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We all know Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is a beloved honeymoon destination. But what we don’t know is the heavenly state is a gift of nature to us humans. The name Kodaikanal translates to ‘gift of the forests.’ And when you land here, you immediately see why. This beautiful state is situated at a height of 7,000 feet above sea-level. The trip to the Princess of Hill Stations will be termed complete when you visit these places. Here are top places near Kodaikanal that will make you feel you have landed in heaven.
19 Best Places Near Kodaikanal
So, here is a list of top 10 places near Kodaikanal that make sure you have a wonderful time whilst on a vacation to this beautiful town.
- Coaker’s Walk – Take A Stroll
- Kodaikanal Lake – Admire The Beauty
- Pillar Rocks – Witness The Natural Formations
- Berijam Lake – Watch Sky’s Reflection
- Chettiar Park – Have Some Leisure Time
- Fairy Falls – Admire The Cascading Waters
- Kukkal Caves – Discover New Things
- Perumal Peak – Get A Picturesque View
- Pine Forest – Go Through Dense Greenery
- Bear Shola Falls – Listen To Sound Of Water
- Poombarai & Campers Valley – Admire The Soothing And Mesmerising Views
- Dindigul – Explore The Ancient City
- Thalaiyar Falls – Explore The Beauty
- Dolphin Nose View Point – An Eye-Pleasing View
- Green Valley – Discover The Greenery
- Kodai-Palani Trek – Re-Live The Adventure
- Devil’s Kitchen Trek – Walk Along The Trail
- Kurinji Temple – A Spiritual Spot
- Shembaganur Museum Of Natural History – Nature Connects With History
1. Coaker’s Walk – Take A Stroll
It is said, if you are planning for places to visit in Kodaikanal in June and returning without going to the Coaker’s Walk, your trip is wasted! It is a place where you walk surrounded by mesmerising hills and nauseating downward going slopes of vast green expanse. It is a man-made walking plaza, one km in length. It is best enjoyed in the mornings and evenings when the clouds come down to greet the visitors. You can even cycle along the path. Whether you are visiting it alone or have a beloved at your side, take a leisurely stroll at Coaker’s Walk to spend some blissful and rejuvenating time in nature as it is one of the best places to visit near Kodaikanal.
Activities: Walking, cycling and telescopic viewing
How to reach: Coaker’s Walk is reachable by road via Saint Mary’s Road. Coaker’s Way is 1 km away from Kodaikanal Railway Station.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 10
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2. Kodaikanal Lake – Admire The Beauty
Amongst some of the places to visit around Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal lake is one of the most stunning places to visit in Kodaikanal that is a must visit. Kodaikanal is famous for its Kodaikanal Lake. The lake is very nearby to Coaker’s Walk. This lake is situated at an elevation of 2285 meters. This lake is not a nature’s creation. It was made in 1863 by the then collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Hentry Levinge. It is in a beautiful star shape and is enveloped from all sides by the enigmatic Palani Hills. This place is where the unique Neelakurinji flowers bloom.
Activities: boating, horse riding, cycling, flower and boat pageant shows in summers
How to reach: It is reachable by bus or cab from Kodai Railway Station, 90 km, and Palana Railway Station, 64 km.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry Fees
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3. Pillar Rocks – Witness The Natural Formations
If you want to have a one-day picnic with your family and friends then Pillar Rocks can be included in one of the places to visit around Kodaikanal. Pillar Rocks is a popular spot for honeymooners and families alike. It has three large vertical rocks that touch a height of 400 feet. The place also has a mini garden. The beautiful location serves as a great picnic spot.
Activities: Enjoy a picnic at the viewpoint, relax in the mini garden and indulge in photography
How to reach: Located Golf Links Road, the place can be reached via road. Kodaikanal bus stand is 7.5 km away from the place.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 5
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4. Berijam Lake – Watch Sky’s Reflection
Visit this peaceful lake in a forest conservation area. It is situated in Dindigul district in the upper slope of Palani hills. The lake has clear, blue water and is surrounded by picturesque green landscape with overlooking hills. Make sure that you visit this place as it is considered to be one of the top places to visit near Kodaikanal.
