Kodaikanal Tour

Kodaikanal Tour

4 days / 3 nightsStarts Coimbatore
4 days
3 nights
Coimbatore
start point
N/A
best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
Trustedby travellers worldwide
Local repsIndia + overseas support
No prepayfree customisation · GST invoice

Overview

Tour overview

Kodaikanal tour promises the privilege to be a spectator in the fascinating natural arena and to spend few days in absolute bliss. Kodaikanal, with its untouched aura, sits over a plateau in Palani Hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu. Developed as a summer retreat by the Americans and British in the mid-19th century, this spectacular hill station is justly called the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, ‘Shade in the Summer’, ‘Gift of the Forests’ and by many other well-deserved titles. Kodaikanal tour package from Bangalore and Chennai is popular among weekend holidaymakers, while leisure-seekers, nature-lovers, adventurers and honeymooners from across the world testify the place’s never-disappointing worth as a perfect holiday destination. Clouds hang over hills dressed up in visually-rewarding shades of green with meadows, grasslands and forests of eucalyptus, cypress, rhododendron and magnolia lending unsurpassable charm. From man-made lakes to silver cascades and meandering streams and from churches and Hindu temples to colonial heritage, there are remarkable revelations at every footstep. Not to forget the thrill of exploring peculiar natural sites or participating in adventures like cycling, horse riding and trekking. The Kodaikanal tour itinerary is simply breathtaking.
Meta Description: Best offer Kodaikanal tour package covering captivating lakes, falls, parks and sceneries and some fascinating natural vistas of the popular South India hill station. Book an unforgettable holiday today!

Tour highlights

Green Valley View/Suicide Point
Dolphin’s Nose
Berijam Lake
Kodai Lake

Destinations covered

Best Time

N/A

Ideal For

N/A

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.

