One of the most popular hill stations of South India, Kodaikanal (also called Kodai) offers visitors pleasant weather, lush green surroundings and a beautiful lake. A popular escape during the hot summer months Kodaikanal embodies the aspects of a perfect hill-station trip, complete with a central lake, activities around it, walking trails, short hikes, waterfalls and farms. As well as all the usual sights there are also some alternative things to do in Kodaikanal which you can weave into your itinerary.
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Boating in the Kodai Lake
The water body is integral and almost synonymous to the topography of the town. The great part of the lake is that it is accessible to everyone and is bursting with energy, especially during the holiday season. Boating is the key activity here, and is perfect to engage kids. The manmade structure was built in 1863 by Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai. It is said that the lake was used for swimming by the Britishers who lived here in the early 19th century. There are some de rigueur activities like boating, walking, horse riding and small shops that sell predictable souvenirs. One can hire self pedalled boats or slightly larger ones with a rower. The cost of this activity starts as low as Rs 20/- . The lake opens out for boating at about 7.00 a.m which is the best time to go.
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| Kodai-Lake-Kodaikanal |
Trek to Kookal Caves
Kookal caves are situated 40 kms away from the Kodai town and makes for an interesting overnight hike. You can make a stop at Poombarai and then hike up through the Poombarai forest to a government guest house. The next morning, walk again through the Shola grasslands to the caves that bear testimony to the earliest settlements of Paliyan tribes. It is highly recommended to take a guide. Also, be careful about leeches!
Go Organic
A regular organic farmer’s market is set up every Saturday in Kodai. You can find local farmers with their fresh produce between 9.30 and 12.30. The market only encourages organically grown produce to be part of the display. One can find different varieties of organic vegetables and fruits and herbs, grown without any pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Pick out some healthy and nutritious food for yourself and also meet some great organisations who promote organic eating lifestyle.
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| Organic-Market-Kodaikanal |
Holistic Healing at the Kodaikanal Yoga Centre
The Kodaikanal Yoga Centre lies in the midst of natural beauty and lush green surroundings, a perfect place to be in a peaceful ambience for Yoga. Meditation and Yoga workshops are conducted here. If you are visiting for a short time, you can do a quick orientation or alternatively stay for longer courses too.
Cycling in Kodaikanal
Cycling in the hills is fun for those who like a little adrenalin rush and work up a sweat even on a holiday. You can hire a cycle here and take a spin around the lake. These can be hired near Hotel Carlton. A lot of cycling enthusiasts follow the trail of starting at Kodai Lake, Pine Forest, Chettiar Park ending in Coaker’s Walk.
Golf
An 18 Hole Golf course is situated at Kodai. The course belongs to the century old club, where you can get a temporary membership. If you are staying at a homestay and the owners are members, they may be able to extend a guest visit to you.
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| Kodaikanal-Golf |
Fruit Picking
If you arrive in the fruit season and choose to visit a farm, you can join the workers there in fruit picking, especially strawberries. You can then sit and enjoy the sumptuous delights!
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| Strawberries-picking |
After you check out the "Things to do" in Kodaikanal here are some alternative ideas on how to fill your days.
Sights and attractions in and around Kodaikanal
Berijam Lake
There are three main lakes of Kodai, of which this is one is the cleanest. Most people tend to go to the main Kodai Lake and give this one a miss. Permission from the forest officers is needed to visit this lake but it is definitely worth your while.
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| Berijam-lake |
Coakers Walk
The view of the valley below from this cobble stoned path is breathtaking, provided you are lucky enough for a less misty time.
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| Coakers walk |
Kurinjiandavar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple houses the famous Kurinji flowers that bloom in 12 years.
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| Temple |
Silent Valley View
Silent Valley is one of the most rich bio-diversity regions of India. In an effort to safeguard the flora and fauna, the forest area is closed for visitors. A top view of parts of the valley can be seen from Kodai.
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| Silent-valley-view |
Caves
Deep ravines and deep gashes in rocks makes for very interesting topography. The Guna caves are a well known tourist spot.
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| Guna-caves |
Pine Forests
Kodai is carpeted with pine stands in the town and on the fringes. Shanthi valley and other pine forested areas are great spots for a picnic.
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| Pine-forests |
Silver Cascade
A waterfall by the road makes for a good stop to catch a quick snack in the backdrop of this waterfall.
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| Silver-cascade |
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
The Kodai Solar Observatory makes for a good educational trip to watch the solar activity of the earth.
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| Solar-observatory |
When to go
Kodaikanal is beautiful all through the year. While summer is pleasant it is also peak tourist season. Winters might be cold but are not extreme and it doesn't snow.
Peak tourist season hits Kodaikanal in the summer break for schools. The weather is great between April and June. Though one will find the place milling with crowds, you can find a quiet spot away from the predictable places. This is the time when the town is bustling with activity. If you are looking for a quieter period, it's better to arrive between July and October. The winter months get slightly chilly but you are sure to find a different calmer avataar of Kodai then.
