Kodaikanal Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Kodaikanal

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Kodaikanal Travel Guide

This Princess of Hill Station is blessed with cool weather and thick forests. Its lake and waterfalls are cherished by its visitors. Kodaikanal, with an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level, offers a picturesque landscape, topping the charts in honeymooners’ list. Kodaikanal tourism is a way to create new memories while admiring the natural beauty and indulging in enthralling adventure. Being a hill station, Kodaikanal offers spectacular views of the surrounding that you should observe on your tour.

Moreover, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Kodaikanal that you can explore with your close ones. But, apart from it, this hill station is a treat for those who are fans of thrill. Herds of sheep frolicking in the green fields and wooded slopes are a retreat. Moreover, Kodaikanal Lake is a must-visit spot in this hill station; from boating to horse ride, there is a lot to indulge in. But, on the other hand, Bryant Park must be noticed; it has about 740 varieties of roses alone! And the Bodhi tree inside it adds to the religious significance.

Kodaikanal Tourism 

The intoxicating earthy smell and the cool crisp winds are two elements that grace the tourism of Kodaikanal. This hill station of Tamil Nadu is renowned as the perfect getaway for a monsoon holiday. Kodaikanal is blessed with forests, lakes, and waterfalls which look ravishing and vibrant during monsoon. Therefore, tourists from different parts of the world visit here to enjoy a holiday in the rainy season. However, you can see this hill station any time of the year, and you will never regret it. Breathtaking views, lakes, cuisine, waterfalls, and climate conditions set Kodainakal tourism at another level.

Why Visit Kodaikanal?

Kodaikanal is a beautiful holiday destination blessed with the endless charm of nature and awe-inspiring views. You can find multiple ways to capture unforgettable memories with your close ones here. Lakes, waterfalls, caves, valleys, temples, and cuisines allure tourists to pack their bags for a trip to Kodaikanal. However, there is much more to explore and see in the tourism of Kodaikanal, which is discussed in this travel guide. From adventure activities and immersive experiences to discovering unique tourist places and pine forests, the choices are truly endless at this hill station.

Language Spoken in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal’s most spoken language is Tamil and English; some people and tourist guides also understand and speak a little bit of Hindi.

Where is Kodaikanal located?

Kodaikanal is located in the Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, with a height of 2,133 m above sea level.

Places to Visit in Kodaikanal

Take a Kodaikanal tour, and you can visit some beautiful scenic attractions. No shortage of tourist places in this hill town to make your holiday tour exciting. You can reconnect with nature, thrill, tranquility, and spirituality by exploring the attractions of this hill town. Below is the list of must-visit tourist places in Kodaikanal. 

  • Kodai Lake
  • Coaker’s Walk
  • Bryant Park
  • Kodai Astrophysical Observatory
  • Fairy Falls
  • Kurinji Andavar Temple
  • Pillar Rocks
  • Silver Cascade and Green Valley

Things to do in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a hill town of Tamil Nadu located at around 2,133 m above sea level. With that being said, getting a cinematic view in Kodaikanal would be great for you. But there is plenty of fun-filled activities in Kodaikanal, and you can enjoy them with your close ones. There is no shortage of activities to do in Kodaikanal for making an unforgettable holiday. The list of activities that will give you a bundle of opportunities to enjoy a vacation with different vibes and themes are given below.

  • Boating in Kodaikanal Lake
  • Night safari around J.C Residency
  • Exploring pine forests
  • Trekking in Kodaikanal
  • Discover Guna caves
  • Enjoy picnic at the Bryant Park
  • Soaking in  Bear Shola Falls

Shopping in Kodaikanal

Vacation is about creating memories, exploring new places, and adding unique experiences to your life. But what about bringing something back to your home as a souvenir of this trip. Shop in Kodaikanal is an experience you should include on your tour. We have curated a list of the best shopping places in Kodaikanal that offer a wide range of things you can buy. Some of the famous markets for shopping in Kodaikanal are; 

  • Anna Salai Market
  • Kaleeswari Supermarket
  • Kodai Chocolate Factory
  • Kodai Cheese
  • Corsack Kodaikanal
  • Spices Corner
  • Potter’s Shed
  • Danish Display
  • Dynasty
  • Downtown Kodaikanal

Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Weather in Kodaikanal throughout the year offers a different shade to this hill station. Each season has its charm that will add to your holiday picture-perfect memories. Summer is a good season to plan a Kodaikanal trip because the weather is pleasant, and you can see colorful flowers in full bloom. Monsoon is a blissful season at this hill station as during this time, the valley covers itself with greenery, and the sky becomes bluish. The winter is a treat for adventure lovers and trekking enthusiasts as the climate condition is pleasurable to indulge in such thrilling activities. 

