Given the rigors of today’s corporate culture and the never ending list of tasks that we are supposed to complete on a daily basis, taking a break becomes a far-fetched thought. In that regard a weekend getaway is just the thing that can rejuvenate you to put your best step forward. And to help you out, here is the ultimate guide for the places to visit in Kodaikanal in 2 days.
Jump To
Kodaikanal Complete Video Guide Xplainer
HOW TO REACH KODAIKANAL?
Kodaikanal is a relatively well connected place in this region. There is direct transportation available to Kodaikanal from many major cities.
Air: Closest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport about 120km away. Buses do ply between Madurai and Kodaikanal. Cabs can be hired here but they are quite expensive
Rail: Closest railway station to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road Railway Station which is about 80km away. Buses ply regularly between the railway station and Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Cabs are a decent option too.
Road – Self-driving: Taking your own vehicle or renting one and self-driving it to Kodaikanal is a good option as the region is quite scenic for a road trip.
Road – Bus: Bus is the best option to reach Kodaikanal. For the better part it would not involve changing between modes of transport and it is the most economical as well. Buses from almost all the major cities ply almost on a daily basis to Kodaikanal.
| Route | Distance to Kodaikanal | Duration of the journey |
| Bangalore to Kodaikanal | 466km | 9 hours (approx.) |
| Madurai to Kodaikanal | 116km | 4 hours (approx.) |
| Coimbatore to Kodaikanal | 173km | 6 hours (approx.) |
| Chennai to Kodaikanal | 525km | 11 hours (approx.) |
WHERE TO STAY IN KODAIKANAL?
Kodaikanal is laced with waterfalls, lakes and forests for everyone to enjoy. Now, imagine being able to soak these views in from the balcony of your room or the lobby of your hotel, exciting right? Well, these are some high end stays with world class amenities and the perfect views:
The Tamara Kodai
The Carlton Kodaikanal
Amherst Cottage by the lake
However, a huge chunk of Kodai’s tourist population consists of young working professionals who like to make new friends and meet like minded travellers. A stay in Kodaikanal’s most popular hostels is sure to give you the chance to meet some free spirited travellers:
Zostel
DOSTel : Backpacker Hostel
Trippr Kodaikanal – Backpacker Hostel
Cherry on the cake – If you want to travel to Kodaikanal on a shoe-string budget and yet make the most out of it, these hostels are your best bet!
There are a lot of places to visit in Kodaikanal in 2 days and you do not want to waste your time looking for a stay. Make sure you make your bookings in advance.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN KODAIKANAL
There are a quite a few restaurants and cafes that have made a good name for themselves. If you are looking to have a meal in a pure veg restaurant then you could go for:
Hotel Astoria Veg – Located in the Anna Salai Market, it is quite popular for its South Indian dishes.
Woody’s Restaurant – Talk about a meal in an open garden with greenery all around!
If a pure veg restaurant isn’t a restriction for you then I highly recommend that you try the following restaurants:
Cloud Street – Popular for its continental cuisine. They serve some delicious pizzas from the wood fired oven.
Muncheez – They serve continental cuisine. Shakes and rolls are quite good. Ambience is absolutely amazing.
Atlaf’s Cafe – Altaf’s cafe is located in Vattakanal (near Dolphin’s Nose). They serve the best Middle-Eastern food, thanks to the Israeli influence on the village.
Though all these places would offer you dessert but there is none like the Pastry Corner that can satisfy your sweet tooth. Their pastries, brownies and ice creams are to die for.
PLACES TO VISIT IN KODAIKANAL IN 2 DAYS!
Kodaikanal is also known as the “Princess of Hill Stations” and rightly so. Located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this village is home to some of the most popular waterfalls, lakes and parks. There are a number of things to do in Kodaikanal. Let me club the places on the basis of distance and you choose which are the ones from a particular group that you would want to visit.
Day 1
This is where we would go a little away from Kodaikanal. Depending on how much you want to cover and how much time you have, take your pick from the following for day 1:
1. Dolphin’s Nose
Dolphin’s Nose is one of the most popular places to see in Vattakanal. Descend to the viewpoint starts near Altaf’s cafe. The hike till the view point is laden with spectacular views only to be bettered by the mesmerizing scenery which can be seen from the Dolphin’s Nose. The viewpoint gets its name from the fact that the rock jutting out of the mountain edge is shaped like a dolphin’s nose. Going a bit further on the trails gets you to another viewpoint by the name Echo Rock. This point is quite the treat for photography enthusiasts and selfie lovers.
2. Vattakanal Falls
One of the more serene falls in the region is the Vattakanal Falls. The white water flowing from above with the greenery all around, really gives it a magical touch. The water forms a pool at the bottom where tourists can swim. Travelers also choose to hike up the waterfall to see the beauty all around. It is magnificent. Sightseeing in Kodaikanal isn’t complete without a visit to these wonder falls.
Suggested Read: Vattakanal – Hidden hill station no one is talking about!
3. Green Valley Viewpoint
Green Valley View Point is one of those Kodaikanal places which gives you a panoramic view of the hills, valleys and plains, making it look surreal. One can also see the Vaigai dam from here which is cool. Formerly it was known as the Suicide Point, because of more than 5000ft deep valley. Make sure you travel safe.
4. Pillar Rocks Viewpoint
Pillar Rocks are a marvel of nature getting its name from three boulders standing 400ft high at the edge of the Guna caves. Providing you with the opportunity to get the perfect view of the hills from this point, Pillar Rocks has definitely become a checklist item for everyone taking a trip to Kodaikanal. Also, the mini garden at this place makes it a good picnic spot.
