Top Destinations in Kodaikanal

Canopy Hill vattakanal

                    One of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal is a grand show of nature with birds playing background music. The mountain peaks are covered with green grass, moving clouds, and fresh air. You get an excuse to do a 15-km trek in the dense Western Ghats forest while easily spotting some wildlife creatures like Bison, wild goats, porcupines, etc.Once you finish the first 10 KM of your trek, you can visit a small village named Vellagavi, where people are very friendly. You can buy spices and fruits sold by these villagers. They lay down various fruits, including oranges, butter, papaya, banana, guava, passion fruit, jack fruit, and more.

Timings: 24 Hours

Green Valley View

                    Green Valley View is amongst the very few places to visit in Kodaikanal that offers a bird’s eye view of the Vaigai Dam. Apart from that, it is a one-stop-shop to get a wholesome view of the enthralling greenery, the cloud-bound valley and the lush mountains behind.It is also amongst the dangerous viewpoints since the route up is tricky, and is on a great height which makes standing there also unsafe. The mist takes over the crowd post late afternoon, and that might disrupt the spectacle from there unless you are there for the haze.
Timing: 07.00AM to 06.00PM

Kodaikanal Lake

                    You take an above-ground view of the Kodaikanal Lake, and you will be amazed to find a star-shaped water body that is the soul of this city. What makes this exceptional amongst the other places to visit in Kodaikanal is that it is artificial and dates many years back. The Palani Hills ranges make an extraordinary surrounding the main lake.One can sit by, meander around, or go boating, which is chargeable. If you get the permission, you can even go fishing at this lake. Kodaikanal Lake is renowned for preserving the Kurinji Flower, which blooms only once every twelve years. Flower shows and Boat Pageants are consistent fascinations in the summer season.

Timings: 06.00 AM to 05.00 PM

Bear Shola Falls

                If you are looking for privacy, serenity, a glimpse at nature’s beauty and want to say hello to some exotic species and fauna, then a visit to Bear Shola Falls is a must! It gets this attention-grabbing name from the element that Bears visited this water body to quench their thirst. No doubt, this is one of the best Kodaikanal tourist places. This spout breathes life into the monsoons as it streams down the green mountains and the stylishly shaped rocks. This white water area is perfect for sightseeing in Kodaikanal, which takes one through thick forests. One must wear comfortable shoes in this area, as it is slippery and is dominated by monkeys.

Timings: 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM

Thailayar Falls

                    You might have never seen a restricted waterfall whose broadness has been cut off to fall like a narrow stretch of a tail at high speed; that and everything more amusing is Thailayar Falls for you! Falling from a height of about 297m, this cascade has been recorded as the highest in Tamil Nadu, making this place best for Kodaikanal sightseeing.If you catch a glimpse of it from a distance, you will notice that it is a large strip flowing out of nowhere amidst the gigantic Palani ranges. Hiking at the base of the falls is a popular activity, and it covers an unbelievable distance of 15km.

Timing: 10.00 am to 06.00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

Berijam Lake

                    Every nature lover must drop down at this leftover reservoir that gains its source from the dam, forming outstanding scenery in the landscape that Mother Nature has bestowed Kodaikanal with. Hidden within the forests, this immaculate lake is a wonder for bird-watching, photography and chilling. The friendly fish may come around by the banks to entertain you and make you stay longer. A trip to the Berijam Lake calls for a lot of planning, as it is not open after 03.00 PM since the fog enters the area after 01.00 PM; also, they do not allow many people to enter at once, so it is best to make your way there in the morning.

Timing: 09.00 AM to 03.00 PM

Byrant Park

                    Education, picnicking, and gardening are all the things you will witness at Byrant Park, another jewel of Kodaikanal. The park is hoarded with variant species of plants and shrubs that leave one astounded for a long time. Horticulture and gardening fanatics visit this place in abundance.It is a wonderful place to gather information on the many plants and trees; hence, it is an amalgamation of an educational and fun trip! It is among the few sites that preserve Green Roses, one of its latest additions. The Annual Horticulture Show, conducted in May, keeps people worldwide waiting!You must visit Byrant Park and its 325 species & religious Bodhi Tree.

