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One can catch a flight to Trichy or Madurai which are 150 km and 120 km away from Kodaikanal. You can also board a train which will halt at Kodai Road. From Kodairoad station, one has to travel only by road. Taxis are available for hire up to Kodaikanal but since these might the only mode of transport here, the prices are often not negotiable. 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.

How to reach Kodaikanal by flight

The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is the Madurai airport, which is located at a distance of 120 km from Kodaikanal. Other airports that are located within close proximity to Kodaikanal are Trichy airport and Coimbatore airport located 150 km and 175 km respectively away from Kodaikanal. From here on you can catch the local TNSTC buses to Kodaikanal or hire a cab to cover the rest of the journey.

Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IXM) - 79 kms from Kodaikanal

How to reach Kodaikanal by road

You can easily catch a TNSTC bus from the main cities of South India. It is well-connected from main cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Madurai etc.

How to reach Kodaikanal by train

The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is the Kodai road, which is approximately 100 km away from the main city. From here on, you are required to catch a bus or hire a cab to cover your onward journey.

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Local transport is by means of bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw. Also, being a hillstation, the best way to enjoy its ambience is by travelling on foot.

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The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October to June, however, the weather remains a bit chilly during December and January. Ideal for a vacation in each season, Kodaikanal is the most colourful in summers and most picturesque in monsoons. If your trip consists of an itinerary that includes a lot of sights to see, then summer is the best time to visit this place and those who wish to go for trekking, plan your trip to Kodaikanal between October and February.

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Kodaikanal in Summer (March-June )

Summers (March to June) in Kodaikanal is ideal with comfortable 20 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius temperature and flowers in full bloom.
The ten days long Grand Annual Summer Festival, which takes place in May, attracts many tourists. From elegant fruit exhibitions to enthralling boat races, flower art-works, classical dance performances and melodious musicals, the Summer Festival is a platter of different shows. Kodaikanal also holds fantastic festivals like Panguni Uthiram in March and the Annual Horticulture Show in May.

Kodaikanal in Monsoon (June-September)

Kodaikanal receives a considerably average amount of rainfall during the monsoon season. Without a doubt, the place wears a new look in the monsoon with the fresh greenery all around, however, the hill slopes become slippery and the waterfalls begin to overflow. It is advisable to not travel to Kodaikanal in the monsoon unless you are ready to bear the rainfall.

Kodaikanal in Winter (December-February)

With a temperature that rarely falls below 8 degrees Celsius, winter in Kodaikanal (between December and February) is the best time to enjoy various treks, and attend the famous Pongal festival celebrated during January.

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Chocolates, Sandwiches, Brownies, cheeses and some hot 'chai' are the most sought-after eateries of Kodaikanal. Other than these, there is a lot that stands out in this town such as locally produced organic foods, a rich and spicy dash of Punjabi cuisine, popular items of Tibetan cuisine, an absolutely lip-smacking variety of Biryanis, as well as an elaborate Gujarati platter. Find local and traditional platters here too, with essentials like Dosas, idilis, Upma, Parota, Sambhar, Rasam, Paysam, Kesari, Sweet pongal and lots more.

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Eco Nut

Poet Tyagaraja Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Cafe

10:30 AM - 6 PM (Sunday Closed)

Cloud Street

1st, P T Road, Kodaikanal, dindigul, Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal

Sandwich, Pizza, Fast Food, Desserts, Burger, Beverages

9:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Carlton

Lake Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Indian, Continental

7 - 10 AM, 1 - 3 PM, 7.30 -10.30 PM

Ten Degrees

This fusion restaurant offers quality Contemporary & International cuisine. Known for its coconut mousse and keema, the quirky variety each dish brings to the menu is par excellence.

Muncheez

144 P T Road Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal mpty, dindigul, Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal

Sandwich, Rolls, Pizza, Modern Indian, Italian, Desserts, Burger, Beverages

11 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun), Thu Closed

With the best burgers and cheesecakes in Kodaikanal, this quirky cafe with board games and books is a tourists' go-to when you have the munchies. Aptly named, quick bites are served here or doggy-bagged for the perfect on-the-go snack.

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1. Zostel Kodaikanal

1.1 kms from city centre

Facilites: Parking, Wifi , Bar

Just 1.8 km from Kodaikanal Bus Stand, the Zostel Kodaikanal offers convenient guest accommodations with a garden, a sun terrace, a restaurant, and a shared lounge. The Zostel Kodaikanal has a 24-hour (Read More)

Hostel with 8 room options

? 3,302 onwards

2. Villa Retreat - Boutique Hotel

0.8 kms from city centre

Facilites: Parking, Wifi , Bar , Food

Just 90 m apart from the Coaker's Walk, the Villa Retreat - Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Kodaikanal. The property flaunts a garden, a restaurant, and a shared lounge. During the stay, guests (Read More)