5. Guna Caves
Tucked amidst the Pillar Rocks, the clouds surrounding the Guna Caves gives it a mysterious feel. Discovered by an English Officer, B.S. Ward in 1821CE, Guna Caves were known as Devil’s Kitchen. Since the Tamil movie “Guna” was shot here, the caves have been popularly known as the Guna Caves. Head here for some out of the world photos. Unfortunately, for security reasons you can only see the caves from a distance.
6. Wax Museum
One of the oldest wax museums in India, this Kodaikanal Wax Museum is home to a wide array of wax statues. Right from, freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, to saints like Adi Shankaracharya. There are other statues like that of Lord Krishna and Sai Baba to reflect the religion’s influence on India. Beyond this, the museum has some interesting statues representing the ways of the lives of natives and an interesting take on Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”.
7. Pambar Falls
Pambar Falls, popularly also knows as the Grand Cascade or Liril Falls, is situated about 4km from Kodaikanal. Accessible following a steep and slippery path behind the Pambar House, this waterfall is a good picnic spot boasting some endemic birds and butterflies. A pond is created at the bottom of the waterfall where swimming can be really fun.
These places are relatively in close proximity. Assuming you are not a robot and would need meals through the day, you shouldn’t visit more than 4 or 5 places to have the best experience.
Day 2
Day 2 has places from the core of Kodaikanal. Depending on how much you want to cover and how much time you have, take your pick from the following for day 2:
1. Upper Lake View Point
Upper Lake View Point is the perfect point to get the closest possible birds eye view of the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake. This may not be the most popular Kodaikanal tourist place, but it offers a splendid view of the lake and the greenery all around. Given the perfect background, drive here for a quick photography session.
2. Kodai Lake
Lakes are a gift of nature. Kodai lake in that regard makes a mark of its own. It is a man-made lake and a bird’s eye view would show you that it is shaped like a star. How cool is that! The lake receives its water from the beautiful Palani Hills. Boating, cycling and horse riding are some of the popular activities at the lake. Kodaikanal sightseeing has to start with this one!
3. Coaker’s Walk
If there ever was a way to really feel the nature, this 1km long walking plaza carved in the mountains is definitely the closest experience. The walk offers some of the most splendid views you are ever likely to see and is always bustling with people. Constructed in 1872 by Lt. Coaker, is one of the most popular places to visit in Kodaikanal.
4. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Kodaikanal. If Kodaikanal is nature’s treat, Bryant Park is the dessert. Bryant Park is a botanical park and is home to a wide variety of flowers, hybrids and grafts. During the Annual Summer Festival, Department of Horticulture organizes a flower show at Bryant Park which is a thing of enthralling beauty. Any list of places to visit in Kodaikanal, is incomplete without Bryant Park!
5. La Salette Church
Built over a century ago, the church is dedicated to “Our Lady of La Salette” (believed to be an apparition of Mother Mary). Inspired by French architecture and influenced by Tamil architecture, this was the first church in Kodaikanal. Church is open to locals and tourists alike. Feel free to visit the place to appreciate the architecture as well as sit in masses for its spiritual essence.
6. Kodai Chocolate Factory
Incepted in 1999, Kodaikanal Chocolate Factory has been at it for a couple decades now and in turn have mastered the art of making homemade chocolates. Who misses on chocolates? Let alone the homemade ones with perfect ingredients? Their product line extends to essential and aromatic oils, herbal teas, coffee and spices. Make sure you visit and indulge yourselves with some quality products.
7. Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola Falls gets its unusual name from the legend that it was the favourite spot of a bear for drinking water. Situated about 2km from Kodaikanal, this waterfall is more of a reserved and private spot letting one feel totally at home with nature. It also boasts of rich flora and fauna. Monsoon is the best time to visit Kodaikanal if you want to see this waterfall in all its life.
8. Pine Forest
If you think you have seen this place before, you most probably have. A number of movie scenes have been shot here. Pine Forest has a mystical feeling about it. It has vibes that are so peaceful and a walk amongst the majestic pine trees can really unwind you. This picturesque Kodaikanal forest provides you with the perfect backdrop for photography.
Again, if you want to enjoy all the places, try not to exceed visiting more than 5 places from these.
These would be our suggestions for the places to visit in Kodaikanal in 2 days. If you still think that there are other things that you may want to try, here is a comprehensive list of top 32 places to visit in Kodaikanal.
SOME HELPFUL TIPS
- Make sure you have kept warm clothes as the evening can be chilly, especially during the winter season.
- Drizzling can start in Kodaikanal often out of nowhere. So, be prepared and carry umbrellas, raincoat etc.
- A lot of these viewpoints do not have any sort of security and depending on the season you are going in, you might not have other people around either. Make sure you do not wander off deep in forests or too close to the edges.
- Kodaikanal is known for its natural beauty and with growing tourists it becomes difficult to keep the place clean. Please do your part and dispose off your trash properly.
What were your favourites from the various places to visit in Kodaikanal in 2 days? Comment below!
ENJOYED READING ALL ABOUT KODAIKANAL?
Read other related articles to Kodaikanal:
Top 32 places one must visit in Kodai
Vattakanal – Paradise above Clouds
More articles to explore the beautiful South India!
Backpacking and Camping in Gokarna
Exploring Rustic Ruins of Hampi
A weekend itinerary to enjoy Mysore
SUBSCRIBE IF YOU LIKED OUR CONTENT
We create new exciting travel content, curate an excellent social feed and also organise experiences like these. If you enjoyed our content, stay on our mailing list to hear from us about new exciting things we create and curate!
Ensure you travel responsibly and keep your carbon footprint to the minimum. Happy Xploring!