Timings: 09.00 AM to 06.00 PM

Silent Valley View Point

                    Silent Valley View Point is nature’s beauty at its best, with heart-throbbing views of the white cloud-painted mountains. The pea-green valley below makes this point one of the supreme tourist places in Kodaikanal.You can catch the sunrise and sunset in the city's eyes and confirm that you are indeed in the ‘princesses of hills’. The winter season blankets the valley with a white mist that combines to form a panoramic visual that is incomparable to anything else you have ever seen.You will be forced to settle down for more than your estimated hours only to believe what you see!

Timings: Daytime

Kurinji Andavar Temple

                    If you are in Kodaikanal and want to feel the South culture, Kurunji Andavar Murugan Temple is a famous religious  Kodaikanal sightseeing place. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the God of Hill, this temple is the spiritual link between the hills and the Lord of the residents.It gets the name ‘Kurunji’ from the Kurunji flower that blooms once in twelve years. You can relax on the premises after prayers in the shrub garden or the park area.

Timing: 07.00 AM to 07.00 PM

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

                    Sited in the Palani Hills, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is built to aid in the study of solar actions. Professionals use this place to make the most accurate cosmic observations because its location helps to study the undisturbed sun; this is why it is open only during the day.Many national and international conferences are conducted here; it is bejewelled with a lot of data stored in its larger-than-life library. If you pull some strings, you may get special permission to stargaze at night, but that is subject to the officials.

Timings: 10.00 AM to 12.00 PM, 02.00 PM to 04.00 PM (From April to June); 10.00 AM to 12.00 PM during other months (Only on Fridays)

Poombarai

                    After visiting all the tourist places in Kodaikanal, you should drive down a sloping road in the Palani hills, some 18 km away, and you will reach Poombarai. It is a small village with a very low population of around 6000 people. It is famous for its pungent garlic cultivation. The focal point of the village is a temple known as the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, which is around 3000 years old.Once you are done with this, you must travel 21 km to reach Berijam Lake, which is the ultimate untouched paradise. You have to get permission from the Forest Department to access the lake. If you manage that, you will be presented with a nature walk where you can see Grasslands and Sholas, a museum, and a medicinal garden.

Timings: 24 Hours

Pambar falls

                    Flowing 4 KM away from Kodaikanal, Pambar Falls, one of the best Kodaikanal sightseeing places, is also called “Grand Cascade”. You can see this on any day of the week. You will get the opportunity to trek through the steep and treacherous path behind Pambar house.This beautiful cataract flows down over a series of zig-zag rock formations. It ends in a tub offered by nature, where you can take a refreshing bath in freshwater while enjoying the rich flora and fauna, along with melodious birds and butterflies.

Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm

Moir point

                    Being a hill station and keeper of numerous natural wonders, Kodaikanal has many points at a height to cherish what it has to offer. Moir Point, one of the ‘must visit’ tourist places in Kodaikanal, is named after Sir Thomas Moir, who started the construction of the road Goschen in 1929 CE.It is at the entrance of the forest, which eventually leads to Berijam Lake. It is a one-hour trip that you can take any day of the week.

Timings: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm                  

Fairy Falls

                    Located around 6 km from Kodaikanal Bus Station and 5 km from Kodai Lake, Fairy Falls is one of the major attractions in Kodaikanal. It is well connected via road to the town, making reaching it hustle-free. You can visit here any day of the week. Flowing in the Pambarpuram area, this mesmerising waterfall is the source of the Pamber River, which later joins the Vaigai River.This place has very calm, pleasant, and cool weather, so you can enjoy swimming as everyone else does. Although you can come here at any time of the year, it is advisable to come during or immediately after the monsoon to enjoy the beauty at its peak.

Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

Mother Sallette Church

                    This Tamil-French architecture proudly stands amid 'The Gift of the Forest', and this stands to be one of the attractions in Kodaikanal. It's approximately 133 years old and made piece by piece since it is exactly hard work done with continuity to make something perfect. After all, it is the first catholic church made here in Kodaikanal. Although you can visit this church any time of the year, planning for the 14th and 15th of August is advisable as they conclude a 9-day festival on these dates. This festival invites tourists from all over South India.

