Bangalore to Kodaikanal by Backpack: Tales from the Road

Kodaikanal, or the "Princess of Hill Stations," is a scenic hill station in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. At an altitude of approximately 2,133 meters (7,000 feet) above sea level, this scenic town is a top destination for nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts. Kodaikanal is also referred to as "The Gift of the Forest" in Tamil, and rightly so because the town itself is nestled among thick forests, greens, and lovely landscapes that provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of urban existence. Man-made Kodaikanal Lake, or a star-shaped lake, is the focus of tourist activity in Kodaikanal where tourists enjoy boating, rim cycling, or simply sitting on the lakefront. Coaker's Walk, a covered promenade across a steep hill, enjoys a panoramic view of plains and nearby hills. The second to see is Bryant Park, an immaculately groomed botanical park with a varied assortment of plants, looking particularly pretty at the flower show during the summer season. Kodaikanal also boasts a series of weird natural landmarks, including the Pillar Rocks upright, columnar rock pillars viewed in misty backgrounds and the eerie Guna Caves, which became globally popular after a tourist call in a Tamil movie. romance, and adventure in nature.

History of Kodaikanal (400 words)

No less fascinating is the history of Kodaikanal than its hill fogs and serene beauty. The crest of the Palani Hills had been inhabited by the Paliyan aboriginals of the nation for generations. They had lived in harmonious tune with nature, surviving on the forests for food, housing, and medicine. Dolmen remains and pre-historic megalithic burial grounds discovered in the region indicate that Kodaikanal has been inhabited right from the time memorial. Its contemporary history begins at the beginning of the 19th century during British colonial rule. British missionaries and administrators, overcome with heat in the plains, began searching for refuge in South Indian hill stations with a comparatively milder climate. American missionaries at Madurai discovered in 1845 the salubrious climate and picturesque scenery of Kodaikanal, and since then it began to emerge as a hill resort. They were also involved in constructing the first buildings of the town, houses, churches, and schools. Sunnyside, the first bungalow, was built by a British lieutenant, and it remains standing to this day. It was in 1863 that Sir Vere Henry Levinge, a prosperous British Madurai collector, retired to Kodaikanal and was one of the major contributors to its development. It was he who also constructed the present fashionable Kodaikanal Lake by damming a marshy plot of land into a star-shaped lake. The lake also evolved as the focal point of the town and started drawing more settlers and visitors over some time. The cottage and small-scale industry are the main activities of the residents of Kodaikanal.

It had become a weekend resort for leading British officers and middle-class wealthy Indian families. These schools like the Kodaikanal International School started in the early 20th century and kids flooded in from afar and distant, from far and wide, and even from across the world. Religious landmarks, clubs, and colonial bungalows were constructed in between some remain even today in the form of historical landmarks. At independence, Kodaikanal was still a hill station but retained gigantic chunks of its colonial appearance and nature. The regional economy increasingly converted from missionary towards tourism. Nowadays, Kodaikanal is famous for syncretism within its colonial era, tribal genealogy, and peaceful surroundings as an exclusive hill station with a polymorphous and dynamic past. From colonial origins and tribal heritage to one of South India's best hill resorts, Kodaikanal's history is one of change magic and timeless charm.

Best Places to See in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is nature's paradise, with scenic points, and tranquil places which are ideal for relaxation and sightseeing. These are the hot favourites that cannot be avoided in your Bangalore to Kodaikanal package tour:

1. Coaker's Walk: A kilometre walkway along the side of steep slopes, Coaker's Walk provides sweeping valleys and far-off plain vistas. On a clear day, you can even spot the Dolphin's Nose and glimpse Madurai city. Ideal for a sunrise or sunset stroll, a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

2. Kodaikanal Lake (Kodai Lake): The town centre, a star-shaped man-made lake rimmed with plants. Boating is a crowd game—pedal boat, row boat, or cruising around boats that exactly resemble shikara. Walking on the lake's 5 km footpath/cycle track during an evening or on a cycle is perfect for an evening outing, with cycles for rent being widely available in the area. For a glimpse of mist on the lake during evenings—is magical.

