Things To Do
in Kodaikānal
Kodaikānal is a hill station in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, set around a star-shaped lake and surrounded by lush shola forests and rolling hills. It is known for its mild climate, colonial-era bungalows, aromatic eucalyptus groves, and scenic viewpoints like Coaker's Walk and Pillar Rocks. The town blends eco-tourism, trekking routes and relaxed lakeside promenades, making it popular with couples, families and nature lovers.
Despite growing visitor numbers, Kodaikānal retains a tranquil, small-town atmosphere with opportunities for local handicrafts and fresh temperate produce.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kodaikānal and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely walk around the scenic lakeside, breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. Stop by the nearby markets to experience local culture and pick up some handmade crafts.
Head to Coaker's Walk, a beautiful paved pathway adorned with stunning views of the valleys below. Along the way, enjoy some local snacks at small food stalls while taking pictures of the breathtaking landscape. After that, visit the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory for a unique glimpse into astronomy.
Return to the lake area to enjoy a serene boat ride as the sun sets over the hills. Afterward, dine at a cozy local restaurant, sampling some delicious South Indian cuisine. End the day with a peaceful stroll under the starlit sky.
Visit the picturesque Pillar Rocks that rise majestically, offering stunning views and varied photography opportunities. Enjoy the lush greenery and the cool breeze while taking in the panoramic sights. Later, explore the charms of the nearby Guna Caves, where nature enthusiasts can visit and marvel at the unique rock formations.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature surrounded by towering trees and singing birds. After lunch, embark on a short trek around the caves, allowing the excitement of adventure to envelop you. Take advantage of the fresh air, and indulge in some quiet time absorbing the tranquil surroundings.
Return to Kodaikānal town for leisure shopping and to try local delicacies at street vendors. Consider visiting Bryant Park, where vibrant flowers and lush greenery create a magical evening setting. As night falls, find a cozy spot to relax and reminisce about the day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚌Local bus or shared transport | $0.30-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool, pleasant climate and beautiful green scenery
- Varied outdoor activities: hikes, boating and birdwatching
- Distinct hill-station charm with artisanal chocolates and local produce
- Relatively compact town—easy to sightsee without long transfers
- Can be crowded in peak season and weekends
- Monsoon can make trails slippery and obscure views
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer modern conveniences in remote areas
- Higher prices for accommodation and food during tourist season
- "வணக்கம் (Vanakkam)" - Hello / Greetings
- "நன்றி (Nandri)" - Thank you
- "எவ்வளவு? (Evvalavu?)" - How much?
- "தண்ணீர் வேண்டும் (Thanneer vendum)" - I need water
- "மன்னிக்கவும் (Mannikkavum)" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Kodaikānal
Visit one of these nice places.
A paved pedestrian path on the ridge offering sweeping views of the valley, ideal for sunrise and early-morning landscape shots.
Three giant rock pillars rising dramatically from the valley—great for dramatic wide-angle shots and cloudscape photography.
A flat rock jutting out over a deep valley with a plunging drop—perfect for capturing panoramic vistas and cliff-edge compositions.
The star-shaped lake with tree-lined promenades, pedal boats and reflections—best at dawn or dusk for tranquil water shots.
A lively waterfall formed from the lake's outflow—good for long-exposure water blur during the monsoon or just after rains.
Food in Kodaikānal
Kodaikānal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutney—ubiquitous across town and available at most breakfast spots and local eateries.
Must-Try!
A tangy, spiced fish curry made in Tamil style—found in local family-run restaurants that serve non-vegetarian Tamil meals.
Artisanal chocolates, preserves and fruit-based sweets sold by small shops and markets—popular souvenirs and snacks.
Comforting rice and lentil dish often served for breakfast or brunch in local cafés and temple canteens.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small street stalls selling fresh seasonal fruits, homemade chocolates, nuts, locally made jams, and simple street snacks like bajji and vada—try the roasted corn and fresh fruit cups.
Morning markets with cool-climate vegetables like carrots and peas and fragrant local flowers—great for fresh picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples—shoulders and knees covered are preferred for both men and women.
Remove shoes before entering temple premises, follow any photography restrictions, and avoid loud behavior inside sanctums.
A friendly 'Vanakkam' (with a slight bow or folded hands) is appreciated—smiling and polite behavior go a long way.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative areas; maintain decorum in crowds and respect local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Kodaikānal
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, a small tip (₹20–50) for drivers or guides, and rounding up for hotel staff. For casual street vendors tipping is uncommon.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used for local shops and markets; most mid-range hotels, cafés and many taxis accept cards or popular mobile payment apps (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe). Carry small notes for remote areas and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May brings pleasant, cool days (15–25°C) and is the busiest tourist season; ideal for sightseeing, lakeside activities and escaping lowland heat.
June to September sees frequent rain—landscapes become lush and waterfalls dramatic but trails can be slippery and some viewpoints misty or inaccessible.
October to November offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures and good visibility for trekking and photography; fewer crowds than summer.
December to February is cooler (5–15°C) with chilly mornings and occasional frost; layering is essential, and nights can be quite cold but peaceful.
Kodaikānal at Night
Hiking in Kodaikānal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rewarding short trek to a rocky outcrop with expansive valley views—moderate difficulty with a clear trail and excellent photography opportunities.
A short walk to the famous Pillar Rocks viewpoint; the area has nearby paths through pine and eucalyptus groves.
Longer rural trek through terraced fields and small villages—offers cultural interaction alongside scenic vistas.
Trails winding through dense pine plantations to the mysterious Guna Caves and nearby viewpoints; take care on uneven ground and follow marked routes.
Short drive then a walk to this dramatic viewpoint overlooking a deep valley; great for sunrise but avoid venturing too close to edges.
Airports
How to reach Kodaikānal by plane.
Approximately 120–130 km away (about 3–4 hours by road). The closest major airport with domestic connections; taxis and private transfers to Kodaikanal are common.
Around 160–180 km away (4–5 hours by road) with domestic flights and some international options; useful for travelers combining Kodaikanal with western Tamil Nadu or Kerala.
Farther away (about 6–8 hours by road), but an option for international arrivals—combine with train or bus segments if needed.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Tamil-speaking locals involved in tourism, agriculture, hospitality and small businesses.
Adjacent areas have indigenous and hill communities with distinct cultural practices and traditional livelihoods.
Seasonal influx of domestic tourists from Tamil Nadu and other Indian states, plus a smaller number of international visitors and long-term residents attracted to the climate.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
India's most popular sport—local grounds and school fields host casual and organized matches frequently.
Played recreationally in schools and by local clubs; historically important in many parts of India.
Popular among visitors and local youth—organized treks and informal runs make use of hill trails and forest paths.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kodaikānal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available—most restaurants offer south Indian staples like idli, dosa, and rice-based meals. Ask for 'no ghee' or 'no onion/garlic' if you prefer a specific type of vegetarian preparation.
Vegan options are possible but less common; communicate clearly (use 'no dairy' and 'no butter') and favor dosas, vadai and vegetable curries without cream. Many cafés can adapt dishes on request.
Rice-based dishes (idli, dosa, steamed rice) are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for cross-contamination at busy eateries; mention gluten intolerance when ordering gravies or snacks.
Carry translations of key allergies in Tamil and double-check ingredients in street food; small eateries may not understand complex allergy concerns.