Kodaikanal, a hill station in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is among the best offbeat tourist destinations. While other hill stations in South India such as Ooty, Munnar, and Coonoor witness a flock of tourists that could sometimes inundate them, Kodaikanal has somehow retained its tranquility and quiet charm, earning it the title of the ‘Princess of Hills’. The closest international airport is in Madurai, around a 3-hour drive. One could also alternatively fly either to the Tiruchirappalli or Coimbatore international airports, which are around 4 hours away but have better connectivity to other cities in India. Visitors sometimes can also take a cab ride directly from cities like Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad to reach Kodaikanal.

The Best Places in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal ensures a quieter escape for its visitors into the heart of the Western Ghats. The terrain is characterized by green, rolling hills and granite cliffs, serene lakes, glistening waterfalls, idyllic villages, and dense forests.

Kodai Lake

The star-shaped Kodai Lake can arguably be called the top attraction in the hill station. Built by Vera Levinge, a British civil servant of the town, the lake is among the best places to visit in Kodaikanal. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for a visit to this lake, as it is right in the middle of the city centre and bordered by the evergreen woods. One can take a shikara boat ride in the waters, hire a bicycle, or even take a horse ride around the lake. Several people, both locals and visitors, can be found taking a stroll or jogging around the lake.

Berijam Lake

A little away from the city centre, and deep within the conserved forest lies the Berijam Lake, another famous attraction in Kodaikanal. Wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers visit this lake to spot Nilgiri langurs, bison, elephants, and several migratory birds. The Bear Shola waterfalls with a beautiful climbing trail, Thalaiyar Falls, and Silver Cascade Falls with waters that are argued to have medicinal properties are some of the famous waterfalls in Kodaikanal.

Kukkal Caves

For history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Kukkal Caves are worth a visit as they are among the oldest carved caves in South India and were inhabited by indigenous tribes. They also happen to be the starting point for the Kodai-Palani trek. One can enjoy majestic views of the Palani Hills and lush meadows from the hilltop where the caves are located.

The Pillar rocks with a flower garden, the Perumal peak, which is Kodaikanal’s highest point at 6500 ft, Dolphin’s Nose, and Moir Point are famous sites for both spectacular views and adventurous activities like camping, rock climbing, paragliding, stiff climbing, etc. Just near the Pillar rocks are the famous Gunna Caves, a group of cavers that gained wide popularity after a Tamil film “Gunna” was shot there.

Kodaikanal has a lot of parks, picnic spots, and forest clearing for those who just want to sit back and seek solace in the lap of nature, such as Pine Forest, Coakers’ Walk, and Bryant Park. For those who want to experience the cultural heritage of Kodaikanal’s rural life, the village of Poombarai should not be missed. The ‘Malai Poondu’ (hill garlic) and honey extracted from the nearby forests are the most sought-after local products from this picturesque hamlet. Vattakanal is another rural settlement known for its cafes and restaurants that serve a delectable mix of local cuisines.

The Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

While October to March is the prime season in Kodaikanal, with favorable weather for all kinds of tourist activities, the summer and monsoon months, April to September, are not a bad time either if one wants to witness the misty, emerald landscapes and the flora of Kodaikanal at full swing.

The Best Hotels and Resorts in Kodaikanal

A select few luxury resorts in Kodaikanal are strategically located amid pristine surroundings that make for an invigorating holiday experience.

Tamara Kodai

The Tamara Kodai, a heritage resort dating back to the colonial era, is among the best resorts in Kodaikanal. Situated atop the hills in the south-western end, it was one of the first houses in the region that now offers vintage-style luxury rooms and suites for its guests. Its on-site spa provides both traditional and contemporary therapies.

Fairway Inn

The Fairway Inn is another heritage property renowned for hosting celebrities, royalty, along with people from all walks of life. The local cheese and chocolate-tasting evenings held here are popular among visitors.

The Carlton

The Carlton overlooks Kodai Lake and has a clubhouse with a plethora of entertainment activities for its guests. All these resorts are committed to sustainable tourism and use energy-efficient practices to minimize their ecological footprint.