Just an overnight journey from Bangalore, Kodaikanal is a hilly escape that offers a respite from city life. But since it is a popular tourist spot, things can get pricey. However, the budget traveller need not worry too much. There are plenty of resorts and hotels in and around Kodaikanal that don’t demand too much of your bank balance. Here are a few!
Kodai Resort, Pine Borough, And Lilly’s Valley: Budget Stays In Kodaikanal That You’ll Love
Richwin Hotel
Located near Coaker’s Walk, this budget hotel places you at the heart of Kodaikanal. A standard room here costs just around INR 2.5k per night (that too during peak season). So, the hotel offers bang for your buck. For your money’s worth, you get clean, spacious rooms that come with TVs and private bathrooms. The only drawback — no WiFi.
Kodai Resort
Surrounded by trees, blooming bushes, and green lawns, Kodai Resort makes for a lovely retreat. The best part is that you’ll still be in central Kodaikanal. All the town’s main attractions like Bryant Park, Kodai Lake, and the Boat House are within walking distance. The prices for the rooms here hover around INR 3,000 and are tastefully done with all facilities. There’s an in-house Ayurvedic spa if you’d like a relaxing massage and a restaurant too.
Facilities Offered: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free cancellation
Lilly’s Valley Resort
Housed at a heritage bungalow, this resort was one of the first to open in scenic Kodaikanal. The resort works hard to give you a home-like experience. The compact rooms (INR 4,000 onwards) come with wooden accents that exude a cosy feeling. The kitchen dishes out simple, home-style meals that are not too heavy on the pocket. You can get comfortable by the fireplace during the evenings and spend your days taking horse rides and exploring the property.
Facilities Offered: Hiking, free breakfast, games room
Hotel Kodai Retreat
If you are on a shoestring budget and care less for luxuries, then, this place is the answer. A short distance from the town’s BSNL office, Kodai Retreat is all about clean rooms and great service. Tariffs here begin at over INR 1.5k, and for this price you get a comfortable bed, a private bathroom and free WiFi. They even offer home-cooked meals at a nominal price but you’ll have to book these in advance. Another perk of staying here is its proximity to places like Bryant park and popular eateries like Dominos and Cafe Coffee Day.
Facilities Offered: Free Wi-FI, Sightseeing and trekking arrangements (on special request)
Surya Holidays
When you want to roam wild and free, we suggest you swing by this hilltop property. Surrounded by acres of greenery, you can park yourself at wooden cottages (INR 4,400 onwards) that are spacious and offer stunning views. Since its location is cut off from the town centre, we recommend this place to people who want their privacy and a piece of quiet. If you don’t want to venture out for your food, the kitchen staff will put together simple meals for you.
Facilites Offered: Currency Exchange, mountain view, lake view
Stay Simple Bruton Resort
Overlooking the lake, this resort is housed at British-era bungalow that’s over 100 years old. They have a limited number of rooms so make sure you book well in advance. The rooms, themselves, are priced upwards of INR 3,000 for most of the year. They come with a comfortable bed, a small study area, and the basic facilities. For leisure, you can cycle around the property or plonk yourself in front of the fireplace.
Facilites Offered: Free Wi-fi, free breakfast, airport shuttle
Western Valley Homestays
Situated just 2.4km from Kodai Lake, this picturesque homestay is cooped amidst greenery. While patrons can enjoy the breathtaking vies of Kodaikanal, they can also choose to play indoor games like table tennis or even cycle around the surroundings as the fresh Kodai air gives them company. Perfect for couple getaways, they're priced at INR 3,000 for a night for a quadruple bedroom. If you want to socialise, they also have a shared lounge space.
Facilites Offered: Children's Playground, free Wi-fi, free breakfast and shared lounge space
Zostel Kodaikanal
Like all Zostels, this one is for the backpacker in you. Located just more than a mile from Kodaikanal bus stand, you can relax in this hilly retreat which boasts of a shared space, individual as well as couple beds, mixed dorms and individual dorms. If you want to travel lowkey and just explore all that kodai has to offer following with a crash to bed, this is the ideal place for you. With prices starting at INR 599 for single beds in dorms and INR 3,500 for the quadraple room, this place offers the perfect solace after a tiring hike in and around Kodaikanal.
Facilites Offered: Shared lounge and garden with indoor games, books and entertainment facilites, Free Wi-Fi and mountain view