Fondly called the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is one of the most charming hill stations of Tamil Nadu. Curled up in the misty lap of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is dotted with verdant pine forests, picturesque valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the serene eponymous lake. Kodaikanal is one of those postcard places where nature’s beauty and vintage charm seamlessly blend. Whether you are planning a romantic escapade, a family trip, or a solo getaway, Kodaikanal has something for everyone.
In this comprehensive Kodaikanal travel guide, discover the best time to visit, top tourist attractions, must-do experiences, where to stay, and hidden gems that remain hidden in plain sight. From relaxing boat rides and languorous walks to cosy cafes and panoramic viewpoints, let this Kodaikanal travel guide help you plan the perfect hill station retreat in South India.
Where is Kodaikanal located?
Kodaikanal is situated in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is perched on the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. The hill station lies 165 km from Coimbatore, 120 km from Madurai, and 525 km from the Capital city of Chennai.
Top attractions in Kodaikanal:
Here are the top tourist places in Kodaikanal that you shouldn’t miss on your trip:
Kodaikanal Lake:
This man-made stellate lake is the cynosure of Kodaikanal. Surrounded by verdant hills, this lake is the perfect spot for boating in Kodaikanal. It also offers cycling and horse-riding along its scenic 5-km perimeter road.
Coaker’s Walk:
One of the best viewpoints in Kodaikanal, Coaker’s Walk is a paved path along steep slopes that offers spectacular views of the valleys.
Bryant Park:
One of the most beautifully maintained botanical gardens in Tamil Nadu, Bryant Park houses a stunning collection of flowers and ornamental plants.
Pillar Rock:
One of the best natural attractions of Kodaikanal, this is a trio of gigantic vertical rock formations that reach up to a height of 400 meters.
Guna Caves:
Named after the Tamil movie ‘Guna’, this is one of the mysterious places here. Originally called Devil’s Kitchen, this cave formation is believed to extend deep into the Earth’s core. Though the caves themselves are fenced for safety and entering them is strictly prohibited, a few daring souls have ventured inside, never to see the light again.
Pine Forest & Fairy Falls:
A little further from the Guna Caves lies the pine forest. The forest, with hundreds of pine trees reaching for the sky, is pretty as a picture. Combine this with a visit to Fairy Falls, a small and charming waterfall tucked away in a quiet area.
Moir Point:
One of the best viewpoints in Kodaikanal, it was named after a British engineer called Sir Thomas Moir. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the nearby valley. Also, you can see clouds running and playing around.
Silver Cascade Falls:
It is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Kodaikanal. It will be the first to welcome you as you drive towards Kodaikanal from the plains.
Dolphin’s Nose:
A short trek through the forest will bring you to this arresting viewpoint shaped like a dolphin’s nose.
Green Valley View:
Another widely-admired viewpoint in Kodaikanal, it offers a misty view of the valley and the Vaigai Dam.
Offbeat places in Kodaikanal:
The real allure of Kodaikanal lies in its offbeat locations. Here are some hidden gems in Kodaikanal you should add to your itinerary:
Poombarai:
This quaint village is roughly an hour’s drive from the main town of Kodaikanal. It is famous for its verdant terraced farms, Poondi Dam, and Kookal Falls. The drive through the pine forest and winding roads is a treat in itself.
Mannavanur:
This sleepy hamlet is decorated with rolling green hills and a crystal-clear lake. It is one of the most beautiful places around here. Moreover, Mannavanur houses a sheep farm. Visit the farm, which remains open till 4 PM, to enjoy the sight of fluffy sheep grazing on the meadow.
Vattakanal Falls:
Vattakanal is quite famous as a backpacker spot here. This pleasing waterfall can be reached after a short hike.
Silent Valley View:
A quiet and often overlooked viewpoint, Silent Valley View lives up to its name. Early mornings here offer mesmerising views of cloud-filled valleys and dew-kissed landscapes.
Nearby trips from Kodaikanal:
Madurai:
Start your trip with Madurai, the vibrant temple town of Tamil Nadu. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple and marvel at the 14 sky-reaching colourful gopurams.
Valparai:
Merge your Kodaikanal trip with Valparai, the quaint town covered in endless stretches of tea and coffee plantations. Take a thrilling ride along the 40-hairpin bends while driving from Pollachi to Valparai.
