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| Top 7 things to do in Kodaikanal (a blog) |
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Kamarajar valley dam, Athoor : Offbeat Tamilnadu
Dindigul to Kodaikanal 80 kms / 2.30hrs
After a 3 hour tiring bus ride from my resort at Kamarajar valley dam, my first dream was that of a steaming hot shower on a cold day, but as I checked into the Youth hostel at Kodaikanal~ it was only after running back and forth from the reception to kitchen did I get 2 buckets of hot water to make that dream come true.
While the Youth hostel commands one of the best views and is reasonably priced, I had to compromise on the quality of my stay. The stink of stale cigarette smoke of previous tenants hung like a dead corpse, even after burning a bunch of agarbattis ~ talk of high expectations.
Top 7 Things to do in Kodaikanal
Here are top 7 things to make the best of your short trip in Kodaikanal :
Duration of stay - 3/ 4 days
#1 Coaker's walk
On a clear sunny day, Coaker's walk affords great views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. Every once in 12 years, the entire landscape is a carpet of mauve when the 'neelakurunji flowers' are in full bloom. The last time it bloomed was in 2019.
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| Neelakurunji flowers in full bloom at Coaker's walk, Kodaikanal (pic date 2019). This rare flowers blooms once every 12 years. |
#2 Hike to Dolphin's nose and Echo point
A most satisfying experience is the hike to Dolphin's nose~ basically a jutting rock that vaguely reaembles a 🐬 nose. The hike is along 3/ 4 kms of an easy well-trod trail along a short path made of roots, some dirt roads and a few climbs. On a clear sunny day the view of the valley and surrounding mountains is beautiful.
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| A pathway of tree roots leading to Dolphin's Nose, Kodaikanal Tamil nadu |
Tip : Many people could be seen getting pics, standing on the edge of the cliff. Stay safe and resist the temptation if you can.
Along the trail are some places you can stop by for a plate of hot maggi and chai.
#3 Hang out at Kodai lake
Bryant park and the adjoining Kodai lake is a typical touristy area with plenty of goings-on. There is a boat club for boating enthusiasts, long walks around the lake to be had or hire a three-seater cycle and do likewise, there are flower show events that is hosted here every year during summers, chats, candy-floss and roadside food stalls to satiate just about anyone's appetite.
#4 Find a group tour organizer
This will save you effort and time as most places of interest in and around Kodaikanal are at different far off locations. Most 1 day local-sightseeing tour operators conduct tours in a minibus and usually cover :
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| A picture of a Pine tree forest in Kodaikanal Tamil nadu |
--> Pine forest
--> Berijam lake
--> Bear shola falls
--> Shola forest views
--> Pillars rock
They usually charge 1000+ rs approx/ pax and thus are cost-effective.
#5 Go on a shopping spree
Shop for homemade chocolates in possibly every flavor one can think of~ mint, brandy, rum, kesar, vanilla, dark chocolate, white chocolate, etc etc.
Another popular item is eucalyptus and other essential oils. Besides handmade soaps, fresh exotic fruits and vegetables and a variety of cheese.
#6 Go on long leisurely walks
Although I must warn you, distances are not the same as Google maps. During one of my exploratory leisure walks, I stopped by :
--> La Salette Church
The church was built in 1871 and is an immaculate piece of architecture in Gothic style.
--> Kurinji Andavar Temple
Named after the rare Kurinji flowers, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. You can get great views from this temple.
I later wound up the day sipping hot chicken soup at a classy restaurant.
#7 Seek spirituality at Palani hills
On my last day, I stopped by the pilgrim town of Palani.
But explaining the reason for staying (as a solo woman) to nearby hotels and even going to the nearby police station; proved to be a spiritually contaminating experience. Frustrated, I was about to give up; when luck finally shone and I got a room at one average hotel, but they were kind and non-judgmental.
After checking in, I climbed up the steps to Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, also called Palani Murugan temple. Darshan was hassle-free and the sight of kavadis can fill one's heart with devotion for the Lord. There is also a ropeway to the temple.
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| Evening procession of lord Murugan taken at Palani Murugan temple, Palani hills Tamil nadu |
The evening procession of Lord Murugan taken around the temple is an especially profound way to end your day and stay here.
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