Kodaikanal
Best time to visit: October to May
Ideal Trip Duration : 2-3 days
State : Tamil Nadu
District : Dindigul
Known for: Natural beauty, Boating, Trekking, Horse Riding, Pears and Plums, Chocolates, Eucalyptus oil.
Places to see: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, Pillar Rocks, Pine Forests, Silent Valley, Kurinjiandavar Temple, Berijam Lake, Shembaganur Museum, Bryant Park, Dolphin Nose.
"No doubt, Kodaikanal is the most beautiful hill town in the southern part of Tamil Nadu."
Mumbai to Kodaikanal by road,
Distance: 1,457 kms
Time: 25 hours
Route: AH47
But as we continued from Madurai, it took us around 3 hours via Laws Ghat Rd.
By 8 a.m we were in Kodaikanal.
Checked into the hotel, got ready, had breakfast, and started the day.
Day One,
As plan, our first destination was Kurinji Andavar Temple.
Timings- 7 AM to 7 PM
Kurunji Andavar Temple is dedicated to "Lord Muruga", the God of Hills. The temple was established in 1936 by a European lady, who converted to Hinduism on coming to Ceylon.
The temple is a home for the rare Kurunji flower which blooms only once in 12 years. This temple is also a venue of a summer festival, celebrated every year in May.
And you can also enjoy the beautiful views of Vaigai dam and Palani hills from here.
Now at a distance of 3 km was Kodaikanal lake.
Entry fee-free
Timings- 6 AM to 5 PM
The lake is said to be the most popular and astonishing landmark of Kodaikanal. It is star-shaped and artificially made with an average depth of 3m and a maximum depth of 11m.
The place offers you many things to choose from. Boating is one of them and according to me is a must-try, so peaceful and the perfect gateway for the weekends to unwind your stress.
Fishing, Horse riding, and Cycling are also to give a chance for, besides Boating.
With a big park, good shopping areas and street eateries nearby, the lake is a beautiful place to spend time.
Byrant Park
Entry fee - Rs.30 per person for adults
Rs.15 per person for children
Timings- 9 AM to 6 PM
Byrant Park is a botanical park on the east side of Kodaikanal lake. The park has a variety of species which extend to a limit of 350 types of trees and 740 varieties of rose plants.
For those interested in botany, it is going to be a fun little trip with lots of knowledge. Students actually visit this park to note down the details of natural species. Or you can just stroll around to catch up on the essence and beauty of the park.
Vattakanal falls
Entry fee-free
Timings- 24 hours
Vattakanal falls is surrounded by rich greenery all around and is best known for its biodiversity. The best time to visit this fall is the rainy season to enjoy its full brilliance, otherwise, it is dried up. You can also trek to the waterfalls which is quite an adventure. There is also a small bridge to click some good pictures.
These beautiful waterfalls can be a perfect picnic spot to enjoy with friends/ families. It also offers some local food on the stalls nearby.
Coaker's Walk
Entry fee- Rs.15 per person
Rs.20 for Telescope House
Timings- 7 AM to 7 PM
Coaker's Walk is a 1km long stretch path, surrounded by a view of mountains, rivers, plateaus.
One can walk the path in the mornings or evenings to get a glimpse of a beautiful sunrise or sunset. One can even rent a bicycle which costs around 30 rs for an hour. And the place is nice to click some good photos because the views are really picturesque.
You can also visit Telescope House.
You will spot food vendors throughout the walk. A lot of tourists can be seen enjoying the chaats, especially bhelpuri.
Coaker's Walk is a must-visit spot for nature lovers or photo fanatics.
Day 2,
Dolphin Nose
Entry fee-free
Timings- 8 AM to 6 PM
The Dolphin Nose is a flat rock, located at the edge of the cliff.
You can start the trek to the Dolphin Nose in the morning. It takes around 3 hours to climb up and come back down with a little break in between. The path along the trek is very beautiful and covered with trees. There is a small village on the way. There are also some shops offering fruit juices on the way. But it is advisable to carry juices on your own as the shops will cost you more than the actual price.
Now the views from the Dolphin Nose point are "Breathtaking." And you will feel worth taking this trek all the way up for these beautiful views, trust me on this!
Pillar rock
Rs.20 for still camera
Timings- 9 AM to 4 PM
Pillar rock is a set of three giant rock pillars, 400 ft high from the ground. The rocks stand tall amidst fog and mist. It is advised to visit the place in summer to get a clear view of the rocks. Since in winters and monsoons the rocks are surrounded by thick clouds, so one has to wait there until they are cleared.
You cannot climb the Pillar rock but can see its beauty from a viewpoint that is at a safe distance from the rocks.
You can buy some locally made chocolates as there are many vendors at the gate.
Guna Caves
Rs.20 for still camera
Timings- 7 AM to 4.30 PM
Guna cave, also called Devil's Kitchen is a wonderful tourist spot of Kodaikanal on Moir point road. It is situated behind the Pillar rock amidst a thick forest. Visitors need to walk about 400 meters to reach the caves from the main entrance. The path is covered with pine trees with roots emerging on the ground which looks a bit creepy, hence giving its unique touch.
As it is one of the best sightseeing locations in Kodaikanal, you must mind the crowd.
The surroundings of the caves are closed for security reasons so one has to view the caves from a distance.
Shembaganaur Museum
Entry fee- Rs. 20 for adults
Rs. 10 for children
Timings- 10 AM to 11.30 AM
3 PM to 5 PM
Shembaganaur Museum of Natural History is a century old. The whole museum is categorized into Anthropology, Flora and Fauna, and Handicrafts.
The museum is home to more than 500 species of insects, mammals, birds, snakes, moths, and butterflies. Skeletons of mammals, turtles, whales are preserved here. You can also find rare old coins here. Some rare shells and conch-like Palampur conches can be found in these collections. Human embryos and snakes are preserved here in bottles. A rare Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years, is also displayed here. Isn't that cool?
One can learn a lot from this museum and should be a must-visit.
Berijam lake
Entry fee- Rs.100
Timings- 9 AM to 3 PM
Berijam Lake is a freshwater reservoir that is located in the Wildlife Sanctuary.
One requires a pass to enter the area which leads to the lake. But you can easily get the pass from the District Forest Office and it is free.
The lake is quite vast and beautiful. As the lake is situated between the dense forest, one can even spot fauna like bison or leopard, if lucky!
Pine Forest
Entry fee- free
Timings- 10 AM to 6 PM
Pine forest is among the most popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. The place is known for its tall pine trees, which appear in abundance.
One can opt for nature walks, horse riding, or taking photographs.
The pine forest is perfect for spending some moments and relaxing, as you will experience nature very closely here.
In this way, you can complete your Kodaikanal trip!
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