Kodaikanal Tourism

4.4 / 5 Beaches, Hills Valleys, Hill Stations, Honeymoon,

Ideal Duration : 1-2 days Best Time : September to May
Visit 33 Places
"The Princess of Hill Stations" Kodaikanal Tourism Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests. Famously known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal offers the perfect mix of culture and nature to tourists, and its perfectly manicured slopes, scenic waterfalls, rolling hills and clear lakes all come together to create the perfect setting for an ideal mountain getaway. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the huge forests surrounding the town. Download Kodaikanal PDF Guide > What's Great? Abundant in natural beauty. Kodaikanal is an ideal spot for the family trips, honeymooners, adventure freaks and also for those who love to explore the untouched places. What's not so Great? Nearest railway station and airport are situated far away from the main city. Since there are very few means of transportation from the airport, cab charges are generally higher and non-negotiable. For Whom Kodaikanal is a place to be for every kind of traveler. Ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, adventure lovers and also for the hippies.

What Makes Kodaikanal An Amazing Tourist Destination One of the most famous landmarks of Kodaikanal is the Kodai Lake, which is a huge lake spread across an area of 60 acres. You would be surprised to know that this huge star-shaped lake with rolling hills surrounding its borders is actually a manmade lake. The place has ample opportunities for tourists to avail of services like boating, cycling, and even horse-riding. A big part of the experience of visiting Kodaikanal lies in visiting the various viewpoints that the town has on offers, such as Green Valley Viewpoint, Pillar Rocks Viewpoint, and the famously-known Dolphin?s Nose Viewpoint. You need to partake in a moderate uphill trek to reach a few of these viewpoints, but the view from the top ? clear skies and rugged mountain terrain at its finest ? is worth it. A big part of Kodaikanal still remains untouched by the tourist influx, and anyone looking to acquaint themselves with the old-world charm of the town only has to take a stroll along these areas to experience the best of Kodaikanal?s tradition and culture. For travellers who prefer engaging in a little hustle and bustle to get a feel of the place, the town has plenty of markets where you can spend hours exploring and relaxing. The one place you really need to visit when you go to Kodaikanal is Coakers Walk, which is a beautifully decorated one-kilometre walkway that promises stunning views of the city and the mountains. Located at a very high point, taking a walk along the path of Coakers Walk actually feels like walking among the clouds. It is a very popular location preferred by tourists and locals alike for morning and evening walks, and for capturing stunning views of the hills and valleys of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal is famous for its homemade assorted chocolates, so make sure that you don?t leave the city without shopping for these chocolates on your way back. The Princess of Hill Stations The Gift of Lakes and hills from God Kodaikanal is known as the "Gift of god" and "princess of hill stations". And, why not? True to its name, the Kodai town is famous for its bewitching beauty of the hills and lakes and for the pleasant chills of its weather. The moment you enter the boundaries of Kodaikanal, you will feel a fall in the temperature and rise in the scenic beauty. Situated at an elevation of 2100 from the sea level, there are numerous spots which can offer you the enchanting beauty of Kodaikanal. Coaker's walk- do not miss the sunset and sunrise from this spot. Green valley view, Dolphin's nose are the other viewpoints in Kodaikanal famous among the tourists for the landscapes. Heaven for Trekkers and Hippies If you love to explore nature and trek through the adventurous trails while you enjoy the surreal view around you, then Kodaikanal is the place to be. Not only a scenic beauty, Kodaikanal is also a hub of a number of beautiful treks. Trek to Dolphin's nose, where you will be greeted by one of the most beautiful sceneries that you had ever seen in your life. Trek of Periyakulam Adukkam is one of the most challenging treks in Kodaikanal. Unknown to many, Kodaikanal is also a hotspot for the hippies. As you take a step out of the conventional sightseeing of Kodaikanal, you will come across the little hamlets which offer the same beauty with a tinge of hippie and psychedelic culture. You can also trek to Vattakanal and enjoy the virgin beauty of biodiversity and experience the infamous hippie culture. History of Kodaikanal References of this hill station were found in the early Tamil Sangam Literature. The native tribe of the place was called the Palaiyar tribe. After them, Kannuvar Vellalans from Coimbatore plateau, who did farming businesses with this tribe emigrated to Kodaikanal. They ruled the place for some time followed by the Maratha and then the Muslims. The Kodaikanal that exists today was built by British bureaucrats and American Christian monasteries. As this city remained cold even during the summers, they sought refuge here from the heat of the plains. The Anglican Church of St. Peter was the first church built here in the year 1853. Kodaikanal got its fame as the 'honeymoon destination' in the early 20th century and has been a famous one ever since.