Munnar:
Munnar is perhaps the most famous hill station of Kerala. Like Valparai, Munnar is known for its endless vista of lush tea gardens, waterfalls, and comfortable weather. Munnar is renowned for Eravikulam National Park, Ripple Falls, Mattupetty Dam, and Kundala Lake. The drive from Valparai to Munnar is rather long-ish (170 km).
Thekkady:
Thekkady is another doable nearby trip from here. The prime attraction here is the Priyar National Park.
Important FAQs:
How can I reach Kodaikanal?
- By air: The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai. You can also consider flying into Coimbatore airport, which is slightly further. Moreover, Coimbatore is better connected with other Indian cities.
- By train: The hill station itself does not have a railway station. The nearest rail station to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road, which is just 80 km away. Although it is not well-connected and you need to arrange for a transfer to Kodaikanal beforehand. If you are availing a train, it is best to alight either at Coimbatore or Madurai. Multiple trains run daily to these two cities from Chennai.
- By road: Tamil Nadu’s state-run buses are frequently available for Kodaikanal from Coimbatore and Madurai. You can also hire cars. For hiring cabs, you can contact Royal Travels of Coimbatore. The price is reasonable, and the car provided to us was fantastic.
What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
The ideal time for visiting here is March to June when the weather is quite pleasant, and November to February for savouring the nip in the air.
How many days are required in Kodaikanal?
2 days are enough for exploring Kodaikanal and its adjoining areas.
Where to stay in Kodaikanal?
In Kodaikanal, you can find accommodation fitting every pocket.
- Luxury: If you are eyeing an opulent stay, opt for The Tamara Kodai, The Carlton, and Great Trails Kodaikanal.
- Mid-range: Hotel Raindrops, Cottages by the Creek, Hotel Cliffton, and Pine Borough Inn are great options for a mid-range stay.
- Budget: For solo trippers and backpackers, there are Zostel, Trippr Backpacker Hostel, and The Hosteller Kodaikanal.
We had booked rooms in Hotel Raindrops, which is centrally located near the main market area. It is a charming hotel with spacious and clean rooms. The restaurant is vegetarian, and the breakfast buffet spread is elaborate.
Where to eat in Kodaikanal?
There is no dearth of fantastic food joints in Kodaikanal. For freshly baked breads and cakes, head to the iconic Pastry Corner. The fruit cake here is an absolute sixer. Visit Royal Tibet, a typical hole-in-the-wall eatery hidden in an alley. Have a taste of Tibet in Tamil Nadu as you relish their Chicken Momos, Fried Wantons, Sel Roti, and Thukpa. There are also many cafes such as Aroma of Kodai, Whistler Café, Altaf’s Café, and Park Astoria. If you are willing to enjoy haute cuisine, go to Wok at Skydeck Asian Restaurant.
In Poombarai, don’t forget to visit Passiflora Art Café and Woody’s Cafeteria.
Where can I buy chocolates in Kodaikanal?
On entering Kodaikanal, you will be dazzled by the endless shops with shiny lights selling varieties of chocolate. Along with its natural beauty, this hill station is known for its homemade chocolates. However, avoid these shops where quality is often compromised and visitors are duped. Try to buy chocolates from authentic shops located in the main market area. These shops may look small, but the quality is great. We bought chocolates from Meltiez, a blink-and-you-will-miss kind of shop. The chocolates were yummy, especially the Hazelnut Cream and Roasted Cashew.
Things to remember:
- Start your day early to avoid crowds and fog at viewpoints.
- Carry a light jacket or shawl as the weather remains cool year-round.
- Don’t forget to pack umbrellas as sudden shower is a regular occurrence.
- You can add Berijam Lake to your itinerary if you can manage a forest permit in advance.
- Keep your camera or phone charged—sunlight and mist here are photography gold!
We hope this Kodaikanal travel guide helps you plan the perfect trip. With its fresh mountain air, scenic beauty, and relaxed pace of life, Kodaikanal is not just a destination—it’s an experience you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ready to explore the Princess of Hill Stations?
Let us know your favourite spot in the comments below—or share this guide with your fellow travellers!
