Kodaikanal

Photos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.

Best time to go

Sights and activities

Getting there

By bus

Buses run to Kodaikanal bus stand from Madurai (about 3 to 4 hours), Dindigul, Palani, Coimbatore, Trichy, Chennai (about 10 to 12 hours) and Bengaluru (about 9 to 10 hours). The last stretch is a ghat road with many hairpin bends.

By train

Kodai Road station is the nearest railhead, about 80 km below the town, with direct trains to Chennai and Bengaluru. Dindigul Junction is another option. A taxi from Kodai Road costs about Rs 1,500 to 2,500 and takes 2 to 3 hours.

By air

Madurai airport is about 120 km away (taxi about Rs 3,000 to 4,000, 3 to 3.5 hours). Coimbatore airport is about 170 km away (taxi about Rs 3,500 to 5,000, 4 to 5 hours).

Where to base yourself

Stay in the town around Kodaikanal Lake, which keeps Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park and the bus stand within walking distance.

Getting around

• Walking is the easiest way to see the lake, Coaker's Walk and Bryant Park.
• Bicycles can be hired around the lake for about Rs 50 to 100 an hour.
• Taxis do sightseeing tours to the viewpoints outside town; an older source gives Rs 300 to 1,000 for a town tour, so check current rates.
• A taxi to the local market and back from the edge of town costs about Rs 150, according to a traveller review.

On the way

Worth a stop on the drive from Kodai Road, the last stretch whether you arrive by train, bus or air. Stopping needs a taxi or your own vehicle; buses do not wait. Distances are by road.

Often combined with

Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.

• Ooty: Road via Coimbatore and Palani, about 7 to 8 hours, about 250 km by road. See the Wayanad, Ooty and Kodaikanal trip

Where to stay

Food

Most eating is in restaurants and cafes around the lake and in town. Snack stalls at viewpoints such as Dolphin's Nose sell instant noodles, drinks and water.

Try these

• Homemade chocolate (sold by local makers such as Kodai Chocolate Factory)
• Local coffee, spices and herbal teas (sold as souvenirs)

Vegetarian food is easy to find in town. The local chocolate makers advertise vegetarian products.

Daily costs

Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.

Permits and documents

No permit is needed for the town. Berijam Lake and some forest areas need a forest department pass. Carry photo ID, which the observatory asks for.

Safety

By day

Generally safe for visitors. Take care at viewpoints with sheer drops, such as Green Valley View, especially with children.

At night

Fog is common in the early morning and evening. Avoid driving the ghat road at night unless you know it well.

Solo women

Usual precautions apply; Stay near the lake area and avoid isolated forest paths after dark.

Roads

The ghat road from Kodai Road has about 20 hairpin bends. People prone to motion sickness should prepare. Hire local guides for harder treks such as Perumal Peak.

Emergency numbers

112 (all emergencies)

Practical

Mobile network

All the main networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL) work in town. A traveller reports poor signal at Dolphin's Nose.

ATMs and cash

ATMs are available in town but can run out of cash in peak season, so carry enough cash.

Fuel

There are several petrol pumps in and around town.

Medical

There are several hospitals within about 6 km, including Van Allen Hospital. In an emergency dial 112, or 108 for an ambulance in most states.

Coverage maps: Jio · Airtel · Vi · BSNL. Report a problem

Accessibility

Seniors

The lake area and Coaker's Walk are fairly level and short. Viewpoints outside town are reached by car. The winding ghat road can be tiring.

Children

Suits children, with boating, cycling and parks. Keep close watch at viewpoints with steep drops.

Wheelchair users

The town is hilly and many sights have steps or uneven paths.

Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.

Culture and responsible travel

• Do not leave litter at viewpoints, waterfalls or in the forest.
• Keep to marked paths at Guna Caves and Green Valley View.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and churches in the area.
• Use licensed operators for camping and local guides for treks.

What to pack

• Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
• Proper winter wear: a heavy jacket, thermals, gloves and a cap
• Walking shoes with a good grip, a small daypack and a refillable water bottle
• Enough cash for the whole stay, a power bank and offline maps
• Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts

Multi-stop trips that include Kodaikanal

• Wayanad, Ooty and Kodaikanal, 6 nights