Kodaikanal

The closest airports to Kodaikanal are Tiruchirappalli 150 km, Madurai 120 km and Coimbatore 175 km. You can get regular flights from Mumbai, Tiruchirappalli, Bangalore and Chennai. From any of these airports you can hire a private taxi, cab or take train to reach Kodaikanal.

Trains are available in frequent intervals but you can choose to go by private taxi if you are in real hurry.

The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, at a distance of 100 km. From Kodai Road station, one can travel only by road. Taxis are available for hire up to Kodaikanal but since these might be the only mode of transport here, the prices are often not negotiable.

Another railway station that is quite close is Dindigul Railway Station. It is easier to come to Kodaikanal using this station, as Dindigul is a much bigger city. Once you get off at the Dindigul Railway station, you can get an auto rickshaw for around ₹50 to come to the Dindigul Bus Stand. From there, there are frequent buses to Vathlagundu from where there are many buses to Kodaikanal. Straight buses are available from Dindigul to Kodaikanal as well, but you might have to wait for an hour or so. It takes around 30 minutes from Dindigul to Vathlagundu (Batlagundu) and then about 2 hours from Vathlagundu to Kodaikanal by bus.

From Dindigul city, Kodaikanal is located at a distance of 90 km approximately and there are plenty of buses plying from various parts of the state.

Buses ply from Chennai, Pondicherry, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Dindigul, Palani and Coimbatore.

Buses are available from Madurai (Arapalayam) to Kodaikanal at regular timings.

Reach Kodaikanal from Kodai Road (80 km) for about ₹1300, Dindigul or Madurai and then take a cab/taxi to Kodaikanal. The drive from Kodai road takes approximately 2½ hr while the drive from Madurai takes approximately 3½ hr and from Dindigul it takes about 2½ hr.

From Kochi, it is 295 km via the hill station of Munnar. The route to be taken is Kochi-Muvattupuzha-Kothamangalam-Adimali-Munnar-Devikulam-Poopara-Bodi-Theni-Kodaikanal which is the NH49 Kochi-Madurai.

From Alappuzha or Kottayam, the route is via Kumily along Kottayam-Kumily road, KK Road.

• 🌍 Kodai Lake (Kodaikanal Lake). If you are going in winter, go boating in the evening, as it's an amazing experience to boat through fog settling on the lake. The lake is very near the bus stand. This is a star-shaped lake and walking around it during the night is one of the best walking experiences you can have in your life. Be cautious, there are lot of dogs around this lake and some places are extremely dark. Walk between 6 and 7PM, then head back to your room. 
• 🌍 Berijam Lake. Perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai. This is a plastic free zone and it is beautiful and serene. The lake lies within a reserved forest region. You must get permission to visit this lake. Permissions need to be obtained on the morning of the intended day of visit from the forest office. Usually the person who arranges the vehicle will arrange the permit. Moreover, in peak season, a limited number of vehicles are allowed in per day. 

• 🌍 Bear Shola falls. This is a really beautiful water falls. But during some seasons there may not be any water there. But climbing up the falls is a good trek. 
• 🌍 Silver Cascade. It's a nice waterfall on the road side from Kodai Road, just before 4-5 km from Kodaikanal. The cold water flows and it's really super to bathe in the cold water and travel in between the eucalyptus trees. If you are going to Kodaikanal by private vehicle on the way, you can visit the place. Buy fresh carrots and some exotic veggies around here. 
• 🌍 Vattakanal Water Falls. (updated Sep 2021)
• 🌍 Fairy Falls. (updated Sep 2021)

• Devil's Kitchen. A cave known more to the locals, First being "Green Valley View" and "Pillar Rocks" and then finally "Guna Cave". Watch out for the deep hidden ravines. What would appear like mere dark gutters are actually a deep fall. Many unsuspecting people have fallen prey to the "devil's trap", so watch your step! 
• 🌍 Guna Caves. A cave which became very famous after the movie Guna. Very steep and risky to get in. The public may not be allowed to enter this cave nowadays, though it's a very good place to take pics. But if you are not a professional spelunker, a trip to this cave may be your last. Getting back will be problem as it's very dark and there could be about a 90% chance of suffering a free fall. 

