From Coaker's Walk to Pillar Rocks: Experiencing Kodaikanal

It is best known as the "Princess of Hill Stations" and is a scenic hill retreat in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats. Located at an altitude of 2,133 meters, it's a serene oasis renowned for its salubrious climate, mist-shrouded valleys, dense dark green vegetation, and scenic lakes, which offer a warm welcome to nature enthusiasts, honeymoon couples, and backpackers in equal measure. With its wooded hills, breathtaking vistas, and colonial charm, Kodaikanal is the perfect escape from the frenetic pace of urban living. Kodaikanal's biggest draw is Kodai Lake, a star-shaped manmade lake being cruised on by boat, pedalled along by bicycle or strolled around in comfort by tourists. Another of these places visited by tourists is Coaker's Walk, a brief observation walk along a panoramic path with sweeping views down valleys below. Dolphin's Nose is a trekking spot for nature lovers to ascend to a dolphin-snouted rock summit that has commanding views of the deep gorges. The three granite columns Pillar Rocks are a reminder of the work of nature as an artist in Kodaikanal and Bryant Park, a flower symphony and hence a paradise for flower lovers.

Kodaikanal is also home to the Berijam Lake, a peaceful and less populated body of water covered with forests, for which one must get permission from the forest department. The spiritually inclined and the history buffs have the Kurinji Andavar Temple, in the worship of Lord Murugan, all to themselves. The temple is famous for the Kurinji flowers, which flower once every twelve years, covering the hills with a purple colour of an amazing hue. Besides sightseeing, Kodaikanal is a shopper's and foodie's paradise as well. Organic eucalyptus oil, homemade items, and chocolates can be found in the town. Small eateries and restaurants serving delicious local and continental cuisine are there to enjoy a hot meal in the winter season. October to June is the best time to visit Kodaikanal, and the climate is pleasant, ideally suitable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Whether a romantic weekend retreat, an independent traveller outing, or an adventure travel tour, there is something in Kodaikanal for any type of visitor. With its low cost of accommodation, low public transport costs, and providing so much to wander around at no cost, Kodaikanal is the ideal budget traveller. With its misty dawns and spangled night sky, this hill station would be a cool and sweet experience for all who are going to see it.

History of Kodaikanal

The history of Kodaikanal is an intriguing blend of indigenous past, colonialism, and nature. The region was originally inhabited by the Palaiyar tribal community, one of the earliest aboriginal communities in South India. They held possession of the dense jungles of the Palani Hills, living off hunting and gathering. Their presence is evident even today in the shape of dolmens, rock shelters, and burial sites that are scattered throughout the hills. The recent past of Kodaikanal was in the initial phase of the 19th century when the British authorities and Christian missionaries found its natural beauty and salubrious weather. The hill station where they could proceed further to get away from the bearable heat of the plains during summer took them to look for it. It was British Lt. B.S. Ward who initially explored and mapped the area in 1821. American and British missionaries began to settle in Kodaikanal in the middle of the 19th century and set up schools, churches, and hospitals.

The oldest Indian boarding school, Kodaikanal International School, was established by American missionaries in 1901 and is still a name school. Kodaikanal in colonial times was the summer resort of the Indian elite and colonial bureaucracy. It was shaped into what it is now by the laying of roads, cottages, and spaces most of which remain intact to this day. Man-made star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, which is one of the town's favourite spots, was built by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, Collector of Madurai, in 1863. These, and Coaker's Walk built by Lieutenant Coaker in 1872, gave the town a very picturesque appearance and were the favourite spots. Kodaikanal was also utilized for scientific research. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, established in 1899, was one of the most significant places to study astronomy and meteorology. Scientists utilized it to monitor solar activity, and it is one of the best observatories in India even today.

With India becoming independent in 1947, Kodaikanal transformed from being a British middle-class hill station resort to an Indian mass hill station. Massification with broad roads and facilities for public transport allowed the masses of Tamil Nadu and even from outside Tamil Nadu to travel to it. It further transformed into a tourist resort with viewpoints, trekking points, and homemade chocolates. Kodaikanal retains its colonial flavour as it is considered by tourism even in the present era. It is the correct mix of history, nature, and culture which tourists of every age and belief look for. Its own quite ancient history continues to speak for itself in the form of its British bungalows, churches, and habits of its aboriginal tribes.

Places nearby

1. Mannavanur (35 km): A peaceful village famous for its sheep farm, lush pastures, and peaceful lake, Mannavanur is the perfect destination for a peaceful holiday. The rolling hills surrounding Mannavanur Lake are a peaceful retreat from the touts of busy tourist destinations like Kodaikanal.

2. Poombarai (18 km): It is famous for its third-floor cultivation and 3,000-year-old-plus Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple. Poombarai is also situated among beautiful hills and grass-covered meadows. It is the perfect spot from where one gets to see the rural beauty of Tamil Nadu.

3. Berijam Lake (23 km): A virgin lake in the inner forest, Berijam Lake is a destination to which special permission from the forest department is required to visit. Teeming with biodiversity, it is a bird watcher's and nature lover's paradise.

4. Vattakanal (6 km): Locally known as "Little Israel" since it gets a high volume of Israeli tourists, Vattakanal is a hippie village with beautiful views, waterfalls, and restaurants. Dolphin's Nose and Echo Rock are favourites with great views of the valley.

