Travel Guide of Kodaikanal in India by Influencers and Travelers

Kodaikanal is a hill station which is located in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest".

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Kodaikanal

TRAVELERS TOP 8 :

1 - Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

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2 - Guna Caves

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3 - Top Station

   29 km away

Top Station is a tourist destination located in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Even though located in Tamil Nadu, the only road connecting it to the outside world is through Kerala.

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4 - Kurangani Hills Trekking

   31 km away
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5 - Echo Point

   39 km away
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6 - Mattupetty Dam

   43 km away

Mattupetty Dam, near Munnar in Idukki District, is a storage Concrete Gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, India to conserve water for hydroelectricity.

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7 - Munnar

   50 km away

Munnar is a town and hill station in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres above mean sea level, in the Western Ghats mountain range.

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8 - Eravikulam National Park

   50 km away

Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km² national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India. Situated between 10º05'N and 10º20' north, and 77º0' and 77º10' east, it is the first national park in Kerala.

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Pictures and Stories of Kodaikanal from Influencers

15 pictures of Kodaikanal from spandan pattanayak, Vaibhav Gupta, Ahmed Zayan and other travelers

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Why should you visit Kodaikanal ?

Travel to Kodaikanal if you like:

  🐾 Wildlife     🏕️ Camping     ⛰️ Mountain range     ⛰️ Hill station     🏞️ Loch  

How to visit Kodaikanal ?

Why traveling there?

Kodaikanal, also known as the "Princess of Hill Stations," is a popular tourist destination in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. With its lush green hills, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pleasant weather, Kodaikanal offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is also famous for its homemade chocolates and eucalyptus oil.

How to get there?

The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai International Airport, which is approximately 120 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal. Alternatively, you can take a train to Kodai Road Railway Station, which is around 95 km away from the town. From the railway station, taxis and buses are available to take you to Kodaikanal.

What to book in advance?

It's recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (April-June and September-October). If you plan on visiting popular attractions like the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory or taking guided tours, booking in advance will ensure you secure a spot.

What are the costs?

Kodaikanal is an affordable destination, with budget accommodations starting from $10 per night and luxury hotels ranging from $50 to $150 per night. Meals at local restaurants can cost between $2 to $10 per person. Entrance fees for attractions can range from $1 to $5. Taxis and buses are reasonably priced, with taxi fares starting at $0.50 per kilometer and bus fares starting at $1 for short distances.

What are the best things to do?

Kodaikanal has plenty to offer its visitors, including:

1. Strolling around the beautiful Kodaikanal Lake and taking a boat ride.
2. Visiting the enchanting Bryant Park and Coaker's Walk for panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
3. Exploring the Pillar Rocks and Guna Caves.
4. Trekking to Dolphin's Nose and Vattakanal for breathtaking views.
5. Visiting the Silver Cascade and Bear Shola waterfalls.

Where to eat?

1. Tava Vegetarian Restaurant – Offers a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, including South Indian and North Indian cuisines.
2. Astoria Veg Restaurant – Known for its tasty Indian and Chinese dishes, as well as a variety of desserts.
3. Cloud Street – A cozy café offering Italian, Mexican, and Continental cuisine alongside beautiful views.

Where to stay?

1. Kodai Resort Hotel – A mid-range resort with comfortable cottages, picturesque surroundings, and excellent service.
2. Hilltop Towers – A budget-friendly option that offers clean rooms and a convenient location.
3. The Carlton – A luxury hotel with beautiful lake views, excellent amenities, and top-notch service.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience, visit the Mannavanur Sheep Farm, located 34 km away from Kodaikanal. This government-run farm is home to over 5,000 sheep and offers a unique insight into the local farming practices. Surrounded by lush green meadows, the farm is an ideal spot for a picnic and a leisurely walk amidst nature.

Learn More about Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal. The Hill Station in the Nilgiri hills. Any westerner visiting Tamil Nadu and you ask him what to see, he will answer Madurai, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, or even Chennai itself, but I doubt he will say Kodaikanal. Now, ask an Indian, and the answer will be Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal is a hill station that attracts mostly Indian domestic tourists and more specifically, young honeymooners. They are not going to go to see temples or ruins they have seen before. They are looking for a change of climate brought about by the altitude and a quiet, welcoming place. This station is located in the western ghats, 120 km northeast of Madurai. Unlike Periyar, August is a good time to visit as its mild temperatures provide an excellent refuge from the higher, more sweltering temperatures at the foot of its mountains. Kodaikanal was founded by the Americans in 1840 who created an elite school for young Europeans, which persists today (Kodaikanal International School) but is now open to everyone. The most relaxing activity in Kodaikanal is simply strolling around, often accompanied by the monkeys that swarm all over the place. It is an excellent place for those who are on a long journey through India and wish to take a break for a few days to recharge their batteries. The most popular activity is the Coaker's walk where you can enjoy excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The other most popular activity is to hire a pedal boat on Kodaikanal Lake and take a ride at your leisure, as well as horseback riding and hiking trails. Naturally, all this is accompanied by a good range of accommodation and restaurants.

   Where to Stay in Kodaikanal

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Kodaikanal

  ⛰️ Hill station spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🌲 Forest spots     🏰 Archaeological site spots     🏕️ Camping spots     🏞️ Loch spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots     🏘️ Town spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots  

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