Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. Some of the top tourist places to visit in Kodaikanal are:
- Kodai Lake
- Berijam Lake
- Pillar Rocks
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Coaker’s Walk
- Bear Shola Falls
- Bryant Park
- Green Valley View
- Kurinji Andavar Temple
Popular places to visit in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal include:
Kodai Lake –
a scenic man-made lake surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills.
Berijam Lake –
a serene and picturesque lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Pillar Rocks –
a group of three massive rock pillars that rise up to a height of over 400 feet.
Silver Cascade Falls –
a picturesque waterfall that cascades down from a height of nearly 200 feet.
Dolphin’s Nose –
a massive rock structure that offers panoramic views of the valley below.
Coaker’s Walk –
a scenic walkway that offers views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Bear Shola Falls –
A small but beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by lush green forests.
Bryant Park –
A beautiful botanical garden that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Green Valley View –
A popular viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
Kurinji Andavar Temple –
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is located in a scenic location surrounded by rolling hills.
5 days itinerary for Kodaikanal Trip
Here is a 5-day itinerary for a trip to Kodaikanal:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Kodaikanal and check into the hotel.
- Visit the Kodaikanal Lake, take a boat ride, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Explore the nearby Bryant Park, known for its vibrant flowers and varied species of trees.
Day 2:
- Visit the Coakers Walk, a scenic pathway that offers breathtaking views of the valley.
- Visit the Pillar Rocks, a set of three massive rock pillars towering over 700 ft above the ground.
- Take a stroll in the evening around the city’s market area to purchase souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Day 3:
- Visit the Silver Cascade, a stunning waterfall located in a serene forested area.
- Visit the Bear Shola Falls, a lesser-known waterfall but equally beautiful.
- Take a leisurely hike in the surrounding hills to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Day 4:
- Visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan and famous for its Kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years.
- Visit the Green Valley View, a scenic spot known for its picturesque views of the valley.
- Visit the Devil’s Kitchen, a deep, dark cave located in the heart of a dense forest.
Day 5:
- Take a scenic drive to the nearby town of Berijam Lake, a serene lake surrounded by lush green hills.
- Visit the Dolphin’s Nose, a scenic rock formation offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
- Return to Kodaikanal in the evening and prepare for your journey back home.
3 days itinerary for Kodaikanal Trip
Here is a 3-day itinerary for a trip to Kodaikanal:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Kodaikanal and check into the hotel.
- Visit the Kodaikanal Lake, take a boat ride, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Explore the nearby Bryant Park, known for its vibrant flowers and varied species of trees.
Day 2:
- Visit the Coakers Walk, a scenic pathway that offers breathtaking views of the valley.
- Visit the Pillar Rocks, a set of three massive rock pillars towering over 700 ft above the ground.
- Take a stroll in the evening around the city’s market area to purchase souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Day 3:
- Visit the Silver Cascade, a stunning waterfall located in a serene forested area.
- Visit the Green Valley View, a scenic spot known for its picturesque views of the valley.
- Return to Kodaikanal in the evening and prepare for your journey back home.
Popular Historical places to visit in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is not primarily known for its historical places, but here are a few places that have rich cultural and historical significance:
Kurinji Andavar Temple –
Dedicated to Lord Murugan and is famous for its Kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years.
Shenbaganur Museum –
A natural history museum showcasing the flora and fauna of the region.
St. Peter’s Church –
A historic church built in 1895 and known for its Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows.
Kodai Club –
A historic club established in the late 19th century and offers a glimpse into the colonial era.
Pillar Rocks –
A set of three massive rock pillars that have been there for millions of years and have a rich geological significance.
Top Temples to visit in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere and is also home to several temples that are worth visiting. Some of the top temples to visit in Kodaikanal are:
Kurinji Andavar Temple –
Dedicated to Lord Murugan and is famous for its Kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years.
Subramanya Temple –
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan and known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Mariamman Temple –
A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Mariamman and known for its vibrant and colorful festivals.
Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple –
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its serene atmosphere and scenic location.
Pambar Shola Falls Temple –
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and located near the Pambar Shola Falls.
Best street foods corner in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere and is also home to some delicious street food options. Some of the best street food corners in Kodaikanal are:
Kurinji Andavar Market –
A local market offering a variety of street food options, including samosas, vadas, and pakoras.
Gandhi Market –
A bustling market offering a wide range of street food options, including bajjis, bonds, and dosas.
Lake Road –
A popular street food destination offering a variety of snacks, including masala dosas, idlis, and chutneys.
Kodaikanal Club –
A historic club offering a variety of street food options, including sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers.
Hotel Snacks Center –
A popular street food center offering a variety of snacks, including pakoras, bhajis, and samosas.
Best street foods to have in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere and is also home to some delicious street food options. Some of the popular street food options to have in Kodaikanal are:
Masala Dosa –
a crispy and savory crepe made with fermented rice batter and filled with spiced potatoes.
