15 Best Things to Do in Kodaikanal – Complete Travel Guide 2025

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Kodaikanal travel guide 2025

Some places don’t just tell stories — they sing their own song. Nestled in the lap of the Palani hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal, lovingly called the “Princess of Hill Stations”, is one such destination. With misty mountains, shimmering lakes, pine forests, and charming valleys, every corner here feels like a postcard waiting to be framed.

I recently explored this dreamlike destination, and every turn on its misty roads felt like walking into a painting. From peaceful lakes to offbeat villages and treks through pine forests — Kodaikanal is where nature pauses to smile.

If you’re planning your own trip, here’s my complete Kodaikanal travel guide with 15 Best Things to Do in Kodaikanal — with all you need to know, based on my journey and real experiences.

Quick Facts About Kodaikanal

State: Tamil Nadu
Altitude: ~2,000 meters above sea level
Best Known For: Lakes, waterfalls, viewpoints, pine forests, and peaceful weather
Best Time to Visit: All year round (especially October–March)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Sightseeing Options in Kodaikanal

There are five kinds of sightseeing places available in Kodaikanal:

Valley Tour: Upper Lake View, Moir Point, Pine Forest, Guna Cave, Pillar Rocks, Golf Course, Green Valley View, Lirill Falls, Shopping Point, 500 Years Old Tree.
Village Tour: Pine Forest (Shooting Point), Palani View, Mahalakshmi Temple, Kodaikanal Poombarai Village View, Kulandai Valapper Temple, Sheep Farm, Rabbit Farm, Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal Lake
Trekking Tour: La Saleth Church, Vattakanal Falls, Mountain Beauty, Dolphin’s Nose, Echo Rock, 500 Year Old Tree, Shopping Point, Kodaikanal Lake
Forest Tour: Silent Valley (Echo Point), Fire Watching Tower, Berijam Lake View, Cape’s Fly View, Mathikettan Forest, Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal Lake.
Park Tour: Jain Temple, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Palani View, Kodai City View, Chettiar Park, Natural Science Museum, Silver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Kodaikanal Lake.itions and unforgettable experiences.

In the section below, I’ve shared a picture of the sightseeing cost for all these places.

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Tourist Places in Kodaikanal for 2 Days

Day 1 in Kodaikanal – Lakes, Caves & Cloud-Kissed Rocks

1. Kodaikanal Lake

My morning began at the heart of the town — the iconic Kodaikanal Lake, built in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. This star-shaped man-made lake is the soul of Kodaikanal. I rented a cycle and rode around its 5 km perimeter, passing cheerful locals, pine-lined roads, and little food stalls selling hot chocolate and Maggi.

Tip: For walking and cycling, go early in the morning. For better photography, go after sunrise to capture bright and vibrant photos.

Distance from city centre: 0 km (it’s right in town!)
Activities: Boating, cycling, horse riding, lakeside photography
Nearby: Bryant Park, local markets

Note: Bicycles are two-seaters. They charged us ₹150 in 2025, and it was totally worth it. The back seater person can’t control the handlebars, but they can pedal to speed up. While giving the cycle, they’ll give you 30 minutes, but they’ll consider 45-50 minutes as well. You’ll need approximately 30-35 minutes to cover the whole lake. It’s a must-do experience.

2. Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

About 7 km from town, the Pillar Rocks rise dramatically from the valley — three towering natural stone pillars, each nearly 400 feet high. When I arrived, the rocks were half-hidden in clouds — and within minutes, the fog parted like a curtain, revealing a surreal view. There’s also a small garden nearby, perfect for colorful photos.

Entry Fee: ₹10
Best Time: Sunset

Tip: Carry a light jacket; it gets chilly here. Try fruit chat from the outside market, especially kacha mango.

