As the winding, winding ghat roads lead you up to the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal, the refreshing smell of pine trees instantly hits you. No wonder the name Kodaikanal literally translates to ‘Gift of the Forest’. Shrouded by misty mountains and seemingly endless stretches of forest and wildflowers, Kodaikanal exudes a tranquility that soothes the soul. Despite the throngs of tourists and color-coordinated honeymooners who keep pouring in here, Kodaikanal never fails to impress. From archetypal sunset and sunrise hotspots to hidden trekking trails and exotic cheeses and chocolates, Kodaikanal has something for everyone. So here is our list of some of the must-see places and things to do that are sure to make your trip to Kodaikanal truly memorable.
Kodaikanal Lake
A visit to Kodaikanal is incomplete without visiting this serene lake. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake in the evenings, take a leisurely walk along the lake or rent a bike and cycle; this lake is definitely the most famous attraction in Kodaikanal. Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket; this lake is undoubtedly the most popular picnic spot in Kodaikanal.
coker’s walk
Built in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker, Coaker’s Walk is a picturesque narrow footpath that winds beautifully along the edges of the mountainsides. Often shrouded in opaque mist, at Coaker’s Walk you can literally take a walk through the clouds. On a clear day, you can enjoy mesmerizing views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Chettiar Park
Chettiar Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal, attracting thousands of visitors every year. This well-maintained park is aesthetically landscaped with a fascinating array of flowers. The main attraction of this park is the purple Kurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years!
bryant park
Bryant Park is a must-see attraction for flower and nature lovers. Marvel at over 325 species of flowers, trees and plants, and a staggering 740 species of roses that abound in this park. Thanks to annual horticultural and flower shows, this park becomes a hotspot for tourists during the summers.
rock pillar
Put on your trekking shoes and walk to the famous Pillar Rocks, a group of three huge granite boulders. A short and slightly risky uphill hike will take you to the top of the rocks from where you can enjoy the best view of the green mountains surrounding Kodaikanal.
Devil’s Kitchen (Guna Caves)
Nestled between the rock pillars are the mysterious Devil’s Kitchen caves or popularly known as Guna Caves, after the Tamil film Guna (1992) which was shot here. Hidden about 500 feet deep in ravines, these caves are home to thousands of bats. A lush green path lined with ancient trees with unique formations leads you to the caves, adding to the mysterious element of the caves.
sheep farm
Hang out with cute little sheep on a sheep farm in the idyllic terraced village of Poombarai. Misty mountains covered in shades of lush green and dotted with white sheep idly grazing make for a postcard-worthy setting. A walk through Poombarai offers a beautiful insight into the simple and unspoiled agricultural life of the hillside villages near Kodaikanal.
Behiram Lake
Lake Bejiram is an idyllic lake nestled amid dense Shola forests on the outskirts of Kodaikanal. A fascinating journey through thick reserved forests will take you to this pristine lake. In the mornings, bison, deer, and a myriad of birds are seen around this lake, making it perfect for photography.
dolphin nose
Hike the rugged trail to Dolphin’s Nose for panoramic views of picturesque mountains, farmland and valleys. Dolphin’s Nose is a flat rock resembling a dolphin’s nose that juts out from the edge of a mountain overlooking a deep cliff. With natural stairs formed by tree roots and a narrow trail lined with tall pine trees, the hike up Dophin’s Nose is as picturesque as the view from the top of the hill.
Kukkal Caves
An excursion to the Kukkal caves is ideal for lovers of trekking and adventure. Believed to be one of the oldest caves in the country, the Kukkal Caves are ancient rock caves belonging to the extinct Palaiyar tribe. The impressive trekking trail to the Kukkal Caves will take you through beautiful pine forests, fields of geraniums and gushing mountain streams.
waterfalls
Home to the stunning Bear Shola, Glen Falls, Fairy Falls, and Silver Cascade; Kodaikanal is the favorite destination for waterfall lovers. During the monsoons, the Kodaikanal waterfalls come to life and attract crowds of tourists.
kodaikanal yoga center
A yoga and mediation workshop at the Kodaikanal Yoga Center is a must for the wanderer in search of the soul. This yoga center is ideally situated in the middle of an organic farm and offers a variety of short-term and long-term yoga workshops. For short-stay travelers, the yoga center offers quick orientation workshops in yoga and meditation.