Mass Timings: Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM and Saturday: 4:00 PM

Upper Lake viewpoint

                    Settled 3.2 KM away from the Coakers Walk, the Upper Lake viewpoint is worth visiting. You will be amazed at how beautiful the star-shaped lake looks amidst the greenery created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. Tourists say that the contrast between the lake and lush greens is appealing to the eyes. It makes this place close to perfect for a good photography session. You can also expect boating, cycling, and horse riding on the top of the hill in the lake.

Timings: 24 Hours

Vattakanal Falls

                    This widespread white beauty is an amazing place to spend time in Kodaikanal. You can sit by Vattakanal Falls and relish some hot lip-smacking delicacies sold by localities while the falls amaze you with all their glamour. Hiking up the route of the falls is also an option, and is indeed loved by many.Several viewpoints on the way up testify to the city's splendour. If you feel like taking a plunge, you can move to the bottom of the falls, where the water collects to form a pool. The cold water is revitalising and energetic, especially in the monsoons.Bison and some other wild animals are nightmongers around the falls after sunset; therefore, you should look out for them if you are hiking!

Perumal Peak

                    Perumal Peak has an untold history. Residents of the town believe that it is a peaceful, active volcano that has remained dormant for the past 1,000 years. Another reason to visit this peak is that it is the greatest peak in this mountain range, soaring in the Western Ghats.It gives a view of the Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills, which shine bright with a green carpet clinging to them. Adventure lovers flock to this area because they can either hike to this point or go mountain biking, which is a rare thing to do in Kodaikanal.This 7km route is worth every hard-working step because the view from the mountain top is mesmerising. Campers can also camp there overnight.

Timing: 24-hours

Guna Caves

                    The Guna Caves in Kodaikanal have an engrossing history. It is believed that the Pandavas used to cook their meals in these caves, which was initially called The Devil’s Kitchen. The name was later changed in the ’90s when the film Guna was shot here.The caves are hugged by three gigantic rock pillars and are sheltered by the Shola trees. It is a place that some find risky, and some find rousing due to its altitude, steep drops, and cliffs. You cannot visit the caves anymore since they are now jailed for people’s safety, but it is still worth your time to set your eye on it from a distance as you walk through the pine forest.

 Timings: 08.00 AM to 06.00OM                 

Mannavanur Lake

                    Situated 34 km away from Kodaikanal in the village of Mannavanur, Mannavanur Lake is one of the best attractions in Kodaikanal. It is accessible on any day of the week. The lake is inside a sheep farm. It offers a walk through eucalyptus and pine trees on both sides of its avenue. You can even spot a flock of sheep grazing on the lush meadows and birds cherishing their freedom.  French and butter beans are cultivated. You can enjoy many activities, like a coracle ride in the lake, horse riding, visiting a sheep farm, and a picnic with your loved ones. The lake will also be a fun option, as it only serves tea and snacks. While rejuvenating, you might spot wild animals there.

Timings: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm

Kurangani Hills

                    Situated 34 km away from Kodaikanal in the village of Mannavanur, Mannavanur Lake is one of the best attractions in Kodaikanal.Kurangani Hills is accessible on any day of the week. The lake is inside a sheep farm.Kurangani Hills offers a walk through eucalyptus and pine trees on both sides of its avenue. You can even spot a flock of sheep grazing on the lush meadows and birds cherishing their freedom.   French and butter beans are cultivated. You can enjoy many activities, like a coracle ride in the lake, horse riding, visiting a sheep farm, and a picnic with your loved ones. The lake will also be a fun option, as it only serves tea and snacks. While rejuvenating, you might spot wild animals there. 

Timings: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm

Kumbakkarai Falls

                    Streaming along the Kodai-Vellagavi-Periyakulam footpath in the Theni district, Kumbakkarai Falls is one of the not-to-miss tourist places in Kodaikanal. The water ebbs in two stages. First, the water collects in the rocks, each named after a wild animal, from where it enters its second stage. This stage is a 5 KM flow in the Pambar River, which takes it to its final destination and converts it into a waterfall.This long journey of the water has healthy and medicinal power, which can cure skin and other minor ailments. You can take a shower and bath in these waters, but a little care is required as the rocks can be slippery and heavy water pouring over your head. 

