A Breathtaking Day Trip to Kodaikanal

  1. 9:00AM: Bear Shola Falls
    14 minutes (1.3 km) from Kodaikanal Bus Stand

    Bear Shola Falls is a serene waterfall tucked in the dense forests of Kodaikanal that tumbles down into a small pool. Since the waterfall is seasonal, it is advisable to visit during the monsoon and post-monsoon months for a beautiful view. After a short walk through the forest, the roar and mist of the falls will leave you spellbound.

  2. 10:30AM: Kodaikanal Lake
    11 minutes (2.5 km) from Bear Shola Falls

    Located in the heart of the city, Kodaikanal Lake is a man-made lake that was dug around 1863. The lake is surrounded by a dense forest and several shops that rent out boats for an unforgettable experience. One can even take a horse ride across the lake or indulge in appetizing snacks at several shops.

  3. 12:00PM: Coaker's Walk
    16 minutes (3.2 km) from Kodaikanal Lake

    A serene 1-kilometer-long paved road runs along the mountains overlooking the beautiful valley. Coaker's Walk offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding hills and the Vaigai dam. One can even go for a cycling tour or purchase souvenirs from several shops on the way.

  4. 1:00PM: Lunch at Cloud Street Café
    14 minutes (3.5 km) from Coaker's Walk

    If you're craving international cuisine, Cloud Street Café is the place to be. The menu offers a wide variety of items ranging from Italian to Indian, and one can savor delicious desserts or enjoy a cup of coffee amidst the picturesque location.

  5. 2:30PM: Pine Forest
    3 minutes (700m) from Cloud Street Café

    The fragrant pine trees that shade the ground make the forest an ideal location for a picturesque stroll. One can even take a horse ride or shop for local items such as handicrafts or homemade chocolates.

  6. 3:30PM: Pillar Rocks
    18 minutes (8.1 km) from Pine Forest

    The pillar rocks are three massive granite boulders that stand shoulder-to-shoulder, each of which reaches a height of 400 feet or more. The panoramic view of the giant rocks and the mist that shrouds them make for a nice photo opportunity.

  7. 4:30PM: Guna Cave
    7 minutes (2 km) from Pillar Rocks

    Guna Cave is a naturally formed cave that was once used as an open-air theater for Indian films. The trek to the cave is enjoyable, with plenty of photo opportunities in the forest along the way.

  8. 5:30PM: Chettiar Park
    9 minutes (2 km) from Guna Cave

    A beautiful park named after the income-tax officer who developed it. The park includes well-manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and a children's playground.

  9. 6:30PM: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
    17 minutes (6.4 km) from Chettiar Park

    Although the observatory is open to the public from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, it is worthwhile checking out the observatory complex and learning about the astrophysics research conducted there if you're into astronomy. The informative guided tour offers visitors a chance to peer through a telescope and gaze at the stars.

Estimated Time and Cost:

  • Bear Shola Falls (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Kodaikanal Lake (1.5 hours, ₹ 60 per person for paddle boating)
  • Coaker's Walk (1.5 hours, ₹ 20 per person entry fee)
  • Cloud Street Café (1 hour, ₹ 400 for two people)
  • Pine Forest (1 hour, ₹ 20 per person entry fee)
  • Pillar Rocks (1 hour, ₹ 10 per person entry fee)
  • Guna Cave (1 hour, ₹ 5 per person entry fee)
  • Chettiar Park (1 hour, ₹ 10 per person entry fee)
  • Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (1 hour, Free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹ 650 for two people

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can cover more tourist attractions such as the Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls, and the Kurinji Andavar Temple. If you're on a budget, you may skip the paddle boating and DIY your way across the Kodaikanal Lake. Make sure to carry enough cash as many places may not accept cards. Try to avoid the monsoon months as landslides can cause roads to be blocked, leading to inconvenience.

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