Mist-covered cliffs, lush green rolling hills, meandering rivers, and roaring waterfalls add charm to the majestic beauty of Kodaikanal. Purplish-blue Kurinji Flower turns the hills of Kodaikanal into a magical place.
Renowned as the ‘Princess of the Hills’, Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. Famous among honeymooners, families, and friends, this quaint hill town offers several opportunities to reveal its enchanting beauty.
Unwind amidst the lush environs and make your trip to Kodaikanal a memorable one. There are a plethora of tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal, where visitors can spend quality time with their loved ones.
Here is the list of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal:
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Bryant Park
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Kurinji Andavar Temple
- Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
- Bear Shola Falls
- Guna Caves
- Pine Tree Forest
- Moir Point
Kodaikanal Lake
Located at an elevation of about 2,285 m above the sea level, Kodaikanal Lake is a star-shaped artificial lake and one of the popular Kodaikanal tourist places. Also known as Kodai Lake, it was built in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry, the then Collector of Madurai.
Surrounded by the lush green Palani Hill range, Kodaikanal Lake is a popular tourist place among kids. The lake is also renowned for preserving the Kurinji Flowers, which bloom every 12 years.
Tourists can indulge in boating, fishing, and horse riding. You can check out here Things to do in Kodaikanal also.
- Timings: 6:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
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Bryant Park
Spread over 20 acres of land, Bryant Park is home to a large collection of trees and shrubs. This park is one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal, which is also a popular picnic spot among families.
It is a recognized demonstration center for students of Ornamental Horticulture. Bryant Park is famous for 85 varieties of flowering plants. One section of the park is dedicated to a rose garden where rare species of roses are grown. Age-old Bodhi Tree and 170-year Eucalyptus are the popular attractions of the park.
- Timings: 9:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: INR 30
- Time Required: 2 to 4 hours
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Coonoor with Ooty Silver Cascade Falls
Located on Kodai-Madurai Road at an altitude of about 2,381 m above sea level, Silver Cascade Falls is an ethereal waterfall where you can soak in the beauty of its surroundings.
This cascade is a popular place to visit in Kodaikanal where the water plunges from a humongous height of 180 feet, which makes it a beautiful sight for the onlookers. This gushing cascade draws water from the overflowing Kodaikanal Lake. It is believed that the water is laden with minerals and comprises healing properties.
- Timings: 9:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: Free
- Time Required: 2 to 4 hours
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of hills, Kurinji Andavar Temple is renowned for the blossoming of the Kurinji Flower that grows once in 12 years. This offbeat destination is one of the best tourist places in Kodaikanal.
Vaigai Dam and Palani Hills in the backdrop of the temple offer stunning views. This temple is an architectural marvel and an amazing place to witness South Indian culture.
- Timings: 7:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: Free
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum
Built in 1899 and located amidst picturesque surroundings with the enchanting backdrop of Palani Hills. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum is a perfect Kodaikanal sightseeing place to visit with families.
This Astrophysical laboratory is an integral part of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The observatory is well-equipped with advanced equipment including high-frequency Doppler, seismograph, magnetometer, and solar tunnel telescope. The observatory offers a great learning experience to visitors.
- Timings: 10:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon and 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M (1st April to 15th June)
- 10:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon (only on Fridays, for the rest of the year)
- Entry Fees: Free
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do in Kodaikanal that You Must Visit
Bear Shola Falls
Located in the Reserve Forest, Bear Shola Falls is a popular tourist place in Kodaikanal. This is a perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the lush greenery.
The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoon season when the water flows down from the hilltop and the cascade comes to life to its fullest. Encompassed with dense forest and rich biodiversity add charm to the beauty of this little heaven.
- Timings: 10:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: Free
- Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
Guna Caves
Previously known as ‘Devil’s Kitchen’, Guna Caves is a hidden treasure of Kodaikanal that was discovered in 1821. As per Hindu mythology, the Pandavas used to cook their food at this place. It is a group of caverns that are located between three massive, pillar-shaped rocks.
Guna Caves are situated at an altitude of 2,230 m above sea level and are covered by Shola trees and grass. This place was rarely visited by hikers but it became popular after a Tamil movie named ‘Guna’ was shot here in 1992.
- Timings: 8:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M
- Entry Fees: INR 5 per person, INR 10 for Still Camera
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Pine Tree Forest
Pine forest is the result of the efforts of Mr. Bryant who started the pine plantation in 1906 in order to grow the timber. It is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal.
The umpteen number of pine trees welcomes you into nature’s wonder. This forest is also surrounded by rich vegetation. Pine Forest is an ideal place to go for nature walks, admire unique beauty, and relax amidst the tranquility.
- Timings: 10:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: Free
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Moir Point
Named after Sir Thomas Moir who was an engineer who laid the foundation of Goschen Road, Moir Point is one of the most significant viewpoints in Kodaikanal. This point is located at the entrance of the forest, which leads up to Berijam Lake.
It offers an enchanting view of the lush green valley and an amazing place to spot exotic species of birds. The beautiful views from this point also attract many photography enthusiasts.
- Timings: 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M
- Entry Fees: INR 10 per person
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
After looking at the handpicked list of the best tourist places in Kodaikanal, do you also fall in love with this charming place? So, pack your bag and head towards this idyllic hill town. Also, don’t forget to add these places to your itinerary. Let the charismatic beauty of this enchanting hill station leave you captivated. And share your experiences with us after the trip!
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Tusharika
A travel enthusiast and emerging from an engineering background Tusharika is a travel writer by profession. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
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