3. Pillar Rocks: A sequence of three monstrous vertical rock pillars towering high in a height of 400 feet, Pillar Rocks is one of the most renowned viewpoints of Kodaikanal. Cloud-enshrouded and forest-clad, the place also encompasses a small strip of garden and presents a splendid sight of the valley. It's a fantastic photo stop and a serene locale to just relax and take it all in.

4. Bryant Park: Right on the lakeshore, the immaculately groomed Bryant Park is a flower, tree, and plant exotic hybrid paradise. It's ideal for a peaceful family afternoon, and if you are there in the summer, the summer flower display is a splurge of colour!

5. Pine Forest: One of the calmest and filmiest places to be in Kodaikanal, Pine Forest contains tall upright pine trees making it an otherworldly, nearly filmy setting. Heaven for photographers, ideal for small hikes or simply indulging in nature's calm setting.

6. Guna Caves (Devil's Kitchen): Respect for Tamil cinema Guna was filmed here, these enigmatic caves remain buried deep in the woods. While the rooms inside have been recently fenced to avoid accidents, the location still retains an enigmatic experience with roots, boulder-strewn and mossy paths as if pulled from a fantasy film.

7.  Dolphin's Nose: A flat rock above a deep valley, Dolphin's Nose offers one of the best panoramic views of Kodaikanal. One can access it through a moderate forest trek. It is ideal for adventure lovers as well as those who want to see the sunrise over the foggy hills.

Things to Do in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is not just about views; the place has an excellent blend of adventure, peace, and cultural activities. From an explorer, or foodie to someone who is seeking relaxation, here are the top things to do in Kodaikanal:

1. Boating on Kodai Lake

• A trip to Kodaikanal is not complete without a serene boat ride on the legendary Kodai Lake. Pedal around in pedal boats, go by rowboats or enjoy a romantic shikara-like ride. The misty hills and eucalyptus groves encircled the lake in an ethereal setting particularly at dawn or sunset.

2. Trekking Adventures

• Kodaikanal is a trekker's heaven. Some of the popular treks are:

• Dolphin's Nose Trek: A short trek with stunning valley views.

• Perumal Peak Trek: A taste of adventure and a bird's eye view at the summit.

• Pine Forest and Guna Caves Trail: A walk through a movie-set forest trek.

• These trails are ideal for photography, bird watching, and a lungful of mountain air.

3. Nature Walks & Picnics

• Enjoy slow travel with serene nature walks at Bryant Park, Chettiar Park, or dense Pine Forest. Picnic close to Bear Shola Falls or walk along Coaker's Walk to find tranquillity and scenic moments. Family, couples, and nature enthusiasts will find these walks suitable who would adore being in harmony with nature.

 4. Night Safari

• Hungry for some adventure? Take a night safari to the forest fringes of Kodaikanal. Organized by locally located tour operators, for the most part, these safaris take you along serene hill roads and forest trails under moonlit skies. If you are fortunate, you can even catch glimpses of nocturnal creatures such as bison, porcupines, or civet cats. An off-beat activity that integrates adventure into your travels!

5. Local Market Shopping

• Kodaikanal's market streets are lined with busy marketplaces filled with small little shops. Don't miss:

• Homemade chocolates (dark and fruit-nut varieties in especially)

• Eucalyptus oil and herbal products

• Hand-knitted woollen clothes and shawls

• Locally grown spices, tea, and coffee

 6. Local Food Experience

• Indulge your taste buds in the local cuisine of Kodaikanal. Savor South Indian cuisine like hot vadas and idlis, or Kodaikanal biryani and parottas from roadside eateries. Comfortable coffee shops around Kodai Lake also serve delicious pancakes, wood-fired oven pizzas, and hot filter coffee or hot chocolate to warm up.

How to Reach Kodaikanal from Bangalore

It is very easy to reach Kodaikanal from Bangalore with several alternatives depending on one's liking and price range. Let us consider how one can travel to this beautiful hill resort:

1. By Road (Car or Bus)

• The most comfortable and preferred mode of travelling down to Kodaikanal from Bangalore is by road. The distance is approximately 465 km, and the journey takes around 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic and the route.

• By Car: Having your car or even taking a rental is useful since it provides you with the freedom and comfort of making a stop at viewpoints along the way. The route most visited is:

• Bangalore – Hosur – Krishnagiri – Dharmapuri – Salem – Dindigul – Kodaikanal

• The final part of the road is a beautiful ghat road that has hairpin bends and a green cover.