• 🌍 Lasaleth Church and Lion's cave. Has the 100-yr-old tree, 500-yr-old tree and Lion's Cave. 
• 🌍 St. Peters Church. 

• Kurinjiandavar Temple. About 4 km from the lake is a temple whose presiding God is Lord Muruga. The flowers inside the temple bloom once in 12 years. You can get a view of the Palani Hills and the Kodaikanal Town from this temple. During the winter, the view of Kodai city and Palani from the two ends of the temple is blocked. However, in summer, the visibility is good and hence the experience, too. 

• 🌍 Bryant park (10-minute walk from boat club). A botanical garden spread over an area of 8.3-hectare (20.5-acre) and contains 325 species of trees, It has a rose section containing 740 varieties of roses. The park was planned and built in 1908 by H.D. Bryant, a forester from Madurai. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows during the peak season in summer. 
• 🌍 Coakers Walk. If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the place would be before 2PM. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds (only in winter) beneath you form an ocean, reach the place between 3PM and 6PM. Try and catch the sunrise here or in the nearby Greenlands Hostel. At evenings a view of the Jewel Box (evening view of Theni and Periyakulam)is also an attraction. A marvel. Also try out the telescope near the main gate. This place is very near the bus stand. 
• 🌍 Dolphins Nose. To reach Dolphins Nose at a distance of 8 km from the bus stand, one has to follow the route specified here. There is an old road after crossing Pambar Bridge near Levinge Stream. A rough curve rounds the hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over an awful chasm of 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins Nose. On the way, beautiful views of plains and steep, rocky escarpment called rolling hills can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path. 
• Green Valley View (Suicide Point). It has a more than 5,000 ft (1,500 m) steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicide. 
• Old Suicide Point. This place is about 5 minutes before the main/old pine forest. An entire stretch is full of pine trees while driving from the observatory side. You must walk towards the cliff. Here you will see a small pathway on the left side. If you take this path and walk for about 10 minutes you will reach the old suicide point. The view from there is simply breathtaking. 
• 🌍 Pillar Rocks. It has huge steep cliffs. During summer rainy days, the cliffs get completely hidden due to excess of fog. Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an English adventure enthusiast.You can see the cross by an available telescope. 
• Pine Forest. It's a really very good forest of pine trees. You can ride horses there. It's on the way to the Guna Cave. 
• Shanthi Valley. Another pine forest nice place. 
• Silent Valley View. 
• Thoppi Thuukum Paarai. It's en route to Berijam Lake. Wonderful tourist spot. Children should be careful near the cliffs. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. (updated Sep 2021)

• Carlton Hotel, Carlton Lake Rd, ☏ +91 4542-241231. 
• End of the Road, The Carlton Hotel, Lake Road, ☏ +91 4542-240056. 
• Oasis Bar, No 17/328 Kodai International Hotel (near Zion School), ☏ +91 4542-245190. 
• Sterling Resorts, Pallangi Road, Vilpatti, ☏ +91 4542-242437. 

Staying in a cottage or a bungalow is probably better than staying in a closed AC room in some random hotel. If you stay somewhere 3-4 km from main city you might get cheaper cottages and bungalows with good view. But it is always preferable to stay near the Lake, where one doesn't need to worry about food and you can have nice walk in the evenings.

