A Nature Lover's Paradise: 7-Day Itinerary in Kodaikanal, Poombarai, Kookal, Poondi, and Munnar
Monday, September 18: Kodaikanal
Start your journey by arriving in Kodaikanal, a charming hill station known for its natural beauty. In the morning, explore the lush greenery of Bryant Park and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Pillar Rocks, towering granite cliffs with breathtaking views. End the day with a visit to Coaker's Walk, a scenic promenade offering stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Bryant Park: INR 50, 2 hours
Kodaikanal Lake: INR 30 (boat ride), 1 hour
Pillar Rocks: Free, 1 hour
Coaker's Walk: INR 10, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kodaikanal is Cloud Street, known for its delicious pancakes and refreshing coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Ten Degrees, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Altaf's Cafe, a charming rooftop eatery with a relaxed ambiance and mouthwatering barbecue dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 19: Poombarai and Kodaikanal
Embark on a day trip to Poombarai, a picturesque village nestled amidst rolling hills. In the morning, hike up to the Poombarai Village Viewpoint and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, return to Kodaikanal and spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Bear Shola Falls, a tranquil waterfall surrounded by lush forests. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll through the bustling Kodaikanal Market and indulge in some local shopping.
Poombarai Village Viewpoint: Free, 2 hours
Bear Shola Falls: Free, 1 hour
Kodaikanal Market: Variable, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cloud Street Cafe in Kodaikanal, a cozy cafe known for its delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Veg Grilled Sandwich at Altaf's Cafe and Restaurant in Kodaikanal, a popular eatery offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Royal Tibet Restaurant in Kodaikanal, a Tibetan restaurant known for its flavorsome momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 20: Kookal and Kodaikanal
Discover the offbeat village of Kookal, known for its pristine natural beauty. In the morning, embark on a guided trek to the enchanting Kookal Cave Temple, a hidden gem tucked away in the forests. Afterward, head back to Kodaikanal and spend the afternoon exploring the tranquil beauty of the Silver Cascade Falls. In the evening, relax and rejuvenate at an offbeat resort in Kodaikanal, surrounded by nature.
A charming breakfast spot in Kodaikanal is Cloud Street Cafe, offering a wide variety of freshly baked bread, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to The Royal Tibet, a Tibetan restaurant in Kodaikanal known for its delectable momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Muncheez, a popular multi-cuisine restaurant in Kodaikanal. With a diverse menu ranging from Indian to Continental dishes, average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
Thursday, September 21: Poondi and Kodaikanal
Embark on a scenic drive to Poondi, a small village known for its tea plantations. In the morning, explore the picturesque tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea amidst the serene surroundings. Return to Kodaikanal in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure, unwinding at your offbeat resort or exploring more of the town's attractions.
Poondi tea plantations: Free, 2 hours
Leisure time in Kodaikanal: Variable
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cloud Street Café, a charming eatery in Kodaikanal. Sample their delicious pancakes and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a hearty lunch at Altaf's Café, a popular restaurant in Kodaikanal. Indulge in their mouthwatering biryanis and flavorful kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Muncheez, a vibrant restaurant in Kodaikanal known for its tasty pizzas and pasta dishes. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and don't miss their delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, September 22: Munnar
Travel to Munnar, a scenic hill station renowned for its tea estates, on this day. In the morning, visit the famous Mattupetty Dam, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and a chance to spot wildlife. Afterward, explore the breathtaking tea gardens at the Tata Tea Museum and gain insights into the history and cultivation of tea. Spend the evening enjoying the tranquility of Munnar and immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the hill station.
Mattupetty Dam: INR 20, 2 hours
Tata Tea Museum: INR 100, 1.5 hours
Exploring Munnar: Variable
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This restaurant offers a variety of South Indian dishes such as dosas, idlis, and vadas. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant which serves a delectable range of North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis and flavorful curries. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Copper Castle Restaurant & Rooftop Lounge, known for its stunning views of the hills and a delightful mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, September 23: Munnar
Delve deeper into the natural wonders of Munnar by visiting the Echo Point in the morning, where you can shout out your name and listen to the echo reverberate through the hills. Afterward, visit the scenic Top Station, the highest point in Munnar, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the beautiful Eravikulam National Park or indulging in some souvenir shopping at the local markets.
Echo Point: Free, 1 hour
Top Station: Free, 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120, 2 hours
Shopping at local markets: Variable
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sree Devi Bakery, known for its freshly baked pastries and traditional South Indian snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Sri Nellai, a popular restaurant offering a variety of South Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Rapsy Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and mouthwatering North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, September 24: Munnar
On your last day, take a relaxing morning stroll through the aromatic tea gardens of Munnar. Enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings. In the afternoon, bid farewell to Munnar and start your journey back home, cherishing the memories of this nature-filled adventure.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts seeking off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Vattavada region near Munnar. This picturesque area is known for its vegetable and fruit farms, offering a unique agricultural experience amidst the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. Take a walk through the farms, interact with the locals, and savor the fresh produce. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and support the local community.