Vada –
a deep-fried, doughnut-shaped snack made with lentils and spices.
Samosas –
a crispy and savory snack filled with spiced vegetables or meat.
Pakoras –
a deep-fried snack made with besan (gram flour) and spices and filled with vegetables or meat.
Chana Masala –
a spicy and tangy dish made with chickpeas and a variety of spices.
Famous market in Kodaikanal for shopping
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India and offers a range of shopping options for visitors. Some of the famous markets in Kodaikanal for shopping are:
Kurinji Andavar Market –
a local market offering a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
Gandhi Market –
a bustling market offering a wide range of products, including textiles, jewelry, and local handicrafts.
Kodaikanal Road Market –
a popular market offering a variety of products, including handmade candles, soaps, and essential oils.
La Saleth Church Market –
a market located near the La Saleth Church and offering a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs.
Kodaikanal Main Bazaar –
a popular market offering a variety of products, including textiles, jewelry, and local handicrafts.
Cheap and best shopping places in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India and offers a range of shopping options for visitors, including some budget-friendly options. Some of the cheap and best shopping places in Kodaikanal are:
Kurinji Andavar Market –
a local market offering a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food at budget-friendly prices.
Gandhi Market –
a bustling market offering a wide range of products, including textiles, jewelry, and local handicrafts, at affordable prices.
Kodaikanal Road Market –
a popular market offering a variety of products, including handmade candles, soaps, and essential oils, at budget-friendly prices.
La Saleth Church Market –
a market located near the La Saleth Church and offering a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs at affordable prices.
Kodaikanal Main Bazaar –
a popular market offering a variety of products, including textiles, jewelry, and local handicrafts, at budget-friendly prices.
Best Budget restaurants in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India that offers a range of dining options, including budget-friendly restaurants. Some of the best budget restaurants in Kodaikanal are:
Anandhaas –
a vegetarian restaurant offering South Indian and North Indian dishes at affordable prices.
Sivaruchi –
a budget-friendly restaurant serving a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes.
Sri Krishna Bhavan –
a vegetarian restaurant offering South Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, and sambar, at affordable prices.
Hotel Saravana Bhavan –
a budget-friendly restaurant serving a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes.
Vasanta Bhavan –
a vegetarian restaurant offering South Indian and North Indian dishes, as well as Chinese and Continental dishes, at budget-friendly prices.
Best street food stalls in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India and is home to some delicious street food options. Some of the best street food stalls in Kodaikanal are:
Murugan Idli Shop –
a popular street food stall is known for its soft and fluffy idlis and sambar.
Sri Krishna Sweets –
a street food stall offering a variety of sweet treats, such as laddu, hangiri, and Mysore pak.
Prakash Bhavan –
a street food stall serving a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes, including masala dosa and vada.
Hotel Saravana Bhavan –
a street food stall offering a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, and sambar.
Dosa Plaza –
a street food stall offering a variety of dosa dishes, including masala dosa, butter dosa, and onion dosa.
Popular pubs and bars in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India and has a variety of bars and pubs for visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular pubs and bars in Kodaikanal are:
The Whispering Wind –
a bar and lounge offering a wide selection of drinks, snacks, and live music.
The Cognac Bar –
a bar offering a variety of cocktails, wines, and other alcoholic beverages.
The Blues Bar –
a bar and lounge offering a selection of drinks, light bites, and live music.
The Happy Valley Bar –
a bar and lounge offering a variety of drinks, snacks, and live music.
The Silent Valley Bar –
a bar and lounge offering a variety of drinks, snacks, and live music.
Cheap and best restaurants in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India and has a variety of restaurants, including budget-friendly options. Some of the cheap and best restaurants in Kodaikanal are:
Sivaraj Family Restaurant –
A budget-friendly restaurant offering a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes at reasonable prices.
Sri Krishna Sweets –
A budget-friendly restaurant offering a variety of sweet treats, such as laddu, hangiri, and Mysore pak at affordable prices.
Annapoorna Family Restaurant –
A budget-friendly restaurant offering a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes at reasonable prices.
Murugan Idli Shop –
A budget-friendly restaurant known for its soft and fluffy idlis and sambar at affordable prices.
Karthik Family Restaurant –
A budget-friendly restaurant offering a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes at reasonable prices.
Cheap and best clothes shopping in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India and has a variety of shops and markets, including budget-friendly options, for clothes shopping. Some of the cheap and best places for clothes shopping in Kodaikanal are:
Kodaikanal Bazaar –
a budget-friendly market offering a variety of traditional and modern clothing items at reasonable prices.
Sri Krishna Handicrafts –
a budget-friendly shop offering a variety of handmade and traditional clothing items, such as shawls, stoles, and hand-painted cotton sarees at affordable prices.
