Kodaikanal is a picturesque hill station located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. This beautiful hill station is also called the “Princess of Hill Stations”. The British developed this hill station in the early 18th century to escape from the heat of the Indian summer. This is about the 10 best places to visit in Kodaikanal that are very close to Kodaikanal Lake.
Kodaikanal in Tamil refers to as the gift of the forests. Kodaikanal is known for its rich flora consisting of big trees like eucalyptus and acacia trees. Pine tree plantations here yield fruits of the highest quality throughout the year. All activity at Kodaikanal seems to start and end at the Kodaikanal Lake. It is the centrepiece of all economic activity in the town.
Kodaikanal is offbeat and not densely populated like Ooty or Munnar. A favourite retreat for the elderly and a preferred holiday spot for honeymooners. Tourists will need at least a week to discover all the tourist attractions at the Kodai hills.
Travelling to Kodaikanal from Bangalore is a 470 km journey. Tourists can travel via Chamarajnagar or by taking the Bangalore Salem National Highway.
10 Best Places to Visit in Kodaikanal
U-taxi’s outstation services let tourists from Bangalore experience Kodaikanal’s attraction from the comfort and safety of a car. The Bear Shola & Silver Cascade falls which are just a mile away from Kodaikanal Lake is a good tourist starting point.
1. Kodaikanal – Bear Shola & Silver Cascade Falls
The Bear Shola Falls is located just two kilometres from the Kodaikanal Lake is a popular tourist spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that comes to life in the monsoons. Water flows down from the hilltop making its way through the verdant greenery of the region.
Its often being told that his place is about a bear that frequented this place often and hence is called Bear Shola Falls. A visit to the falls will bring one up close to rare species of animals and plants.
Silver Cascade Falls is a haven for all nature lovers. This waterfall is at an altitude of 2318 meters above sea level. It is a picturesque waterfall with water cascading from a height of 180 feet.
Bathing in the waters is said to cure common ailments since the water is mineral-laden. The fall appears to look like silver flowing down a cliff and thus called the Silver Cascade Falls.
Kodaikanal’s lofty mountains hold hidden treasures waiting to be discovered including the Dolphin’s Nose.
2. Kodaikanal – Dolphins Nose
The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint is where one can experience Kodaikanal at its best. This place is a flat, protruding piece of rock shaped like a dolphin’s nose.
It forms a visible cliff at a height of 6,600 feet. Reaching the spot requires a moderate level 3 km long trek through the pines and rocks of the Palani Hill Range.
It is possible to explore a nearby waterfall and a local village along the way. Tourists will love the mountain view when a mystical fog has covered the surrounding valley.
A quiet retreat into the mountains is a splendid way to engage in some soulful introspection. Dolphins Nose is open all days from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee charged.
Kodaikanal’s hills are shrouded in mystique especially the Guna caves.
3. Kodaikanal – Guna Caves
Guna Caves is a unique heritage site also known as the Devil’s Kitchen. It is a group of caverns located amidst three huge boulders known as Pillar Rocks. The gorge also remains filled with thick cloud cover during the off-season. To reach the hilltop, visitors need to walk 400 meters from the main entrance.
Reaching the caves is through the pine forest where the roots of trees appear emerging from the ground. Guna Caves gained popularity after the Tamil movie Guna was filmed here in 1992. Tourists can visit the caves on all days between 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. An amount of ₹ 10 is the entrance fee from tourists.
A must-visit for the faithful is the beautiful & serene La Saleth Church.
4. Kodaikanal – La Saleth Church
The La-Salette church is one of the oldest churches, about 133 years old. The statue of Our Lady of La Salette is present inside the church. Mother Mary gives the pilgrims her blessings with poignant grace.
The church beautifully depicts excellent Tamil French architecture. La Salette’s interiors are adorned with the statues of many saints.
A walk through a beautifully crafted Coaker’s walk is never to be missed. It is also one of the 10 best tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal.
5. Kodaikanal – Coakers Walk
Coaker’s walk is an artificial pathway that lets visitors admire the natural beauty of the Alpine landscape. Coakers Walk is a kilometre-long walk for tourists to get a glimpse of the verdant hill landscape.
The curves by the edge of the gorgeous mountain let visitors get a glimpse of paradise on earth. It is a preferred location for morning and evening walks and nature lovers.
One can also choose to ride a bicycle to explore the scenic location. The sight is breathtakingly beautiful, and it almost makes one feel like walking in the clouds. An entrance fee costs ₹ 10 for adults while ₹ 20 is for a telescopic to view the Kodaikanal valley.
A visit to the spectacular Ooty hills is also worth your time. Please read the blog about Ooty and its attractions here.
The resplendent Kurunji Andavar temple dedicated to Lord Murugan will leave tourists spellbound in divine bliss. The temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Kodaikanal.
