Kodaikanal is a hill station in Tamil Nadu and it is also popularly known as ‘The Princess of Hills’. In the Tamil language, the meaning of the name of the place is ‘The Gift of Forest’. Once you are here, you will see the abundance of forest and greenery in this place. It is such a blessing of nature that the place is still so green and away from the urban grayness now.
When your heart feels tired of regular routine, your brain wants a break from daily work, and your eyes need to see something more than the blue light of your computer, take a break and pack your bags for Kodaikanal. Whether you are on a family trip or planning a honeymoon trip to Kodaikanal, this beautiful hill station will never disappoint you to revive your life. Here are the top 10 places that you should visit once you are in this hill station. Read on to know more-
List of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:
1. Coakers Walk
To begin the list of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal, we find this off-beat place a bit exotic. Basically, it is a 2km walk with a spectacular view of the mountains around the lush green valley.
The natural beauty will wipe off all your stress of walking and the shops beside the road are ever ready to entertain you. This walking is fun, especially when you go for it with friends and family. It is only 10km away from Kodaikanal Lake, so you can enjoy the beauty of the lake too.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best views.
- How to Reach: Located about 1 km from Kodaikanal Lake, easily accessible by foot or vehicle.
- Why Visit: Coakers Walk is a scenic, paved pathway along the edge of steep slopes offering panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.
- Things to Do: Take a leisurely walk, enjoy the stunning views, and try the telescope house to view far-off sights.
- Entry Fee: ₹10 per person.
2. Green Valley View
If you want to explore the beauty of the Vaigai Dam from the bird’s eye view, you can visit Green Valley View. Once you are at the top of the valley, you can experience the outstanding beauty of the lush greenery, enthralling valley, and the huge mountain as the backdrop.
The route is quite tricky and that makes it one of the dangerous viewpoints in Kodaikanal. But, if you are an adventurist by heart, you can try to reach there. When the mist covers the place and your view gets disrupted, you need to be very careful to be there.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for clear views.
- How to Reach: Located about 5.5 km from Kodaikanal Lake, accessible by road.
- Why Visit: Green Valley View offers breathtaking views of the plains, deep valleys, and the distant Vaigai Dam. It is known for its panoramic beauty.
- Things to Do: Admire the valley views, shop for local souvenirs, and enjoy the cool breeze.
3. Kodaikanal Lake
Kodai Lake or the Kodaikanal Lake is the central point of the hill station and it will charm you with its magnificent beauty. This manmade lake and the scenery around it engulf your senses and the picturesque beauty of nature is something that you may not find elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.
Besides, bathing in the beauty of nature, Kodai Lake also offers you several activities to attend to make your trip happen. You can go boating on the lake and experience the outstanding view around from the middle of the lake. This place is also the photographers’ paradise for scenic beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
- How to Reach: Located in the heart of Kodaikanal, easily accessible from all parts of the town.
- Why Visit: This star-shaped, man-made lake is a central attraction in Kodaikanal, offering boat rides, cycling, and peaceful surroundings.
- Things to Do: Go boating, rent a bicycle for a ride around the lake, or take a leisurely walk along the lakeside.
- Entry Fee: ₹40-₹100 for boat rides, ₹10 for cycling.
Also Read: Explore Tamil Nadu’s Best Places in December
4. Bear Shola Falls
If waterfalls are something that attracts you a lot, then visiting Bear Shola Falls in Kodaikanal is definitely worth visiting. Located only 2km away from Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls is a wonderful picnic spot for the locals and tourists. The waterfall has an interesting story behind its name.
It is said that this waterfall was a favorite haunt of a bear that used to visit the place to drink water. The lovely waterfall and the surrounding area are beautiful and you will find it interesting to spend time here. The exotic flora and fauna around the falls are worth watching. If you visit it during the monsoon, you can get to see the waterfall at its fullest.