• By Bus: Many private and government buses operate daily between Bangalore and Kodaikanal.

• Select sleeper, semi-sleeper, and Volvo AC buses according to your convenience.

• The buses operate mainly at night and arrive at Kodaikanal early in the morning.

2. By Train

• There is no railway to Kodaikanal, but you can travel by train to Bangalore and then proceed to Kodai Road Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station (about 80 km from Kodaikanal).

• Take a bus or taxi from Kodai Road to Kodaikanal.

• Tuticorin Express, Nagercoil Express, and Kanyakumari Express are some of the famous trains running on this route.

3. By Airport

• The closest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, which is around 120 km away from it.

• You may fly from Bangalore to Madurai, a 1-hour travel.

• Taxi or bus from Madurai to Kodaikanal (approximately 3–4 hours by road).

Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is pleasant throughout the year, but depending on your experience, it varies as follows:

• March to May - Summer - Peak Season

  • Temperature: 20°C to 30°C

  • These are the best months to visit Kodaikanal, especially for Bangalore tourists who want to escape the city heat during summer.

  • The weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, boating on the lake, waterfall excursions, and viewing places like Coaker's Walk and Bryant Park in bloom.

  • It is also the perfect time for nature activities like trekking, cycling, and nature walks.

• Monsoon (June to September) – For the Romantic & Adventurous

  • Temperature: 17°C to 25°C

  • Kodaikanal becomes a green paradise during monsoon with secret valleys, waterfalls cascading in plenty, and an aura atmosphere.

  • Guaranteed to make the roads wet and outdoor activities limited, though--so ideal for nature photography's romance-seekers in shroud-shrouded landscapes and so on.

  • Off-season, so the cheapest travellers can indulge too.

• Winter (October to February) – Cold & Charming

  • Temperature: 8°C to 20°C

  • Kodaikanal winters are crisp and cold with clear blue skies and refreshing mountain air.

  • Perfect for honeymooners and weather lovers of cooler climes too.

  • Nights get cold, so bundle up.

  • Perfect for stargazing, campfire nights, and cuddling up in a hilltop bungalow.

Accommodation Options in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal has something for everyone—a variety of accommodations to suit every traveller's taste and budget—ranging from intimate homestays to luxury resorts. From valley vistas to serene pine groves, to being close to places of interest, there is just the spot for you.

1. Budget Homestays & Accommodation (₹800 – ₹2,000 per night)

• Ideal choice for independent travelers, students, and backpackers.

• Homely Environment: Home stays run by families offer a warm local experience with home cuisine and welcoming hosts.

• Facilities: Simple rooms, hot water, complimentary Wi-Fi, and breakfast in the majority.

• Hot Spots: Close to Laws Ghat Road, Observatory Road, and Seven Roads Junction—walking distance from town and restaurants.

• Highlights: Affordable, spick-and-span, and walking distance from key attractions like Kodai Lake and Bryant Park.

 2. Mid-Range Hotels & Cottages (₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per night)

• Suitable for small families, couples, and groups.

• Comfort & Convenience: Neat rooms, room service, in-hotel restaurants, and occasionally private gardens or balconies.

• Views: Opt for cottages or hilltop hotels with valley or lake views.

• Proximity: Near the market but away from the hubbub for peace, and only 5–10 minutes from public attractions.

• Suggested Areas: Fern Hill Road, Pambarpuram, and Naidupuram.

 3. Luxury Resorts & Villas (₹5,000+ per night)

• Perfect for honeymooners, large families, or someone who looks for luxury.

• Tier-one Amenities: Spas, private balconies with valley view, fireplaces, gardens, 24x7 room service, and health retreats.

• Experiences: Most hotels offer experiences in the form of bonfires, nature walks, and candle-lit dinners.

• Scenic Spots: Located on the top of the hills or near pine forests with expansive views and absolute peace.

Top Recommendations: Attempt to locate resorts near Coaker's Walk, Perumalmalai, or Vattakanal for the perfect view and quiet.

Why Book with escape2explore

When it comes to exploring the Kodaikanal trip from Bangalore and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Kodaikanal that not many get to encounter.