Itinerary Day 1:Arrive at Kodaikanal. Check-in at the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for local sightseeing after some rest. Visit Coaker's Walk. Afterward, Visit Kurinji Andavar temple. Later, visit Green Valley point, another viewpoint famous for its natural vistas.Day 2:Trek to Dolphin's Nose: One of the must-visit places of Kodaikanal. Then visit Shola falls and Pillar rocks. Afterward, you can visit Guna caves also known as Devil?s kitchen to complete your day.Day 3:Leave for Kodai Lake after breakfast. You can also visit Silver Cascades, the waterfall formed by the Kodai lake. Later, pay a visit to the Bryant park, a botanical garden with the vibrant variety of flora. Visit Berijam lake, a freshwater lake located amidst the dense Shola forests of Kodaikanal. You need a special permit from Forest Department to visit this lake.Day 4:Collect souvenirs from the local market. You can buy various handicrafts, clothes and hand-made chocolates from the market. Back to your respective cities.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kodaikanal Chocolates, Sandwiches, Brownies, cheeses and some hot 'chai' are the most sought after eateries of Kodaikanal. Other than these, there is a lot that stands out in this town such as locally produced organic foods, a rich and spicy dash of Punjabi cuisine, popular items of Tibetan cuisine, an absolutely lip-smacking variety of Biryanis, as well as an elaborate Gujarati platter. Find local and traditional platters here too, with essentials likeDosas, idilis, Upma, Parota, Sambhar, Rasam, Paysam, Kesari, Sweet pongaland lots more. View 12 Restaurants in Kodaikanal >>

Sep-Mayis the best time to visit Kodaikanal Being a hill station, the weather of Kodaikanal remains pleasant throughout the year. Although the best time to visit the place is early summers from March to June, you can also visit Kodaikanal at the end of the year from December- February. The weather remains a bit chilly during this period. During its peak seasons Kodaikanal also offers the vibrancy of various regional festivals such as Natyanjali festival, Pongal, Chithirai festival and Tea and Tourism fair that are celebrated with great pomp and show. Weather in Kodaikanal Loading... Kodaikanal in Summer ( March-June ) The temperature in summer ranges from 20 to 34 degrees Celcius. The weather remains quite pleasant in summers and you can feel the chills of the breeze even in the summers. This is the best time to enjoy the sightseeing in this beautiful town of Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal in Monsoon ( June-September) Kodaikanal receives a considerably average amount of rainfall during the monsoon season. Without a doubt, the place wears a new look in the monsoon with the fresh greenery all around and becomes a heaven for the shutterbugs. However, the hill slopes become slippery and the waterfalls begins to overflow. It is advisable to not travel to Kodaikanal in the monsoon unless you are ready to bear the rainfall. Kodaikanal in Winter ( December-February ) The temperature in the winters does not go any lower than 8 degrees Celcius. During the winter season, Kodaikanal welcomes its tourists with the pleasant chills of the wind. You can also enjoy various treks and the famous Pongal festival is celebrated during the month of January. Monthly Weather in Kodaikanal Month Avg. Minimum (°C) Avg. Maximum (°C) January 14 31 February 16 33 March 17 35 April 21 39 May 20 37 June 18 36 July 17 34 August 17 35 September 17 35 October 17 34 November 17 32 December 16 31

Events in Kodaikanal Annual Summer Festival 20th May - 18th June Kodaikanal has long been referred to as the 'princess of hill stations' as it provides a perfect refuge from the tropical heat during summers. The summer festival has routine cultural programmes such as folk dance, folk music and bharatnatyam festival as well as fun activities like flower shows and 'catch a fish' events. Panguni Uthiram In Subrahmanya Temple 31st March One of the most famous temples in South India, standing at an altitude of 135 metres, the best time to visit the Subrahmanya temple is during the festival of Tai Pusam and Pangani Utiram Annual Horticulture Show, Bryant Park 15th May The best time to visit Kodaikanal, is during the annual flower show, where you can see an astounding 4 lakh plants in full bloom.

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