A traveler’s guide to Kodaikanal- 12 Popular places you must visit
Kodaikanal, fondly known as the Princess of Hills is a beautiful town in the Southern part of India. This little town is adorned with picturesque views, lush greenery, a sparkling lake, majestic waterfalls, delicious homemade chocolates, and amiable people. There are many tourist places in Kodaikanal that a traveler can cover in 4 days. If one wishes to have a complete hill station experience, one can plan on staying for 7 days and go on long treks and camping.
Mentioned below is a list of some beautiful places to visit in Kodaikanal.
Booking.comKodaikanal lake:
A man-made lake located in the heart of the town is known to be one of the most beautiful attractions. Of the many lakes in Kodaikanal this is most famous places to visit Kodaikanal. One can go boating either in a rowboat accompanied by a boatman or a pedaling boat which one can pedal themselves. They also have beautiful shikaras that have come all the way from Kashmir offering a splendid and relaxing experience. Shikaras are easily one of the top things to do in kodaikanal Apart from boating, there are various other activities around the lake such as cycling, horse riding, games for kids, etc. Not to mention, the local eateries around the lake that one should not miss.
Pillar Rocks:
The pillar rocks are exclusively known for its scenic beauty and panoramic view of the majestic hills. The place consists of three beautiful rock formations tucked amidst the breathtaking view of the plains. Very close to the pillar rocks, is another famous attraction, fondly known as the Devil’s Kitchen which is again tucked in between the rocks. The place also offers a serene mini garden from where one can see the view, wind off and relax.
Dolphin’s nose:
The dolphin’s nose is another magnificent attraction that a traveler should not miss. It is located about 8kms from the main town. Dolphin’s nose offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the entire town. It is a small cliff that is tucked on top of a rock piece that is noticed to be protruding. If you keep walking further down, there is a small village called Vatakanal where you can sip a hot cup of tea with the locals and exchange stories about the hills.
Bear Shola Falls:
About 2 Km from the Kodai lake, is a beautiful falls located amidst dense forest sprawling with beautiful trees and chirping birds. The place is also a perfect picnic spot for those who want to lay back and relax. The falls look majestic during the monsoon season.
Coakers walk:
Coakers’ walk will tell you why Kodai is also called the princess of hills. It is an approximately 1 km manmade walkway that offers a mesmerizing view of the mountains and the plains. The place not only offers a beautiful view, but one is sure to experience the crisp, fresh mountain air which is incomparable to any other. A 15 min stroll in this place is sure to make you forget all the worries and difficulties in life.
Kodai Observatory:
The Kodai Observatory is an intriguing tourist spot that a traveler would not expect to find in a hill station. Although it is run by the government, visitors are also given a chance to enter and take a look around. If you are interested in space and astronomy, then this place is certainly for you. It is an interesting place for Children.
Bryant Park:
Very close to Kodai lake is an equally enthralling site called “Bryant Park”. The lush botanical garden sprawling with vibrant flowers, trees, and a well-manicured lawn was built by the British more than 100 years ago. It is again a perfect spot for a traveler to wind off and relax. The place offers a thrilling Flower show that happens annually. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is in the month of May when the flowers are in full bloom.
Silver Cascade Falls:
Although Kodaikanal has many waterfalls, Silver Cascade is often the sought-after one by many tourists. It is a majestic waterfall plummeting from over a 50-meter height that appears to be like pure milk. You are welcomed to Kodai by this waterfall as it is located right before you enter Kodaikanal. The falls look enchanting when the monsoon hits Kodaikanal during the months of July and August.
Moir Point:
The Moir Point is another enthralling place a traveler should never miss. The place is named after Thomas Moir in the 1920s. Although a little away from the town, the place offers scenic and breathtaking views of the mountains along with some crisp fresh mountain air. Apart from the views, there are also other activities one can take part in, such as golfing.
Pine forest:
A traveler should never step out of Kodaikanal without visiting the Pine forest. The place was first cultivated by Mr Bryant in 1906. Visitors are enthralled by the pine forest because of its dense foliage and rich fauna. A traveler can rest under the shade of the beautiful pine trees. The place is ideal for Picnics and beautiful pictures.
Shembaganur Museum of Natural History:
Founded in the year 1895, the place offers beautiful artifacts of the Palayar tribes. Apart from this, they also have a wide range of collections of exotic animals, birds, and insects indigenous to the region. A museum is an interesting place for kids as they can gain extensive knowledge of taxidermy and anthropology.
La Saleth Church:
The La Saleth Church is one of the most salient places to see in Kodaikanal. The church is more than 130 years old and impresses travelers with its astounding architecture. The church is situated on a cliff surrounded by stunning views and lush greenery. Annually a festival is conducted in the church for 9 days. If you happen to be there on the 14th of August make it a point to attend the festival.
Where to stay to visit all these 12 places in a day?
If you plan to visit Kodaikanal tourist places, I would highly recommend you to stay at this beautiful Boutique hotel called “Pine Borough Inn”. It is located at the Rifle range road, Naidupuram, and is roughly about 5 km from the lake.
The boutique hotel is located amidst lush green trees and a well-manicured landscape carpeted with vibrant flowers. The hotel offers an enthralling view of the mountains, dotted with beautiful tiny houses. The hotel is apt for a person who is outdoorsy, likes to laze around in a hammock with a book and is one with nature.
The hotel offers a variety of activities such as an Outdoor Badminton court, a small recreation hall with a Carrom board, table tennis, Chess, a Kids play area with slides, a ball pit, see-saw, a mini library, etc. They also have a small petting zoo with adorable child-friendly animals such as Guinea pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, birds, and a cute little pug named Rio.
Not just that, they have a beautiful flower nursery with more than 300 hundred varieties of plants and trees for plant lovers. Those who like to taste freshly grown organic carrots, peas, spinach, etc.. can go to the vegetable patch behind the nursery for a stroll- the experience is one of a kind. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant “Pine and Petals”, which offers a wide range of mouth-watering dishes.
Breakfast is complimentary for the inn mates. A wide array of south Indian dishes, fruits, continental dishes, and juice are served for breakfast. They also have a live counter with a chef making sumptuous dosas and eggs to our liking. Kodai’s famous organic oils and homemade chocolates are also sold at the reception. One should not step out of Kodai without trying out the famous Homemade Chocolates.
The hotel has an interesting array of rooms. Each room at the hotel is uniquely designed in order to give the customer a splendid hill station experience. The wooden paneled rooms are not only aesthetically pleasing to one’s eyes but also keep the room warm and insulated. They also have sophisticated suites at very reasonable prices.
The suites have beautiful lofts in the living room with comfy beds that children often seem to get attracted to. Each room offers a wonderful view of the lush green property, sprawling with pine trees, elderflower trees, hammocks, playground, and the stunning well-lit mountains. The hotel is a very peaceful place for families, and couples who want a break from their mundane lives.
The property is listed in trip advisor and is ranked No 1 amongst 52 small hotels in Kodaikanal. One can spend an entire day in the hotel and stay occupied with the activities that the hotel has to offer. Those who like to step out in the evening for a break or would like to dine outside can try out another property by the name Holiday Home.
Holiday home is a beautiful resort that also offers a splendid hill station experience. The resort has a wonderful buffet spread for dinner which one should not miss. Apart from the food, the resort is fondly known for its beautiful lush garden and the sparkling stream that flows through the property. Pine Borough Inn and Holiday home are two excellent properties that should be a part of every traveler’s itinerary.
Get ready for your vacation: Wishing you a safe and memorable holiday at the mesmerizing Princess of hills. Make sure you pack these travel gears
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