KODAIKANAL WEEKENDS
As per the archaeological evidence of this particular region, human habitation dates back to as early as the Chera Dynasty. The artifacts like earthen pots found at this site somewhat prove that the earliest residents of this area were the Palaiyar tribals. Even one can find some particular references to Kodaikanal in Tamil Sangam literature. It is also said that modern Kodaikanal was settled by Christian missionaries along with the Bureaucrats in 1845. Visiting Kodaikanal can be a fruitful experience for you in terms of gaining new insights and learning so many new things. Located in the hills of Dindigul, the beauty of this place is such that it is also known as The Gift Of The Forest. Kodaikanal is a true gem of the state of Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal can be visited at any time of the year.
KODAIKANAL SIGHTSEEING
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake is a natural freshwater lake that is situated at a distance of 22 Km from the Kodaikanal bus stand. It has moved ahead to be one of the leading tourist destinations in Kodaikanal since 1990. The lake not only offers amazing refreshing scenic beauty for nature lovers but at the same time it also serves as a home to numerous other wildlife creatures. The major attraction of the Berijam lake is the sparkling blue crystalline water.
Palani Hills
Palani Hills is a mountain range in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. It is an eastward extension of the astounding Western Ghats. The highest elevation of this hill range reaches up to a massive height of 8,200 feet above the sea level. Palani Hills is regarded as an apt place for spending a good quality time with the loved ones. Also, one can experience the thrill of rock climbing and trekking here.
Coakers Walk
Coaker’s Walk is a 1 km long stretch of paved path. Many tourists visit the place for morning and evening walks or get a glimpse of the sunsets or sunrises. The overlooking view is surrounded by hills, plateaus and rivers. Coaker’s Walk was constructed in 1972 by Lieutenant Coaker. It is situated at a distance of 0.8 kilometres from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand, it is only 500 meters away from Kodaikanal Lake, or Kodai Lake. The pathway toward the ascent of this steep slope commences at Van Allen Hospital and traverses the surroundings of St. Peter’s Church.
Mannavanur Lake
Mannavanur Lake is one of the most serene places that you can visit on a Kodaikanal trip. This lake, as the name suggests is located in Mannavanur village, which is around 34 km away from Kodaikanal, Dindigul district of Tamilnadu. This picturesque lake can be seen as you drive down to the village. The view of the lake amid the captivating meadows with majestic hills at some distance is worth capturing. The drive to the lake is equally enchanting with eucalyptus and pine trees surrounding the road on both the sides. As you pass across these trees, lush greenery with rich flora and fauna greets you at Mannavanur.
Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is an artificial lake and is also called Kodai Lake by the locals. The lake is located just 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand, so it is easy to reach. Kodai Lake is an ideal treat to enjoy your end of the week here, and you can pick the extravagant resorts arranged close by to make the most out of your outing here. There are activities which add more enjoyment and significance to this place, and it will keep you occupied.
Pine Forest
Pine Forests are a result of the efforts of Mr. Bryant, who had started the pine plantations in order to grow the timber. Plantation was done in the year of 1906. The sight of umpteen numbers of pine trees, standing majestically, welcoming you to their world is nothing less than a nature’s wonder. The entire Pine forests appear gray with dried cones and leaves. This forest is surrounded by vegetation of mushrooms, often called as magic mushrooms, which are said to be hallucinogenic.It not only makes for a unique sightseeing choice but also an ideal place for walks and relaxing.
Poombarai Village
Poombarai is a tiny village that is famous for its production of garlic. It is comfortably nestled among terraced fields and lush greenery.You get to see colourful houses laid out in neverending greenery. Poombarai is as tranquil as it is mesmerising, and makes for a fantastic addition to any Kodaikanal trip.
Dolphin's Nose
Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal is something you should never miss on.The Dolphin’s Nose offers enthralling views of the entire city. Rugged terrains, clear skies, plunged valleys, and the splendour of lush green surroundings is what sums up the beauty of Dolphin’s Nose.It gives it a resemblance to the shape of the nose of a dolphin.Mother Nature has made this place available and easily accessible for tourism. So, if you are looking to spice up your Kodaikanal visit with an additional flavor, get on your adventurous sporting shoes and start ascending the route of Dolphin’s nose.For some, the path to the Dolphin’s Nose may seem to be easily accessible; for others it’s a moderately difficult one.
Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks, in the small town of Kodaikanal, is not only a stunning tourist attraction but also a place with a fascinating history. The place is known for its scenic beauty and serenity, which people seek out for a rejuvenating holiday. While there are many interesting places to see when you are in Kodaikanal, there are none quite like the Pillar Rocks. These consist of three giant rock formations that stand tall at a height of 400 feet from the ground. Towering over the plains of Kodaikanal, they offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding natural beauty from its many vantage points. The Pillar Rocks are sought out by rock climbers, trekkers, hikers, mountain climbers and even families and friends who are in for an adventure-filled time in Kodaikanal.
Guna Cave
Guna Caves is one of the mysterious tourist attractions in Kodaikanal that promises an enthralling experience. Originally known as Devil’s Kitchen, these caves are actually caverns formed between the three boulders of the mountain.they gained huge tourist attraction only after the Tamil movie “Guna” shot here became a massive hit. Today, parts of the caves can be seen from a distance. Bats are found in plenty inside the Guna Caves which make the place look scary.The path through the pine forests from the main entrance of the Guna Caves to the actual caves looks out-of-the-world. The huge roots of the pine trees are found everywhere outside the soil and promise a good scope for photography at this tourist spot.