Hotel with 8 room options

? 3,894 onwards

3. Cloudwalks Kodaikanal

1.9 kms from city centre

Facilites: Parking , Wifi , Food

Cloudwalks is a luxurious homestay to enjoy with family or friends in Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu The location is great, embracing a calm & serene ambience. Rooms are well-furnished & comfortable (Read More)

Homestay with 5 room options

? 2,301 onwards

4. The Tamara Kodal

1.7 kms from city centre

Facilites: Parking, Wifi , Bar , Food

Originally built in the 1840s, the Tamara Kodai promotes responsible tourism and offers its guests a blend of luxury and heritage. They have three luxurious accommodation options and two dining option (Read More)

5-star resort with 2 room options

? 12,980 onwards

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There is no shortage of awe-inspiring sights and incredible activities to engage within Tamil Nadu. The natural beauty combined with the looming element of sheer peace are two very valid reasons for tourists to flock to the state by the thousands.

One of the most frequented destinations in the state, especially for the new generation of travellers, is the hilly town of Kodaikanal. Centered around the man-made marvel that is the Kodaikanal lake, the hill station is encompassed by the endless charm of nature and is filled to the brim with interesting and breathtaking tourist spots that are simply waiting to be explored. There are numerous interesting things to do in Kodaikanal that will surely make you capture the best memories of this serene place.

1. Night Safari: Have An Adventure Of A Lifetime

Preferred mostly by couples, the night safari in Kodaikanal is not an experience fit for the faint of heart, and yet, is one of the most preferred things to do in Kodaikanal at night. The adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience and offers travelers a chance to take a thrilling to peek into the daily lives of the natural fauna that calls Kodaikanal home.

The best part is, getting up close and personal with the fauna of the area is not the only thing to look forward to. Apart from observing bison, wild boars, and porcupines in the natural habitat, the safari will also take you to soak in the breathtaking views of Mango City and Palani Temple.

2. Kodaikanal Lake: Take A Misty Boat Ride

As mentioned earlier, the Kodaikanal Lake is one of the most noteworthy attractions in the city and thus naturally, boating in the lake has to be a part of the top things to do in Kodaikanal. With that said, the magic of Kodaikanal Lake is simply enchantments, especially on the days that are a bit chilly.

The lake is covered with a light mist that offers a charm that most have only seen in the films. Even on the days, there is no mist, the star-shaped lake offers fantastic views of the surrounding flora and is a budget-friendly way to spend a few serenity-filled hours connecting with mother nature.

3. Coaker’s Walk: Take A Stroll

While the Coaker’s is open from 7 AM to 7 PM this activity is especially recommended for the early birds. Approximately 1 kilometer in length, it is a lovely walking plaza that involves an uphill walk on a beautifully constructed path surrounded by views that are often described as awe-inspiring and breathtaking.

Situated in close proximity to the Kodaikanal Lake, a walk along the Coaker’s Walk pathway is the perfect activity to pair with boating in the lake. At the end of the pathway, there is a telescope house that visitors can use to witness better views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and lakes.

4. Dolphin’s Nose: Gaze at Stunning Panoramas

Clear skies, rugged terrain, plunging valleys, and natural beauty as far as the eye can see. If all these things sound appealing to you, a hike to the Dolphin’s Nose is one of the best things to do in Kodaikanal.

The short 3-kilometer hike is extremely easy and the peak which, as the name suggests, is shaped like a dolphin’s nose, offers fantastic views of the hill station. The hike feels extra special on the days the city is blanketed by a mysterious fog. If you are the kind of traveler that values soulful introspection over clicking photographs, mysteriously foggy days are the best to take the hike. Even if you fall into the latter category, Dolphin’s Nose will not disappoint.

5. Caps Valley Viewpoint: Try The Bottle Boomerang Challenge

Ever played with a boomerang? If you’re part of the majority that hasn’t, Kodaikanal has something very special in store for you. Known as Thoppi Thooki Parai in the local language, which directly translates to “cap lifting rock” the Caps Valley Viewpoint is a valley between two peaks (duh!) that features an unusually strong air current.

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Two to three days are enough to enjoy the serenity and spellbinding beauty of this place. On the first day, you can go for a sightseeing tour and can visit the places like the Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, Kodai Lake and many other places too. You can easily hire a taxi and can traverse between the locations.

Day two of this trip can be spent while enjoying some adrenaline rushing activities like trekking, rock climbing and boating. On the last day, you can go shopping, followed by trying local delicacies from small vendors.

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Be it the natural beauty or organic food items, Kodaikanal is famous for numerous things:

- The handmade chocolates of Kodaikanal chocolate factory
- Dolphin’s Nose - offering a panoramic view of the whole town
- Caps Fly Valley - known to be a magical place due to the ability of flying low weighted items
- Eucalyptus oil
- Guna Caves - a haunted natural structure.