Hello, my travel fellows, Abhishesh is here!!!
After reading about Kodaikanal in my English textbook, I longed to experience its beauty. Finally, we planned a 3-day adventure to explore this charming place in the Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu, India. Packed and ready, I eagerly awaited the day to immerse myself in Kodaikanal’s wonders.
Route from Chennai to Kodaikanal
I booked a train ticket from MGR Chennai Central to Palani for my Kodaikanal trip. No direct transport train, bus, or flight is available to Kodaikanal; Palani is the nearest station. Traveling on MAS PGT Express (22651) in a sleeper coach for ₹355. Departure at 21:40, reaching Palani the next morning at 06:50 (possible half-hour delay). The total time took somewhere around 9 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 0: Palani to Kodaikanal
For budget-friendly travel, sharpen your bargaining skills with auto-rickshaw drivers (auto-wale ANNAs). They often charge extra. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Start by using the fresh washroom near Palani station to freshen up.
After freshening up, calmly walk from the station to avoid high auto fares. Walk about 500 meters to reach the taxi stand or another 500 meters to the bus stand. I opted for a taxi for five people, negotiating from ₹3000 to ₹2500. The taxi driver also recommended a nearby dhaba serving authentic and delicious breakfast items like Poori, Idli, Masala Dosa, Pongal, Coffee, Tea, etc.
After breakfast, we drove 70 km from Palani to Kodaikanal, enjoying the scenic journey with music. Kodaikanal, atop 14 hills, offered breathtaking views. The 2-hour drive led us to Hotel Tamil Nadu, booked for 2 nights at ₹1750 through TTDC, including breakfast. The rooms were clean and well-furnished. Arriving at 10:30 am, we freshened up and began our exploration.
Day 1: Dolphin nose, echo point, and silver cascade waterfall
We booked a taxi for ₹7500 to explore Kodaikanal, and it dropped us off near Palani railway station. Our first stop was Dolphin Nose, a viewpoint available after a 2-kilometer trek filled with stones. Nearby, about 500 meters away, is Echo Point, a hidden gem where you can hear your own sound echo back. On the way to Kodaikanal, we also witnessed the Silver Cascade Waterfall by the roadside. We returned directly to our room after that as the trek had left us tired.
Day 2: Pillar Rocks, Moir Point, Mother Salette Church, Upper Lake View, and Guna Caves
Our taxi driver took us to the first mesmerizing spot, Pillar Rocks, where we did some local shopping. We then returned to Moir Point, where the scenery resembled a scenic painting with mountains and rivers. Next, we visited the 150-year-old Mother Sallette Church, built by the British. Our journey continued to Upper Lake View and Guna Caves. However, we had to cut our exploration short as some places were closed due to the presence of jungle elephants near tourist spots.
Day 3: Kodaikanal Lake, Coakers Walk, Pine Forest, Kodaikanal Museum, and Jamun Tree
We visited Kodaikanal Lake for a boat ride (₹300 per head). Next, Coakers Walk treated us to a cinematic view. We then explored the serene Pine Forest (watch out for monkeys), visited the Kodaikanal Museum, and saw the enchanting Fairy Falls. Our final stop was a 500-year-old Jamun tree, shaped like the Ashoka symbol.
Hidden Gem in Kodaikanal
- Poombarai Village View
Nearby, there’s a beautiful village tour called Poombarai, it’s said to be as scenic as Kashmir. About an hour’s drive from Kodaikanal, we visited Poombarai village on our way back from Berijam Lake. This small village is home to the historic 2000-plus-year-old Kuzhandhai Vellapar Temple, associated with the Palani Murugan Temple. A visit to this temple is a must, offering a clear view of Pazhani Temple Gopuram on a sunny day en route to Poombarai.
- Shopping at Kodaikanal Markets
For general shopping near all attractions, consider buying fridge magnets, key chains, and aesthetic items. Don’t miss the must-buy handmade Kodaikanal chocolate and famous Kodaikanal spices. Try the unique passion fruit and rambutan fruit, commonly found in the southern part of India.
The Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
You can visit Kodaikanal year-round, with the ideal time being August to December. Summer (April to June) and monsoon months (July to September) also offer a great experience. Whether it’s sunshine or rain, Kodaikanal sparkles with sugar and spices.
The Best Food and Accommodation in Kodaikanal
- Book the ticket for HOTEL TAMIL NADU from the government website TTDC. For the two nights, the charge is 1750 rupees, including complimentary breakfast.
- We visited restaurants recommended by our taxi drivers. The hotels were good, but I suggest trying vegetarian food over non-vegetarian; it was better. Hotel Tamil Nadu offers a buffet or reasonable room service for meals. Near Pillar Rock, try the awesome Butter Bun. At Fairy Falls, experience “Pahadon Wali Maggie” and indulge in the yummiest boiled sweet corn.
Necessary things to pack:
- Warm clothes (temperature ranges between 10°C and 20°C)
- Woolen cap
- Trekking stick (if available)
- Slippers (essential for places where you need to remove shoes, like waterfalls)
Tips for Travelers:
- There is no nearby airport, so plan your trip carefully with route knowledge.
- Kodaikanal is chilly, so pack warm clothes regardless of the month.
- For trekking, bring a raincoat and an umbrella for unexpected downpours.
- Be aware of leeches.
Our trip concluded, and we took the train back to Chennai from Palani at 18:15, arriving in Chennai at 4:05 in the early morning. It’s time to bid farewell to Kodaikanal. Goodbye!
