2-Day Nature Getaway from Chennai to Kodaikanal

  1. Day 1: Drive to Kodaikanal and Visit the Bryant Park
    Approximately 8hrs drive (465km)

    Begin your journey from Chennai early morning and drive towards the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal. After reaching the destination, the first place to visit is Bryant Park, which is famous for its blossoming flowers and ornamental plants. The 20-acres garden features a greenhouse, a rose garden, a fern house, and a variety of trees. The park also has a beautiful lake where you can enjoy boating for a relaxing time. Make sure to keep your camera ready to capture the scenic beauty of this park.

  2. Day 1: Coaker's Walk
    10 minutes (2.1 km) from Bryant Park

    Coaker's Walk is a mesmerizing man-made walking pathway built on the mountains. It offers panoramic views of the hills, valleys, and the surrounding villages, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. The walk is about 1 km long and takes around 30 minutes to complete. You can stop along the way at several viewpoints to admire the beautiful scenery. During peak tourist season, the pathway can get quite busy.

  3. Day 2: Pillar Rocks Viewpoint
    30 minutes (8.5 km) from Kodaikanal Bus Stand

    Start day 2 with a visit to the Pillar Rocks viewpoint, which offers majestic views of the rock pillars standing tall amidst verdant greenery. The view point is quite famous for its misty atmosphere that can make you feel like you are walking on clouds! Make sure to keep your camera ready for breathtaking shots of the mountains, the valley, and the flora around you.

  4. Day 2: Bear Shola Falls
    20 minutes (3.3 km) from Pillar Rocks Viewpoint

    Bear Shola falls is a hidden gem of Kodaikanal, surrounded by lush green forests and a serene environment. The falls are named after a bear that used to visit the falls to quench his thirst. The waterfalls from a height of 40 feet and forms a pool beneath. The pool is safe enough for both swimmers and non-swimmers to take a dip. You can pack a picnic lunch to have near the picturesque falls and relax in the serene nature around you.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Bryant Park (1-2 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Coaker's Walk (30-45 minutes, INR 20 per person)
  • Pillar Rocks Viewpoint (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
  • Bear Shola Falls (1-2 hours, INR 15 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs (Per Person): INR 75

Useful Tips

If you have some extra time, you can add a visit to the Kodaikanal Lake, which is the most popular tourist spot in Kodaikanal, offering boating and horse-riding activities. Visit the nearby Kurinji Andavar Temple if you are interested in exploring the religious side of the destination. For food lovers, there are several restaurants in the Pine Forest area that serve lip-smacking South Indian dishes. Similarly, if you have less time, you can skip Bryant park or Bear Shola falls and return to Chennai on Day 2 itself.

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