Activities: Bird and animal spotting and relaxing
How to reach: The lake is 10 km away from Kodaikanal Road Railway Station. It is recommended to take a taxi rather than a bus to the place.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 100
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5. Chettiar Park – Have Some Leisure Time
Are you a nature lover and enthusiast? Then, Chettiar Park is one of the famous places near Kodaikanal for all the admirers of nature. Chettiar Park is the place from where you never want to get up. It is a stunning and soothing location nestled near Kurinji Andavar Temple. This garden is filled with exquisite flowers and plant species, different shaped bush structures, and a peace giving environment. If you are lucky, you might spot the Kurinji flowers here that are said to bloom just once every 12 years.
Activities: Spot rare species of flowers, picnicking
How to reach:The park is 1.5 km away from the main town of Kodaikanal, which can be reached by cab.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 10
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6. Fairy Falls – Admire The Cascading Waters
Are you ready for some swimming sport? Come and dive in Fairy Falls, one of the places near Kodaikanal which indeed will mesmerize you with its beauty. Just like the name, the place has a dreamy and fantasy feel to it. This waterfall is located in Pambarpuram. The water falling from the stepped majestic mountains drenching plants around it is a sight to behold. It is famous for swimming. If you don’t fancy being wet under the falling water, you can relax at the place and be drenched in the mystifying aura of the place instead.
Activities: Swimming
How to reach: Take a cab from Kodaikanal Bus Station. It is 5 km away from Kodai Lake.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry Fees
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7. Kukkal Caves – Discover New Things
Kukkal Caves is one of the stunning caves and popular places near Kodaikanal which the tourists are going to love. Kukkal Caves is one of the ideal places for the tourists. The beautiful caves are brimming with historical significance. It is believed that the Palaiyar tribes who wore leaf clothes lived here. The walls of the temple situated atop the hill give evidence to this with its ancient hand paintings. Kukkal caves are situated at an altitude of 6200 feet above sea level, which makes them one of the highest places in Kodaikanal.
Activities: Trekking, walking through the rich habitation
How to reach: Take a bus from Kodaikanal to Poombarai. Then walk till Kukkal forest rest house.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry Fees
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8. Perumal Peak – Get A Picturesque View
Trekking is a super fun activity. Isn’t it? Enjoy magnificent views amidst the trekking in between Perumal Peak and is a must visit place near Kodaikanal for your short vacation. Perumal peak is a heaven for trekkers. Located at a whopping height of 8,005 ft, it makes you feel you are literally at the top of the world! It offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding hills and the green landscape. The best thing about the trek up Perumal Peak is, you don’t have to be an experienced trekker or possess great strength.
Anyone can scale the peak, making it one of the must visit heavenly places for everyone. Here you can spot heavily cascading waterfalls, zigzagging mountainous paths, slopes filled with trees and more.
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking
How to reach: Take a cab or bus till the Perumalmalai Village.
Timings: Sunrise till Sunset
Entry Fees: No entry Fees
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9. Pine Forest – Go Through Dense Greenery
Pine forest will make you feel you are filming a melodious love song from a Bollywood movie. This place remains one of the most visited places in Kodaikanal. The area is filled with tall pine trees that play hide and seek with the sky. Taking a walk among the trees is very relaxing and soothing. This place is also great to bring out the inner photographer in you.
Activities: Photography, walking, camping, horse riding
How to reach: Pine forest is very close to the main town of Kodaikanal. It takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by cab.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry Fees
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10. Bear Shola Falls – Listen To Sound Of Water
The distinct name of the waterfalls near Kodaikanal is due to the fact that bears frequented it in the past to drink water. The waterfall is quite tall and flows down in a delightful curvy form. The falls are located inside a reserve forest whose beauty remains intact from no visitations by humans. The best time to visit this waterfall is during and after monsoon. The water gets dried up completely during summers.
Activities: Relaxation, photography, bird watching
How to reach: You can take a bus from Kodaikanal bus station or a cab from Kodaikanal Lake.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry Fees
11. Poombarai & Campers Valley – Admire The Soothing And Mesmerising Views
Image Credits: Wikimedia commons
Looking for a weekend getaway? Poombarai is one of the spectacular places to visit near Kodaikanal popular for its spellbinding views and ancient temples. The travellers must capture some of the amazing viewpoints or pray by visiting Hindu temples and can go to Campers valley for a one-night stay. The valley is just a 60 kms ride from Kodaikanal and you can visit Poombarai Village View, Poombarai Murugan Temple and Aisha Mosque.
