Top 15 Places To Visit In Kodaikanal

February 4, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamt of being pampered by the lullabies of Nature and being embraced affectionately by the cool breeze that flows in from picturesque hill slopes, then Kodaikanal is indeed one of the finest Tourist Places to Visit in TamilNadu to make those dreams come true. 

One of The Best Places to Visit in Kodaikanal

This misty hill station, 75 miles (120km) northwest of Madurai in the protected Palani Hills, is more relaxed and intimate than its big sister Ooty. Referred to as the “Princess of Hills,” Kodaikanal is one of the Best Hill Stations in India. Set at about 7000 ft above sea level, British bureaucrats and Christian missionaries established it as a destination in 1845.

To bask in the area's beauty, take the Tamil Nadu Tour Packages from a reliable tour operator like Trip Planners India today, or continue reading this piece for a virtual exploration. 

15 Best Places To Visit in Kodaikanal 

Looking for tourist places in Kodaikanal for 2 days? The following list of places can be your ideal getaway. 

1. Green Valley View

Green Valley View, formerly known as Suicide Point, is one of the popular Kodaikanal tourist places. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the Vaigai Dam. Perched at a height of about 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level, it provides a stunning vista of lush greenery and mist-covered mountains. The sheer drop of 5,000 feet explains its former name, but now safety measures like fences ensure visitor safety. It is one of the Best Places To Visit In India With Family to capture memorable photos and experience the natural beauty of Kodaikanal.

  • Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

2. Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake, is among the top attractions in Kodaikanal. Vera Levinge was responsible for the lake's creativity and resources. 

The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range, which is the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The sheer beauty of the lake and the photogenic surroundings make it one of the Best Honeymoon Places in India in December.

  • Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Location: Kodaikanal, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu

3. Coaker’s Walk

Coaker's Walk in Kodaikanal is a scenic, man-made Kodaikanal tourist attractions which is about 1 kilometre long, built along the edge of steep slopes. Constructed in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, hills, and even the plains below. 

This popular spot is ideal for leisurely walks, especially in the mornings and evenings, providing a refreshing experience amidst nature. Visitors can also enjoy cycling along the path or use the telescope at the Telescope House for closer landscape views. It can be an ideal attraction to visit if you are planning Kodaikanal as your Honeymoon Destinations in India in January

  • Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
  • Price: INR 30 per hour for adults and INR 20 per hour for children
  • Location: 6FHV+XGC Coakers Walk, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

4. Bryant Park 

One of the many Kodaikanal tourist spot that you must visit is the Bryant Park. Situated on the eastern side of Kodai Lake, the park is bejewelled with various species of plants and shrubs. They vary in a range of flowering plants, hybrids and grafts. 

Once you've strolled on the Coakers Walk, the pathway will lead you towards the park. It is a popular spot among families, as they can set up a picnic area in the park and watch their kids run around and tumble in the grass. The park also educates and trains students in Ornamental Horticulture and is recognised as a demonstration centre. Include it in your Kodaikanal Tour packages in India and explore the area. 

  • Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: Adults: INR 30, Kids: INR 15, Still Camera: INR 50, Video Camera: INR 100
  • Location: 6FJR+CQ2, Lower Shola Rd, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

5. Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal is one of the captivating Kodaikanal view places. It consists of three massive granite boulders standing shoulder to shoulder, reaching a height of about 400 feet. 

These towering pillars create a dramatic and picturesque landscape, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests. The area is often shrouded in mist, adding to its mystical charm. Between the pillars, there's a deep chasm known as "Devil's Kitchen" or "Guna Caves," which gained popularity after being featured in a Tamil movie. Pillar Rocks is a must-visit spot in Kodaikanal as it is a popular Honeymoon Destinations In India In Low Budget.

  • Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: INR 5 per person. INR 20 for still camera
  • Location: located at a distance of 8 km from the Kodaikanal Lake

6. Silver Cascade Falls

The perfect stopover in between a long journey, these Silver Cascade Falls demand your attention while you travel from Kodaikanal to Madurai. The Silver Cascade Falls, formed due to the overflowing of the famous man-made Kodai Lake, is one of the perfect Kodaikanal visiting spots while on a long road trip. 

