Top 10 Places To Visit In Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Often poetically referred to as the Princess Of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal, is one of the Top 10 hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station located in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats and is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India and is known for its picturesque views, lush green forests, rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and stunning waterfalls.

There are several things to do in Kodaikanal. The town offers a variety of activities, such as boating, horse riding, and bird watching. Kodaikanal is an ideal destination for adventure seekers. Tourists can opt for several adventure activities in Kodaikanal, as this scenic hill station in Tamil Nadu is home to some of the best trekking trails in India. With its breathtaking views and pleasant climate, Kodaikanal is an ideal place to relax and unwind. Kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists. 

Top 10 Places To Visit In Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from the months of October through March. This is deemed as the peak tourist season owing to the pleasant average temperature. In Kodaikanal, tourist places are aplenty. The main attractions of Kodaikanal include the Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks, Silver Cascade Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Dolphin’s Nose View Point, Berijam Lake, and so on. Kodaikanal’s picturesque surroundings have made it an ideal setting for movies. Guna, a Tamil movie starring veteran actor Kamal Haasan, was shot in a natural cave system called Devil’s Kitchen, which is now popularly known as the Guna Caves.

Several adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and camping can be enjoyed by tourists visiting Kodaikanal. The town also has some great shopping options with a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs available at local markets.

1. Kodai Lake 

2. Bear Shola Falls

3. Silver Cascade Waterfall

4. Coaker’s Walk

5. Kurinji Andavar Temple

6. Pillar Rocks

7. Dolphin Nose Viewpoint

8. Berijam Lake

9. Bryant Park

10. Green Valley View

1. Kodaikanal Lake 

One of the ideal places to visit in Kodaikanal with family, Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake, is a star-shaped artificial lake located right in the heart of Kodaikanal. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town and a great place to take a leisurely stroll or a calming boat ride. This beautiful lake is the pride of Kodaikanal and a must-visit for all tourists. It has been featured in many Tamil films as well, making it an iconic spot to visit. Boating services are available on the lake, with pedal boats, rowboats, and motorboats regularly rented out to tourists for leisurely rides.

2. Bear Shola Falls

Bear Shola Falls, located around 3 kilometres away from the Kodaikanal bus stand, is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down from a height of about 40 feet. The water from the falls flows into a small pool at the bottom, making it an ideal spot for swimming and bathing. This famous tourist spot in Kodaikanal is located right in the midst of the reserved forest area. It is said that wild bears used to frequent the place to drink water, hence the name. The area around the falls is surrounded by lush green vegetation and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. Tourists often undertake small treks up to these falls as they offer spectacular views of both nature and wildlife surrounding them.

3. Silver Cascade Waterfall

Situated 8 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand, Silver Cascade Waterfall is one of the top tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. This stunning waterfall will surely mesmerise you with its beauty! Surrounded by lush green vegetation, this pristine waterfall cascades down steep rocky terrain, providing an enchanting view for visitors. Tourists can take steps to reach the bottom of the waterfall or take photographs from its top. This spot is ideal for picnics with friends and family as well as adventure activities like trekking and rappelling. You can also enjoy some fun activities, like swimming, during the summer months when the water temperature rises.

4. Coaker’s Walk

A popular destination for every visitor to Kodaikanal is Coaker’s Walk. This is definitely one of the premier Kodaikanal tourist places and has been a favourite spot for residents as well as travellers. 

Enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as surrounding areas while taking a long and leisurely walk along this 1 km-long path that was built by Lt. Coaker way back in 1872! The pathway has been constructed on steep slopes overlooking valleys filled with clouds – making it even more breathtakingly beautiful! Tourists often head for the Telescope House to savour the breathtaking view of the lush green valley below Kodaikanal. Though entry with a camera costs a bit more, it’s worth it as photographers will be able to capture stunning visuals of the lush green valleys and wispy misty clouds while standing at Coaker’s Walk.

5. Kurinji Andavar Temple

Among the most important places to visit in Kodaikanal is the sacred temple of Lord Kartikeya. The Kurinji Andavar Temple is approximately four kilometres away from the nearest bus stand and about three kilometres away from Kodai Lake. This temple gets its name ‘Kurinji’ from the Kurinjimala flower, a special flowering plant that only blooms once every 12 years around these hills! This temple’s ethereal beauty makes it a definite addition to the list of Kodaikanal places to see.

6. Pillar Rocks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwOHYZjpcNE

Situated around 8 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks is one of the most unique places to visit in Kodaikanal. Often an impressive sight, even to those who have seen this natural wonder before, Pillar Rocks is a must-visit spot for anyone who visits Kodaikanal. Pillar Rocks comprise of three humongous gigantic boulders that are around 122 feet tall. Often, onlookers are struck by the sheer size and beauty of these rocks and are also left to ponder over the mysterious forces which have formed them. Nearby, there is a lush green garden filled with exotic flowers that bloom throughout the year, adding colour to these majestic natural monuments. 

7. Dolphin Nose Viewpoint

Often touted as being among the best places to visit, Dolphin Nose Viewpoint is a great spot to undertake adventure hikes in Kodaikanal. Its name comes from the shape resembling the nose of a dolphin, thus providing perfect photo opportunities too! This viewpoint provides spectacular 360-degree views around it, and it’s an absolute treat to just simply sit here on the jutting rock and take in the majestic view of the nearby lush valleys. However, this place should not be visited by people who are afraid of heights. Also, it could be quite dangerous for young children or elderly individuals who may have trouble navigating it safely.

8. Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake figures prominently amongst the top places to visit in Kodaikanal. Berijam Lake is a picturesque reservoir situated 21km from Kodaikanal. The lake is surrounded by dense green forests and grasslands. It is a popular tourist destination and provides a great view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The lake was created by the British in 1867 as a water source for their troops stationed at the nearby Palani Hills. The lake was later developed into a reservoir for irrigation purposes. The lake has an area of about 24 hectares and is fed by several streams that originate from the Palani Hills. The Berijam Lake area has been declared a protected area by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department due to its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Visitors are allowed to visit the lake but are not allowed to swim or bathe in it due to its fragile ecosystem. Several species of medicinal plants and mushrooms are known to thrive in this unique tourist spot in Kodaikanal.

9. Bryant Park

Kodaikanal is the most favoured destination for newlyweds. Bryant Park, located on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal for couples, as it offers a wonderfully romantic ambiance. Bryant Park is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level. It is one of the most visited places in Kodaikanal and offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as boating, horse riding, bird watching, and nature walks. The park also has a botanical garden with over 500 species of plants and trees. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the nearby Palani Hills from here.

10. Green Valley View

Green Valley View is also known as Suicide Point. It is located 8 km from the city center and offers stunning views of the valley below. The point got its name due to its steep drop-offs and dangerous cliffs. This is one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal with family, as visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the valley and take pictures from this spot. There are also several trekking trails nearby that offer great opportunities for adventure seekers.

Kodaikanal has several attractions and activities that make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Overall, Kodaikanal is the ideal destination for tourists who seek an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and serenity. The natural beauty of these must-visit places in Kodaikanal will leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for more places to visit? Take a look at the Top 10 Most Interesting Places To Visit In Pathankot.