Situated in the rolling hills of the Palani range, Kodaikanal is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu that has long been a favourite getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers like yours. While its famous parks and lakes are undeniably beautiful, the true charm of this misty haven lies in the offbeat places in Kodaikanal hidden destinations where very few venture, yet where the authentic spirit of Kodaikanal comes alive.
Top 5 Offbeat Places In Kodaikanal
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal offers more than just its popular tourist spots. For travellers seeking offbeat experiences, some offbeat places in Kodaikanal worth exploring are mentioned below:
1. Kurinji Andavar Temple
The Kurinji Andavar Temple, located 3 Km away from Kodaikanal Lake, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, the god of hills. It is one of the offbeat places in Kodaikanal. The name itself reflects this connection, as “Kurinji” means “hill region” in Tamil, and “Andavar” means “God.” Built-in 1936 by Leelavathi Ramanathan, a European Hindu convert, the temple is known for its scenic surroundings and the rare Kurinji flower, which blooms in the area only once every 12 years. You can worship Lord Muruga and explore the temple’s Dravidian architecture. Small shrines are also dedicated to Ganesha, Vishnu, and the Navagraha (nine planets) within the temple complex.
Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Ways to Reach: Take a taxi or local bus to Kurinji Andavar Temple. The distance from Kodaikanal town to the temple is approximately 3 Km. You can also consider a horse ride to the temple.
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2. Dolphins Nose
Dolphin’s Nose is one of the offbeat places in Kodaikanal. It is named after the flat, protruding rock formation that resembles a dolphin’s nose, jutting out from a cliff at an elevation of 6,600 feet. The viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lush green valleys, rolling hills, and distant plains below. The trek to Dolphin’s Nose is moderate, around 3 Km long, and winds through scenic pine forests and rocky terrains. The view from the top is truly magnificent, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Dolphin’s Nose is during the summer months, from March to May. You can also visit in the winter, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant.
Ways to Reach: To reach the viewpoint, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Pambar Bridge, which is the starting point of the trek. The Dolphin’s Nose is about 8 km from the Kodai Bus Station, and frequent buses can take you there.
3. Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake, stands as one of the offbeat places in Kodaikanal, is a star-shaped artificial lake located in Kodaikanal city in the Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, was instrumental in creating the Lake in 1863 amidst the Kodaikanal town developed by the British and early missionaries from the USA. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills of the northwestern Palani Hills range, which is the main watershed for the Lake. Boating is a major attraction in Kodaikanal Lake. You can enjoy pedal boating, rowing, and shikara rides on the lake. You can also do horse riding, cycling, and walking.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kodaikanal Lake is during the summer months from March to May.
Ways to Reach: The closest railway stations to the lake are the Kodai Road Railway Station and the Palani Railway Station, located 80 Km and 64 Km away, respectively. Regular bus services provide good connectivity from Kodaikanal Road to the lake.
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4. Coakers Walk
Image Credit: R.K.PRAGADHEESH for Wikimedia Commons
Coaker’s Walk, among one of the best offbeat places in Kodaikanal, is a scenic trail built in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker. It winds along the edge of the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the valleys and plains below. The walkway is a popular spot for tourists and locals who enjoy the fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. The path is lined with pine trees and flowering shrubs, and there are several viewpoints along the way where you can stop to take in the panoramic vistas. On a clear day, you can see as far as the city of Madurai in the distance. There’s also a telescope house where you can pay a small fee to examine the surrounding landscape closely. Be sure to visit before 2:30 pm, as the valley tends to get covered in mist later in the afternoon.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Coaker’s Walk is during the summer months (March to May) when the weather is pleasant and sunny. You can also visit during winter (November to February) for a cooler experience.
Ways to Reach: You can easily reach the lake by walking or taking a rickshaw. Cabs and taxis are readily available from the Kodaikanal bus stand and railway station to reach Coaker’s Walk.
5. Berijam Lake
Image Credit: DRUID1962 for Wikimedia Commons
Berijam Lake is a reservoir located 22 Km away from Kodaikanal town in Tamil Nadu. This quaint lake is nestled amidst the hills and serves as a source of potable water for the town of Periyakulam. The lake was created due to the construction of a dam and is surrounded by lush greenery. Berijam Lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Sightings of bison, Indian elephants, Nilgiri langurs, and deer have been reported. Boating is not allowed on the lake to preserve the natural freshwater, but visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, bird watching, and safari tours. Berijam Lake stands as one of the captivating offbeat places in Kodaikanal for the trip, inviting explorers to connect with nature’s bounty in its purest form.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Berijam Lake is during the summer months (March to May)
Ways to Reach: You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kodaikanal town to Berijam Lake, enjoying a scenic drive through the forest. Alternatively, regular buses offer a more economical, albeit slower, option.
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The offbeat places in Kodaikanal offer a unique and captivating experience for travellers like you seeking to explore the road less travelled. This hill station promises a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventures. So why wait? Take the plunge and book your trip to Kodaikanal today, and go on a journey filled with unexpected wonders and unforgettable experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore the offbeat places in Kodaikanal and beyond. Start your adventure now and make every moment count!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kodaikanal
What is the famous of Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal, known as the “Princess of Hill stations”, is renowned for its pleasant climate, breathtaking landscapes, and locally made chocolates. It boasts several attractions, including Kodaikanal Lake, Green Valley View, Coaker’s Walk, Kurinji Temple, Pillar Rocks, and Bryant Park.
Is 2 days enough for Kodaikanal?
The number of days required to visit Kodaikanal depends on your interests. Two days allow you to cover the main attractions. For a more relaxed pace with offbeat exploration, consider 3-4 days.
How many places are there in Kodaikanal to visit?
Kodaikanal has numerous places to visit, from popular lakes and waterfalls to historical sites and offbeat destinations.
What is special to buy in Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal is famous for homemade chocolates, plums, spices, essential oils, and wooden toys.
What is the budget for a Kodaikanal trip?
The budget varies depending on your travel style, accommodation, and activities. Generally, expect to spend anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day.
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