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Kodaikanal Travel Guide

Comprised of densely wooded jungles, undulating hill slopes, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, and verdure valleys-Kodaikanal's scenic beauty never fails to mesmerise travellers. Often referred to as the 'Princess of Hills', Kodaikanal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Situated at an elevation of 7000 feet above sea-level, along the crest of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal leaves travellers spoilt for choice while it comes to the places to visit. The major valleys-the Parappar and Gundar surround Kodaikanal from both sides. Owing to its natural beauty, it is also a popular honeymoon destination in Tamil Nadu. The word Kodaikanal means "gift of the forest" and the hill station was developed into a retreat in the mid-19th century by British missionaries who used Kodaikanal as their summer capital. Gradually, more and more tourists started flocking to the place and Kodaikanal emerged as one of the most famous tourist destinations not only in the southern parts of the country but across India. Watch in admirable silence the enchanting allure of the hill station as white clouds play hide and seek with the mountains. Travellers, especially nature lovers can choose from ample options in the city when it comes to the places to visit in Kodaikanal.

From boating in lakes to taking a walk in the hills, to exploring caves and even offering prayers at religious spots-things to do in Kodaikanal are almost endless. One of the most prominent places to see in Kodaikanal is the Berijam Lake. Located at the end of the Pillar Rock Road, the calm and azure waters of the lake are highly welcoming and soothing to the eyes. Overlooking natural wilderness, a visit to the Berijam Lake is worth it. Another major place of interest in Kodaikanal is the main Kodai Lake. Simply stare at the calm blue waters of the lake or take a boat ride with your significant other - experiences at the Kodai Lake would be worth remembering. Adventure lovers can have a great time trekking to places like Pillar Rocks, Dolphin Rocks or even further to Kumabkarai. The spiritual ones can offer prayers at the Kurinji Andavar Temple; those on a family vacation can spend some time at the Byrant Park or go hiking at many of the hilly terrains, opt for a swim at the Fairy Falls or spend some time in solitude with your loved ones at the several viewing points in the hill station. Our Kodaikanal travel guide offers extensive details about every places to visit and things to do in this picturesque hill station. Right from boating to trekking and hiking, one will find all kinds of details in our tour guide.

Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Being a hill station, Kodaikanal enjoys a cool and pleasant climate round the year. However, the best time to visit Kodaikanal happens to be the summer months from March to early June when the weather is at its best. Monsoons are moderate in the region and winters are not harsh either. Thereby making Kodaikanal a favourite tourist destination round the year.

  • Summer

    Summer

    Summers, spanning from March to early May are the best time to visit Kodaikanal when the temperature ranges somewhere between 21°C and 37°C. The weather is cool and pleasant making it ideal for travellers to soak into the beauty of the wilderness around.

  • Monsoon

    Monsoon

    Kodaikanal experiences monsoon from June end to August and receives moderate rainfall. Needless to say, that the green verdure all over is at its best during monsoons, making it huge hit among the shutterbugs. Temperature ranges somewhere between 17°C and 34°C and there's strong humidity in the wind, making it somewhat uncomfortable. However, if you want to experience the beauty of the place, do remember to carry along with you gears like umbrellas and raincoats.

  • Winter

    Winter

    Winter months in Kodaikanal spans from November to February. The temperature during these months ranges between 9°C and 16°C. The pleasant chill in the winds is welcoming and if you are a trekker, winters are the best time to visit Kodaikanal and go trekking in and around the region.

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Popular Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit in and around Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal's popularity as a tourist destination is widely known and its an ideal escape for tired souls looking for some serenity and peace. Whether you want to go on a solo trip and spend some moments in solitude, or you want to go on a vacation with your family or are planning a honeymoon-Kodaikanal has several options for you. Right from lakes to mountain view points to trekking trails, churches and temples-travellers and adventure seekers would be spoilt for choice. Observe the following paragraphs to know more about the best places to visit in Kodaikanal.

  • Kodaikanal Lake

    The Kodaikanal Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu. This star-shaped artificial lake is located at an elevation of 2285 meters above sea-level. Kodai Lake was constructed way back in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, the collector of Madurai. He moved to Kodaikanal after his retirement and decided to build this lake on an abandoned marshy land. Currently, activities like fishing and boating can be done here.

  • Coaker's Walk

    A holiday in Kodaikanal is incomplete without a visit to the Coaker's Walk. A man-made walking plaza, Coaker's Walk was built by Lt Coaker in 1872. Today it is one of the most popular places to visit in Kodaikanal. Take a stroll in the afternoon with your significant other, or simply gaze at the verdant green valleys-a short trip to the Coaker's Walk will fill you with lifetime memories.

