Created Date: 29 January 2016

Krishanu

A tale of clouds... We made a sudden plan to visit

the location to get away from thecity heat. The place didn't prove tobe disappointment. Picturesquevalleys,...

Best of Kodaikanal Recommended by Indian travellers

856 travel stories about Kodaikanal by Indian travellers

Guide includes:About destination | Top things to do | Best accommodations | Travelling tips | Best time to visit

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About KodaikanalLocated amidst the folds of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill stations ofTamil Nadu. Nestled between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys, the town is situated on aplateau above the southern escarpment of the upper Palani Hills. Perched at a height of 2133m above sea level, this hill town is under the administrative control of the Dindigul district ofTamil Nadu.

To the north, Kodaikanal is guarded by high hills that slope down into the villages of Vilpatti andPallangi, while to the east, they descend to the lower Palani hills. To the south of thedestination, lies the Cumbum Valley; while to the west lies a plateau which leads to theManjampatti Valley and the Anamalai Hills.

History of KodaikanalThe word Kodaikanal in Tamil means Gift of the Forest. Known also as the Princess of HillStations, Kodaikanal is one of the most popular holiday destinations in entire South India. ThePalaiyar tribal people were believed to be the earliest residents of this place. In addition, theearliest mention of the area in the chronicles of history can be found in Tamil Sangam Literatureof the early Christian era.

In 1821, Lt. B.S. Ward was the first British to set foot on this land. In 1860, the first ever churchwas constructed in this town, which was accompanied by several other developments. Thesetook place between 1860 and 1871, when prominent leaders like the Governors of Madras, SirCharles Travelyon and Lord Napier visited Kodaikanal. By the 20th century, a few elite Indianscame to realise the worth of this hill station and started relocating here.

Things to do in KodaikanalSome of the prominent attractions of Kodaikanal include Coaker’s Walk, Bryant’s Park, BearShola Falls apart from the lake which is the main focus. Besides being a famous touristdestination, Kodaikanal is also known for eucalyptus oil, plums, homemade chocolates andpears. In addition, the place is also famous for the Kurinji, the flowers that blossom only once intwelve years.

Travelling to KodaikanalThe nearest airport to reach Kodaikanal is at Madurai (120 km) which has connections toChennai and Coimbatore. However, the airport at Coimbatore has more frequent connectionsto the rest of the country. It is situated at a distance of 180 km from Kodaikanal. Taxis areavailable from both the airports and cost about INR 2500 from Madurai and INR 4000 fromCoimbatore.

Kodaikanal is also well connected by bus to destinations within the state and neighbouringstates. Buses are available from Madurai and Dindigul which terminate at the bus stand in thecity centre. Bus services are also available from Bengaluru, Kochi, Coimbatore and Chennai.

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Trains can also be availed to reach Kodaikanal. The nearest rail station is Kodai Road, which is3 hours away by bus. However, Coimbatore Junction is the nearest major rail head withfrequent connections to major destinations in India like Bengaluru, Ernakulam, Mumbai,Thiruvananthapuram etc.

Kodaikanal is a year round destination; however, the best time to visit is from April to June,which is also the peak tourist season and again from September to October. In summers thetemperature ranges from 11⁰ - 20⁰ Celsius. In late February and early March, the temperaturesare lower and the nights can be chilly. It is best to avoid the monsoon season when there areheavy downpours and the region is covered in mist.

Accommodation Options in KodaikanalAccommodation options in Kodaikanal are plenty that range from Victorian styled star hotelsand luxurious resorts to modern trendy and ethnic cottages. Hotels in Kodaikanal areavailable in all ranges to suit any kind of budget.InformationState: Tamil NaduFamous for/as: HillAltitude: 2133 MPincode: 624601District: DindigulLanguage: TamilSTD code: 0242Weather: Summer 20 To 36°C, Winter 8 To 30°C

Featured review about KodaikanalIts a place that you will never regret after visiting"Kodai is this beautiful little town set in the hills of the Dindigul District, Kodai is referred to as the'Princess of Hill stations' and for good reason too. With a calm, serene backdrop and time willcease! The place has this incredible aura of soothing that clouds you just like the mist that you'dfind wafting around you while in Kodai.