3. Guna Caves (Devils Kitchen)

A short drive from Pillar Rocks leads to the mysterious Guna Cave, named after the Tamil movie Gunaa. Surrounded by ancient Shola forests, this place feels like nature’s labyrinth — tangled roots, mist, and hidden fissures between rocks. Though entry inside is restricted for safety, the view itself is worth it.

Tip: Start your sightseeing early morning before it gets crowded.

Distance: 8 km from town
Entry Fee: ₹10
Best Time: Morning

Note: This place gained fame after the movie “Manjummel Boys.” It gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. We visited during a local holiday and got caught in the rush—plan your visit wisely!

4. Pine Forest Kodaikanal

Right after Guna Caves, you’ll find the famous Pine Forest — rows of tall trees with sunlight flickering through their needles. It’s cinematic, peaceful, and perfect for a long, slow walk. Many popular movies were filmed here, and I understood why — it truly feels like nature’s cathedral.

Distance: 9 km from city centre

5. Moir Point

Moir Point, also known as Moir View Point, is a stunning viewpoint located approximately 10 km from the town center. This sightseeing spot offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, lush green forests, and distant hills. The viewpoint is best visited during clear weather when visibility is excellent.

You can enjoy photography here and witness the landscape transform as clouds roll through the valleys. Entry is free, and it’s an ideal spot for a peaceful morning or evening visit.

Distance: 10 km from town
Best Time: Early morning or sunset

Tip: Carry a camera and enjoy the natural beauty from multiple angles.

6. Golf Course

The historic Golf Course in Kodaikanal dates back to 1895 and is spread across 143 acres of beautifully maintained green landscape. While entry is primarily for members, the road running alongside offers views of the lush fairways, manicured greens, and rolling hills in the distance.

Distance: 7 km from town
Best Time: Morning

Tip: Walk along the road outside for beautiful photos and images.

7. Evening at the Market

I ended my first day walking around the Kodaikanal market, sipping hot chocolate and buying homemade chocolates as souvenirs. The streets glow warmly at night — a perfect way to end a chilly mountain day.

Tip: If you’re planning to buy chocolates at a cheap price from Kodaikanal, I’d suggest buying from lakeside shops. Big shops are available in the Kodaikanal market, but they’re a little bit costly. However, you can experience more varieties in big shops.

Planning to Stay in Kodaikanal: Here is the list of all the hotels

Day 2 – Offbeat Villages & Hidden Lakes

8. Coaker’s Walk Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu

My last morning began at Coaker’s Walk, a 1 km paved path carved along a mountain edge, offering sweeping valley views. Built in 1872 by Lt. Coaker, it’s one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal to feel the morning mist on your face.

Entry Fee: ₹30
Distance: Close to the city centre
Best Time: Early morning or sunset

9. Kodaikanal Poombarai

About 18 km from Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal Poombarai is a hidden gem wrapped in clouds and quiet. The village is famous for its terraced farming, with green layers carved into the mountains. Here, I visited the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, believed to be 3,000 years old, and met smiling locals who offered fresh coffee and stories.

Note: Don’t leave your shoes outside the temple. There are designated places to keep your shoes after entering, and it’s free of cost.

Vibe: Peaceful, offbeat, crowd-free
For: Great for photography and cultural experiences

Tip: When you’re visiting this village, if you want to take good pictures and capture the vast landscape with step farming, tell your driver to stop at the viewpoints above. Generally, they’ll return from the place via another route, so don’t miss the chance.

10. Berijam Lake Kodaikanal

Further ahead, around 33 km from town, is Berijam Lake — easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kodaikanal in South India. The drive itself is magical — rolling hills, sheep farms, and endless greenery. You’ll find a viewpoint 5 km before the lake, offering postcard-perfect valley views.

Activities: Boating, birdwatching, picnics
Best Time: Monsoon or post-monsoon season

11. Vattakanal & Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal

Locally called “Little Israel” due to its foreign traveler vibe, Vattakanal is about 4 km from Kodaikanal town. A small trail here leads to Dolphin’s Nose, a flat cliff that looks like a dolphin’s nose — surrounded by clouds and wind.

