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12 Best and Most visited Places in and around Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Always look for a place that can be a part of your memories to heal your soul….

Kodaikanal is known as the ‘Princess of Hills’ in South India. Situated amidst the upper Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, its beauty is something you have never seen before. Sometimes it’s beyond the capacity to explain in words. Scenic hiking trails, serene lakes, pristine waterfalls, ancient caves and beautiful temples and churches adorn the land of the most beautiful hill station, Kodaikanal.

It is very popular for Kurinji Flowers which take 12 years to blossom. The rejuvenating experience from the pleasant ambiance makes Kodaikanal worth a visit for honeymoon couples. Itis one such destination which should visit at least once in lifetime to dive deep into tranquility if you are looking for peace, to seek adventure if you are a thrill seeker, to cherish moments of love if you are a couple, to enjoy boating and sightseeing for an escape from hustle and bustle of the city if you are with family. It is one of the best Hill stations to visit in South India.

Quick Kodaikanal Travel Information

Kodaikanal Nickname Princess Of Hills
Landmark Destination Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Popular For Kurinji Flowers
Kodaikanal Name Means Gift of the Forest
Adventure Activities in Kodaikanal Biking, Boating, Trekking, Night Safaris
Best Destination for Couples Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal Pine Forest, Coaker’s Walk, Dolphin’s Nose, Perumal Peak, Bear Shola Falls, Bryant Park
Family Friendly Destinations in Kodaikanal Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal pine forest, Bryant Park, Anna Salai Market, Mannavanur Lake, Wax Museum, Coaker’s Walk
Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal October to June

Popular Kodaikanal Sightseeing Tour Packages

Here is a List of Top 12 Most Beautiful Destinations to Visit in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Tourism

  • Kodaikanal Lake
  • Green Valley View
  • Kodaikanal Pine Forest
  • Perumal Peak
  • Mannavanur Lake
  • Guna Caves
  • Coaker’s Walk
  • Dolphin’s Nose
  • Bear Shola Falls
  • Bryant Park
  • Wax Museum
  • Anna Salai Market

Also Read: Information About Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal Lake – Serene Solace

Kodaikanal Lake Tamil Nadu

The star shaped Kodaikanal Lake will be the joy of your heart and soul. The name Kodaikanal means ‘ forest gift’ (Kodai – Forest, Kanal- Gift). This lake is more than 150 years old. It was built by a collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge. Covering a space of around 60 acres, it is a place which will surely heal you with its serenity and tranquility. The gorgeous North-Western Palani Hills makes this place very alluring for photography. From boating, cycling and horse riding, this place will never make your day boring. It is one of the best destinations in Kodaikanal for a wonderful family holiday.

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Green Valley View- Views That Can Cure Stress

Green Valley View Tamil Nadu

Also known as Suicide Point, Green Valley View presents series of stunning vistas of plains, valleys and hills together. This gorgeous view of Vaigai dam will be there to seduce you again whenever you think of coming to South India for holidays. There are many small shops located in your way from where you get oils, chocolates, tea powder etc. The best time to visit here is November to February if you like the chilly weather of winters. It’s a perfect sight to get the most amazing pictures of nature. If you are lucky, you will definitely be able to see Vaigai dam as the clouds won’t allow you to see it most of the time.

Timings– 10:00am to 2:30pm

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Kodaikanal Pine Forest- Be Wild

Kodaikanal Pine Forest

If Mr Bryant hadn’t planted majestic pine trees in 1906, we would have been deprived of such a beautiful piece of nature today. In your Kodaikanal sightseeing tour, Kodaikanal Pine Forest will add delightful vibes to remember for lifetime. Hundreds of pine trees, lush vegetation of mushrooms and scenic and picturesque scenes of nature makes it one of the best sightseeing attractions in Kodaikanal.

If you are a nature lover then without any doubt you should visit this place once in a lifetime. Kodaikanal Forest gets muddy in monsoon but you will find this place amazing for photography. Horse riding facility is available to add more joy to the journey.

