Situated in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is brimming with nature-based attractions. Popularly known as the "princess of hill stations," the town, which is located 2,225 m above sea level, boasts waterfalls, lakes, forests and cliffs. In the Tamil language, kodai means "gift" and kanal means "forest." It's no surprise then that the region was a favourite of British officers during the colonial era, who would escape to its lush surroundings for a summer retreat.
If you’re wondering where to start on drafting a two-day itinerary to the hill station, we have you covered. Here are the top places to visit and things to do in Kodaikanal.
Start your first full day in Kodaikanal by taking to Coakers Walk, a narrow mountainous path which was constructed by a British lieutenant in 1872. It's one-kilometre in length and sits on the east side of Kodaikanal Lake. There are viewpoints aplenty on the route, and the KMC Telescope House gives visitors the opportunity to see the valleys, mountains and nearby towns through its lens.
Once you have had your fill of the scenic sights, head down to Bryant Park for a picnic. Covering some 20 acres, it's managed by the city's horticultural department and is home to thousands of varieties of roses, shrubs, cactus and trees. Don't miss the park's beautiful Bodhi tree and a 170-year-old eucalyptus tree.
Another of Kodaikanal's popular tourist spots is its lake. Also known as Kodai Lake, it is a hub for activities like horse riding, fishing, boating and cycling. The tranquil scenery is a nice way to wrap up your morning.
Kodaikanal has a plethora of dining options, so head to The Royal Tibet for generous helpings of egg noodles, momos and other Tibetan fare. It's very close to Kodai Lake and is adjacent to another popular café called Cloud Street, which serves pizza and pasta with old-school décor and even a fireplace on the premises. The Tava Vegetarian Restaurant near Club Road is a popular North Indian restaurant which you can also frequent.
Walk out your postprandial sluggishness by visiting Bear Shola Falls. It's a seasonal waterfall and is part of the lush Western Ghats. This biodiversity hotspot gets its name from being the favourite watering hole of the local bears. Pause and listen to the dense forest as it sways to the sound of chirping birds and the sound of water as it crashes on to the rocks.
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is a nine-minute drive from Bear Shola Falls. Kurinji is the name of a flower which blooms every 12 years, and it's next scheduled to flower in 2030. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Muruga, who is referred to as the "god of the hill." The temple has beautiful views of the Palani Hills and is a good place to take scenic photographs.
The next stop on your list should be the Shembaganur Natural History Museum. This is one of Kodaikanal's top tourist spots and is a 12-minute drive from the temple. The museum is 127 years old and has separate sections for anthropology, flora, fauna and handicrafts. Do not miss the herbarium with its huge garden of around 2,500 species of plants. More than 500 species of animals, birds, insects and butterflies have been taxidermied and put on display.
As the evening filters in, relax by visiting Upper Lake View to the south of Kodai Lake. As the sun sets and darkness falls, take a deep breath and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and valleys.
To end your night, have a light meal at the Whistler Café, a 22-minute drive from Upper Lake View, Aby's Café (nine minutes away), or Ten Degrees, which is right next to Aby's Café.
The second day will take you to the furthest reaches of Kodaikanal and bring you closer to the city centre as the day winds down. Get an early start by visiting Moir Point, a beloved Kodaikanal tourist spot which offers scenic vistas of the valley. Check out Berijam Lake and take a hike in its lush surroundings.
Afterwards, head to the Guna Cave complex to wander its narrow and dark passages. The caves have a chequered history as many people have disappeared without a trace here. The Pillar Rocks viewpoint near the cave offers sweeping views of the mountains and features unique pillar-shaped rocks.
End your morning by visiting the popular Pine Forest. The rows of pine trees are a mesmerising sight and the forest floor is carpeted with hallucinogenic mushrooms. The area is a prime location to take excellent photographs.
Break for lunch at Altaf’s Café, a Middle Eastern place which is surrounded by scenic mountainous views, then make your way to Dolphin’s Nose. With an altitude of approximately 6,000 m above sea level, Dolphin’s Nose offers spectacular views of the Liril and Vattakanal waterfalls. The hike takes two to three hours, and vendors offering snacks and juices dot the trail.
After a day of hiking, trekking and lunching, visit the Kodai Chocolate Factory for some sweet treats. It was established in 2010 and has an excellent selection of chocolates for visitors to choose from.
Once you have stuffed your pockets with as much chocolate as you can carry, make time for a visit to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. It is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is at the forefront of observing and recording solar activity. The museum has high-powered telescopes and a library, but it closes by 4 PM.
Bring your Kodaikanal trip to a close by breathing in the fragrance of roses at the government-run rose garden. The 12-acre Kodaikanal Rose Garden has 100,000 plants that you can take your time strolling past. Savour the sights, smells and tastes you have experienced over the past 48 hours and make plans to come back again in another season.
Kodaikanal enjoys a cool and pleasant climate around the year. However, the best time to visit the hill station is from April to June when the weather is at its best.
Madurai is the closest airport to Kodaikanal,133 km away. Kodaikanal Road (KQN) is the nearest railway station and is regularly serviced by trains from Chennai. Buses and taxis are available from Chennai and Madurai to take you to Kodaikanal.
This story was originally published in March 2024. It has since been updated.