The town has plenty of tourist places but if you are looking for some quality alone time orsomething like a Nature trip. You would have to probably travel a little away from the town as ithas now become like any other busy town, People flocking around in groups and a lot of noiseas well. For one lets say the most common must see would be, Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park,Coaker's Walk, Pine forests, Pillar Rocks, Guna Caves, Dolphin's Nose etc all of which arepleasant and worth a visit.

Speaking about the climate it feels like you've been kissed by the Gods, with a range ofsunlight, mist, rain, wind hues of colours and the occasional rainbow. The climates like degrees

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and at around noon would rise up to around 22 degrees or so the people around see us as abusiness opportunity to make a quick buck so you might want to keep an eye on the thrifty butapart from that the place is worth every penny spent." - Nafisur Rahman, Hyderabad, 1month ago

Off season is cheap."I went in March off season. The temperature is as low as 14-17 C. We got hotel by on-linebooking. We started from chennai at night 8pm by bus and reached there around 6 am in themorning. At around 5am, I wokeup, I'm travelling in clouds, the big tall trees welcomes you withaww struck view.

Day 1: We booked local taxi near to bus stand where you can share or book car alone,packages will be defined and you cannot bargain though. They took us to one place and calledit as 3 places like some cliff devil's kitchen suicide point. I Felt it as cheating done by car drivers.Do not miss horse ride from starting point to devil's kitchen. Though it's a small ride, I liked it.

Day2 : we went to lake, the lake is very big n boating you have to wait in long queues but u canextend if u want. Shopping n food near to the lake is waste of money. Then near to bus stand, insome international school we watched football.

TIPS:Temperature is low even in summer. Take all warm clothes.Food is OK as south Indian food but costly.Overall it's not a budget trip.Travelling is also costly.Do not miss cakes and bakery items available near to bus stand bakery. Everything will be donebefore 3pm and anything costs you Rs. 10.Try food in local restaurants.

Buy as many as chocolates you can. Do not think in this because they are just awesome and itcan never satisfy your soul. Try mix in chocolates instead of particular flavour and buy it near totourism places than inside the city." - Kamal divya Maddi, , 2 months ago

Awsome holiday ever"We went to Kodai at the time of summer in my home town. While entering in to its premiseswhich is away of 2500 mts above from the sea level. It welcomed us with a great entrance ofwater falls. There was full of crowd with couples but yet it was great fun to be there and then wewent to the hotel and took rest for the night. By tomorrow we have a steam bath in the hotel andwent out

It is famous for winter materials and chocolates of home made. There was also a centre lakewith lotus flowers which was as big as a width of 2 km. We had a boating ride there. There isalso a tall trees forest where wee had a party of my cousin chintu with a cake ordered previousnight there only. The cake was so delicious." - Devireddy Vamsi, Visakhapatnam, 3 months

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Read 856 Kodaikanal reviews on HolidayIQ.com

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Best hill station in tamil nadu"For a state which is often related to hot humid climates, Tamil Nadu offers Ooty, Kodai andYercaud as main hill stations. Of course there are others like Yellagiri and Palani but I wouldrate Kodai above all any day. It is less commercialized than Ooty and far less populated andpolluted. The climate is always pleasant and most of the time one would experience short burstsof rain showers and sudden dense mists.

I would recommend the holiday home resort for stay. It was built in 1947 and has been recentlyrenovated. Well the best about this resort is the scenic beauty. It is set-up exactly the way youwould have made your first scenery sketch in kindergarten." - Tarun Sharma, Bangalore, 3months ago

Fantastic Kodaikanal trip"Kodaikanal is a small hill station of Tamil Nnadu. It is fantastic place I had ever seen. Nearestrailway station are Kodaikanal (3 hours in bus) and Madurai(4 hours in bus). Frequently busesare available from bus station. Frequently trains are also available from Chennai egmore toMadurai and Kodaikanal station. It is almost 7-8 hours journey in train. Many sight scene arethere you will enjoy. Various type of tours are available. If you are physically fit then you shoulddo trekking trip you will enjoy most. Chookers tower is best hotel. Almost all facilities are there.Book room no 108 for enjoying the beauty of nature from your bed." - Satyabrata Khan,Kolkata, 3 months ago