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Perumal Peak – Mesmerizing Piece of Nature

Perumal Peak Kodaikanal

If you love trekking then Perumal Peak in Perumalmalai Village is one of the best tourist destinations to visit around Kodaikanal. It is the highest peak in Kodaikanal which is connected to western Ghat mountain range. This scenic trek starts from Perumalmalai village which is of moderate difficulty. The most interesting fact according to the locals is that it is believed that an active volcano has been dormant for a thousand years.

Facility of overnight camp will enable you to gaze at the clear sky and feel the soothing weather. Refreshing views of Nilgiri hills and Western Ghats will be the sight of enchantment to your mind. How about telling stories to each other and sharing some romantic moments amidst the hills? Yes, it is also one of the best places for honeymoon couples around Kodaikanal.

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Mannavanur Lake – Embrace the Tranquility

Mannavanur Lake Kodaikanal

Don’t miss the most beautiful Mannavanur Lake if you are enjoying Kodaikanal sightseeing Tour. Located in poombarai village, surrounded by dense forest, Mannavanur Lake is a hidden gem that most of the travelers have yet to discover. Gorgeous meadows, pines, reeds and marshes will gaze at you with their soothing charm when you will be on your way to reach this lake. You will hear the sweet chirpings of barbets and woodpeckers around the lake in the morning.

The scenery around the lake is also very beautiful. You will witness the most stunning waterfall called Neptune’s pool and serene temples of Mahalakshmi Temple and the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple. You can enjoy a good time with your family and friends around the lake and boating in coracles and kayaks is the best thing to do here.

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Guna Caves- Mysterious and Sublime

Guna Caves Kodaikanal

Surrounded by Shola trees, Guna caves is one of the most interesting and popular travel destinations in Kodaikanal. It is named after a popular Tamil movie named Guna which was shot here. Guna Caves are actually formed by three rock pillars of a mountain. The roots of pine trees, narrow ravines, and perplexing routes will delight your soul. It is said that this cave was used as a kitchen for Pandavas. No lights and the presence of bats make people believe that there is an essence of the devil here which is the reason why it is also known as Devil’s kitchen. (Kitchen comes from Pandava reference and devil from bats).

Timings- 8:00amto 4:00pm

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Coaker’s Walk – Hold Hands and Walk

Coakers Walk Kodaikanal

Lieutenant Coaker constructed Coaker’s Walk in the year 1872 on the slopes of mountains for nature lovers. It is one of the best nature tourist destinations to visit around Kodaikanal. A long nature walks with your loved ones along with the most stunning views of the greenery and mountains will seduce your senses. The greetings of amazing sunrises and sunsets to the mountains will be the most mesmerizing sight to behold. Your lenses will be enchanted to capture soothing images and your feelings will be reciprocated by the gaze of greenery. For couples, this place is one of the best ones to hangout by holding each other’s hand. Food lovers can try Masala mango bhel and bhel to tickle their taste buds.

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Dolphin’s Nose- Be Enchanted with the Stunning Views

Dolphins Nose Kodaikanal

The rugged terrains of Dolphin’s Nose will enchant you forever. It offers a gorgeous view of the entire city. Partly closed sky, lush greenery all around, this soothing cliff resembles the nose of a Dolphin. The trail to the dolphin’s nose begins after Pamban Bridge and the climb is a bit steep and difficult. But if you are an adventurer and a thrill seeker, you will love the journey. On your way, you will behold stunning views of Palani range, adorable villages and a serene waterfall. Sometimes you will see a magical fog hugging the mountains and beautiful sunrises and sunsets will blow your heart away. It is one of the must visit places in Kodaikanal to blend with nature.

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Bear Shola Falls- You Will Surely Fall for It

Bear Shola Falls Kodaikanal

The stunning beauty of Bear Shola falls will be etched into your heart forever. This cascading waterfall is a form of nature’s laughter, serene water flows through the mountain and soul pleasing weather full of beauty, charm and pleasure will be enough to fine tune your tired soul who is looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you want to spend some quiet time with your loved ones, Bear Shola Falls is a place of secluded serenity to shut the chaos of your mind. It is one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal.

