Kodaikanal Lake is a perfect place to start your city experience. This man-made lake is situated in the heart of Kodaikanal and is surrounded by lush greenery. You can take a boat ride or just enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake. The lake has a walking trail around it where you can take a leisurely stroll. You can also indulge in horse riding here. There are a lot of street vendors selling lip-smacking street food. Do not forget to try the local delicacy "Bonda" here.
Coaker's Walk is a perfect destination for nature lovers. This one-kilometer-long pathway is named after Lt. Coaker who designed it in 1872. The pathway offers breathtaking views of the valleys and the hills surrounding Kodaikanal. There are a few telescopes placed along the pathway where you can get a closer look at the valleys. The walk can take around an hour if you wish to enjoy the scenery. There are a few shops selling souvenirs and snacks.
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is situated amidst the Kurinji flowers that bloom once every twelve years on the nearby hills. The temple is situated at the top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The architecture of the temple is a blend of South Indian and North Indian styles. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm and is closed for an hour from 1 pm. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Bryant Park is a beautifully manicured park situated in the heart of Kodaikanal. The park has a wide variety of flowers, plants, and trees. The park is well known for its annual flower show held in May. The park has a glasshouse which houses a few exotic species of plants. There is a small fee to enter the glasshouse. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm. There are a few eateries outside the park where you can taste authentic local cuisine.
The Bear Shola Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated in the Southern part of Kodaikanal. The waterfall is named after a bear that used to come here to drink water. The waterfall has a serene atmosphere and is surrounded by lush greenery. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon season when the water is in full flow. The waterfall is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Do not forget to carry a change of clothes as swimming is allowed here.
If you have more time, you can visit the Pine Forest or the Guna Caves. If you have less time, you can skip the Kurinji Andavar Temple or the glasshouse at Bryant Park. It is advisable to carry a light jacket as the temperature can drop in the evening. Be aware of the monkeys in the area and do not carry food in open containers. Do not forget to carry sunscreen and a water bottle as it can get sunny during the day.