- Best Time to Visit: During or just after the monsoon (June to September) when the waterfall is in full flow.
- How to Reach: Located 2 km from Kodaikanal Lake, accessible by road followed by a short trek.
- Why Visit: This seasonal waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a quiet retreat into nature.
- Things to Do: Trek to the waterfall, enjoy the natural beauty, and relax by the water.
5. Kodaikanal Pine Forest
If you don’t include Kodaikanal Pine Forest in your itinerary, it will be a great miss. Kodaikanal Pine Forest is delightful to watch as you can visit hundreds of pine trees, lush vegetation, and varieties of species of mushrooms over here.
The tranquility of this place is an add-on when you want peace around you. You can add more fun and excitement to your journey by adding horse rides. Also, the place gets a bit muddy in monsoon, but the beauty of the forest you can explore then is awesome. Visiting the Kodaikanal Pine Forest will be a lifetime memory for you.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.
- How to Reach: Located about 9 km from Kodaikanal Lake, accessible by road.
- Why Visit: The pine forest is a beautiful spot for photography and nature walks, with tall pine trees creating a serene and mystical atmosphere.
- Things to Do: Take a walk through the forest, enjoy a picnic, and capture stunning photos of the towering pine trees.
6. Berijam Lake
While talking about the top 10 places in Kodaikanal to visit, Berijam Lake will be one of those. The refreshing setting of the lake and the deep greenery around it will take away all your tiredness and refresh your mind and body.
This place is a wonderful picnic spot where you can have fun with your group. You can also go fishing in Berijam Lake, but to do that, you will need to get permission from the fishing department. To explore the beauty of the lake more closely, you can take a boat ride to the lake.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (permission from forest department required).
- How to Reach: Located 23 km from Kodaikanal, accessible by road with special permission.
- Why Visit: Berijam Lake is a pristine, serene reservoir surrounded by dense forests and rich wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, enjoy the tranquility of the lake, and explore the surrounding forest areas.
- Entry Fee: Free (special permit required for entry).
7. Mannavanur Lake
Kodaikanal is crafted with beautiful Lakes all over it and Mannavanur Lake is one of those. This is also a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals, but if you want to spend some time in solitude, you can always visit Mannavanur Lake in Kodaikanal.
Not only the lake, but the journey to it is also enjoyable. The pine trees and the eucalyptus trees create a canopy over the road and it feels soothing to take the drive. You can also go boating and horse riding here.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- How to Reach: Located 35 km from Kodaikanal, accessible by road.
- Why Visit: Mannavanur Lake is a hidden gem offering a peaceful environment, scenic landscapes, and nearby sheep farms.
- Things to Do: Take a boat ride, enjoy the serene lake, and visit the Mannavanur Sheep Farm for a unique experience.
- Entry Fee: ₹10 per person.
8. Kurinji Andavar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kurinji Andavar Temple is one of the favorite destinations of the pilgrims. It is the outstanding architecture of the temple that will blow your mind and if you are lucky enough, you can get to visit the famous Kurinji flower that blooms every 12 years.
Established by a European Lady in 1936, this temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kodaikanal.
- How to Reach: Located about 3 km from Kodaikanal Lake, accessible by road.
- Why Visit: This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is famous for the Kurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years. The temple also offers stunning views of the Palani Hills.
- Things to Do: Visit the temple for prayers, enjoy the scenic views of the hills, and learn about the temple’s significance in Tamil culture.
9. Bryant Park
Located in the middle of the town, this huge park can accommodate enough crowds without making the place clumsy. You can visit artificial ponds, flowering plants, gardens, trees, and open lawns inside the park. But, the beauty of the rose garden will blow your mind.
The garden hosts huge varieties of roses and when those are in full bloom, it looks heavenly. Also, there is a Bodhi tree and a 150-year-old Eucalyptus Tree to catch your attention. To visit exotic plants around the world, you can visit the greenhouse. It will take around two hours to visit the entire park in one go.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.