It is one of the best Places to Visit in November in India because right after the monsoon season the waterfall is at its fullest and most impressive, with a strong flow of water creating a truly spectacular sight. The surrounding landscape is also lush and green from the recent rains, making for beautiful scenery. 

  • Timings: Daytime
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Location: Located on the Ghat road, it is almost 8 km away from the Kodaikanal 

7. Bear Shola Falls

Located 2 kilometres from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls is among the popular places around Kodaikanal to visit. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that lives to its fullest during the monsoons. An interesting legend behind the unique name of this place is that it was a favourite haunt of a bear who used to frequent this water body to drink water, hence imparting it the name Bear Shola Falls.

Wrapped with dense forests coupled with the chirping of birds, Bear Shola Falls is among the finest Places to Visit During Monsoon in India. Also, the forest area of the Western Ghats situated near the falls is a biodiversity hotspot where you can have a rendezvous with animals like monkeys and deer in the wild.

  • Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624103

8. Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin's Nose in Kodaikanal is a unique places of interest in Kodaikanal that juts out from a cliff face, resembling the nose of a dolphin, hence its name. Located about 8 kilometres from Kodaikanal town, it's a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. 

The spot is reached by a relatively easy trek from Vattakanal, making it accessible to most visitors. The dramatic scenery and the distinctive shape of the rock make it a must-visit spot if you decide to visit Kodaikanal with the Honeymoon packages in India.

  • Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Location: 6F5P+JVP, Tamil Nadu 624101

9. Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is one of the Best Places to Visit in South India located 22 km from Kodaikanal's main stand. With several activities like fishing, safari tours, and bird watching, the lake is nature's unhindered beauty in the midst of a forest conservation area. 

The lake also facilitates the habitat of many animals, such as Bison, Indian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, and Deer. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Boating has been banned in the lake to preserve the natural freshwater. Due to its pristine nature and natural beauty, be sure to include this place in your list of places to go in Kodaikanal.

  • Timings: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: Entry Ticket: INR 100
  • Location: Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, South India

10. Kurinji Andavar Temple

The Kurinji Andavar Temple in Kodaikanal is among the famous temples in South India. It is dedicated to Lord Muruga (Kartikeya) and is particularly famous for the Kurinji flower, which blooms only once every 12 years and covers the surrounding hills in a vibrant purple hue. 

The temple offers stunning panoramic views of the Palani Hills and the surrounding valleys. Built in the 1930s by a European woman who converted to Hinduism, it blends traditional South Indian architecture with serene natural beauty. It attracts both devotees and tourists, especially during the Kurinji blooming season, making it one of the revered places to see around Kodaikanal.

  • Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Price: there is no entry fee
  • Location: Kurinji Andavar Temple Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

11. Shembaganur Museum of Natural History

The Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India, is a museum dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Palani Hills. Run by the Sacred Heart College, the museum houses a diverse collection of preserved specimens, including birds, mammals, insects, and plants, many of which are endemic to the region. It offers visitors valuable insight into the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and serves as one of the educational places to visit around Kodaikanal for students and nature enthusiasts. 

  • Timings: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Closed on Thursday
  • Entry Fee: INR 2
  • Location: 6GJ2+F97, Laws Ghat Rd, Shenbaganur, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101

12. Mannavanur Lake

Mannavanur is a serene farming village in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, 35km away from Kodaikanal. This quaint village has terrace farms cut into the hill slopes. It offers nature lovers a chance to experience farm life, especially spotting rabbits, sheep, and other animals. It can be one of the ideal Places To Visit In Summer In India. The Mannavanur Lake adds tranquillity to this picturesque town. 