Bryant Park
Kodaikanal tour offers you with many tourist spots. One of the most popular ones is Bryant Park. Situated on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park is a botanical park and a blessing on the hill station for those interested in botany. The park is known for many kinds of flowers, hybrids and grafts. The park also has a glass house with many fine varieties of flowers which adds on to the overall charm of the place. In the month of May, a flower show is also conducted in the park which is a part of the summer festival.
Silent Valley
Another breathtaking sightseeing place in Kodaikanal is the Silent Valley View Point. On the Berijam Lake road, it is located near to the Pillar Rocks. A popular place among nature lovers, it offers a mesmerizing view of the valley. Its calming atmosphere and lush greenery add on to its charm while the view from here is sure to leave to awestruck. The best time to visit Silent Valley View point is early mornings and evenings or late afternoons. During this time of the day, the valley can be sometimes seen covered in white mist that passes between the trees, crossing its refreshingly green meadows.
La salette Church
La Saleth Church, Kodaikanal, Built-in shades of white and blue, the La Saleth Church is Kodai’s most valued church. It is very old, say almost 133 years old and is nestled magnificently on the edge of a cliff. It is known as Mother Salette Church where pilgrims throng in large numbers. The church is famous for the Our Lady of La Saleth statue that captivates your senses the moment you lay on her calming grace. The church is known among locals to be the epitome of beautiful architecture. It is an amalgam of French and Tamil styles of architecture. It was constructed by Father St. Cyr who was cured of sickness with the blessings of Mother Saleth. Apart from experiencing the enthralling architecture and paintings, you will also fall in love with the calm surroundings that make you feel one with God.
Kodaikanal Golf Club
Kodaikanal Golf Club is another popular place to visit in Kodaikanal. This golf club, located around 6 km away from the center of hill station is a perfect example of recreation amid the best of natural setting. It is located near to other popular sightseeing places in Kodaikanal such as Suicide Point/Green Valley View and Pillar Rocks. Kodaikanal Golf club boasts of 18 holes par 71 golf course. Presenting an ideal location for golf lovers, it is surrounded by breathtaking beauty and pleasant weather that makes the game even more exciting. The Golf club also offers a wide array of facilities.
Shola Falls and Shenbaganur Museum
Shenbaganur Museum is a place that makes for an interesting visit. Located at a distance of 5.6 Km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the museum is one of the best orchidarium in the country. It is now maintained by the Sacred Heart College – Theological Seminary which was founded in the year 1895. The Museum came into its present being because of the efforts of a Spanish Father E. Ugarthe.
Coffee / Tea Powder
There are two types of Coffee plants such as Arabica and Robusta. They have plenty of choice in Tea i.e: dust and leaf; black, green, black and white varieties; and flavours such as masala, jasmine, cardamom and even chocolate.
Chocolates
Kodai is also famous for Home made Chocolates, chocolates are considered the best across the nation. One should visit the Chocolate factory to buy your favourite chocolates.
Honey
If you are looking for honey that is raw and organic, you are at the right place.and you can buy Honey fresh from Nature.
Spices
Fresh and organically produced spices like cloves, nutmeg, pepper and cardamom can be bought from Kodai at reasonable rates.
Puliyodharai
Tamarind, coconut and rice are very common ingredients used in Tamil Brahmin food.
Paruppu Payasam
This traditional sweet dish is made with moong dal, jaggery, coconut milk, ghee and nuts.
Pollachi Nandu Fry
This one is for the seafood lovers! One such dish the Pollachi Nandu Fry.
Mutton Kola Urundai
These mutton keema balls flavoured with Chettinad spices will be one of the best dishes that you will eat in Tamil Nadu.
Chicken Chettinad
This mouth-watering dish is a specialty of the Chettiyar community of Tamil Nadu.
THE IDEAL PLAN
Start from Bangalore as early as possible. The ghat roads to Kodaikanal are good and broad. In terms of law & order it is very safe to drive at night too. The road you will be taking from Palani - Kodaikanal Road is narrow and a bit challenging to drive on. The route includes Hosur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem,, Namakkal, and Dindigul). After Hosur take a break at Krishnagiri for your Breakfast at “Shri Krishna Inn” near Shoolagiri, Wonderful place for your early morning breakfast, After Breakfast continue your drive straight towards Namakkal, and take a small break for your refresh with Lunch at “Adyar Ananda Bhavan”Salem Main Road No 66/214, Opp to K.S.Theatre, Namakkal 636001 India, # +91 96884 77070, After Lunch drive towards Dindigul and stop for your Coffee / Tea, or Some Fresh Fruit Juice later continue your drive towards Kodaikanal.
Location
Popular Hotels & Resorts
Hill Country Kodaikanal
₹4800 - ₹13500
Lilly's Valley Resort
₹4950 - ₹11950
GRT Hotels
₹5400 - ₹10800
Hotel Grand Palace
₹1791 - ₹9344
Elephant Valley Eco Farm Hotel
₹6500 - ₹8500
Hotel Raindrops
₹2999 - ₹5999
Pine Borough Inn
₹2500 - ₹2900
LUXURY BUSSES: PRICE ON REQUEST.
AUDI / SIMILAR (LUXURY CARS)
₹150/km or ₹1500/hr
WAGON R / SIMILAR HATCHBACKS
₹14/km
or ₹140/hr
INNOVA / SIMILAR MUV’S
₹18/km or
₹180/hr
SWIFT D’ZIRE / SIMILAR SEDANS
₹15/km
or ₹150/hr
TEMPO TRAVELLER / SIMILAR LCV’S
₹50/km or ₹500/hr
Weather for next 7 days in Kodaikanal
KODAIKANAL WEATHER