Top attractions in Kodaikanal recommended by HolidayIQ.com travellersKodai Lake

Type: LakeEntry: FreeRanked: 1 Of 47Ratings: 5.84/7 (352 Reviews)"Boating facilities are mot adequate. There should be added facility. Cleanliness is not up to theextent. There is still hope for improvement to attract tourists. Safty measures are also sould beawailable according to the ages. Mechanised..." - Devaraj , Chennai, 2 weeks ago

Coaker's WalkType: View PointEntry: PaidRanked: 2 Of 47Ratings: 5.94/7 (137 Reviews)Timings: Monday - Friday - 07:00 To 19:00 , Saturday - 07:00 To 19:00 , Sunday - 07:00 To

19:00 , Public Holidays - 07:00 To 19:00

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"It's must see place and if you missed then you will miss the main place.Charges is minimalaround Rs 25 per head,apart from this it's small journey but the panoramic view is justawesome. You can carry camera and you can purchase food if you are..." - Manna , Kolkata,2 weeks ago

Pillar RocksType: MountainEntry: FreeRanked: 3 Of 47Ratings: 5.38/7 (86 Reviews)"The Pillar Rocks look majestic - jutting out from the hills that surround them like teeth. The thingis, however, that Kodaikanal is filled with view points - enforcing my belief that Kodai is ahillstation to relax in and be walked around, rather..." - Sreesha Divakaran, Bangalore, 3weeks ago

Green Valley ViewType: View PointEntry: FreeRanked: 4 Of 47Ratings: 5.25/7 (78 Reviews)"You must see to view the natural Lush Green Valley. From Top many small mountains andforests, will compelled you to have a peaceful sigh. These sights bring great awareness aboutto safeguard the Natural assets." - Rizwanuddin Rafiq, Bhopal, 3 months ago

Bryant ParkType: ParkEntry: PaidRanked: 5 Of 47Ratings: 5.58/7 (73 Reviews)Timings: Monday - Friday - 07:00 To 19:00 , Saturday - 07:00 To 19:00 , Sunday - 07:00 To

19:00 , Public Holidays - 07:00 To 19:00"Bryant Park should not be listed as a tourist attraction, IMO, or even a botanical garden. It's ahumble park, very, very green and beautiful. But it's jaw-droppingly spectacular. I loved theplace because you can take leisurely strolls through it..." - Sreesha Divakaran, Bangalore, 3weeks ago

Berijam LakeType: LakeEntry: FreeRanked: 6 Of 47Ratings: 5.71/7 (50 Reviews)"My management in high school took us to berijam for a trekking camp where we enjoyed alot.....they took us to deep forest (natural chola forest)...where the sand comprised of near

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sponge like......The guide said that it is a result of natural..." - Manoj Vishal, Chennai, 1month ago

Silver Cascade FallsType: Water FallEntry: FreeRanked: 7 Of 47Ratings: 5.38/7 (49 Reviews)"Pleasant to watch the water fall and it is a must. coracle ride ,boating and cycling are pleasantto experience. Lovely ice cream on the market shop is to be enjoyed!" - Loganathan k ,Salem, 3 weeks ago

Dolphin's NoseType: View PointEntry: FreeRanked: 8 Of 47Ratings: 5.78/7 (43 Reviews)"It is a good view point located little away from the regular access points. Easy to trek on itsown.. Few distances will be little sand path and few distances with rock.. You can see theelevation of rock on the hill " - Jose Dina, Chennai, 3 months ago

Kurinji Andavar TempleType: TempleEntry: FreeRanked: 9 Of 47Ratings: 5.67/7 (37 Reviews)Timings: Monday - Friday - 07:00 To 19:00 , Saturday - 07:00 To 19:00 , Sunday - 07:00 To

19:00 , Public Holidays - 07:00 To 19:00"Lord Muruga the god of Hills, also associated with this Kurinji Flower, which blooms once inevery twelve years, and 2016 is the year to bloom. Kurnji means " Hill Region". One can have aview of Palani and Vaigai dam, Just left Palani and right Dam." - Rizwanuddin Rafiq,Bhopal, 3 months ago

Silent Valley ViewType: View PointEntry: FreeRanked: 10 Of 47Ratings: 5.63/7 (34 Reviews)"Amazing place with the smell of Nilgiri everywhere. amazing view and spaced out. The view ofthe hill is beautiful and the cold wind blowing shows natures beauty The approach road is alsovery scenic and smells amazing" - Vidya Vyas, Mumbai, Mar 5, 2015

