Kodaikanal has always been a favourite hill station in Tamil Nadu for over a century and it is easy to understand why. Maybe it is the way the fog rolls over the hills right when you are sipping your morning coffee. Or maybe it is the smell of Nilgiri plant on the drive up or the fact that a lake, a waterfall and a viewpoint are all somehow within twenty minutes of each other. Whatever this place has, this hill station in Tamil Nadu's Palani Hills has been pulling people away from the plains for well over a hundred years, and it still works.
If you are putting together an itinerary, here is a real list of the best things to do in Kodaikanal and a few spots you should not skip.
Most itineraries normally begin here and rightly so. Kodaikanal Lake is star shaped and is located at the heart of the town surrounded by tall trees and a walking promenade. One of the things about the surrounding area is the Kurinji flower which is a rare bloom that appears only once every 12 years. If you visit during the summer - the lake also plays host to flower shows that add to its charm.
Besides the scenery, there are many other things to do at Kodaikanal Lake like cycling and horseback riding. Rental bikes are also easily available for those who haven't brought their own. Parking is plentiful nearby, and there are a few recreational activities set up for children as well, making it a fairly easy spot to spend a few hours with family.
Coaker's Walk is a kilometre long stretch with one of the finest views in Kodaikanal. On a clear day, the path opens up to a wide view stretching toward the plains near Madurai. This pathway starts from Van Allen Hospital and passes the vicinity of St Peter's church. Early morning is the best time to visit if you want to catch the sunrise while evenings bring a softer light that is equally rewarding. It is a quick stop but one that regularly makes it onto every list of places to visit in Kodaikanal.
Guna Caves were earlier known as Devil's Kitchen. This place has gained even more popularity after being featured in a Tamil film though the rock formations are striking enough on their own. Another famous place is Dolphin's nose that is located around 6600 ft above sea level. It is a famous spot known for people that are interested in trekking. The Dolphin’s Nose path covers around a distance of 3 kms in the Palani Hill Range. The distance from Guna Caves to Dolphin's Nose is around 13 km and the drive takes about 40 minutes. It is just a 40 min drive from Dolphin's Nose, so you can pair the two together.
This is a small hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. It was named after the kurinji flower which blooms once every 12 years and briefly turns the hills a soft blue. You don't need to time your visit around the bloom. The temple sits high enough that the valley views alone make it worth the short climb.
If a couple of days of sightseeing isn't quite enough, Kodaikanal has a genuinely good side for trekkers too. The trail around Berijam Lake is one of the more popular starting points. Winding through the forest toward small farming hamlets like Poombarai and Kookal. Closer to town, the Vattakanal trail takes you past waterfalls and quiet viewpoints away from the main tourist route.
A few local operators run overnight camping trips in the hills around Kodaikanal — usually a short trek in, a night in tents with a bonfire and dinner under a genuinely dark, star-filled sky and a sunrise hike the next morning before heading back. It is a completely different pace from a regular sightseeing day, and if you enjoy being outdoors, it's worth building an extra day into your trip for. Just make sure you go through a registered local guide or operator — the terrain and weather here can change quickly.
Kodaikanal is a genuinely easy hill station to visit with children. Here you can try:
After spending the whole day having fun, exploring Kodaikanal, one thing that really helps is having a comfortable place to rest for which Lushgreen Kodaikanal By Arcadia is the perfect choice. It is located about half an hour from Kodaikanal Lake with easy access to other places like Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park as well as Coaker's Walk, so you are never too far from the main attractions. The property has a range of rooms to choose from, from cosy city or valley view options to larger family villas, and with an on-site restaurant and genuinely attentive service, the time spent at the hotel ends up feeling just as pleasant as the sightseeing itself.
Kodaikanal isn't the kind of place that you just rush through. Give this place a chance, a couple of quiet mornings and a few unplanned stops. You will leave with a lot more than a checklist of places ticked off.
1. How many days are enough to explore Kodaikanal?
You can plan a 2 day trip to Kodaikanal and cover the main attractions easily. And if you want an extended trip, try trekking, you can can plan a 4 or 5 day trip.
2. What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
September to May is considered as the best time to visit Kodaikanal and April to May is peak season for families as it is vacation time. June to August brings heavy monsoon rain that can affect the ghat roads.
3. How to reach Kodaikanal?
The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai which is just about 3 hours away by road. Kodai Road railway station is roughly 80 km out from where you can grab a taxi or bus up the ghat road.
4. Which area is best to stay in Kodaikanal?
The area around Kodai Lake and the main town works best, keeping you close to sights like Coaker's Walk and Bryant Park while still being an easy drive from the waterfalls further out. Lushgreen Kodaikanal By Arcadia is located on this same convenient part of town making it a comfortable, well located base for your stay.
5. What should I pack for a trip to Kodaikanal?
Warm layers are a must, even in summer, since evenings cool down quickly. Comfortable walking shoes, a light raincoat during the monsoon months and a basic first aid kit are recommended if you plan on trekking