How many days are enough to visit Kodaikanal?

You can explore almost all major tourist attractions in Kodaikanal within a 2-3 day trip. However, if you want to enjoy a relaxing holiday and explore this hill station at a slow pace, you can extend the trip for a couple of days. 

Accommodations in Kodaikanal

Picking an accommodation on a trip greatly impacts your overall traveling experience. Therefore, it is advised to choose your stay carefully that will grace your holiday. You can choose from various accommodations available on your tour to Kodaikanal. These hotels offer all the modern-day amenities and suit your budget too. Some top choices for staying in Kodaikanal are given below;

  • Hotel Paradise Inn
  • Hotel Jewel
  • Hotel J’s Heritage
  • The Carlton
  • Hotel Kodai International
  • Green Acres
  • Hill Country Holiday Resorts
  • Roseflower Resort.

Where to Eat in Kodaikanal

This charming hill station is dotted with top-class restaurants which offer local dishes and several other cuisines. So whether you want to enjoy snacks or relish a delicious dinner, there are multiple restaurants and cafes. Here is a list of some eateries you must visit on your Kodaikanal tour.

  • Passiflora Ristrorante Italiano
  • The Tamara Kodai
  • Tava
  • Aby’s Kitchen
  • Café Cariappa
  • Cloud Street

How to reach Kodaikanal?

The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, located at a distance of around 133 km. Apart from it, there are two other closed airports: Trichy Airport (199 km) and Coimbatore Airport (179 km). After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab or take a  local (TNSTC) bus to reach Kodaikanal. South Indian cities are well-connected to Kodaikanal by road. You can catch a bus from major nearby cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Madurai. If you plan to visit Kodaikanal by train, the nearest railway junction is Kodai Road Railway Station, which is located around 80 km from Kodaikanal. On arrival at the railway station, you will find various local transport to reach your desired location.

How to get around Kodaikanal

You can take a local bus to explore the town, rent a bicycle, or hire a gear-less scooter and bikes to get around in this town. You will not find any auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal, but taxis are available for you that offer a comfortable ride. But, walking for a short distance is advisory as it is pleasing and gives you enough chance to learn about the local’s lifestyle.

 

Travel Tips  Kodaikanal Tourism 

To enjoy safe and enjoyable Kodaikanal tourism, you will need some travel tips to grace your holiday. In this segment, we will tell you some points you should keep in mind to get the best from your holiday in Kodaikanal.

  • Carrying woolen clothes for any season is advisable as the weather is cool.
  • Body moisturizer and an umbrella are two essential things to pack for a Kodaikanal tour.
  • Respect the culture and customs of locals to get a unique experience throughout your tour.
  • It is advised to cover the Green Valley between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm as the mist in the early morning and late evening becomes an obstacle in the atmosphere.
  • Do not miss the local cuisine in Kodaikanal, as it is luscious and a treat for your taste buds.

FAQs

Q: Are 2 days enough for Kodaikanal?

Ans: Yes! You can explore this hill town’s major tourist attractions in 2 days. But, if you are willing to enjoy a relaxing vacation at a slow pace, you will need 4 days to enjoy the Kodaikanal tour. There is so much to explore in this hill station, and it is advised to enjoy a vacation at a slow pace.

Q: Which are the best waterfalls of Kodaikanal?

Ans: Waterfalls in Kodaikanal are the finest examples of nature’s gift. You can find numerous beautiful waterfalls, including Vattakanal Waterfalls, Fairy Falls, Liril Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade Waterfall, Kumbakkarai Falls, Pambar Falls, and Thalaiyar Falls.

Q: Why is Kodaikanal famous?

Ans: Kodaikanal is a popular hill station and renowned for its serene environs. The breathtaking natural beauty of this majestic place lures a large number of tourists from all over the world. It is also famous for shawls, Jewelry, Brass, Leather items, Bone and Walnut wood articles.

Q: What are the top tourist attractions in Kodaikanal?

Ans: The top tourist points in Kodaikanal are Green Valley View (Suicide Point), Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Thalaiyar Falls, and Devil’s Kitchen.

Q: Which is the best place to visit Ooty or Kodaikanal?

Ans: Ooty and Kodaikanal, are both famous hill stations in Tamil Nadu. However, Kodaikanal has fewer tourist attractions than Ooty and it is situated at a lower altitude than Ooty. Both are equally good but in terms of budget, Kodaikanal is a better choice than Ooty.