Best memories are made in places that have the best scenery! This Kodaikanal itinerary will help cover the best sightseeing places, nearby attractions in two days.
Kodaikanal, this misty hill station, rambles up and down hillsides with evergreen broadleaf trees and forests. This place is the princess of hill stations for the right reasons.
Kodaikanal offers a panoramic view of the lush-green mountains. It is famous for its vibrant flora and fauna. It is a hub of big trees, fruit trees, eucalyptus, cypress, acacia and other varieties.
Curious to read more? Let’s begin.
How To Reach Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal has good air, road, and train access from major cities.
By Air: Kodaikanal doesn’t have an airport of its own. So, you have to fly down to the nearest airport
Madurai, which is 120 km away or Trichy airport, which is 150 kilometres away. Another relatively closer airport is Coimbatore airport, 175 kilometres away from Kodaikanal.
By Road: Kodaikanal is linked by road with many prominent cities, including Bangalore (260 km), Madurai (120 km), Coimbatore (175 km), Chennai (530 km), and Ooty (255 km).
Depending upon the budget and type of travel, travellers can choose from the mode of transport available – from pocket-friendly state government-run buses to private buses from these cities.
If you wish for a rental car with a driver, visit here for more details.
If you are looking for a self-drive rental car, visit here for more details.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Kodai station. About 40+ trains halt at Kodai railway station. Kodai is 100 km from the centre of town.
You can book a cab outside the station to drop you at Kodaikanal. Usually, the rates are non-negotiable.
If you are on a shoestring budget, there is a bus stand outside the railway station. If you opt for a bus, board a bus to Batlagundu, drop off there and get a connecting bus to Kodaikanal. The frequency of buses between these places is better.
Kodaikanal itinerary for 2 days
Is Kodaikanal worth visiting for two days? Yes, entirely!
This place will greet your eyes with the most scenic views, calming atmosphere, beautiful weather, and flavorful food.
There are various places to visit in Kodaikanal. This Kodaikanal itinerary is grouped based on the distance between the locations.
You can pick the ones from a particular group you want to visit as per your interest and time.
Day 1 – Of Kodaikanal Itinerary
1. Kodaikanal Lake
The Kodaikanal itinerary starts with Kodaikanal lake.
Located around 3 km from the main bus stand, you’d love to explore this star-shaped artificial lake!
It’s an enduring beauty that you can explore at any time of the day.
You can opt for boating at this lake. Although it’s the most touristy thing you will do in Kodaikanal, it is touristy for a reason!
If you wish to skip boating, walk around the stretched 5 km pathway around the lake, or go biking. Don’t expect a lonely trail here, but it’s undoubtedly worth it. The breathtaking view of this lake is absolutely free.
One side of the lake is filled with shops selling woollen clothes, handicrafts and street food.
2. Stroll on Coakers Walk
Image credit: Kodaikanal Tourism
Assuming it isn’t cloaked in opaque mist, the views from paved Coaker’s Walk are simply beautiful.
Picture-perfect for the morning and evening walks, covering the entire stretch at an altitude of 7000 ft, gives you an unparalleled aerial view of the valley.
Enjoy your time exploring this leisurely place.
3. Bryant Park
Image credit: Tripinvites
Bryant Park, a nature’s treat, is a botanical park and is home to a wide variety of flowers. The park is barely a 10-minute walk from the lake.
During the Annual Summer Festival, the Department of horticulture organizes a flower show at this park which is an enthralling experience.
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Location: Lower Shola Rd, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101
4. La Saleth Church
La Saleth Church has the most beautiful architecture in Tamil and French culture. Built in 1846, it is located 7000 feet above sea level.
You will be welcomed by a dense green mountain range from here.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 6 pm.
Location: Near Coakers Walk, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, 624101, India.
5. Kodai Chocolate factory
Kodai Chocolate factory has been around for a decade and is famous for homemade chocolates. Make sure you indulge yourselves when in Kodaikanal.
Apart from homemade chocolates, their other products are herbal teas, coffee, spices and aromatic oils.
