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 which seems to be quite a poetic description. Kodaikanal is a true gem of the state of Tamil Nadu.
The list doesn't just end here, yes, as this place is also known as the ‘Princess Of Hill Stations’ and has always been a popular destination for tourists who come here to unwind themselves in the symphony of nature. It won't be wrong to say that Kodaikanal helps you redefine yourself as a human being.
Talking about its economy, it is mainly based on the hospitality industry. Kodaikanal’s perfect landscapes, waterfalls along magnificent rolling hills make it an incredible travel getaway worth exploring and end up attracting a great number of tourists on an annual basis.
So, if you are looking for a place to breathe out all your worries then, you must absolutely give this place a try.
Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal can be visited at any time of the year. However, the ideal time for your trip to Kodaikanal can be between the months of October and March. These are the months when the weather is at its best. Apart from that, if you wish, you can also consider the monsoon months that fall between April and June as well as July and September.
History of Kodaikanal
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.
Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a gorgeous tourist destination. It is among one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Here's the list of the places to visit in Kodaikanal. Enjoy!
1. Kodai Lake
Visiting Kodai lake will be an interesting experience for you. The most likable part about this lake is its wonderful aura. It is also quite famous for boating, riding, cycling and many other things.
2. Bear Shola Falls
Hearing the name of this place may make you think about something dramatic. Definitely, it is quite an intriguing place. It has also been said that there were many bears who used to drink water from these falls and hence the name of this place was given as the Bear Shola Falls. Maybe that was in the past because today you don't get to see any bears here. But still, this tourist destination is definitely worth your time.
3. Pillar Rocks
Remember Avatar? The Pillar Rocks look somewhat like the Hallelujah Mountains. Those huge flying mountains will mesmerize you with their charm in the movie and (although not flying) in reality too. If you visit Kodaikanal this place is undeniably a must-visit.
4. Green Valley View
The scenic expanse of this place is something which you must not have seen before. The very air and the cloud formation in the vast sky create a scene that would turn you into a photographer. You would perhaps have never experienced such vastness and beauty of nature before.
5. Devil’s Kitchen
The name Devil’s Kitchen will really intrigue you. On visiting this place, you will find a deep cleft between Green Valley View and the Pillar Rocks. One can personally find it to be quite a scary experience. However, it is something which you won’t forget either.
6. Berijam Lake
It is located at the old site where once, Fort Hamilton used to stand tall and proud. This place is open from 9 am to 3 pm. And the entry here is free. You can hire a jeep along with a few other people to explore the wildlife and it would be one of the most amazing travel experiences for you.
How to Reach Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is all about experiencing wonderful weather conditions, cliffs, nature, and everything beautiful. From Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata you will need to cover an approximate distance of around 2,644, 1,457, 467, 2,196 km respectively. Let’s discuss how you can reach Kodaikanal via the following routes.
By Air
Kodaikanal doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is the Madurai Airport which is located at an approximate distance of 130 km. So, after deboarding, you will need to cover the remaining distance via some means of public transportation. Various airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India operate with a good frequency to and fro Madurai. You can easily get a flight to Madurai from Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kodaikanal
By Train
The nearest train station from Kodaikanal is the Kodai Railway station situated at an approximate distance of 80 km. This railway station lies between Dindigul and Madurai. It is also considered a local business hub. Yes, the presence of retail shops that are open 24x7 attracts a great number of tourists which is good for the economy of this place.
In close proximity to this station lies the Mariamman temple where you can make a visit and seek blessings of the deity where Shakti is worshipped in her Suyambu form.
- From Delhi - you can take Himsagar Express or Navyug Express via H. Nizamuddin station
- From Tirupati - you will need to board Himsagar Express via Tirupati railway station
- From Mysuru - you can take TUTICORIN Express via Mysuru Junction.
By Road
Traveling to Kodaikanal via road can be a fun experience too. This city is well-linked with several other prominent cities.
- From Bengaluru - you will need to cover an approximate distance of 460 km via NH 44
- From Coimbatore - you will need to cover an approximate distance of around 177 km via Palani Kodaikanal road or NH83
- From Madurai - you will need to cover an approximate distance of around 116 km via NH 85 or Laws Ghat road.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kodaikanal
Q. Where is Kodaikanal located?
A. Kodaikanal is a hill station located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Q. What are some popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal include the Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, Green Valley View, and Kurinji Andavar Temple.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