Activities: Cycling, hiking and camping
How to reach: Poombarai & Campers Valley can be reached by road and parking is also available there. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 90.7 kms from Campers Valley Camping.
Timings: The check-in timings of the camps is 10:00 AM and check-out timings of the camps are 3:00 PM in the evening.
Entry Fees: To know the correct prices travellers must enter the number of tourists and their age as well.
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12. Dindigul – Explore The Ancient City
Image Credits: Wikimedia commons
Dindigul is one of the places to visit near Kodaikanal if you are planning for a short vacation. Dindigul happens to be an ancient town as early as the time when Pandyan Kingdom prevailed. The travellers will get to see the magnificent heritage of various temples and popular Dindigul Fort. One of the 14th century temples, Kalahastheeswara-Gnanambika is famous for its positive energy. Dindigul is at a distance of 100 kms from Kodaikanal.
Activities: Tourists can visit Silver Cascade Falls, Sirumalai Reserved Forest, Kamaraja Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Pambar Falls
How to reach: Dindigul is easily accessible by road, railways and air. If tourists travel by road it is 88 kms, 14 kms by railways and 44 kms by air from Kodaikanal.
Timings: The timings depend on the arrival time of the guests in Dindigul.
Entry Fees: Entry fees of coakers walk is INR 10 per person and INR 20 per person for telescope house.
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13. Thalaiyar Falls – Explore The Beauty
Image Credit:Pixabay.com
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Among the things to do in Kodaikanal, a visit to this marvelous natural asset is essential. Considered as one of the best Kodaikanal attractions, this majestic fall is situated in the dense forest of the Palani Hill ranges of the Dindigul District. You can visit the otherwise known as ‘rat tail falls’ from the Dum Dum viewpoint. Enjoy a scenic experience of witnessing this 297-meter wonder and the Manjalar Dam on a sunny day.
Activities: Visiting the waterfall.
Distance From Kodaikanal: Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
How To Reach: By hiking only.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Except Sundays)
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: Free
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14. Dolphin Nose View Point – An Eye-Pleasing View
Image Credit: Karty Jazz for Wikimedia Commons
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
This magnificent viewpoint is one of the best Kodaikanal attractions. While you are visiting Kodaikanal, things to do must enlist a visit to this 6,600 feet high destination. The protruding cliff as a shape of a dolphin serves as an adventurous spot for gazing over the vast valley, spanning mountains and surrounding jungles.
Activities: Walking, trekking, viewing.
Distance From Kodaikanal: 8 kms from the Kodai Bus stand.
How To Reach: Take a cab to the Pambar Bridge, the starting point of the trek or take a bus from Kodai Bus Station.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Required Time: 2-3 hours
Entry Fees: Free
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15. Green Valley – Discover The Greenery
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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
One of the most popular adventure activities in Kodaikanal is to trek to the Green Valley Suicide Point. This is one of the dangerous ‘Kodaikanal things to do’ thing for adventurous travelers who like an adrenaline rush. The dense forest with steep slopes is strikingly beautiful if proper attention is being given while visiting.
Activities: Walking, viewing, Bird watching.
Distance From Kodaikanal: 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake
How To Reach: By auto-rickshaw or by bus from Kodai Bus stand.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Required Time: Less than one hour
Entry Fees: Free
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16. Kodai-Palani Trek – Re-Live The Adventure
Image Credit: Wikitom2 for Wikimedia Commons
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
The list of Kodaikanal attractions is not complete without the Kodai-Palani Trek. Among the interesting things to do in Kodaikanal, this is one of the most beautiful experiences a tourist can have. Beginning at the Kukkul cave passing through the beautiful Shola forest and ending at Kuthiraiyaru dam, this trek is one of the 7 trekking trails of the hills of Kodaikanal.
Activities: Trekking, Trailing, Viewing, Camping, and Stargazing.
