Down in the eastern spur of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu you will be enticed to the bracing mountain breeze bonded with fragrance of romance and spectacle of wilderness. Amid the potpourri of nature lies one of the popular hill stations in South India, Kodaikanal, at an elevation of 2,133 meters. It is a one-stop hill top destination for each and every traveller and especially a haven for weekenders from nearby buzzing south Indian cities and naturalists from all over the world. With the development of tourism industry in Tamil Nadu over the years, Kodaikanal today has flourished with many luxury, semi-luxury, budget and eco-friendly resorts and hotels that cater the lodging requirements of travellers from different landmasses. Kodaikanal host a corsage of attractions that include the sparkling Kodai Lake and Berijam Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Guna Cave, Bear Shola Falls and many more. It’s an ultimate natural paradise. Here is a list of best accommodation options in Kodaikanal from budget to luxury for the travellers looking for a refreshing holiday in Tamil Nadu. Luxury in Lushury
The Carlton
Overlooking the Kodai Lake, the Carlton, which is the only 5 star hotel in Kodaikanal, is a haven of luxury with 91 elegant rooms that include 84 deluxe rooms, 3 cottages and 4 suites. The regal aura in the midst a sprawling lush green landscape lays bare a charming ambiance that is further layered with pristine terrace gardens. The Carlton also offers a plethora of recreational activities having “The Carlton Boat House” where guests can go for the royal shikara ride; Health Club with steam and Jacuzzi; “Spa and Ayurvedic center” that offers a soothing environment and is equipped with both traditional and modern amenities; “Gymnasium” with all modern equipments; and “The Den” where one can spend some ideal hours playing indoor games. At the Carlton you have also the opportunity to experiment with some mouthful delicacies at the “Silver Oak Restaurant” which serves Indian, Continental, Italian, Chinese and Mexican food. At the “Hearth”… chill out with light snacks and beverages and during the sundown… sip a few pegs of exquisite cocktails at the “End of the Road”. On some special events you may also arrange barbeque at the Terrace. The Carlton is also crafted with a state of the art business center which is an apt venue for hosting events like weddings, anniversaries and seminars.
Hill Country Kodaikanal
A stunning countryside location… is that what you are looking for? Then it’s to be the Hill Country Resort in Kodaikanal which is approximately 4.5 kilometers from the shimmering Kodai Lake and 5 kilometers from Ooty Railway Station. It is one of the luxury hotels and resorts in Kodaikanal and is set in the midst of a picturesque landscape and spread over wide swathes of lush greensphere. This luxury property is equipped with all modern amenities that include two restaurants, a well stocked bar, recreational center, spa and Ayurvedic center and a business center. Hill Country Resort consists of 43 rooms, categorized as deluxe rooms, suites and cottages. At the Sowkhya Ayurvedic Wellness Centre you get to pamper your senses with a plethora of Ayurvedic therapies and treatments AND at the Orendo and Bambooza you have the option of slurping the best cuisines from all over the world.
Le Poshe By Sparsa
Away from the city din, Le-Poshe by Sparsa is a place of complete bliss and delight and peace. With 77 warm and cozy rooms and luxury fused in every corner, Le-Poshe brings an unparallel experience. Set in the scenic milieu of Kodaikanal the hotel captivates all the travellers’ mind with its plush ultramodern facilities. It maintains an in-house restaurant that offers traditional cuisine and other delicacies, a bar that stocks choicest spirits, a café, recreational center, and a business center with spacious banquets. It also houses a redefining spa, a fitness center, and a kids club.
The Fern Creek
Rated as one of the best hotels in Kodaikanal, the Fern Creek with its exotic and charismatic ambiance is crafted with elements of luxury, privacy and intimacy. It maintains 7 Swiss luxury tent villas that spread across 1.5 acres of lush green garden; a restaurant that serves a wide range of delicacies; and a spa, the Balinese spa, where one can experience the best of international therapies. The Fern Creek in the midst of the mystic mountains no doubt makes for a perfect hideout for honeymoon couples BUT it also offers a passive renaissance for each and everyone. At the recreational center one can spend some ideal hours reading books, listening to music and watching movies. Looking for some more? The camp fire area with natural seating is something that will spark the evening with some exquisite moment.
