Best Places Visit Near Kodaikanal Tamilnadu

12 Best Places Near Kodaikanal

So, here is a list of top 10 places near Kodaikanal that make sure you have a wonderful time whilst on a vacation to this beautiful town.

1. Coaker’s Walk – Take A Stroll

It is said, if you are planning for places to visit in Kodaikanal in June and returning without going to the Coaker’s Walk, your trip is wasted! It is a place where you walk surrounded by mesmerising hills and nauseating downward going slopes of vast green expanse. It is a man-made walking plaza, one km in length. It is best enjoyed in the mornings and evenings when the clouds come down to greet the visitors. You can even cycle along the path. Whether you are visiting it alone or have a beloved at your side, take a leisurely stroll at Coaker’s Walk to spend some blissful and rejuvenating time in nature as it is one of the best places to visit near Kodaikanal.

Activities: Walking, cycling and telescopic viewing

How to reach: Coaker’s Walk is reachable by road via Saint Mary’s Road. Coaker’s Way is 1 km away from Kodaikanal Railway Station.

Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs. 10

2. Kodaikanal Lake – Admire The Beauty

Amongst some of the places to visit around Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal lake is one of the most stunning places to visit in Kodaikanal that is a must visit. Kodaikanal is famous for its Kodaikanal Lake. The lake is very nearby to Coaker’s Walk. This lake is situated at an elevation of 2285 meters. This lake is not a nature’s creation. It was made in 1863 by the then collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Hentry Levinge. It is in a beautiful star shape and is enveloped from all sides by the enigmatic Palani Hills. This place is where the unique Neelakurinji flowers bloom.

Activities: boating, horse riding, cycling, flower and boat pageant shows in summers

How to reach: It is reachable by bus or cab from Kodai Railway Station, 90 km, and Palana Railway Station, 64 km.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: No entry Fees

3. Pillar Rocks – Witness The Natural Formations

If you want to have a one-day picnic with your family and friends then Pillar Rocks can be included in one of the places to visit around Kodaikanal. Pillar Rocks is a popular spot for honeymooners and families alike. It has three large vertical rocks that touch a height of 400 feet. The place also has a mini garden. The beautiful location serves as a great picnic spot.

Activities: Enjoy a picnic at the viewpoint, relax in the mini garden and indulge in photography

How to reach: Located Golf Links Road, the place can be reached via road. Kodaikanal bus stand is 7.5 km away from the place.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs. 5

4. Berijam Lake – Watch Sky’s Reflection

Visit this peaceful lake in a forest conservation area. It is situated in Dindigul district in the upper slope of Palani hills. The lake has clear, blue water and is surrounded by picturesque green landscape with overlooking hills. Make sure that you visit this place as it is considered to be one of the top places to visit near Kodaikanal.

Activities: Bird and animal spotting and relaxing

How to reach: The lake is 10 km away from Kodaikanal Road Railway Station. It is recommended to take a taxi rather than a bus to the place.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs. 100

5. Chettiar Park – Have Some Leisure Time

Are you a nature lover and enthusiast? Then, Chettiar Park is one of the famous places near Kodaikanal for all the admirers of nature. Chettiar Park is the place from where you never want to get up. It is a stunning and soothing location nestled near Kurinji Andavar Temple. This garden is filled with exquisite flowers and plant species, different shaped bush structures, and a peace giving environment. If you are lucky, you might spot the Kurinji flowers here that are said to bloom just once every 12 years.

Activities: Spot rare species of flowers, picnicking

How to reach:The park is 1.5 km away from the main town of Kodaikanal, which can be reached by cab.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs. 10

6. Fairy Falls – Admire The Cascading Waters

Are you ready for some swimming sport? Come and dive in Fairy Falls, one of the places near Kodaikanal which indeed will mesmerize you with its beauty. Just like the name, the place has a dreamy and fantasy feel to it. This waterfall is located in Pambarpuram. The water falling from the stepped majestic mountains drenching plants around it is a sight to behold. It is famous for swimming. If you don’t fancy being wet under the falling water, you can relax at the place and be drenched in the mystifying aura of the place instead.