Madurai to Kodaikanal Package tour begins at Madurai which is about 125 km. from Kodaikanal and is the closest airport to Kodaikanal. We would pick you up from the airport/railway station/any other designated point and the drive begins. The steep Ghat road sections of the journey reveal extraordinary natural beauty and are usually free of traffic. Get the hint of the fun ahead while navigating the hairpin bends. On arrival, check in at the booked hotel and relax for some time. Depending on the time available, you would visit one or two of the top attractions on the first day of tour package to Kodaikanal. Kodai Lake:Built in 1863, the star-shaped lake amidst verdantly green hills host tremendous allure and is perfect to begin the sightseeing tour.Kodaikanal Boat Clubhosts extremely enjoyable boat rides (open 08:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.; 2/4 seated pedal boats at INR 70/140 for 30 min. and 140/280 for 1 hour; 6 seated row boats at INR 245/490 for 20/40 min.; shikara or honeymoon boat at INR 415/830 for 30 min./1 hour). Cycling, horse riding and walking (beware of dogs and avoid dark sections in the evening) are other fabulous activities. It is also possible to explore rich flora including kurinji flowers (blossom once every 12 years) and fruit trees. Stay overnight at the hotel.
On the second day of Kodaikanal tour, start with breakfast and get ready to explore some of the best picks from the local attractions. Pillar Rocks: Rising up to 400 ft, the three pillaring rocks flaunting patches of greenery and granite would leave you stunned. Clouds playing hide-n-seek with these peculiar boulders add to the remarkable views. Beware of monkeys at the place which also has a lot of vendors and hawkers. There’s also a small garden with manicured lawns, while an English Cross is also visible. Guna Caves/Devil’s Kitchen (open 09:00 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.; entry fee INR 5; camera fee INR 10): Continue exploring the strange crafts of nature with Guna Caves. Named after a Tamil Movie shot here, the caves were fenced (removed in 2016 barring the danger zones) shortly after the tragic deaths of several youths and intentional suicides of lovers. Devil’s Kitchen is one of the many caverns (and also the riskiest one) which lies within the chamber formed between the third Pillar Rock and the main cliff face. The mesmerizing valley views, unusual roots of big shola trees as well as the hiking adventure make it a must-visit hotspot. Make sure to watch every single step. Bear Shola Falls (open 10:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.): It is believed that bears used to drink water here. The waterfall is set amidst tranquil surroundings of a reserved forest and that makes it a great place for rejuvenation. Trekking of 1-2 km. in the aromatic eucalyptus forests is another highlight of this attraction. Berijam Lake (open 09:00 a.m.-03:00 p.m.): With unmatched vistas like medicinal gardens, shoal grasslands and swamp ecosystems and stupendous sceneries, this lake is the real gem of Kodaikanal tour. Floating flowers and plants; chirping birds like Nilgiri pipit, common rosefinch, leaf-warblers and pale-lumped swallows and rare animals like leopards, bison, Malabar giant squirrels, barking deer and elephants make it a rich biodiversity hub. Passes are required to access the lake and for activities like trekking and fishing. Please note that only 50 passes are issued each day. Coaker’s Walk (07:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m., fee INR 10, camera INR 30): Constructed in 1872 by Lt. Coaker, this 1 km. long paved pathway around Mount Nebo promises spellbinding valley views, which on clear days may extend up to the city of Madurai. Experience the phenomenon called broken spectre when sun at the back would cast your shadow on clouds in the front with a rainbow halo. Telescope House (07:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m.; fee INR 20): At the northern end of the Coaker’s Walk is the Telescope House which allows breathtaking views of lakes, dams, rivers and other natural wonders below. Watching cloud slowly drifting over hills is a fulfilling experience of Kodaikanal tour. Get back to the hotel and stay overnight.
After you finish breakfast, get ready for another amazing day of Kodaikanal tour sightseeing with many more tourist attractions in the list. Pine Forest: The sprawling stretches of eucalyptus forests are suddenly broken by Pine Forest that was introduced by the British in 1906 for timber. An ideal place for photography and long walks amidst soothing serenity, it also offers horse riding and camping (permission required). Beware of monkeys. Discover mushrooms (called magic mushrooms for hallucinogenic effects) nearby and buy fresh local fruits. Green Valley View/Suicide Point: Earlier called Suicide Point for the obvious reason, Green Valley View is one of the most popular vantage points in Kodaikanal. Enjoy the feast of lush greenery, hills and valleys and dams from an altitude of nearly 5,000 ft. The views are simply enchanting before 03:00 p.m. after which fog blocks them. Dolphin’s Nose: Watch the fascinating panorama of the entire region from a height of about 6,600 ft. at Dolphin’s Nose. The huge rock resembling a dolphin’s nose is also a popular trekking destination and offers outstanding views of dams, valleys and towns. If time allows, you may also access the beautiful Pambar Falls in the close vicinity. Bryant Park (open 09:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 15/30 per child/adult; INR 50 for camera): The botanical park built by H.D. Bryant, a British forest officer, in 1908 boasts of magnificence with over 300 species of shrubs and trees, apart from nearly 750 varieties of roses and many ornamental plants. Other attractions include a sacred Bodhi tree, a eucalyptus tree (dating back to 1850s) and a glass house. Flower shows are held here annually (usually in May). Shenbaganur Museum (10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 03:00 p.m.-05:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 2): Visit this interesting destination which boasts of taxidermy collections of stuffed birds, mammals, snakes, moths, butterflies and more. It is also famous for hosting more than 300 varieties of orchids; nearly 2,500 varieties of plants and many other specimens. After this rewarding day of Kodaikanal tour, get back to the hotel and stay overnight.
Check out from the hotel after breakfast. Depending on the time available, you may visit few more tourist attractions before departure. Chettiar Park (open 09:00 a.m.-05:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 10; camera fee INR 25): Watch in awe the green carpets of this beautiful park adorned with multihued flowers, including kurinji flower. Spend some great moments breathing in tranquillity while enjoying the soothing environments here. There’s also a small playground for children. Kurinji Andvar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the God of Hills, this Hindu temple is a small specimen of the grand Tamil temple architecture. It is also famous for honey with medicinal properties which is available only during the time the kurinji flowers bloom. Enjoy some marvellous views of Vaigai Dam, Palani Hills and beautiful landscapes. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (open only on Friday 10:00 a.m.-12 noon): Located at an altitude of 7,687 ft., the Solar Physical Observatory dates back to 1898. Apart from facilitating star watching, it also hosts an astronomy museum with pictorial displays and a library. Silver Cascade Waterfalls: Kodai Lake cascades at a point to form the 180 ft. Silver Cascade Waterfalls which dramatically cascade over rocks and surrounded by lavish greenery. Volume of water in the falls increases during monsoons. Beware of monkeys. Bid adieu to Kodaikanal as per your departure schedule and drive back to Madurai/Coimbatore. We drop you at the airport/railway station or any other point of your choice as Kodaikanal tour ends.

