Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Madurai/Coimbatore – KodaikanalMadurai 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 Club hosts 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.