33 km
- Status
- Oldest Nilgiri ghat
- Traffic
- Light
On the map
Good to know
- Getting there
- Runs between Mettupalayam on the plains and Kotagiri town.
- Access
- Open all year; a sealed two-lane road
- Best time
- All year; clearest December to May, mornings before the fog
Plan your visit