- How to Reach: Located near Kodaikanal Lake, easily accessible by foot or vehicle.
- Why Visit: Bryant Park is a well-maintained botanical garden known for its wide variety of flowers, plants, and trees. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Things to Do: Walk around the park, visit the greenhouse, and enjoy the seasonal flower shows.
- Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children.
10. Poombarai Village
On the slopes of the Palani Hills, Poombarai is a small village with a population of fewer than 6000 people. The view of this typical Tamil Nadu village is outstanding and the people are warm and welcoming. The main attraction of this village is the Kuzahanthai Velappar Temple that is 3000 years old.
Also, this place is famous for garlic cultivation. This is a picturesque village and not visited by many people. So, the beauty is untouched. If you are fond of off-beat places, Poombarai Village won’t disappoint you ever.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning to late afternoon.
- How to Reach: Located about 18 km from Kodaikanal, accessible by road.
- Why Visit: Poombarai Village offers a glimpse into traditional village life amidst terraced farms and stunning landscapes. It’s famous for its scenic beauty and the Murugan Temple.
- Things to Do: Explore the village, visit the Murugan Temple, and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and terraced farms.
So, these are some of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal. This hill station of Tamil Nadu is full of nature’s wonder and it can be difficult to finish in one go. Keep time in your hand to get introduced to the awesome culture and tradition of the place and visit the extraordinary viewpoints to make the pages of your memory richer.
Check More Infomation on Tamil Nadu:
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- Destinations to Visit Tamil Nadu in May
- Tamil Nadu Most Popular Offbeat Places
- Tamil Nadu 10 Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations
- Places to Visit in July in Tamil Nadu
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best tourist attractions in Kodaikanal?
Popular tourist attractions include Coaker’s Walk, Green Valley View, Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, and the Pillar Rocks.
2. What is Green Valley View in Kodaikanal?
Green Valley View offers breathtaking views of the plains, valleys, and hills. It’s also known as Suicide Point, though the fencing makes it safe for visitors.
3. How do I reach Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal is accessible by road. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (120 km away), and the nearest railway station is Kodai Road Railway Station (80 km away).
4. When is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
5. Is Kodaikanal worth visiting?
Yes, Kodaikanal is known for its scenic beauty, lush greenery, serene lakes, and cool climate, making it a popular hill station destination.
6. What is Kodaikanal famous for?
Kodaikanal is famous for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, Kodaikanal Lake, homemade chocolates, and eucalyptus oil.
7. What are some offbeat places to visit in Kodaikanal?
Offbeat places in Kodaikanal include Mannavanur Lake, Poombarai Village, and the Berijam Lake, known for their tranquility and picturesque views.
8. Which are the best viewpoints in Kodaikanal?
The best viewpoints in Kodaikanal are Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks Viewpoint, and Poombarai Village Viewpoint.
9. What are the must-visit places near Kodaikanal?
Mannavanur Lake, Poombarai Village, and Berijam Lake are must-visit spots near Kodaikanal, perfect for nature lovers and peaceful getaways.
10. What activities can I do in Kodaikanal?
You can enjoy boating on Kodaikanal Lake, trekking, cycling, visiting botanical gardens, and exploring pine forests.
11. What are some family-friendly places to visit in Kodaikanal?
Family-friendly places include Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, and Silver Cascade Falls, offering relaxation and fun activities for all ages.
12. Where can I see scenic views in Kodaikanal?
Green Valley View, Coaker’s Walk, and Pillar Rocks are the best places for scenic views in Kodaikanal.
13. What is the significance of Kodaikanal Lake?
Kodaikanal Lake is a man-made star-shaped lake, a central attraction for visitors to enjoy boating, cycling, and peaceful walks.
14. Is there a theme park in Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal does not have a traditional theme park but offers nature-themed activities such as trekking, boating, and visiting natural viewpoints.