  • Berijam Lake

    Forest-fringed Berijam lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal. One requires a permit from the forest department to visit this scenic beauty. The permit is easily available, if approached a day before. Since nearby public gets its drinking water from the lake, boating here is prohibited. However, a stroll near the lake and its beautiful surroundings make it a must visit place in Kodaikanal for tourists.

  • Pine Forest

    The Pine Forest of Kodaikanal was cultivated by one Mr. Bryant about a century ago and today, it happens to be one of the most visited places in the hill station. The Pine Forest attracts a multitude of tourists from all over. Needless to say, that the very sight of umpteen number of pine trees standing tall make for an amazing sight. While on a tour of Kodaikanal, make sure that you visit the Pine Forest.

  • Pillar Rocks

    One of the best sightseeing places of Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks offer stunning beauty of the natural vistas around. The place derived its name from three rocks that stand almost vertical, looming high and almost piercing the sky at a height of 400 feet. Fog and mist often play hide and seek with the pillars, thus making scene look almost ethereal. Do remember to visit Pillar Rocks while on a tour of Kodaikanal.

  • Kurinji Andavar Temple

    Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Kurinji Andavar temple is a must visit place in Kodaikanal for pilgrims. Situated at a somewhat offbeat location, the quaint temple offers majestic views of Palani Hills at his backdrop. Tourists can also have a grand view of the Vaigai Dam from the temple. The temple is associated to the Kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. A tour of Kodaikanal would rather be incomplete without a visit to this temple.

  • Mannavanur Lake

    Located in a small village of the same name, the Mannavanur Lake is one of the offbeat tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal. Intercepting with small streams, small waterfalls and fields of carrots will take you to the Mannavanur Lake. Once you reach, a calm and serene water body will welcome you. While there's not much to do, just relaxing in the location is bound to fill you with a lifetime of memories.

  • Poombarai Village View

    If you want to enjoy a scenic hike and catch glimpse of clouds playing hide and seek with terraced valleys-a trip to the Poombarai Village View point is a must. Poomabrai village is famous for its production of garlic. Standing secluded at 1920 metres above sea-level, the Poombarai village offers picturesque views of the surrounding vistas. One can spend hours gazing at the natural beauty and taste some local produce like carrots and beans.

  • Bryant Park

    The Bryant Park is a botanical garden located very close to the Kodai Lake. The park was the brainchild of a certain British army officer named Glen Bryant. Boasting over 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the garden seems almost like a rainbow when all the flowers are abloom. A 160-year old Eucalyptus is a major attraction. Do remember to visit this beautiful botanical garden when on a tour of Kodaikanal.

  • Lake View Point

    Also known as the Upper Lake View Point, this particular point of interest in Kodaikanal attracts a lot of tourists. From the point one can not only have a grand view of the Kodai Lake but also of the vast green vistas around. While there's not much to do in Lake View Point, you can create beautiful memories while staring at the majestic views of the star-shaped Kodai Lake.

  • Chettiar Park

    A stunning green garden, the Chettiar Park happens to be a widespread tourist attraction in the hill station of Kodaikanal. The park is awash with a wide and rare species of flowers, the park is known to exude exquisiteness at every step. The perfectly manicured lawns of the park add on to exquisiteness of the place. The Kurunji flowers that bloom once in 12 years is its main attraction.

  • Silent Valley View

    Another prominent sightseeing place in Kodaikanal is the Silent Valley View Point. Located near the Berijam Lake, the Silent Valley View is a favourite with nature lovers. The best times to visit the Silent Valley View Point is early mornings and late evenings. Needless to say, that the point is an amazing place to view natural surroundings and scenic mountains around. A visit to the Silent Valley View is definitely worth it.

  • Guna Caves

    One of the most interesting tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal is the Guna Caves. Named after a famed Kamal Hassan starrer Tamil movie Guna, the caves are a must visit place for nature lover and adventure seekers. The region was a well-known hiking trail and after the movie was shot, it came to be known as Guna Caves. A trip to this intriguing cave can help you create beautiful memories.