Popular hotels in Kodaikanal recommended by HolidayIQ.com travellers

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JC ResidencyPrice: Rs. 3,390 - 3,990Ranked: 1 Of 261Ratings: 5.19/7 (109 Reviews)Address: Opp Presentation Convent

NaidupuramKodaikanal

Phone: 4542-245225Website: Www.jcresidency.com"There was a certain positive vibe in the hotel which I liked the most. Staff wasvery friendly & helping & food was good. Rooms were quite spacious thoughbathrooms could be kept better, may be you could renovate them. WiFi in therooms shall be..." - Aniruddh singh , , 3 weeks ago

Villa RetreatPrice: Rs. 2,400 - 9,000Ranked: 2 Of 261Ratings: 5.49/7 (191 Reviews)Address: Coakers Walk

KodaikanalPhone: 04542-243556Website: Www.villaretreat.com"Villa Retreat is a lovely fairytale-cottage-styled hotel that gives you the feelingof living above clouds. Right next to Coaker's Walk (and across the street fromBryant Park) we could not have asked for a better location. Considering Kodai isa..." - Sreesha Divakaran, Bangalore, 3 weeks ago

The CarltonPrice: Rs. 9,726 - 17,062Ranked: 3 Of 261Ratings: 5.97/7 (138 Reviews)Address: Lake Road

KodaikanalPhone: 4542240057Website: Www.carlton-Kodaikanal.com"the best hotel of the hill station for me, located around the lake. very wellmaintained rooms with utter cleanliness and great service. the staff are welltrained and allways greets with a warm smile. the buffet breakfast was good.would highly..." - Jimit Vedant, Mumbai, 2 months ago

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The KudosPrice: Rs. 3,000 - 5,000Ranked: 4 Of 261Ratings: 5.31/7 (3 Reviews)Address: NO 115/17-12

Upper Lake RoadKodaikanal

Phone: +918067541872Website: Www.thekudos.in"located in North Chennai Thiruvottiyur Main Road. It is a budget hotel and isaway 15 kms from Chennai Central. As it was a marriage season during my visitonly one room non a/c was available so had to take it to avoid up and downjourneys from..." - Satish Kumar d, Bangalore, 3 months ago

Hill Country KodaikanalPrice: Rs. 5,736 - 7,895Ranked: 5 Of 261Ratings: 5.54/7 (121 Reviews)Address: Pallangi Road

Arakal PostKodaikanal

Phone: 4542-240953Website: Www.hillcountryholidays.com"Loved staying in this beautiful resort. There are many resorts or hotels whereyou can get the valley view but if you want both view and feel the stay in valley,then this is the..." - Gaurav saxena , , 1 month ago

Kodai International HotelPrice: Rs. 3,450 - 4,355Ranked: 6 Of 261Ratings: 5.68/7 (199 Reviews)Address: 17 / 328

Laws Ghat RoadKodaikanal

Phone: 4542-245192Website: Www.kodaiinternational.com"I had been to Kodai Int'l Hotel with Famiy for Dusherra vacation. Just at the

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Read 199 hotel reviews on HolidayIQ.com7

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entrance of city, it is one of the Best place to stay in. Sumptuous Food,Courteous Staff, Wonderful Play Area n Garden for Kids, Nice Rooms... Duringpeak season,..." - Mohit , Bangalore, Today

Kodai - By The Lake, A Sterling Holidays ResortPrice: Rs. 4,500 - 8,000Ranked: 7 Of 261Ratings: 5.56/7 (1167 Reviews)Address: PB No. 44

Gymkhana RoadKodaikanal

Phone: +918067541870Website: Www.sterlingholidays.in"I had gone with my family for the holiday. The resort is located very near thelake. It has good view one would quiet impressed with the architecture of thebuilding and the facade our stay was well organized the reception staff, therestaurant..." - Mayur kikani , Coimbatore, Yesterday

The CarnivalPrice: Rs. 2,900 - 6,500Ranked: 8 Of 261Ratings: 5.73/7 (518 Reviews)Address: Naidupuram

KodaikanalPhone: 04542-245601Website: Www.thecarnivalkodai.com/"One word, it was excellent, we reached before check-in time, still room wasprovided. Room was clean, staff & front office was cooperative. We asked forextra blanket , it was provided. food was very cheap, yes but it need to improvein taste..." - Shyam singh , , 1 week ago