It’s a 20–30 minute trek through misty forest paths, and the reward is a stunning valley view. Before starting, stop by Altaf’s Café — a cozy spot serving Middle Eastern dishes and coffee with a view.

Tip: Carry a raincoat and good walking shoes.

12. Silver Cascade Falls

Before leaving Kodaikanal, I stopped at Silver Cascade Falls, about 5 km down the main road. This 55-meter waterfall is actually the overflow of Kodaikanal Lake — a quick, scenic stop for travelers heading back. In monsoon, it roars down like silver ribbons against green cliffs.

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How to Reach Kodaikanal

You can reach Kodaikanal easily by air, train, or road.

By Air

The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport (120 km). Taxis and buses are available outside the terminal, taking around 3–4 hours to reach the hill station.

Planning your trip to Kodaikanal? Check and book the best flight options

By Train

The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road Railway Station (80 km). From there, you can hire a private cab or hop on a shared jeep to reach the town in about 2.5 hours. However, there’s a very low number of trains available for this route. It’s not recommended.

By Road

Kodaikanal is well connected by scenic mountain roads.

Coimbatore to Kodaikanal Distance: 170 km (5–6 hrs)
Bangalore to Kodaikanal Distance: 465 km (8–9 hrs)
Palani to Kodaikanal Distance: 65 km (2-3 hours)
Dindigul to Kodaikanal Distance: Approximately 80 km (2-2.5 hours)

You’ll find direct overnight buses from Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore — or you can self-drive, which is even better if you love winding hill roads and forest views.

I reached up to Palani by bus. There are lots of buses available from Coimbatore or any other places. Palani is an important junction point for most of the famous places. There are lots of options available to reach Palani.

Tip: If you’re on a low budget, choose a bus up to Palani. It will cost you around ₹80-90.

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Bike Rental in Kodaikanal

Bike rental in Kodaikanal is banned. There’s no way you can rent a bike from Kodaikanal, however, you can rent from Palani or Kodai Road, but it’s not recommended at all. I already shared a separate blog post about bike rental scams in Kodaikanal. Please check that from below link. I don’t have any idea about car rental in Kodaikanal.

Bike Rental in Kodaikanal – My Honest Experience and a Costly Mistake You Should Avoid

Where to Stay in Kodaikanal

Whether you’re a backpacker or luxury lover, Kodaikanal has places to stay in Kodaikanal for every traveler.

Luxury Stays:

The Carlton Kodaikanal
Sterling Kodai Lake
The Tamara Kodaikanal
Hotel JC Grand Kodaikanal
JC Woodville Manor Kodaikanal

Mid-Range Hotels:

Hilltop Towers
Altius Nest

Budget & Hostels:

Zostel Kodaikanal
Trippr Kodaikanal
Dostel Hostel

Most hostels are slightly away from town but offer peaceful stays and beautiful views.

**Tip for Kodaikanal Room Booking: Book in advance during peak seasons (October–February) to get better rates and availability.

For Kodaikanal Room Booking, you can use: OYO Rooms, Booking.com, Airbnb, or contact hotels directly.

Planning to Stay in Kodaikanal: Here is the list of all the hotels

Restaurants in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is full of cozy cafes and local eateries that make every meal memorable.

For Pure Vegetarian Food

Hotel Astoria Veg – Authentic South Indian thalis & filter coffee
Woody’s Restaurant – Famous for its comfort food and friendly vibe

For Global & Non-Veg Options

Cloud Street – Must-try wood-fired pizzas
Muncheez – Great for rolls and shakes
Altaf’s Café (Vattakanal) – Middle Eastern food with mountain views
Pastry Corner Kodaikanal – Don’t miss their homemade chocolates & brownies

Tip: Check Pastry Corner Kodaikanal while going for a lake view in the morning or evening. During normal times, this shop gets crowded and you’ll have to wait a long time to taste your favorite pastry. To avoid rush, choose your time wisely.

