top of page
Image by Priya Singh

Kodaikanal
The Princess of Hill Stations

  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Location & Approach

  • Location – Nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Kodaikanal is a charming hill station known as the "Princess of Hill Stations.”

  • Coordinates – 10.2381°N 77.4892°E.

 

Surrounding Region – Located in the Palani Hills, with key towns like Madurai (approximately 115 km away) nearby.

 

Approach into Kodaikanal

  • By Air – Madurai Airport (120 km) is the nearest major airport.

  • By Rail – Kodai Road (80 km) is the nearest railway station, followed by a scenic drive.

  • By Road – Well-connected by buses and taxis from major cities in Tamil Nadu.

 

Weather & Best Time to Travel

 

Climate – Subtropical highland climate.

  • Winters (Oct - Feb) – Approximately 8–20°C. Cool, offering a serene, misty experience.

  • Summers (Mar - Jun) – Approximately 20–32°C. Mild, suitable for outdoor activities and festivals.

  • Monsoon (Jul - Sep) – Approximately 20–30°C. Lush and green but wet, with slippery trekking paths.

 

Best Time to Travel – The ideal window is from March to June for pleasant weather or from October to February for a serene, misty atmosphere.

 

Best Things to See & Do

Kodaikanal offers a diverse range of activities that empower well-being and create lasting memories.

 

Nature & Trekking

  • Kodaikanal Lake – Enjoy boating, cycling, and horse riding around this star-shaped artificial lake.

  • Coaker’s Walk – A paved pedestrian path offering panoramic valley views.

  • Pillar Rocks – Iconic vertical boulders providing stunning vistas.

  • Berijam Lake – A pristine and serene lake (requires forest permit). Ideal for picnics and quiet reflection.

  • Guna Caves – Mystical caves with unique rock formations, a popular cinematic location.

  • Silver Cascade Falls – A dramatic roadside waterfall, often the first sight for visitors.

  • Pine Forest – A serene place for walks and photography.

 

Cultural & Sacred Sites

  • Kurinji Andavar Temple – Dedicated to Lord Murugan, famous for the Kurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years.

  • Dolmen Circle – Explore ancient megalithic burial sites, offering a glimpse into prehistoric history.

  • Shola Forests – Walk through these unique montane evergreen forests, rich in biodiversity.

  • St. Peter’s Church & Christ the King Church – Examples of colonial architecture.

  • La Saleth Church – Known for its annual festival in August.

  • Palani Murugan Temple – (Day trip option) A significant pilgrimage site for Lord Murugan, accessible by foot or ropeway.

 

Informational & Unique Experiences:

  • Bryant Park – A botanical garden showcasing a variety of flowers, hybrids, and grafts.

  • Kodai Solar Observatory – One of the oldest solar observatories in the world.

  • Local Markets – Shop for homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, spices, and handwoven woolens.

  • Homestay Experiences – Immerse yourself in local culture with a stay in a cozy homestay.

  • Yoga & Meditation – Many places offer sessions for inner peace and rejuvenation.

  • Village Walks – Explore terraced farms and interact with local artisans.

  • Culinary Delights – Sample local South Indian cuisine, including fresh produce and baked goods.

 

Travel Tips

  • Dress Modestly – Especially when visiting temples or other religious sites.

  • Be Weather-Prepared – Carry a light jacket or sweater as temperatures can drop, even in summer. Also, an umbrella or raincoat is recommended, as rain is common.

  • Respect Local Customs – The locals are friendly and welcoming. Be mindful of their traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering a temple.

  • Book Accommodations in Advance – It is best to book your stay ahead of time, especially if traveling during the peak season from October to March.

  • Embrace Local Transport – While taxis are available, be sure to agree on the fare beforehand to avoid inflated prices.

  • Engage with Locals – A simple "Vanakkam" (Hello) or "Nandri" (Thank you) in Tamil can go a long way in enhancing your interactions.

Image by Abhishek Prasad
bottom of page