6. Kodaikanal – Murugan Kurunji Andavar Temple
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan who is also called the Lord of the Hills. The temple is one of the most revered places of worship in Kodaikanal. The rare Kurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years, covering the entire valley with their blue and purple hue.
Kurunji flowers are offered to the deity and thus worshipped as Murugan Kurunji Andavar. One can immerse in the beauty of the surroundings and experiencing peace and serenity here. Kurinji means hill region, and Andavar means God. So, Lord Murugan is worshipped here as The God of the hills.
There are small shops on the way to the shrine selling novelties. Tourists can also savor some delicious local delicacies here. There is no thoroughfare to visit the temple. The temple is open all days from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Astronomy lovers will be a delighted lot when touring the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
7. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Established in 1899, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The observatory is located at a strategic geographic position. It holds an extensive collection of solar data dating back to the 19th century. The observatory is an off-beat tourist hotspot and a must-visit for astronomy and space enthusiasts.
Visitors can see a 20 cm refractor that helps observe the movement of comets and other celestial objects. The exhibits here are mostly pictorially backed by models of celestial objects. The best time to visit the observatory is in the mornings between 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. However, it is advisable to check local listings before planning a visit to the observatory.
Chettiar Park is a maze of vibrant colour in the heart of Kodaikanal town. It is one of the 10 best places to visit in Kodaikanal.
8. Kodaikanal – Chettiyar Park
The Chettiar Park is also one of the key attractions in Kodaikanal. A wide variety of flowering plants decorate the lush green lawns of the park in vibrant colours. Also, the park is a pleasant getaway for all city dwellers.
The park comes to life once in 12 years when the Kurunji flowers turn the surrounding landscape into a vista of purple and blue. Chettiar Park is open all day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The local administration charges a nominal entrance fee of ₹ 10 per person.
Kodaikanal is famous for the annual ten-day summer festival along with a three-day flowers show. The flower show is held at Bryant Park every year.
Visitors feel engaged with various cultural programs and competitions during the festivities. The cultural events that attract visitors are the rangoli competition, a kabaddi tournament, and Bharatanatyam performances.
Bryant’s park is no different and can be clubbed with a visit to the Chettiar park. It is one of the 10 best places to visit in Kodaikanal.
9. Kodaikanal – Bryant’s Park
Bryant’s park is another popular attraction among tourists and locals alike. It covers an area of 20 acres. Besides, it is home to over 325 species of trees, shrubs, and cacti. Bryant Park boasts of preserving 85 varieties of flowering plants. These plants come to life in vibrant colour during the summer season. An old eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi tree are other key attractions.
A greenhouse within the park campus supports an assortment of flowers, ferns, and exotic plants. Besides, it is a popular picnic spot for families. Parents love watching their kids run around and tumble in the grass.
Poombarai is for the avid nature lover, an offbeat visual delight set amidst the Kodaikanal hills.
10. Kodaikanal – Poombarai Village
Poombarai is a tiny village near Kodaikanal that offers tourists an offbeat village experience. The quaint town is famous for the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple. Inscriptions that date back to over 3000 years can be seen at the temple.
Legend has it that the sculptor was so engrossed in sculpting Lord Murugan’s face that the rest of his body does not have the same grace as that of the face. Travellers can spend blissful time at the temple and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Poombarai is also called the garlic village. Garlic grown here has a unique piquant flavour, taste, and enhanced medicinal value. The Poombarai village looks brilliant when viewed from a distance. It looks spectacular in pastel colours, red-tiled roofs, and a gradual slope ideal for growing garlic.
Planning a holiday to the 10 best places to visit in Kodaikanal
A fascinating Kodaikanal holiday from Bangalore can be planned with U-Taxi. A Bangalore-based taxi rental company that helps people with every travel need. U-Taxi’s outstation Taxi Service offers low-cost taxi rental services to any destination in South India.
It provides the best outstation taxi service in Bangalore. U-Taxi’s affordable outstation taxi services in Bangalore are designed to keep everyone happy with pocket-friendly taxi rates, well-maintained vehicles and prompt 24/7 customer service.
Its time to head to the “Princess of the Hills”
Hill stations are a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Kodaikanal is unique as it gives travellers a holistic travel experience. The fresh air, picturesque surroundings, botanical gardens, and fabulous scenery makes Kodaikanal a must-visit.
The best places to visit in Kodaikanal are the most tranquil with exotic locales and untouched green lands. Experiencing a long boat ride on the Kodaikanal Lake.
Enjoying quality time with family and friends at Bryant’s and Chettiar Park. Soaking in the magnificent beauty of the Nilgiri hills at the Coakers Walk & Guna Caves.
Shopping for spices like pepper, honey, eucalyptus oil & homemade chocolate. Indulging in a floral visual delight during the Kodaikanal Flower Show are some of the must-dos in Kodaikanal.