Best Places to Visit in Kodaikanal

Here is the list of best places to visit in Kodaikanal:

1. Coakers walk
2. Bryant Park
3. Kodaikanal lake
4. Kodaikanal Lions cave
5. Pillars rock
6. Guna Cave
7. Dolphin Nose
8. Manvannur Lake
9. Manavannur Sheep research Center.

Coakers walk: 

Coaker’s Walk is a 1 km pathway where tourists relish leisurely strolls amid breathtaking views of hills, plateaus, and rivers, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Commissioned by Lieutenant Coaker in 1972, it conveniently sits close to the bus stand, railway station, and Kodaikanal Lake. Ensuring safety, the path, starting near Van Allen Hospital and passing St. Peter’s Church, is adorned with protective fences. To the southeast, the charming Pamber River flows, while Madurai city and Dolphin’s Nose await to the south. Visitors often partake in cycling, photography, and nature walks along this scenic route. Within the walkway, vendors entice with tasty snacks like bhel and sliced mangoes with masala, while nearby stalls offer cozy warm clothes, t-shirts, and scarves at pocket-friendly prices, luring in many eager shoppers.

Bryant Park:

H.D. Bryant, a forest officer from Madurai, started Bryant Park in 1908 near Kodai Lake. Now, it’s a big garden managed by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. The park has lots of different plants and flowers, including many roses. It’s a nice place for a relaxed walk. In summer, the park looks really colorful with all the flowers blooming. There’s also a special glasshouse with rare plants. Bryant Park is home to an old eucalyptus tree and lots of butterflies and birds. Every May, there’s a flower show organized by the Horticulture Department, where you can see flowers from nearby villages. If you love nature, Bryant Park is a great place to visit in Kodaikanal.

Kodaikanal lake:

Kodai Lake, a magnificent star-shaped artificial lake, was sculpted in 1863 under the visionary leadership of Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the Collector of Madurai. Revered as the soul of Kodaikanal, it sprawls over 60 acres and boasts a depth of approximately 3 meters. Embraced by a well-maintained 5-kilometer tarred road, the lake offers enchanting boating escapades and charming pony rides. Home to a myriad of flora and fauna, including diverse fish species and aquatic plants, Kodai Lake treasures a rare spectacle – the Kurinji or Strobilanthes cynthiana – which blossoms once in a span of 12 years, gracing its catchment area.

Kodaikanal Lions cave:

The Lion Cave is very close to the Levinge Stream, offering a secluded adventure for explorers. Tucked away about 120 meters from the Vattakanal waterfalls, reaching it requires a trek from the falls. Although there’s no fixed time to visit, it’s good to visit between 9 AM and 4:30 PM, as navigating the area becomes tricky after dark due to the wet conditions from the waterfall’s mist. The cave, partly hidden by lush foliage, is small in size and takes its name from a local legend of a lion residing within. If you’re already planning a visit to the Vattakanal waterfalls, taking a detour to explore this cave is highly recommended. Just remember to wear sturdy footwear to navigate the potentially slippery terrain.

Pillars rock:

The imposing Pillar-Shaped Rocks in Kodaikanal draw most tourists. The space between them, called Devils Kitchen or Guna Caves, is popular with visitors and nature enthusiasts. Nearby, a small park adorned with beautiful flowers adds to the charm. These rocks, situated in the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal, make for an ideal picnic spot. Towering up to 400 feet, they exude a romantic ambiance, once marked by a ‘white cross’ symbolizing love. Offering stunning views, the rocks maintain their grandeur against the hills. It’s a tranquil setting to relax and appreciate the scenery, and don’t miss the chance to savor the delicious potato and onion bhaji available nearby.

Guna Cave:

Guna Caves, also known as Devil’s Kitchen, are a captivating tourist attraction near Pillar Rocks in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Situated about 10 kilometers from Kodaikanal along the Moir Point road, these caves offer a unique blend of natural beauty and mysterious allure. Visitors can’t venture inside due to safety reasons but can admire the caves from a safe distance amidst the picturesque surroundings of Shola trees and lush grass. Legend has it that the caves were discovered by an American in 1821 and are said to have hosted the Pandavas from Hindu mythology. However, it was the filming of the song ‘Kanmani anbodu kadhalan’ from the movie “Guna” that brought fame to these caves, making them a beloved spot for movie enthusiasts. With their intriguing rock formations and rich history, Guna Caves offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers exploring Kodaikanal.

Dolphin Nose:

Discover the mesmerizing Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint in Kodaikanal, where a flat rock shaped like a dolphin’s nose stands proudly at 6,600 feet. To reach this vantage point, embark on a moderate 3 km trek through the scenic Palani Hill Range, winding through pine forests and rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll encounter a charming waterfall and village, though food stalls may be a tad expensive. Upon reaching the viewpoint, soak in panoramic views of Catherine Falls, Kotagiri Hills, and the verdant landscapes below. On clear days, you might even spot Periyakulam Town and Vaigai Lake in the distance. Keep in mind, however, that the trek involves challenging paths, making it unsuitable for young children or elderly travelers. Nevertheless, Dolphin’s Nose promises a rejuvenating half-day escapade amidst the natural wonders of Kodaikanal.

Manvannur Lake:

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mannavanur Lake, an idyllic retreat situated just 34 km away from Kodaikanal town. Surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and captivating hills, Mannavanur offers a tranquil escape from the chaos of city life. Trek through scenic trails adorned with diverse flora and fauna, and be enchanted by the melodious calls of birds like barbets and woodpeckers. Whether you prefer a leisurely picnic by the lake or an adventurous coracle ride, Mannavanur promises an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s splendor. Don’t miss the chance to explore this serene gem during your Kodaikanal getaway.

Manavannur Sheep research Center:

Experience the serene beauty of Mannavanur village, home to the Manavaunur Sheep Research Center situated just 30 km away from Kodaikanal. Established in 1965 by former Agriculture Minister Shri C. Subramaniam, this research center is dedicated to breeding sheep and rabbits for their wool and meat, offering varieties like Angora and Chinchilla. Spanning 1,340 acres of rolling grassland at an altitude of 2,000 meters, it stands as a precious enclave of high-altitude grassland in the Palani Hills. Visitors can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from spotted deer to wild dogs, amidst the tranquil ambiance of Mannavanur.