How to Travel Around Kodaikanal

You can explore using:

Car: Most comfortable, but costlier. A 4-seater car will cost you around ₹3,500 approximately, and a 7-8 seater around ₹5,000 approximately. There are lots of travel agencies available near the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. You can bargain and book your sightseeing packages from them. Check the image below to see all the prices for sightseeing.

Shared Taxis: Budget-friendly and easy to find.

Local Buses: Cheapest option, though limited in frequency.

Note: If you’re staying near the lake, most attractions are within 5–10 km radius.

Cost of Travelling in Kodaikanal

Travel on a budget in Kodaikanal from ₹2,000 per person per day minimum. Mid-range ₹2,500-4,000, and high-end from ₹5,000-10,000. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. I did not include entering and exit costs. Check flight prices here.

Type	Cost	Note
Hotels	Starts from ₹500 per person.	If you are travelling in peak time, it will cost you around Rs. 900-1000/Person Per Day. Check here.
Hostels	Starts from ₹500 per person.	If you are travelling in peak time, it will cost you around Rs. 1000-1500/Person Per Day. Check here.
Transport	Starts from ₹1500-2000 per person per day.	If you are travelling with a group, per person cost will be ₹700-800 per day.
Food	₹500 Per day average for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.	Costly foods like Hot chocolates, Pastry not included.
Entry Fee	₹50-100 per day.	Entry Fee starts from Rs.10. Before entering into the forest your driver may collect forest entry fee.
Activities	₹500-600 for total.	Like Boat Ride, Cycling

Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Season	Months	Highlights
Summer	March–June	Perfect for sightseeing and boating
Monsoon	July–September	Waterfalls and greenery at their best
Winter	October–February	Misty mornings, cold nights, romantic vibes

👉 I visited in late monsoon, and the combination of clouds, drizzle, and sunlight made every view feel alive.

Kodaikanal Climate Now & Weather Guide

Kodaikanal enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. The weather in Kodaikanal is characterized by:

Summer (March–June): Warm days (20-25°C), cool nights (10-15°C)
Monsoon (July–September): Cool, wet, misty conditions (15-20°C)
Winter (October–February): Cold nights (5-10°C), pleasant days (15-20°C)

Kodaikanal Climate is best checked before your visit to pack appropriately. The weather can change rapidly, so always carry layers and a rain jacket.

Travel Tips for Kodaikanal

Carry warm clothes — nights can get cold (10–12°C).

Always keep a raincoat or umbrella — weather changes fast.

Start sightseeing early to beat fog and crowd.

Don’t litter — keep the hills clean and use fewer plastics.

Avoid getting too close to cliff edges at viewpoints.

Weekdays are more peaceful than weekends.

Use a good map of Kodaikanal to navigate attractions.

Take lots of photos and images to capture memories.

Kodaikanal Map & Navigation

Having a Kodaikanal map is essential for navigation. Most hotels provide free maps, or you can download digital maps from Google Maps, which works well in the region. Many places to visit in kodaikanal in 1 day are within close proximity, making it easy to navigate with a smartphone.

Comment if you need Kodaikanal guide map. I will provide.

Planning to Stay in Kodaikanal: Here is the list of all the hotels

Kodaikanal Images & Photos

Here are some Kodaikanal photos and Kodaikanal images captured during my visit:

Final Thoughts

Kodaikanal isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling. It’s that morning mist curling around your coffee cup, the laughter of strangers at a viewpoint, the silence of pine forests, and the calm reflection of the sky on Kodaikanal Lake.

As I drove down from the hills, watching the valleys fade in my rearview mirror, I realized — you don’t leave Kodaikanal; it stays with you.

If you ever crave quiet mountains, soulful sunsets, and a little piece of heaven — Kodaikanal is waiting for you.