Quality Inn Sabari ResortPrice: Rs. 3,500 - 4,500Ranked: 9 Of 261Ratings: 5.58/7 (299 Reviews)Address: 4/8, Seven Adi Road

Dist : DindigulKodaikanal

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Phone: 04542-+918067541899Website: Www.sabarihotels.com"We were couple of families went to Kodaikanal for 2 nights. I found the hotelrate to be reasonable & its also pretty decent with respect to rooms, cleanliness.The food was good, but with not much options during breakfast. Hotel staffswere..." - Ramanujam , Delhi, 3 weeks ago

Pine Borough InnPrice: Rs. 1,800 - 4,200Ranked: 10 Of 261Ratings: 5.67/7 (464 Reviews)Address: Rifle Range Road

NaidupuramKodaikanal

Phone: 04542-241434Website: Www.pineboroughinn.com"Nice place. Good climate and good surroundings. Only problem was the roomwas not big enough for 2..." - Anil , Bangalore, Today

Popular Kodaikanal packagesStay at Sterling Resort

Rs: 2450No of days: 1 Day & 1 NightDestination: KodaikanalTravel Agent: GrasshoppersIndia.com

Best way to travel from Chennai to KodaikanalKodaikanal is located at a distance of 529 km from Chennai. The hill station is popular foreucalyptus oil and plums and is well-connected to Chennai by roadways and railways. However,the best way to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai is by train, which takes about 8 hours. Theimportant stations covered during the journey include Chennai - 56km -> Chengalpattu - 76km -> Tindivanam - 173km -> Ariyalur - 267km -> Kodaikanal. There are several facilities like rest-rooms, drinking water and snack corners available at the Kodaikanal railway station.

Transport options from Chennai to KodaikanalChennai to Kodaikanal By Train: Take a direct train from Chennai to Kodaikanal, which takesaround 8 hours. Kodaikanal railway station is situated at a distance of 80 km from the city centre

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and can be covered by taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus. Ideal for families, kids and seniors.

Chennai to Kodaikanal By Car: Take a cab from Chennai to Kodaikanal, which takes around 9hours. The cost of cabs ranges from INR15 to INR45 per kilometre, depending upon the type ofcar. Ideal for families, seniors and groups.

Chennai to Kodaikanal By Bus: Take a bus from Chennai to Kodaikanal, which takes around 10hours. Kodaikanal bus station is located in the heart of the city and can be reached on foot.Ideal for individual travellers and backpackers.

Read more Travel options on HolidayIQ.com> Chennai To Kodaikanal (435Km)> Bangalore To Kodaikanal (304Km)> Hyderabad To Kodaikanal (803Km)> Mumbai To Kodaikanal (1093Km)> Coimbatore To Kodaikanal (103Km)> Kochi (Cochin) To Kodaikanal (138Km)> Pune To Kodaikanal (1003Km)> Thiruvananthapuram To Kodaikanal (202Km)

Kodaikanal weatherBest Season / Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Best Time to Visit KodaikanalThe best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and September to October. Kodaikanal isamong the most visited hill stations in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. Travelling toKodaikanal should be avoided during the monsoon season as the destinations receives heavyrainfall. Kodaikanal experiences three seasons - Summer, Monsoon and Winter.Summer in KodaikanalThis season lasts from March to May and the average temperature during this time is 20° C to36° C. This is the season when when the hill station is thronged by tourists and sightseeingspots and attractions will be crowded.Monsoon in KodaikanalMonsoon goes on from June to September and brings an average amount of rainfall.Winter in KodaikanalWinter in Kodaikanal is from November to January. The minimum temperature during this timeis around 8° C and the maximum temperature touches 30° C.Things to Do During SummerDuring summer, visitors can enjoy trekking apart from visiting sightseeing attractions. Touristsshould also consider visiting popular destinations such as Bear Shola Falls, Coaker's Walk andBryant's Park. During summer, travellers can also spot Kurinji flowers, which blossom only once

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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every 12 years.Things to Do During WinterSince it gets pretty chilly during winter, boating on the Kodai Lake is an experience in itself.About HolidayIQ.comHolidayIQ.com is a premier holiday information portal powered by India's first & biggest travelcommunity; enabling travellers to first discover numerous vacation choices, then plan holidaytrips in full detail

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