Things to Do in Kodaikanal

Situated 7200 feet above sea level in the upper Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Fondly called the Princes of Hill Stations, this has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southern part of the country. With lush green forests, tranquil lakes, and incredibly scenic views, this stunning town does complete justice to its name; Kodaikanal translates to ‘Gift of Forest’. However, this does not mean that this hill station is only about natural beauty. There are so many other places to see in Kodaikanal, such as Bryant Park, Kurinji Andavar Temple, the Astronomy Museum, etc. In short, with an abundance of natural beauty and plenty of tourist attractions, Kodaikanal is the perfect destination to plan a rejuvenating holiday.

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of major things to do in Kodaikanal:

Go for a Night Safari

If you are a thrill seeker, a night safari is one of the best things to do in Kodaikanal. The adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience where you get a chance to take a sneak peek into the daily lives of the wild animals that call Kodaikanal home. Here, you can get up close and personal with animals like bison, wild boars, and porcupines in their natural habitat. The best thing about this 3-hour-long safari is the scenic views of Mango City and Palani Temple you get.

Take a Boat Ride on Kodaikanal Lake

The Kodaikanal Lake is a man-made marvel and one of the most noteworthy tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. So, a trip to the town is incomplete without a boat ride on the lake. Especially on the days that are a bit chilly, this experience is second to none. On such days, the lake remains covered with a light mist that makes it all the more charming. However, even on the days when there is no mist, this star-shaped lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding flora. So, you can definitely spend a few hours admiring the beauty of nature.

Relax at the Yoga at Karuna Farm

If you’re planning a trip to Kodaikanal to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is one of the best things you can do. You can go on a yoga retreat at the Karuna Farm near Kodaikanal to relax your mind, body, and soul. This enlivening place allows visitors to practise different forms of yoga to foster a healthier start to their lives. It is counted among the best yoga retreats in the country, where you can practise yoga under the guidance of experts and rejuvenate yourself.

Go on a Bike Tour

Although you can easily explore the town on foot or by using local transport, these are not the only options you have. There is a specific stretch of road near the city where you can go for a thrilling bike tour. This is a long, smooth, and uninterrupted road, which is perfectly suitable to deliver a biking experience that you are going to cherish forever.

Take a Stroll on Coaker’s Walk

If you are an early riser and like soaking in the beauty of nature with birds chirping, this is one of the best things to do in Kodaikanal. However, Coaker’s Walk remains open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Situated in close proximity to the Kodaikanal Lake, this uphill walk is approximately 1 kilometre in length and surrounded by awe-inspiring views. At the end of the pathway, there is a telescope house that you can use to witness better views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and lakes.

Gaze at Stunning Panoramas from Dolphin’s Nose

There are so many beautiful things to see in Kodaikanal, and Dolphin’s Nose is definitely one of them. Here you get a chance to witness clear skies, rugged terrain, plunging valleys, and lush greenery all in one place. All it takes is a short 3-kilometre hike to reach the peak, which is actually shaped like a dolphin’s nose. You can see breathtaking panoramic views of the hill station from the peak.

Hike to the Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

As the name suggests, Pillar Rocks are pillar-like rock formations towering over a valley that is filled with exotic flora and fauna. This is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. For an extra dose of adventure, you can choose to hike to the top. This is a 7-kilometre hike, and the views you get after reaching the top make it worth the effort. The top is also a famous camping site where you can choose to spend a night and wake up to superb views of the sunrise.

Explore the Guna Cave

Guna Cave is a natural cave formed by the Pillar Rocks. This dark and mysterious cave system is frequently visited by tourists who want to make their trip adventurous. The cave tour is an activity that will take at least 3 to 4 hours, so make sure you have enough time when you plan to visit here. The Guna cave and other nearby places near Kodaikanal are best experienced in the colder months. During that time, a thick layer of fog encompassing the area doubles its charm and mystery.

Have Some Fun at the Bear Shola Falls

This beautiful hill station is home to eight unique waterfalls that also offer great views and quaint surroundings. So, you can choose to visit and spend an entire day in this area. Some of the noteworthy waterfalls in the area are Liril Falls, Silver Cascade Waterfall, Pambar Falls, Fairy Falls, and Thalaiyar Falls. You can either choose to spend that time at Bear Shola Falls or go waterfall hopping.

Plan a Picnic at Bryant Park

If you are planning a family trip to Kodaikanal, then this is unarguably one of the best things you can do here. You can plan a refreshing picnic at Bryant Park on a sunny afternoon. This well-maintained botanical garden is adorned with colourful, blooming flowers. You can either take a stroll in the park or laze around on the well-manicured lawns. With designated play areas, this can be a great experience for kids. Other major attractions of the park include a vast glasshouse for nurturing young plants, cycling paths, a small lake for boating, and an attractive rose garden.

Go Birdwatching at Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake located only 24 kilometres from the town. This idyllic reservoir is easily accessible and home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. One thing that attracts people here is the range of migratory and resident birds that can be spotted. In fact, this location is popular among tourists for bird watching and photography. From beautiful water lilies to a wide range of medicinal herbs, you can also find a large number of plants here. All of this simply adds to the scenic charm of this lake and makes it worth visiting. Another thing that

Explore the Cosmic World

This hill station is also famous for being home to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, which was established in 1899. Located at the top of Palani Hills, this is a popular institution for the study of solar behaviour and comes under the Indian Institution of Astrophysics. Whether you want to observe cosmic interactions or just want to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top, this is just the right place to be.

Now that you have a fair idea of all the fun things to do here, plan a trip now. Veena World offers a wide range of all-inclusive Kodaikanal packages that you can choose from.