Travel tips

Travel Tips

Travel Tips For This Tour

Travel Tips For Kodaikanal Tour


Shopping at Kodaikanal:

You may devote the remaining time shopping homemade cheeses, chocolates, marshmallows as well as items like eucalyptus oil, spices, herbal teas and fruit products like jams.

Bazaar Road has shops selling each of these items or you can locate popular shops like Eco-Nut on PT Road and Spices Corner just next to Nellai Nadir Bazaar for quality products.

Visit one of the emporiums (Khadi Emporium, Government Sales Emporium) or other reputed stores like Kashmir Handicrafts Centre, Corsack and Handloom Cooperative Stores for handicrafts ranging from shawls and embroidery work to paintings, jewellery, and woodwork.

For exquisite pottery and ceramic work, travel about 7 km. to Potter’s Shed (open till 05:00 p.m. on Wednesday and till 08:00 p.m. Thursday-Tuesday).



Eating at Kodaikanal:

Restaurants in Kodaikanal cater to all tastes with menus serving platters from North and South India as well as international cuisines.

Tava (PT Road) is a great choice for cheap vegetarian food (try Gobhi paranthas) while Hotel New Punjab nearby is acclaimed for tandoori and butter chicken.

Try delicious prawns at Ten Degrees (PT Road) or go for Italian or Middle Eastern cuisines at Altaf’s Cafe on Dolphin’s Nose Road.

Enjoy authentic momos, dumplings and other Tibetan preparations at Royal Tibet (PT Road) or the spice-rich Kerala food at Eden Paradise on Laws Ghat Road. Don’t miss wood-fire oven baked pizzas at Cloud Street on PT Road during Kodaikanal tour.

What travellers say

What travellers say

4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 46 reviews
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Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.
3 weeks ago · Google
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Aruna Persand★★★★★
We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️
a month ago · Google
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Yash Bhargava★★★★★
We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!
4 months ago · Google

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

No special permits are required for Indian citizens to visit Kodaikanal. However, if you are a foreign national, ensure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa while exploring.

The ideal time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Monsoon season (June to August) can lead to heavy rainfall, so plan accordingly.

Kodaikanal is approximately 120 kilometers from Madurai. You can reach Kodaikanal by taxi or bus, which takes around 3-4 hours. Ensure to check the bus schedules in advance, as they may vary.

Pack light woolens or jackets, especially if you are visiting during the cooler months. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the hills. Don't forget your personal items, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Kodaikanal is generally safe for solo travelers. However, it's advisable to stay in well-lit areas at night and avoid isolated paths. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious while interacting with strangers.

Kodaikanal offers a variety of dining options, from local South Indian cuisine to international dishes. Popular spots include Tava for vegetarian meals and Hotel New Punjab for North Indian fare. Be sure to try local specialties like homemade chocolates and fresh fruit.

When visiting Kodaikanal, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.

Key attractions include Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, and the Pillar Rocks. Don't miss the beautiful Bryant Park and the serene Berijam Lake for a tranquil experience amidst nature.

Mobile connectivity is generally good in Kodaikanal, with major networks providing coverage. However, some remote areas may have limited signal strength. It's advisable to inform family or friends about your travel plans.

Yes, Kodaikanal has several shopping options. You can find homemade chocolates, spices, and handicrafts at local shops. Bazaar Road and PT Road are popular areas for shopping, with various emporiums offering unique local products.

Within Kodaikanal, you can use local taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rent bicycles for easier mobility. Walking is also a great way to explore the scenic beauty of the hill station.

It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you have a place that meets your preferences and budget.

Stay hydrated and carry basic medications for altitude sickness or allergies. It's also wise to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Be cautious while trekking or engaging in outdoor activities.

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