5. Silver Cascade Falls (8 km): This lovely waterfall passes by on the journey towards Madurai to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal Lake run-off water falls from a height of 55 meters to create a scintillating sight, particularly during monsoon.

6. Palani (65 km): Palani is the most visited pilgrimage site of Tamil Nadu with the mythological Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple built in the memory of Lord Murugan. The hill temple can be reached on foot, by winch or ropeway.

7. Thalaiyar Falls (40 km): Otherwise referred to as Rat Tail Falls, it is among the tallest waterfalls of the state and drops 297 meters. It is a challenging hike to get to the falls but the adventure-seeker will enjoy it.

8. Perumal Peak (18 km): Perumal Peak is a challenging but scenic hike with great views of the Western Ghats for trekking enthusiasts. It is one of the highest peaks of the area at an elevation of 2,440 meters.

9. Elephant Valley (20 km): An eco-sanctuary in miniature, Elephant Valley is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. It offers scope for bird-watching, trekking, and even for spotting elephants in their natural habitat.

10. Dindigul (90 km): Dindigul is famous for the Dindigul Fort and is extremely popular for its history and lip-smacking biryani. It is a good cultural stopover on either the way to or from Kodaikanal.

How to Reach Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is well-networked by road, rail, and air and accessible from other cities of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. The tourists have to proceed to the closest transit point as Kodaikanal does not have an airport or railway hub and then travel a bit more in taxi or bus to the hill station.

By Air (Nearest Airport to Kodaikanal)

• The closest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport (IXM), 120 km from there. Other airports close by are:

• Coimbatore International Airport (170 km)

• Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) Airport (200 km)

• Private buses or taxis from these airports will be available to go to Kodaikanal.

By Train (Nearest Railway Stations)

• The nearest railway stations to Kodaikanal are:

• Kodai Road Railway Station (80 km) – The closest railhead, but with lesser train connectivity.

• Dindigul Junction (90 km) – Improved option with improved trains from Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.

• Madurai Junction (120 km) – Well-connected railway junction.

• One can travel by bus or taxi from any of the above-stated railway junctions to Kodaikanal.

By Road (Bus & Car Travel)

• Kodaikanal is well connected by state government and private buses from major towns:

• From Madurai (120 km) – 3-4 hours

• From Coimbatore (170 km) – 5 hours

• From Bangalore (465 km) – 8-9 hours

• From Chennai (525 km) – 10-11 hours

Kodaikanal Accommodation

Hotels and accommodations in Kodaikanal are plenty, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts, and hence ideal for honeymoon couples, family tourists, and backpackers. Below is a list of the most suitable accommodations in Kodaikanal by preference and budget:

Budget Inns & Hostels (₹500 – ₹2,000 per night)

• Most suitable for backpackers, solo tourists, and budget-conscious tourists, these hostels offer basic amenities at low rates.

Budget Stay Options:

• Zostel Kodaikanal – Nice budget hostel for backpackers with dorms and private rooms.

• Trippr Kodaikanal Backpacker Hostel – Offers cosy ambience and wide mountain views.

• Jem Valley Resort – Budget stays with wide valley views.

• Hotel Tamil Nadu (TTDC) – Government-owned and operated budget hotel with sub-standard facilities.

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

• Comfortable scenic homestay, ideal for couples and families.

Best Mid-Range Homestays/Stays:

• Lilly's Valley Resort – Comfortable stay with rural architecture cottages.

• Hotel Raindrops – Convenient stay with good service and food.

• Kodai Resort Hotel – Easy proximity to Coaker's Walk, money for money.

• Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels – Tranquil stay with a view of nature.

Luxury Resorts & Boutique Stays (₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per night)

• Luxury resorts in Kodaikanal with excellent amenities and scenic views can be had.

Luxury Stay Options:

• The Tamara Kodai is a luxury resort with well-appointed suites.

• Villa Retreat – Panoramic view boutique hotel with luxury treatment.

• Sterling Kodai Lake – Luxury resort with spa facilities and lake-view rooms.

• The Carlton – 5-star hotel located right next to Kodaikanal Lake.

Cottages & Airbnb Stay (₹1,500 – ₹7,000/night)

• Ideal for private and homestay experience lovers, cottages and Airbnb stay.

 Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Summer (March – June) → Best for Outdoors Sports & Sightseeing

Why Visit?

• Pleasant weather, clear sky, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.

• Temperature: 20°C – 30°C

Experience:

• Pleasant weather in the peak tourist season.

• Ideal for sightseeing at Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, and Dolphin's Nose.

• Ideal for adventure activities like trekking, cycling, and boating.

Monsoon (July – September) → Ideal for Nature Lovers

Why Go?

• Green landscapes, light traffic, and scenery with misty valleys.

• Temperature: 15°C – 25°C

Experience:

• The entire hill station is shrouded with mist and trees, heaven for nature enthusiasts.

• Waterfalls like Silver Cascade Falls and Bear Shola Falls are at their full splendour.

• Ideal for photoshoots and a cool retreat.

Winter (October – February) → Ideal for Honeymooners & Peace Seekers

Why Go?

• Cold climate, misty mountains, cosy atmosphere.

• Temperature: 8°C – 20°C (Down to 5°C in peak winter)

Experience:

• Ideal for honeymooners and seekers of peaceful retreats.

• Dusky dawn, fireplaces, and warm overnighters make it celestial.

• Optimal time to see Kurinji flowers (once in 12 years).