Kodaikanal is a city situates in the Indian state Tamil Nadu. Its name is derived from the Tamil language which means “The Gift of the Forest”. Kodaikanal is also known as the “Princess of Hill stations” and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination. It’s set in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and grassy hills. Kodai is one of the popular places to visit in summer as part of the honeymoon trip. From boating in lakes to take a walk in the hills to exploring caves and even offering prayers at religious spots Kodaikanal has everything to quench its tourist’s thirst and is a must-visit destination.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KODAIKANAL
Primarily the months of July and August i.e. the monsoon season can be tricky. However, the beauty of rains and fresh air is best felt during this time. September is a great month to travel because it doesn’t rain much and the weather is ideal for sightseeing for the views.
HOW TO REACH KODAIKANAL
By Air: The airport nearest to Kodaikanal is Madurai, about 120 KM away. Others in the line include the Trichy airport and the Coimbatore airport, 150 KM and 175 KM away, respectively. From the airport, you can easily get a bus to Kodaikanal.
By Train: Many tourists take the rail route and get down at Kodai Road, which is about 100 KM away from the main town. From here, you can get a taxi. Being the only mode of transportation from Kodai Road to Kodaikanal, taxi rates are not all that negotiable.
By Road: Kodaikanal is easily accessible by road from Chennai (439 KM) and Bangalore (305 KM). It’s only about 3.5 hours away from Madurai. But if you decide to drive just make sure your fuel tank is full because there are very limited gas stations on the way.
Now Coming to top attractions, here are the must-see places in Kodaikanal…
1. KODAI LAKE
Kodaikanal Lake which is also known as Kodai Lake is a man-made lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district. The lake is said to be Kodaikanal’s geographic landmark and a very popular tourist attraction. Moreover, Flower shows are the best thing when you are within the lake. The star-shaped blue lake amidst the emerald green wooded slopes sparkled like a jewel in a crown.
Opening time: Open all days of Week; 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: nature lover, photo fanatics
2. GREEN VALLEY VIEW
Also known by a famous name: Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a magnificent view of the plains, deep valleys and hills. It received its name “suicide point” because of the threatening valley which is deep and dense. The valley below the point is more than 5000 feet deep. It appears to be like a secret revealing site where people are generally stunned by the view.
Opening time: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: photo fanatics, nature lovers
3. PILLAR ROCKS
The Pillar Rocks are a lovely family picnic spot. Comprising of a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned rocks reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The ‘white cross’ which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell’s excellent tribute to love. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies.
Opening time: Open all days of the week; 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: photo fanatics, nature lovers, experience seekers
4. Coakers Walk
Coakers Walk is a beautiful man-made walking plaza built on the mountains which. The lovely path of Coakers Walk that curves by the edge of the gorgeous mountain have been constructed mainly for visitors to get a glimpse of heaven on Earth. The sight is breathtakingly beautiful, and it almost makes one feel like they are walking in the clouds. It is a preferred location for morning and evening walks.
Opening time: Open all day of the Week; 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 10 per person
Ideal for: photo fanatics, experience seekers, nature lovers
5. BEAR SHOLA FALLS
The Bear Shola Falls is known so because of the fact that bears used to come to this fall for drinking water. This waterfall is a seasonal attraction which comes to life during the monsoons when the water flows down from the hilltop making its way through the verdant greenery of the region. Â A visit to this area will bring one up close and personal with many common and rare species of animals and plants. The dense forest and the chirping birds make Bear Shola Falls heaven on the earth.
Opening time: Open all days of the week; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: nature lovers, experience seekers
6. DEVIL’S KITCHEN
A natural and unique heritage site the Devil’s Kitchen formally known as the Guna Caves is situated on the outskirts of the town of Kodaikanal which can be reached from the Moir Point. To reach the hilltop, visitors need to walk 400 meters from the main entrance. This attractive place is worth visiting and has so many secrets enclosed within it.
Opening time: Open all days of the Week; 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 5 per person
Ideal for: nature lovers, photo fanatics
7. BERIJAM LAKE
Berijam Lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. The lake with its refreshing setting and luxuriant greenery around makes for an amazing family picnic spot. One requires a forest pass for entering the area. One can go for a boat trip and experience the beauty around in a much better way. The lake is rich in flora and fauna.
Opening time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: photo fanatics, history buffs, nature lovers
8. DOLPHIN’S NOSE
The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint is where you can experience Kodaikanal at its best – plunging valleys, rugged terrain, clear skies, and the splendor of green embellishing the scene. This forms a visible cliff at the height of 6,600 feet, with the best part being that it is accessible to the public. A quiet retreat into the mountains is a splendid way to engage in some soulful introspection. One can experience a breathtaking view during a sunrise or sunset.
Opening time: Open all days of the Week; 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: experience seekers, nature lovers
9. THALAIYAR FALLS
Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges. With a height of 297 m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. There is a view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful and splendid view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam.
Opening time: Open all days of Week except Sunday; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: photo fanatics, experience seekers, nature lovers
10. SILVER CASCADE FALLS
The perfect stopover in-between a long journey, these silver cascade falls demand your attention while you travel from Kodaikanal till Madurai. The Silver Cascade Falls formed as a result of the overflowing of the famous man-made Kodai Lake is the perfect way to have a break while on a long road trip. It also offers tourists with amazing photographic opportunities.
Opening time: Open all days of the Week; 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Photo fanatics, nature lovers