Opening Hours- 9 am to 9 pm
Location: Pambarpuram, Golf Club road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101.
Day 2 – Of Kodaikanal Itinerary
1. Dolphin’s Nose
Image credit: Holidify
Dolphin’s Nose is yet another vantage point giving you a bird’s eye view of the mountains and the lush greens. Ideally, you can start your day with this trek. If you are not an early riser, keep this spot for post 2 pm.
Dolphin’s Nose is a 25-minute moderate trek with an uneven trail.
Along the way, you will also get to explore the Palani Hill range along with some small villages and a beautiful waterfall.
Once you are up there, you can witness a beautiful view of Kodaikanal hanging valleys, rugged terrain and lush greenery.
A couple of shops serve snacks, Maggi, along the way. The spot is truly a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
2. Vattakanal falls
Image credit: TripInvites
The Vattakanal is a gorgeous waterfall located in a serene forest.
Vattakanal waterfalls give you a calming view of the falls surrounded by forest. The falls are minor in size compared to the Silver Cascade Falls. Nevertheless, the waterfall’s location makes people fall in love with them.
3. Guna Caves
This cave hit fame after the Tamil movie Guna.
Guna caves are among the mysterious places to visit in Kodaikanal. The movie ‘Guna’ was released in 1991, which made people familiar with this hidden gem.
This place is great for camping, hiking and adventure buffs.
Do you have more time in hand? If yes, add these spots to your Kodaikanal Itinerary:
Astrophysical spot
Nothing can beat the Astrophysical spot’s Kodaikanal sightseeing.
Located on the rolling hill of Palani, it has a refractor of 20 cm, which is available for night sky viewing. The Museum has pictures and models.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 4 pm.
Location: Observatory Rd, near Govt Rose Garden, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624103.
Perumal Peak
If you genuinely want to witness heaven, Perumal Peak is where you should go.
The spectacular views of mountains with the cold breeze are a true delight. After strenuous trekking, this peak at 8000 feet above sea level is worth all the effort.
Berijam Lake
Berjim Lake is located about 23 km away from the Kodai bus stand.
This lake is among the cleanest and most tranquil lakes in Kodaikanal.
While the lake is open to the crowd of tourists, it maintains its pristine beauty by being one of the plastic-free zones. Lying within the forest areas, visiting forest-fringed Berijam lake requires a Forest Department permit.
This quaint reservoir offers certain activities such as fishing, safari tours, bird watching, etc.
Pro Tip: Be careful of Monkeys at the lake as they tend to snatch food and bags. The fog starts to cover the lake after 1:00 pm, so ensure that you reach early in the morning.
Green Valley View Point
Located at a distance of 5.5 km from Kodaikanal Lake and formerly known as Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a breathtaking view of the plains, deep valleys and hills.
The mesmerizing view of the Vaigai Dam is an unforgettable experience. It used to be known as a suicide point because of the dangerous valley, which is dense and deep.
Best time to visit Kodaikanal
The weather in Kodaikanal is pleasant all twelve months of the year. However, April to June is the best time to visit as the temperature is mostly between 20°C to 30°C.
The refreshing and pleasant breeze is excellent for outdoor activities like sightseeing, cycling, trekking, boating, etc.
The months from June to September mark the monsoon. The mountain is painted in green and blue, ideal for clicking pictures and equally soothing to the eyes.
If you wish to plan a getaway to a peaceful place away from the humdrum of city life and summer heat, this is where paradise is!
Some Helpful Tips
1. Ensure to pack warm clothing, as the evenings can get chilly.
2. If you plan on trekking or hiking at Kodai, pack a raincoat and umbrella for the unexpected downpours.
3. Many restaurants offer all types of cuisines from all over the world. But the famous cuisine of Kodaikanal is south Indian dishes. Relish it thoroughly.
4. Check up the timings of many of the tourist spots across Kodai. Especially the Green Valley (suicide point) gets covered in the mist at odd hours. It is not recommended to visit this place when the view is unclear.
Thank you for reading through!
You may also like to read How to Explore Ooty? Your Perfect Itinerary is here!
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