Best Places To Visit In Kodaikanal, The Princess Of Hill Stations

No list of places to visit in Kodaikanal is complete without a trip to Kodaikanal Lake, one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. This artificial lake offers boating opportunities, where you'll find both families and couples enjoying the scenic views. You can also rent bicycles or take a horse ride around the lake. Boating charges start at INR 100, while other activities begin at INR 60. There are shops nearby where you can pick up knick-knacks and snacks.

LBB Tip: Don’t forget to visit Bryant Park, located at the other end of the lake. 

One of the major tourist attractions in Kodaikanal, apart from the lake, is Coaker's Walk, where you'll find breathtaking views. This picturesque spot is renowned for its stunning scenery—on a clear day, you can see Dolphin's Nose and enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Although it's a short walk, the colonial houses on one side and the mountains on the other might tempt you to stroll back and forth between Van Allen Hospital, where the walk begins, and St. Peter's Church, where it ends.

Dolphin's Nose is another must-visit attraction in Kodaikanal that you can't miss during your vacation. Situated at an elevation of 6,600 feet, this flat rock formation resembles a dolphin's nose, hence its name. The trek to reach this spot is both fun and adventurous. Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the valley below. Take some time to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the crowd is minimal.

Writing about trekking without mentioning Pillar's Rock would be a crime! This stunning spot, located a bit away from the main town, is perfect for those seeking adventure. The three giant rock pillars that rise majestically from the mountain evoke the enchanting vibes of the Chinese Floating Mountains at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, especially when mist surrounds the area, creating a magical view. Don’t forget to snap some epic photos to make your Instagram followers envious!

Kodaikanal's pine forest is a magical and scenic haven, making it a top attraction for photographers and a backdrop for numerous films. You can stroll between the towering pine trees, spread out a mat for a picnic (just be sure to clean up afterwards), and soak in the cool, tranquil atmosphere. If you're visiting solo, we recommend walking with your headphones on and enjoying some music. At the entrance, you'll find small shops selling snacks, and there's also the option for horse riding. It's a perfect spot for photography, too!

Interest in the Guna Caves has been reignited thanks to the hit Malayalam movie Manjummel Boys. Along with the Guna Caves, the Kookal Caves are two must-visit spots to add to your Kodaikanal itinerary, even if you're only there for two days. The Guna Caves derive their name from the Kamal Haasan film of the same name and are located near Pillar Rocks. The trek through the beautiful pine forest leads you to a hilltop where you can enjoy stunning views of the rocks and the valley below.

The Kookal Caves, one of Kodai's best-kept secrets, are about 40 kilometres from the main town. The trek down to the caves is steep but provides an exhilarating adrenaline rush. At the end of the trek, you'll encounter the dwellings of the Paliyan tribes.

On our list of top things to do in Kodaikanal, Berijam Lake is more serene and far less crowded than Kodaikanal Lake. While boating is restricted, you can enjoy a lovely picnic on the banks, and the stunning views make it all worthwhile. You might even spot animals in the distance against the backdrop of the Palani Hills. During the afternoons, the area is often shrouded in mist, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.

It's no Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, but this century-old museum will still impress you with its curated collection. You’ll find skeletons of animals, specimens of snakes, mammals, and butterflies, as well as over 250 species of orchids. While it's not a large museum and can be explored in about an hour, make sure to check out every corner. Our favourites include the archaeological artefacts related to the Paliyan tribes and the coin collection.

If you are wondering where to stay, here's a list of homestays to stay in Kodaikanal for you to check out.