The Longwood Forest which is located within Kotagiri town is an immaculate tropical evergreen forest. It serves as a sheltered refuge for anyone seeking peace and quiet and is also home to the flying fox (a large arboreal squirrel) that is a delightful scene for the zoologists. Longwood is an ideal place for trekking and for bird watchers. Also a resident family of about 20 bison can be seen in the evenings just outside the forest on Milidhane road, grazing.
It is 18 kms away from Kotagiri at an altitude of about 6500 ft. on the easternmost ridges of the Blue Mountains and hence the name meaning Terminus Country. From this point, the enchanting valley dips down to embrace the historic Gajalahatti pass glancing at the green carpeted paddy fields of Thengumarahaada and watched over from its Erie by the habitat of River Moyar, River Bhavani and the Mysore Plateau.
It is 8 km from Kotagiri located on the Mettupalyam road branching off at Aravenu. This double-cascaded falls is the second highest in the district (250 ft) and it waters from the upper stream of the kallar river crossed by the invisible Mettupalyam-Ooty road beyond the mountains in the south-west. The glittering Dolphin’s Nose of Coonoor is also seen across the mighty gap in the hills-one of the three great systems of faults in the geological formation of the Blue Mountains.
Black Thunder is a water theme park located at the foot of Nilgiris near Mettupalayam at a distance of 30km from Kotagiri. It features India’s largest waterfalls along with other water sports, dry rides and games.
Ralliah dam is located 12km away from Kotagiri towards Ooty road. Most of the tourists are not aware of this place. It’s hidden in the forest and from parking area you need to trek 1 km to reach that dam since there is no proper road for vehicles. The dam and surrounded area will provide you an astonishing view. You can spot out Bison or Malabar squirrels in this place.
It is 7 km from Kotagiri and situate above Uyilathi village. The road passes through serenely laid out Badaga habitations. ‘Enroute’ at the Kannerimukku village is found the first European house in the Nilgiris built by collector Sullivan in the year 1819. This house is preserved as the john Sullivan memorial. Though the water is full only in the wet months, the site is always worth a visit. It commands towards the north, a spectacular view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal and a vista of exquisite surroundings.
Rangaswamy Pillar or the peak is considered very sacred by a particular tribal community named Irulas of Kotagiri and is at a distance of about 20kms from Kotagiri. The Rangaswamy rock which is about 400 meters high is literally a nightmare for the rock climbers. This is a very adventurous place which should never be missed in Kotagiri. This peak is visible from Kodanad View Point.