Timings: 24 Hours

Chettiar Park

Streaming along the Kodai-Vellagavi-Periyakulam footpath in the Theni district, Kumbakkarai Falls is one of the not-to-miss tourist places in Kodaikanal. The water ebbs in two stages. First, the water collects in the rocks, each named after a wild animal, from where it enters its second stage. This stage is a 5 KM flow in the Pambar River, which takes it to its final destination and converts it into a waterfall.This long journey of the water has healthy and medicinal power, which can cure skin and other minor ailments. You can take a shower and bath in these waters, but a little care is required as the rocks can be slippery and heavy water pouring over your head

          Timings: 24 Hours

Shembaganur Museum of Natural History

SA team of students under Spanish Father E Ugarte have given their all to preserve their teacher’s collections of butterflies, moths, and birds, which are kept at the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History. It covers a wide range of history, from handicrafts to flora and fauna to anthropology. You can see and gain insights about more than 300 species of plants, trees, mammals, butterflies, etc.. A vast garden awaits you on the premises, introducing you to various flowers. If you connect with history and love learning about plants, this museum is for you! Location: 5.6km from Kodaikanal Lake Timings: 10.00 AM to 11.30 PM and 03.00 PM to 05.00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)

Anna Salai Market

                    Anna Salai Market is one of the definite places to visit in Kodaikanal. It gives an impression of the metropolitan culture of Kodaikanal, where there is a rainbow of people. It is a loaded market where you can hop from shop to shop and buy one thing for everyone in your family.  You can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of homemade chocolates, craftworks, shawls, jewellery, bone and walnut items and other products made of leather and brass.As flowers are abundant, you can buy great-smelling medicinal oils and balms at throwaway prices. They also sell a lot of organic groceries, starting with jams, pickles, creams, incense bread, and other baked items. 

Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm

Kodaikanal Pine Forest

                    The Kodaikanal Pine Forest is a painting that has come to life with its splendid colours and picturesque feel. This is amongst the favourite places to visit in Kodaikanal on every tourist’s itinerary.Kodaikanal Pine Forest might seem like you are not a part of this planet for the hours you spend there because the long stretch of trees will not allow you to gaze at anything else but them. The place's semblance is fantastic for nature walks or just to rejuvenate.The Magic mushrooms border these forests in large densities. Kodaikanal Pine Forest might not surprise you that it has been a picture-perfect background in several Indian movies.  

Timing: 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM

Wax Museum

                    Among the tourist places in Kodaikanal is India's first Wax Museum near Green Valley. Wax Museum is a small museum that features the Crib, the Last Supper, and some internationally known personalities. Some highlights include Indian saints and personalities such as Adi Shankara, Sai Baba, Gandhiji, Lord Krishna with Gopikas, Indian musicians, Veerappan, and the sandalwood smuggler. It's the first wax museum in India, and there are few such here, so it paves the way for many great opportunities in our country.

Timings- 10:00 am to 05:30 pm.

Devils kitchen

                  Devils kitchen is a natural and unique heritage site, previously known as the Devils Kitchen, the Guna Caves are situated on the outskirts of Kodaikanal and can be reached from Moir Point. This group of caverns is located amidst the three huge boulders known as Pillar Rocks. English Officer B.S. Ward discovered in 1821 that the caves are 2230 meters. The location is very accessible, being just 8.5 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Station and 1.5 km from Pillar Rocks. Tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar since its surroundings remain closed for security reasons. From the main entrance of the caves, visitors must walk around 400 meters (approximately 10 minutes) to reach the cave and hilltop, which is an excellent photography location. The path to the caves goes through an exquisite pine forest, with tree roots emerging onto the ground, creating a unique setting. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful valleys and Pillar Rocks on a bright day. The caves have a dangerous history, with many people disappearing after entering them. As of 2016, police have recorded 16 disappearances connected to the caves, with no bodies retrieved. Only one person has ever escaped from the depths of the Guna Caves, an incident depicted in the 2024 Malayalam film 'Manjummel Boys.' Due to these dangers, the deep, narrow ravines have now been closed off, making the area safer

Kodai palani treck

              Kodai palani treck  Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is a popular destination for adventure seekers. Kodaikanal is established on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the Upper Palani Hills at a height of 6,998 ft. In the Tamil language, Kodaikanal means 'The Gift of the Forest', a name reflected in the bounties of nature this place is endowed with. Kodaikanal is famous for its variety of flora and Kurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years in December. There are nearly 17 famous trails in the hills of Kodaikanal, the Kodai-Palani being one of them.

