On your next trip, imagine yourself waking up in the glory of nature and surrounded by everything that’s magical, from lush greeneries to misty clouds that probably break all the monotony of tourist places around the world. We are talking about Kodaikanal, one of the most scintillating masterpieces on nature’s canvas in Tamil Nadu, waiting for you to come and explore. Tucked away in the folds of the Western Ghats, each place to visit in Kodaikanal is like a stroke on nature’s canvas, weaving a narrative of nature’s bounty.
This Princess of the Hill Stations, as Kodaikanal is fondly known, translates to Gift of the Forest in Tamil language. Whether you are a solo traveller, travelling with your family or friends, or taking a break from the daily grind, Kodaikanal is hands down one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in South India. As Kodaikanal beckons with an array of natural and manmade attractions and has a pleasant climate around the year, the place is also a popular honeymoon destination among newlyweds. Hence, one can find a plethora of honeymoon packages in Kodaikanal with prices that range from budget-friendly trips to luxurious holidays.
Places to Visit in Kodaikanal
Laced with lakes, waterfalls and forests for everyone to enjoy, the top ten places to visit in Kodaikanal include: -
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Green Valley View
- Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Bear Shola Falls
- Coaker’s Walk
- Devil’s Kitchen
- Bryant Park
- Kodai Chocolate Factory
Kodaikanal Lake
Situated in the heart of Kodaikanal is Kodaikanal Lake, a star-shaped man-made lake sprawled across 60 acres. It is one of the best places to visit around Kodaikanal. Built by the then Collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge, Kodaikanal Lake is fed by the waters coming from the Palani Hills and forms a breathtaking waterfall, Silver Cascade Waterfall, which is another fascinating tourist place in Kodaikanal. Some of the popular things to do around the lake include fishing, boating, or simply taking a stroll through the manmade wonder and admiring its beauty.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 24 hours operational
Silver Cascade Falls
Next on the list is Silver Cascade Falls, one of the most captivating and famous places to visit in Kodaikanal, formed by the waters of the Kodaikanal Lake. The water at the waterfall falls from a height of 180 feet and is named Silver Cascase due to its shining colour. One can cover this place to visit in Kodaikanal in one day if they have a short time in hand. You can indulge in enjoying the views of the waterfall while savouring delectable snacks sold by local vendors around the fall. The water at the Silver Cascade is believed to have medicinal qualities; hence, you can take a dip in the water after considering all the necessary aspects.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 24 hours operational
Green Valley View
Formerly known as the Suicide Point, Green Valley View is another picturesque place to visit around Kodaikanal that offers splendid views of the Kodaikanal deep valleys and plains. Situated approximately 5 km from the famous Kodaikanal Lake, the Green Valley View is sure to give you a remarkable view of the entire Kodaikanal valley from a height of about 5,000 feet from the sea level. If you are a little tight on time, visiting Green Valley View is one of the best tourist spots in Kodaikanal that you must not miss. Apart from visiting this popular tourist spot in Kodaikanal, you can taste and take back some of the finest chocolates that are produced there.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple
Fine-tuned with Dravidian architecture, Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple is another popular place to visit in Kodaikanal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is known as the God of the Hills. The temple is named after the Neelakurinji flower, which covers the nearby hillside in purple colour once every twelve years. Upon visiting the temple, you can enjoy the views of the Palani Hills and Vaigai Dam, other mesmerising jewels of Kodaikanal. If you happen to visit the temple during May month, which is the month of the summer festival, you will find the temple lit up in festivity. Due to the religious significance and beauty of the temple, Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple is visited by worshippers coming from all parts of the world.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Dolphin’s Nose
Another beautiful place to visit in Kodaikanal that offers a breathtaking view of the valley at its very best is the Dolphin’s Nose. Perched at a height of 6,600 from sea level, the Dolphin’s Nose got its name due to a protruding piece of rock shaped like a Dolphin’s nose, offering a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape below. This famous tourist destination in Kodaikanal is situated approximately 6 km from the city centre. On your trip to Kodaikanal, you can visit Dolphin’s Nose to spend quality time with your near and dear ones amid serene vistas.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Bear Shola Falls
There is no dearth of beautiful waterfalls in Kodaikanal, and Bear Shola Falls is surely one of the best ones. The waterfall is named so because the region used to be a favourite for bears to drink water from the surrounding Shola forests. However, in the present situation, the tourist destination in Kodaikanal is quiet and peaceful, away from the danger of bears and other wild animals. Hence, you can have a short picnic at this place in the midst of nature with your loved ones.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Coaker's Walk
Kodaikanal is famously known as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, and a visit to Coaker’s Walk will tell you the reason why the hill station has been named so. Coaker’s Walk is a 1 km long stretch of manmade wonder that gives you astonishing views of the surrounding valley. Taking a leisurely morning or evening walk on the Coaker’s Walk is nothing short of a delight to explore the place even more. Another way to explore this tourist destination in Kodaikanal is by renting a bicycle, which is very easy to hire around Coaker’s Walk.
Entry fee: INR 10
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Devil’s Kitchen
Caved amidst the enormous Pillar Caves, the Devil’s Kitchen tourist spots in Kodaikanal, which is also known as the Guna Caves. The place got its name from natural dark caves, which are also home to numerous bats. Devil’s Kitchen is a natural and unique heritage site in Kodaikanal situated on the outskirts of the main city near Moir Point. This not-so-famous tourist place in Kodaikanal, Devil’s Kitchen, became the centre of attraction after the popular Bollywood movie Guna was shot here in the 1900s. In order to reach Devil’s Kitchen, you need to trek 400 metres from the entrance gate, which is also one of the best things to do around the place.
Entry fee: INR 5 | Camera: INR 5
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Bryant Park
Among the endless things to do in Kodaikanal, Bryant Park is another beautiful place that adds to the charm and elegance of the city. Situated towards the East of Kodaikanal Lake, this tourist place is home to a diverse array of plants and shrub species that attract visitors almost every day. From hybrids to flowering plants and grafts, you will find every possible type of plant in Bryant Park. Apart from admiring the range of plants, you can take a long walk in the park, which will fill your heart with joy and enchantment.
Entry fee: INR 50
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Kodai Chocolate Factory
Ending the list of tourist places in Kodaikanal on a sweet note, Kodai Chocolate Factory is another tourist attraction that you must add to your travel bucket list. The foundation stone of the factory was placed back in 1999, which has now become one of the unmissable tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. The Kodai Chocolate Factory specialises in making delicious homemade chocolates, which are 100% made from vegetarian ingredients. The factory also specialises in making essential oils, coffee, spices and herbal teas, which you can buy for yourself or take back as souvenirs for your friends and family.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Have you already fallen for the beauty Kodaikanal holds? Then, it is time to look for some of the best Kodaikanal tour packages that Veena World has in store for you and pack your bags right away. All the tour packages are all-inclusive and carefully crafted, keeping in mind the dynamic needs a traveller might need before or during their trip. If you seek flexibility in customising your Kodaikanal list of tourist spots, you can explore Veena World’s Customised Holidays section. Come and visit the Princess of Hills, Kodaikanal, where natural and manmade wonders co-exist.
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