Kodai by the Lake a Sterling Resort
Spread across 6.5 acres of scenic landscape with manicured gardens, the Kodai – By The Lake, which is a Sterling Resort, overlooking the Kodai Lake and surrounded by serene mountainsphere is a one stop haven for nature lovers. Beholding the natural panorama this luxury property is crafted with 104 rooms having an elegant interior work and a kitchenette and a refrigerator respectively. The rooms are categorized into Standard rooms, Suites, Compact rooms, and Twin rooms. The Kodai – By The Lake undoubtedly is a classic example of an English countryside and is also crafted with a multi-cuisine restaurant, the Kuranjai Restaurant; a gift shop; a recreational center that maintains a gym, Jacuzzi, steam room and massage room. Within the premises, one can also indulge in indoor games like table tennis, billiards and carom. The Kodai – By The Lake is approximately 80 kilometers away from the Kodai Road Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station, and is close to the Sai Baba Ashram. Bit of luxury and oodles of comfort
Kodai International
Somewhere else? Far away from the troubles of city life and into a plush environment that is bedded over a rich biodiversity, the Kodai International, covering 14 acres of a serene landscape, is an ideal getaway for travellers seeking for a refreshing break. From the Savadi Group, the Kodai International brings in a cordial reception and an opulent ambiance with 70 rooms coupled with a gamut of facilities. Each room, categorized as Deluxe, Suite, Junior Suite and Superior Room, having classic wooden flooring and furnishing, maintains a host of facilities that include Colour TV, hair dryer, Internet access, minibar, attached bathroom, safe, telephone, laundry bag and luggage. At the Oasis and Orchard one can try out exquisite cocktails and authentic dishes respectively from an a la carete menu. The Kodai International also hosts a well equipped conference hall that makes it an ideal place for various corporate events. It is also crafted with a recreational center, gymnasium, Ayurvedic center and coffe shop.
Sterling Valley View Resort
Set in the midst of the Parappar and Gundar Valleys in a small village, Villapatti, and spreading across 7 acres of verdure, the Sterling Valley View Resort is one of the biggest resorts in Kodaikanal which is crafted with an unconventional architectural design. The premises arrays 156 dome-shaped rooms overlooking the valley and also maintains two well equipped conference hall, the Begonia, which can accommodate 400 people and the Plums that can accommodate 50 people. The resort also houses a multi-cuisine restaurant; Spa center, the Subuthi; lawns; and recreational center.
Quality Inn Sabri Resort
One of the 3 star resorts in Kodaikanal that is approximately 1 kilometer from the Kodai Lake and 1.5 kilometers from the bus stand, the Quality Inn Sabri Resort offers a posh retreat that is worth the money you spend. It maintains 34 eco-friendly rooms having unparalleled décor and amenities; an on-site restaurant and bar; a business center with two multi-purpose hall – the Windsor and Westminister. The Quality Inn Sabri Resort thus makes for an ideal place for both the leisure and business travellers.
Kodai Resort
Strategically located at the junction of Coaker’s Walk and Bryant Park and close to the town center, the Kodai Resort, which is yet another semi-luxury resort in Kodaikanal, maintains 50 stylish and spacious cottages with ample of features and classy bathrooms. Further, for hosting corporate and other events… the resort is crafted with two conference hall – the O. Conor Hall which can fit approximately 150 persons and a mini hall that can accommodate approximately 40 persons. At the open party area that also maintains a barbeque… one can chill out with one’s friends or family at certain occasions. At the Overdane, try out varieties of cuisine ranging from South Indian, North Indian and International.
Hotel Varaha Valley
Located on the Convent Road and close to the Kodai Lake, the Hotel Varah Valley is a path-breaker in setting a classy atmosphere in terms of amenities and hospitality. It maintains 45 comfortable rooms withal modern features; a multi-cuisine restaurant and other facilities like laundry, safe lock system, back up generator, doctor on call, play area and Wi-fi. You don’t need luxury to explore nature
JC Residency
Located in Naidupuram and close to Kodai Lake, the JC Residency is one of the best recommended budget hotels in Kodaikanal that is exquisitely crafted with 34 classy and spacious rooms having all modern features. The hotel further maintains a business center, is equipped with state-of-art audio-visuals and ceiling mounted LCD projector; fitness center with a high-tech gymnasium; in house multi cuisine restaurant; and a spa where you can choose from wide range of therapies. At JC Residency you can also avail for an adventurous night safari into the wild as well as an estate trip for a coffee break.
Hotel Gurupriya
With nonpareil services and high class amenities, the Hotel Gurupriya, which is another budget hotel in Kodaikanal, located at Laws Ghat Road, makes for a perfect getaway for travellers seeking both luxury and value for money. It maintains 25 comfortable rooms with simple décor and kitchenette. It also maintains a restaurant that offers a number of cuisine including Indian, Chinese, Continental and Tandoor.
Aarem Valley Resort
A perfect haven for budget travellers… the Aarem Valley Resort which is located on the Convent Road maintains 19 cozy and spacious rooms with simple décor and furnishing. It maintains a classy environment with all modern features that include a multi cuisine restaurant, a children play area, and Wi-Fi.
United 21
Although it is a budget hotel in Kodaikanal but United 21 which is located on the Vilpatty Road boasts off 24 exquisite rooms having classy décor and offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. It further maintains a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference center and also organizes local site seeing.
Green Forest Resort
Green Forest Resort is positioned at Fairy Falls road, near St. Peters School and maintains 12 rooms categorized as deluxe and super deluxe. It is one of the best budget hotels in Kodaikanal which features a swimming pool, an in –house restaurant, and a café. Further travellers can also head for several other activities in Kodaikanal as the Green Forest Resort organizes trekking and camping in Kodaikanal. Thus the Green Forest Resort is a perfect hub for budget travellers as well as adventurers.