Christ the king church

                    A prominent CSI Church in Kodaikanal, Christ the King Church has over a hundred years of history. Christ the king churchis a very sacred shrine near the Coakers Walk in Kodaikanal. Built by an American Madurai Mission in 1895, this church was known as the Union Church in the past and had an evident influence on colonial architecture. Christ, the King Church is one of the places deeply admired for worship and is situated in the Queen of Hill Stations. The Christ the King church is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. Christ the king church is made of granite and leaves visitors awestruck. Also, regardless of your religion, the church welcomes all visitors with open arms. 

Inside the opulent church is a series of stained glass embellishing windows, and wooden chairs are placed right before the altar. The main altar has an image of Lord Jesus depicted on it. One also gets a splendid view of the valley from the church. Masses are organized here in both Tamil and English, giving the place a holy and serene atmosphere. Though any time is good to visit the church, the best time is during the Sunday service or festivals such as Easter and Christmas when the entire premises lights up and is beautifully decorated.

Dolmen circle

                    Dolmen Circle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal, and it promises a unique experience to all its visitors. Located around 18 km from Berijam Lake and 8 km from Kodai Lake, the Dolmen Circle boasts prehistoric remains that date back to 5,000 BC.Dolmen circle place was believed to be the burial ground where prehistoric people from the Stone Age and Iron Age dwelled, known as dolmens and kistvaens. The Dolmen, which comprises two large erect slabs further covered with a vast flat chunk, is close to the Parvatha Vihar and the Pannikadu Village. Though many dolmens have been destroyed over time, you can still witness them on Ghat road near Periyakulam and the other at 2 km from Pannaikadu hamlet. Situated on the highest point before coming down to Pattiveerampatti, the Dolmen still stand strong without any damage. The remains of prehistoric inhabitants, burial urns, and models of dolmens can be found here, offering fascinating insights into prehistoric living. However, after some research, Dolmen circle was found that ancient people kept their valuables here more than they stayed here themselves. Many copper and brass ornaments and utensils have been found there. Kistavens, however, served as burial grounds. This place, owing to its history and artefacts, is an absolute must-visit for all the explorers. Also, the surrounding scenic views and the greenery are a relief to the eyes.

Lutharan church

                    The Lutheran Church, located in Lakshmipuram, is one of the most iconic structures of the breathtaking hill station of Kodaikanal. The opulent church is visited by a huge population of tourists, including Christians and people belonging to other religions. The beautiful Gothic structure was constructed in 1932 and is decorated with stained glass windows, detailed paintings, and murals that showcase the life of Jesus Christ. Made of Gothic stones, modern paintings and batiks are inside the church.On Christmas Eve, we had a lot of fun and frolics here, and the visitors marked the celebration grandly. The Lutharan church quiet ambience,e usually becomes al, give and a sight that attracts everybody's attention. People believe that if one prays in church, one gets relaxed and free from all worries. The travellers also visit Kodaikanal Lake and Berijam Lake near the church to experience the area's true beauty. Also, the local delicacies in the surrounding region should be tried.

Munchees

                    Muncheez is one of the best tourist places in Kodaikanal. Built on the Poet Tyagaraj Road, this excellent restaurant is available all days except Thursday. They prepare the most exquisite delicacies for you to hog onto. Muncheez offers you outdoor seating to enjoy mouth-watering food in the best surroundings. They have spacious parking lots available for your vehicles; not just that, but they also provide takeaways for times when you are in a hurry. Don't worry if you just trekked over the mountains, going without any food into the night; you can place an order, and they will deliver it to you.

Timing: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm

Camping Amidst Pear Orchard

                    Based on the outskirts of Kodaikanal but not too far from the centre of the city, this beautiful campsite is surrounded by many wonderful natural scenes, offering a great deal of adventure. You are free to enjoy plucking pears directly off trees, as all you will see surrounding you is gorgeous terrace farming at this one of the amazing places to visit, Kodaikanal.You can opt for a traditional bullock cart ride to spot wildlife and birds. You can even enjoy trekking, hiking, and mountain biking at extra costs. After all this adventure, you can return to your campsite, where your tents will be erected amidst the savoury pear orchard.