• 🌍 FabHotel Kodai Kings Park (FabHotel Kodaikanal), 16/12, P. T. Road, Seven Road Junction, ☏ +91 7042424242, bookings@fabhotels.com. Preferred by loads of tourists visiting the charming town of Kodaikanal, FabHotel Kodai Kings Park boasts a central and easily accessible location. The biggest advantage of booking a room here is that all popular tourist attractions of Kodaikana are nearby. (updated Mar 2018)
• Greenlands Youth Hostel (next to Coakers Walk), ☏ +91 4542 240899. This is the best place if you want the best view and also the feel of the bygone times. You can get dormitories as well as single/double rooms and the prices are very reasonable. However, do book in advance. Fresh food both veg and non veg available. 2 km from the crowded areas. Quiet place facing the valley view. Friendly people. 
• Hotel Astoria (5 min walk from Coakers walk and Kodai lake). A good option. 
• Hotel Bala International (5 min walking distance from Coakers walk and Kodai lake). 
• Hotel Gurupriya, 17 Laws Ghat Rd (near Zion Matriculation School, 1.5 km from town, or 15 min walking), ☏ +914542 41136, info@hotelgurupriya.com. ₹750 onwards. 
• Hotel Spring Valley, 25,Laws Ghat Rd (about 1.5 km away from the Lake, near Zion Matriculation), ☏ +9198655 91202, hotelspringvalley@gmail.com. 
• Kodai Retreat, #55 , Edistone Compound, Convent Rd (about 1.5 km away from the Lake), ☏ +91 9842412190 (mobile), +91 4542 240911, +91 4542 242144 (landlines), kodairetreat@gmail.com. 
• Lilly's Valley Resor, 17/178 Sivanandi Rd (1.5 km from town, or 15 min walking). Lilly’s was the first resort to be built in Kodaikanal back in 1982 by Mr. Raj A. Sukumar, who felt the place resembled somewhere in England he had seen. 
• New Gold Nest, about 3 km away from the lake and on the way to the Kurinjiandavar Temple. This property comprises individual cottages which are located overlooking the valley and offer enchanting views of the clouds rising through the gaps in the mountains.
• Sarmila Residency, Ananthagiri IV Street (near Mother Theresa University, Court, and Mariyamman temple), ☏ +91 97882 35786, kodaisarmilaresidency@gmail.com. 

• Hotel Kodai International, Lawsghat Rd (near Zion school), ☏ +91 4542 245190, +91 4542 245191, +91 4542 245192, +91 4542 245193. Well-equipped gym, table tennis, billiards and badminton. Breakfast is complimentary. Off-season and special packages available. Royal Cottage ₹5799, Royal Suite ₹6299. Tariff exclusive tax and meals. Std double room ₹3099, Deluxe double ₹3899 - meals and tax extra. Free breakfast. 
• Hotel RJ INN, 123-5, Fern Hill Rd (near Vallaiappan Movies), ☏ +91 9500645583, booking.kodai@hotelrjinn.com. A 10- to 15-min walk from the lake, this place offers you a suitable budget. 
• Hotel Villa Retreat (next to Coakers Walk), ☏ +91 9244243940. A nice little cozy resort with great views. On walking distance is Kodai lake, Coaker's walk and Bryant Park. The hotel staff is very courteous and helpful. The rooms are clean with simple decor. The best thing is they serve fresh food to order, and therefore require orders to be made well ahead of time. Good variety for both veg and non-veg cuisine. 
• Kodai Resort Hotel. In front of Coakers Walk. Good Cottages and good lawn with birds flying in the garden. 
• Misty Mountain, ☏ +91 996 208 7706. Independent cottages. Available single and double bedrooms cottages. Nice place for honey moon couples and family get-togethers. Two km from bus stand. Cottages are placed at the top of secured independent hills. 
• Snooze Inn. A well-run budget hotel, known for its clean rooms and prompt service. 
• Valley View Inn, 8/59 Post Office Rd, ☏ +91 124 620 1184. High quality veg food. 

• 🌍 The Carlton (On Lake Road), ☏ +91 4542 248 555. This is one of the best hotels with a great view of the Kodai Lake. Book in the off-season and you could get a 3-night package for about ₹16,000 (for 2 people) with food and sight seeing. A good time for the honeymooners would be to go during the winter season. The hotel is 5 minutes walking distance from restaurants and the local market. Also, there are small eateries and shops right outside the hotel. (updated Oct 2016)