Kodaikanal Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society –
a budget-friendly shop offering a variety of hand-woven clothing items, such as shawls, stoles, and saris, at reasonable prices.
Kodaikanal Handicrafts –
a budget-friendly shop offering a variety of handmade clothing items, such as shawls, stoles, and bags, at affordable prices.
Kodaikanal Silk Weaving Co-operative Society –
a budget-friendly shop offering a variety of hand-woven silk clothing items, such as sarees, stoles, and shawls, at reasonable prices.
Adventurous places to visit in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in South India known for its scenic beauty and adventure opportunities. Some of the adventurous places to visit in Kodaikanal are:
Kodaikanal Lake –
a scenic lake offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Berijam Lake –
a serene lake surrounded by forests and offering opportunities for trekking and birdwatching.
Dolphin’s Nose –
a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Coaker’s Walk –
a scenic walkway offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and opportunities for trekking.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory –
a scientific observatory offering opportunities for stargazing and exploring the history of astronomy in India.
Popular restaurants in Kodaikanal
Here are some popular restaurants in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India:
- Cinnamon Restaurant
- Kurinji Andavar Restaurant
- Shanmuga Vilas
- Hilltop Restaurant
- Sivaruchi
- The Forest Restaurant
- Royal Tibet
- Silver Spoon
- Cloud Street
- Thengumarahada Cafe
Best Tips for a Budget trip to Kodaikanal
Here are some tips to help you plan a budget trip to Kodaikanal:
Accommodation:
Choose budget-friendly accommodations like homestays, guesthouses, and budget hotels.
Transportation:
Avoid private taxis and opt for public transportation like buses and auto-rickshaws to save money.
Food:
Try local street food and home-cooked meals at small restaurants to save money on food expenses.
Activities:
Take advantage of free activities like trekking and hiking in the surrounding hills and forests.
Shopping:
Stick to local shops and street markets for souvenirs instead of touristy shops.
Avoid peak season:
Plan your trip during the off-season to save money on accommodations, transportation, and activities.
Plan ahead:
Research and plan your trip ahead of time to avoid last-minute expenses.
Be flexible:
Be open to adjusting your itinerary and plans based on your budget.
Popular malls must visit in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is primarily a hill station and does not have many large shopping malls. However, here are a few places that you can visit for shopping in Kodaikanal:
Kurinji Super Market:
This is a popular shopping complex that offers a wide range of items, including groceries, clothing, and souvenirs.
Kodaikanal Plaza:
This is a small shopping center that sells local crafts, souvenirs, and clothing.
Kodaikanal Bazaar:
This is a bustling market area that sells local produce, spices, and handcrafted items.
PT Road:
This is a street that is lined with shops selling a variety of items, including souvenirs, clothing, and local produce.
Popular street to visit in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Here are some popular streets to visit in Kodaikanal:
Conner’s Road:
This road is lined with local shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
PT Road:
This road is a bustling street market that sells local produce, spices, and handcrafted items.
Lake Road:
This road offers stunning views of Kodaikanal Lake and is lined with shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.
Club Road:
This road is known for its upscale shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Rose Garden Road:
This road is home to the famous Kodaikanal Rose Garden, which is a popular tourist destination.
A famous holy place in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, and is home to several holy places that attract both tourists and devotees. Here are some of the famous holy places in Kodaikanal:
Kurinji Andavar Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is located on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Pillar Rocks:
This is a famous pilgrimage site that features three massive rock pillars rising out of the earth.
Silvers Cascade:
This waterfall is considered to be sacred and is believed to have healing powers.
The Bear Shola Falls:
This waterfall is located in a serene and peaceful forest and is considered to be a sacred site by the local community.
St. Peter’s Church:
This is an old and historic church that is considered to be a holy site by Christians.
Best nightclubs in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is primarily a hill station and is not known for its nightlife. However, here are a few places that you can visit for a night out in Kodaikanal:
The Mountview Lounge:
This lounge is located in a hotel and offers live music, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Hilltop View:
This is a rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and a relaxed atmosphere.
Silver Spoon:
This restaurant and bar are known for their great food, drinks, and live music.
Cloud Street:
This is a popular hangout spot that offers a variety of drinks and snacks.
Thengumarahada Cafe:
This cafe is open late and offers a variety of drinks and snacks.
Best authentic Tamil Nadu restaurants in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, and is known for its local cuisine. Here are some of the best authentic Tamil Nadu restaurants in Kodaikanal:
RHR Restaurant:
This restaurant is known for its authentic South Indian cuisine and offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan:
This chain of restaurants is known for its delicious South Indian food and offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Murugan Idli Shop:
This small restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic South Indian idlis and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Sivaraj Hotel:
This hotel and restaurant is known for its traditional South Indian food, including dosas and sambar.
Surabhi Hotel:
This hotel and restaurant is known for its delicious South Indian food and offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