Distance From Kodaikanal: Kodai road, Kodaikanal.
How To Reach: Reach Kodai road, 80kms from the city Kodaikanal, at the starting point of the trek.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Required Time: One full day
Entry Fees: Free
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17. Devil’s Kitchen Trek – Walk Along The Trail
Image Credit: Rick Willoughby for Wikimedia Commons
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
An essential element of the Kodaikanal adventure activities, this thrilling trek is one of the things to do in Kodai. This is a group of caverns located amidst another popular picnic spot called the Pillar Rocks. Hikers and trekkers will find this offbeat route utmost peaceful. Starting from the Moir point, the endpoint of the hike is the Guna caves, named after a Tamil Movie. Imagine yourself, standing at the peak of the hike, while the gorge is slowly submerging into thick clouds.
Activities: Walking, Hiking, Trekking, Photography, Telescopic viewing.
Distance From Kodaikanal: Pillar Rocks road, Kodaikanal.
How To Reach: Reach the Pillar Rocks, then start your downwards trek into the cave.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Required Time: 30 minutes
Entry Fees: INR 5, Camera for extra 10 rupees.
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18. Kurinji Temple – A Spiritual Spot
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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Offering evening prayers at this beautiful temple of Lord Murugu is one of the best things to do in Kodaikanal at night. The name of the temple is associated with the rare flower Kurunji that blooms once in every 12 years. This temple also provides an extraordinary view of the Palani hills, northern plains, and the nearby carrot plantations.
Activities: Prayers, Viewing.
Distance From Kodaikanal: Kurinji Andavar Temple Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101
How To Reach: Take any public transport to reach the temple.
Timings: 7 AM-7 PM
Required Time: 1hour
Entry Fees: Free
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19. Shembaganur Museum Of Natural History – Nature Connects With History
Image Credit: Pixabay.com
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
If you are thinking about some offbeat things to do in Kodaikanal, visiting the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History would be a great choice. As one of the best orchidaria in the country, it has a rich collection of the Anthropology, history, handicrafts, and flora & fauna sections. Indulge your inner geek into an enriching experience here. This intriguing place is considered as one of the top things to do in Kodaikanal.
Activities: Observing, viewing, and watching.
Distance From Kodaikanal: 5 Km from Kodaikanal Lake 6 Km From Bus Stand, Kodaikanal India.
How To Reach: Take public transport to reach the museum.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Required Time: 1-2 hours
Entry Fees: INR 2
Further Read: 10 Hotels In Coonoor Amid The Lush Valleys Of Tamil Nadu
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kodaikanal right now! Talk to Travel Triangle for visiting information about the best places near Kodaikanal. You can also request a custom-made plan for the entire trip. Moreover, you can share your lovely and beautiful experience with us!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Kodaikanal
What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
Situated at a cloud touching height, Kodaikanal enjoys a pleasantly cool climate throughout the year. So be it summers (21°C to 37°C), monsoons (17°C to 34°C) or winters (9°C to 16°C), there’s no season inappropriate to visit this mystifying place.
How to Reach Kodaikanal?
If you are flying to the state, the nearest airport is Madurai. From there Kodaikanal is 120 km away. For train travellers, the nearest station to get down at is Kodai Road, which is 80 km away from Kodaikanal. Other than these, Kodaikanal is also reachable through road transport. There are regular buses and taxis that ply towards the state from various places.
How many days are required to visit Kodaikanal?
A trip to the Kodaikanal requires around 2 to 5 days depending on the number of places you are planning to visit. Most of the must visit attractions are situated close to each other and require around 1-2 hours of time spending.
What is Kodaikanal famous for?
Kodaikanal is famous for its abundant and picturesque natural beauty. People from all over the world visit this hill station to enjoy its gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, etc.
What are things to do in Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal, being home to waterfalls, lakes, hills, offers activities like boating, fishing, trekking, camping, cycling, nature walking and more.
What is a must buy or try thing in Kodaikanal?
Do try the home-made chocolates from Kodai Chocolate Factory. Also visit Potter’s Shed to pick beautiful handmade mugs, plates, vases, etc. Bazaar Road is another famous shopping area in Kodaikanal lined with clothes, souvenirs and artefacts shops.
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
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