  • Timings: reach the area between 9:30 AM-5:30 PM to explore such sightseeing places around Kodaikanal
  • Price: ?30 per person
  • Location: 69F6+X6G Elumpallam Lake, Mannavanur, Tamil Nadu 624103

13. Pine Forest

Located southwest of Kodaikanal, the Pine Forest is a well-known tourist destinations in Kodaikanal and a preserved natural heritage site. Established in 1906 by Mr. Bryant for timber production, the forest is characterised by dense stands of pine trees, creating a unique greyish landscape with fallen cones and needles. The surrounding area also features various mushrooms, including potentially hallucinogenic varieties. 

Beyond its picturesque scenery, the Pine Forest offers opportunities for peaceful walks and relaxation amidst nature. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular spot for sightseeing, with activities like horse riding, nature walks, and photography available. With proper authorisation, visitors can even camp within the forest. For those seeking a break from daily life and the Places To Visit In Winter In India, the Pine Forest provides an ideal escape. 

  • Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Location: Pine Forest 1 is situated near the Solar Observatory, Pine Forest 2 is located near Moir Point

14. Thalaiyar Falls

Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls, is located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It's one of the highest and Beautiful Waterfalls in India, plunging down from a height of approximately 975 feet (297 meters). 

The falls get their nickname from their appearance: water cascades down a steep cliff face resembling a rat's tail. The surrounding area is characterised by lush greenery and dense forests, making it a scenic tourist places around Kodaikanal. 

While reaching the base of the falls can be challenging due to the terrain, viewpoints offer stunning panoramic views of the cascading water and the surrounding landscape.

  • Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Location: Palani Hills of Dindigul district

15. Moir Point

Moir Point is a popular tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Named after Sir Thomas Moir, who initiated the construction of the Goschen Road (also known as the Forty Mile Road) in 1929, the point marks the beginning of this historic road leading towards Berijam Lake. 

A monument commemorating Sir Thomas Moir's contribution stands at the site. Today, Moir Point is one of the best places to see in Kodaikanal, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas, capture memorable photographs, and soak in the region's natural beauty.

  • Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
  • Location: 6C6X+57V, Ten Mile Round, Tamil Nadu 624101

Best Time To Visit Kodaikanal 

While Kodaikanal is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is generally considered to be from October to May. This period encompasses the post-monsoon and summer seasons, offering pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

  • October to February (Winter): As one of the Honeymoon Destinations in India in February, this is the peak season with cool, refreshing weather, perfect for trekking and enjoying the misty landscapes. Temperatures can drop below 10°C, so pack warm clothing. 
  • March to May (Summer): The weather is comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 20°C. This makes it ideal for exploring the town and enjoying the blooming flowers. This is also when the annual Summer Festival features cultural events and exhibitions.
  • While the monsoon season (June to September): brings lush greenery and a serene ambience, heavy rainfall can sometimes disrupt your plans to Kodaikanal near places to visit.

How To Reach Kodaikanal 

To make your trip hassle free take the Kodaikanal Tour Packages or check out the following ways to reach the area:

How To Reach Kodaikanal by Flight

The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is the Madurai airport, which is 120 km away. Other airports within close proximity to Kodaikanal are Trichy Airport and Coimbatore airport, which are 150 km and 175 km away, respectively. From here, you can catch the local TNSTC buses to Kodaikanal or hire a cab to cover the rest of the journey.

How To Reach Kodaikanal by Train

The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is the Kodai road, which is approximately 100 km away from the main city. From here on, you must catch a bus or hire a cab to cover your onward journey.

How To Reach Kodaikanal by Bus

You can easily catch a TNSTC bus from the main cities of South India. It is well-connected to Bengaluru, Chennai, Madurai, etc. On your way, you can get a glimpse of the various attractions near Kodaikanal. 

Book Kodaikanal Tour Packages With The Help of Trip Planners India 

Are you planning to explore the various Places to Visit in Kodaikanal with tour packages for the ultimate exploration? 

Take the well-curated travel packages from the Best trip planners in India and embark on a journey like never before. With swift transfers and cosy accommodations, make the most of your holiday when you traverse the beautiful valley with Trip Planners India. Contact our expert team today and partner with us on your next getaway.

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