  • Shembaganur Museum of Natural History

    History buffs can have a great time visiting the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, one of the famous tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. Founded in 1895, the museum is affiliated to the Loyola College, Chennai. Here one can have some great time spotting artefacts belonging to the Palayiar tribes, whose descendants continue to reside in the hill station. The taxidermy collection is a major attraction of the museum. Read more

  • La Saleth Church

    Considered to be Kodaikanal's oldest apostolic, the La Saleth Church has been in existence since the last 150 years. The church was funded by a Belgian woman as a kind gesture who wanted to thank Our Lady of La Salette for the cure of her daughter. The shrine is an excellent example of the combination of Tamil and French architecture. The shrine is a gathering place for all and sundry. Read more

  • Vattakanal Falls

    One of the major sightseeing places in Kodaikanal happens to be the Vattakanal Falls. Hidden within the dense forests of Karnataka, a visit to the Vattakanal Falls is a must while on a tour of Kodaikanal. Surrounded by hills, trees and vast green expanses, the falls make for an absolute delight to the eyes. A bridge near the falls, makes it much easier for you to click photographs.

  • Christ the King Church

    Another major place of worship, Christ the King Church attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims round the year. Built in 1895, the Protestant church is constructed in a traditional gothic architecture. The church features a range of stained glasses that exude beauty and liveliness from its exterior. Christ the King Church is a revered place of worship in whole of Kodaikanal. Read more

  • Bear Shola Falls

    A part of the Parappar River Stream, the Bear Shola Falls is a sight to behold. One of the most popular tourist spots of Kodaikanal, the falls are definitely a sight to behold. Cascading down in a slanting manner from a great height, the falls lies inside a forest reserve -unhindered by human encroachments. A trip to the Bear Shola Falls will definitely rejuvenate your senses completely.

  • Astrophysical Observatory

    An integral part of Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Astrophysical Observatory is a prominent place to visit in Kodaikanal. Built in 1899 and situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings with the Palani Hills at its backdrop, the observatory makes for an awesome sight for astrophysics enthusiasts and even tourists. Observe the collection at the Museum or check out some rare books on astronomical science at the library-you will never be tired of this place. Read more

  • Moir Point

    Moir point happens to be one of the major view-points of Kodaikanal. The site is named after a European engineer Sir Thomas Moir who was responsible for constructing the Goschen Road in 1929. The point offers panoramic views of the peaks and the green vistas all around. It one of the major tourist spots in Kodaikanal. A small park has been constructed here along with a monument.

  • Subrahmanya Temple

    Located 65 kilometres away from the main Kodaikanal Point, the Subrahmanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. Situated at a height of 135 metres and one needs climb more than 600 steps in order get a view of sanctum sanctorum. This temple might be moderately popular among tourists, however a visit will fill you with a sense of satisfaction. Do remember to take tour of the Subrahmanya Temple once in Kodaikanal.

  • Fairy Falls

    Located in the Pambarpuram area, the Fairy Falls make for a must visit place in Kodaikanal. These cascading falls offers a beautiful sight of water gushing out at a heavy speed from the top of a mountain. The falls is also very popular as a point for swimming. Spend some time relaxing here with your loved one or simply steal away some moments of solitude, the Fairy Falls is definitely worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Kodaikanal?

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Kodaikanal that caters to all kinds of travellers. From luxury vacationers to budget travellers-all can find accommodations in Kodaikanal that fits their individual bills. Be it budget hotels or an exquisite suite overlooking a lake, or you are looking for holiday rentals or a luxury hotel that offers a grand view of the lush valleys, Kodaikanal will never let you down with accommodation of your choice that can also be booked online.

How to Reach Kodaikanal?

A prominent hill station of South India, Kodaikanal can be easily reached from a host of cities. While Madurai is the nearest city located at a distance of 120 kilometres, other nearest major cities happen to be Coimbatore (172 kilometres) and Kochi (300 kilometres). Kodaikanal can also be reached from Chennai lying at a distance of 525 kilometres and Bangalore which is roughly 465 kilometres away.

  • By Air

    Madurai, lying at a distance of 120 kilometres is the nearest airport to Kodaikanal. The airport is well-connected with all prominent Indian cities and major airlines plying on a regular basis. Public as well as private transport can be easily available from the Madurai airport for Kodaikanal. Another option includes travelling via the Trichy airport (150 kilometres) which is also well-connected by several major airports of the country.

  • By Rail

    The nearest railhead to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road which is 80 kilometres away. Trains from Trichy and Madurai ply on a daily basis for Kodaikanal which can be easily available. Another major railway junction is Coimbatore which is well-connected to the rest of the country. From Coimbatore trains to Kodaikanal ply on a regular basis, which travellers can easily avail.

  • By Road

    Kodaikanal is very well-connected by roadways and buses from all major cities including Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore. Buses from these cities ply on a regular basis and one can avail both public and private ones. Travellers can also opt for ac and non-buses according to their comfort.

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