Activities: Swimming

How to reach: Take a cab from Kodaikanal Bus Station. It is 5 km away from Kodai Lake.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: No entry Fees

7. Kukkal Caves – Discover New Things

Kukkal Caves is one of the stunning caves and popular places near Kodaikanal which the tourists are going to love. Kukkal Caves is one of the ideal places for the tourists. The beautiful caves are brimming with historical significance. It is believed that the Palaiyar tribes who wore leaf clothes lived here. The walls of the temple situated atop the hill give evidence to this with its ancient hand paintings. Kukkal caves are situated at an altitude of 6200 feet above sea level, which makes them one of the highest places in Kodaikanal.

Activities: Trekking, walking through the rich habitation

How to reach: Take a bus from Kodaikanal to Poombarai. Then walk till Kukkal forest rest house.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry Fees: No entry Fees

8. Perumal Peak – Get A Picturesque View

Trekking is a super fun activity. Isn’t it? Enjoy magnificent views amidst the trekking in between Perumal Peak and is a must visit place near Kodaikanal for your short vacation. Perumal peak is a heaven for trekkers. Located at a whopping height of 8,005 ft, it makes you feel you are literally at the top of the world! It offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding hills and the green landscape. The best thing about the trek up Perumal Peak is, you don’t have to be an experienced trekker or possess great strength.

Anyone can scale the peak, making it one of the must visit heavenly places for everyone. Here you can spot heavily cascading waterfalls, zigzagging mountainous paths, slopes filled with trees and more.

Activities: Hiking, mountain biking

How to reach: Take a cab or bus till the Perumalmalai Village.

Timings: Sunrise till Sunset

Entry Fees: No entry Fees

9. Pine Forest – Go Through Dense Greenery

Pine forest will make you feel you are filming a melodious love song from a Bollywood movie. This place remains one of the most visited places in Kodaikanal. The area is filled with tall pine trees that play hide and seek with the sky. Taking a walk among the trees is very relaxing and soothing. This place is also great to bring out the inner photographer in you.

Activities: Photography, walking, camping, horse riding

How to reach: Pine forest is very close to the main town of Kodaikanal. It takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by cab.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: No entry Fees

10. Bear Shola Falls – Listen To Sound Of Water

The distinct name of the waterfalls near Kodaikanal is due to the fact that bears frequented it in the past to drink water. The waterfall is quite tall and flows down in a delightful curvy form. The falls are located inside a reserve forest whose beauty remains intact from no visitations by humans. The best time to visit this waterfall is during and after monsoon. The water gets dried up completely during summers.

Activities: Relaxation, photography, bird watching

How to reach: You can take a bus from Kodaikanal bus station or a cab from Kodaikanal Lake.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: No entry Fees

11. Poombarai & Campers Valley – Admire The Soothing And Mesmerising Views

Looking for a weekend getaway? Poombarai is one of the spectacular places to visit near Kodaikanal popular for its spellbinding views and ancient temples. The travellers must capture some of the amazing viewpoints or pray by visiting Hindu temples and can go to Campers valley for a one-night stay. The valley is just a 60 kms ride from Kodaikanal and you can visit Poombarai Village View, Poombarai Murugan Temple and Aisha Mosque.

Activities: Cycling, hiking and camping

How to reach: Poombarai & Campers Valley can be reached by road and parking is also available there. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 90.7 kms from Campers Valley Camping.

Timings: The check-in timings of the camps is 10:00 AM and check-out timings of the camps are 3:00 PM in the evening.

Entry Fees: To know the correct prices travellers must enter the number of tourists and their age as well.

12. Dindigul – Explore The Ancient City

Dindigul is one of the places to visit near Kodaikanal if you are planning for a short vacation. Dindigul happens to be an ancient town as early as the time when Pandyan Kingdom prevailed. The travellers will get to see the magnificent heritage of various temples and popular Dindigul Fort. One of the 14th century temples, Kalahastheeswara-Gnanambika is famous for its positive energy. Dindigul is at a distance of 100 kms from Kodaikanal.

Activities: Tourists can visit Silver Cascade Falls, Sirumalai Reserved Forest, Kamaraja Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Pambar Falls

How to reach: Dindigul is easily accessible by road, railways and air. If tourists travel by road it is 88 kms, 14 kms by railways and 44 kms by air from Kodaikanal.

Timings: The timings depend on the arrival time of the guests in Dindigul.

Entry Fees: Entry fees of coakers walk is INR 10 per person and INR 20 per person for telescope house.