Kodaikanal travel guide

Things to do in Kodaikanal

1. Kodai Lake

   2 h · ₹100 entry

   Kodai Lake is a popular manmade star-shaped lake created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. It is the town's most prominent landmark, featuring a fully functional boat club, boathouse, and boat service.

   Tip: You can rent bicycles near the lake for a scenic ride along the shoreline

2. Coaker’s Walk

   45 min · ₹20 entry

   Coaker’s Walk is a gentle cliff-edge pedestrian path in Kodaikanal offering sweeping views of the distant plains and valleys. It is a peaceful paved walkway carved along the slopes, perfect for a relaxed stroll.

3. Pillar Rocks

   30 min · ₹10 entry

   Three giant granite pillars stand vertically side by side, rising directly from the dense shola forests of Kodaikanal. This popular viewpoint offers a striking perspective of deep valleys and rocky formations in the southern hills.

   Tip: Wear a sturdy pair of walking shoes as the surrounding pathways can get uneven.

4. Bryant Park

   45 min · ₹30 entry

   Bryant Park is a botanical park located near the lake in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. It features well-maintained flower gardens and varieties of plants and trees.

5. Guna Caves

   45 min · ₹10 entry

   Guna Caves, also known as Devil's Kitchen, features cavernous passages and deep crevices nestled among dense pine roots in Kodaikanal. The actual caves are now fenced off for safety, but visitors can still experience the scenic viewpoint and the moody, mysterious atmosphere of the surrounding area.

   Tip: Stay strictly behind the safety fences as the underground pits are deep and dangerous.

6. Dolphin’s Nose

   3 h · Free

   Dolphin’s Nose is a popular trek located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. It involves a scenic walk down through Vattakanal to a unique rock ledge that resembles a dolphin's nose, offering wide views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

   Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes since the path down can be steep and slippery.

7. Berijam Lake

   3 h · ₹100 entry

   Berijam Lake is a peaceful reservoir set in the upper Palani hills near Kodaikanal. Created by a dam with sluice outlets, this scenic forest lake is reached by a permit drive and supplies public drinking water to Periyakulam.

   Tip: Secure your entry permit in advance before planning the drive to the forest area.

8. Poombarai Village

   2 h · Free

   Poombarai Village is a charming settlement in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, known for its vibrant terraced farming hills. Visitors can explore the scenic agricultural landscapes and visit the historic Murugan temple situated right in the village.

   Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the village paths and surrounding fields involve slopes.

Where to stay in Kodaikanal

• Around the lake

  ₹2,000–5,000

  Walk to the lake, market and Coaker’s Walk.

• Anandagiri

  ₹1,000–2,500

  Budget lodges close to town.

• Vattakanal & Poombarai

  ₹1,200–3,000

  Quiet homestays and farm stays.

What to eat

• Homemade chocolates

  sweets · veg

  Kodai’s speciality, sold all over the bazaar.

• Pastry Corner

  cafe · veg

  Tiny bakery for sandwiches and brownies.

• Tibetan Brothers

  restaurant

  Momos and thukpa near the bus stand.