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Bryant Park – Welcome Nature Lovers

Bryant Park Kodaikanal

Located just near the Kodai Lake, Bryant Park is one of the top travel destinations in Kodaikanal to give you the bliss of nature. Wonderful space for sitting and relaxation with your family and friends, beautifully laid out lawns to feel the healing touch of serene surroundings, around 325 species of trees and the center of attraction – 160-year-old Eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi Tree will compel you to stay here forever. Nature lovers from all over the world visit here to enjoy the annual horticulture show.

Timings- 9:00am to 6:00pm

 Also Read: Adventure Tourism Activities in Tamil Nadu

Wax Museum, Kodaikanal- Awe Inspiring

Wax Museum Kodaikanal

Wax Museum is an awesome awe-inspiring travel destination to see in Kodaikanal. It houses wax statues of National and International personalities. Statues of Indian saints like Adi Shankaracharya, Sai Baba, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi will amaze your curious mind. It also houses amazing settings like Last supper, Jesus, Lord Krishna with gopis and folk dances. The scenes and surroundings will definitely captivate your mind.

Timings– 10:00am to 5:30pm

Also Read: Scenic Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

Anna Salai Market – Shopping Time

Anna Salai Market

Bo Derek has aptly said – “whoever said that money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” You would absolutely regret your decision if you don’t visit Anna Salai Market. It is one of the best shopping destinations in Kodaikanal. You will get everything from winter garments, vegetables, jewelries, wood products, brass wares, homemade chocolates to any kind of awesome souvenirs. Moreover, if you like baked items, it is the perfect place for you. This will definitely make your Kodaikanal sightseeing more interesting. The fun of travel increases if you have something to keep as a token of memory related to that place, so don’t miss this awesome place to do lots of shopping and spend an amazing time with your friends and family.

Also Read: Heritage Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Be it the bliss of nature, serenity of lakes and waterfalls, wilderness of the forests, delightfulness of the weather or the enchanting sublime mountains- Kodaikanal will always be the best travel destination in South India if you are looking for a peaceful escape from the chaos of the world for making wonderful memories with loved ones. So, if your heart is delighted to read this blog then please comment on the blog’s comment section and share your wonderful experiences with us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal for holiday?

The weather of Kodaikanal is always soothing. You can visit this place throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Kodaikanal is October to June if you love sightseeing and if you like trekking then visit it during October and February.

Q.What is the nearest airport & railway station to Kodaikanal?

  • Nearest Airport - Madurai International Airport
  • Nearest Railway b- Kodai Road is the nearest Railhead. It’s basically a rail- to bus transfer point for people visiting Kodaikanal.

Q.How can I spend 2 days in Kodaikanal?

You are in one of the most beautiful places in South India. So, enjoy the best of Kodaikanal tourism by boating on pristine lakes, sightseeing of amazing temples and churches, nature walks and trekking will give you immense joy. Enjoy the best cuisines in some of the finest eat outs. Shopping is the best thing to do here, but lots of souvenirs for your loved ones. Enjoy the soothing weather and click lots of pictures of nature.

Q.What are the best places in Kodaikanal for a honeymoon couple?

Popular festivals of Pushkar are:

  • Kodaikanal Lake
  • Kodaikanal Pine Forest
  • Guna Caves
  • Bear Shola Falls
  • Suicide Point
  • Coaker’s Walk
  • Bryant Park
  • Dolphin’s Nose
  • Wax Museums
  • Anna Salai Market
  • Pambar Falls

Q.How many minimum days are required to explore Kodaikanal Tourism?

To enjoy the best of Kodaikanal Tourism, you need three days. One to enjoy sightseeing at a slow and relaxing pace. Another day to enjoy adventure activities and the third day to enjoy the nearby attractions.

Q.What are the top activities to do for tourists in Kodaikanal?

  • Nature Walk at Coaker’s walk
  • Boating
  • Picnic at lakes
  • Camping
  • Trekking
  • Temple Hopping
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Night Safari at forests and plantations
  • Biking

Q.What are other best places to visit nearby Kodaikanal?

  • Dindigul
  • Theni
  • Madurai
  • Pillar Rocks
  • Berijam Lakes
  • Green Valley
  • Devil’s Kitchen
  • Coaker’s Walk

Published: 20 Dec, 2021

About the author

Pallavi Roy

She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.