Kodaikanal
Monday, July 25, 2011
Duration of the Trip: It was a 3 days and 4 night’s trip from Bangalore. We started at 9:20 pm on Friday and returned back to Bangalore on 6:40 am on Tuesday.
Transportation: We traveled through train from Bangalore to Kodaikanal and back to Bangalore. We board Tutikorin Express (16732) from Bangalore City station at 9:20 PM on Friday and reached Kodaikanal Road station in the next morning at 7:30 am. The scheduled time for the train to reach Kodaikanal Road station is 6:23 am. But it was late by 1 hr. due to fog.
For returning back to Bangalore we had board the same train i.e. Mysore Express (16731), at 8:35 pm from Kodaikanal Road station and reached Bangalore City railway station at 6:40 am.
Ticket cost Rs 197/- for Sleeper classes, Rs 522/- for 3 tiers AC and Rs 714/- for 2 tiers AC for each.
Details of the trip:
Day 1: After getting down at Kodai Road Railway, we hired a mini bus from outside of station to reach Kodaikanal which cost us Rs 4000/-. We were a group of 10 including elderly people and a kid. We didn’t want them to face any trouble caused by shared vehicles, so booked the bus. But there were plenty of other options like shared-vehicles, route-busses and small cars.
We had a halt on the way to have breakfast in “Eden Garden Restaurant”.The food was authentic South Indian and normal like other roadside restaurants.
View Opposite to the Restaurant |
Eden Garden Restaurant |
We visited Silver Cascade on the way to our hotel. That’s a 55-metre (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake. The impressive waterfall is a popular stop for the first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys.
Entrance of Silver Cascade |
Silver Cascade water falls |
We had done advance booking in
Hotel Tamil Nadu
#47, Fern Hill Road,
Kodaikanal - 624 101.
Phone Number: 04542-241336, 241337, 241338, 241339
Room Description | Season May | June&April | Off Season |
Suite | 2200.00 | 1800.00 | 1300.00 |
Family Room Cottage(5 Beds) | 2500.00 | 2000.00 | 1500.00 |
Deluxe Double Room | 1800.00 | 1500.00 | 990.00 |
Kurunji Cottage | 2700.00 | 2200.00 | 1700.00 |
Double Room Cottage | 2200.00 | 1800.00 | 1300.00 |
Hotel Tamilnadu |
Way to Cottage |
Outside of the Cottages |
Inside view of our Cottage |
The hotel is quite good, clean and hygienic. They have other facility like restaurant, bar, conference hall and parking as well. The amenities they provide in the rooms are sufficient. They provide extra necessary facilities in case you need it in emergency; we had my 1 year old nephew with us and for him we needed a room-heather as it was quite cold in the night. They arranged that for some extra money i.e. Rs 100/- per night.
We went to our respective rooms and got freshen up. We had our lunch in the restaurant of the same hotel. By the way it was a family outing for us. We didn’t go out that day because it was quite late and the elders were tired too. So we stayed in hotel and chatted all the evening.
From our hotel reception we got a travel agency’s information.
Travel Inn Tours & Travels
Address: Opp. Bus Stand, J.C. Complex,
WoodVille Road, Kodaikanal.
Phone Number: (04542) 240880, 241880, 240747
They had numerous number of travel packages like,
Tour 1 (Valley Tour)
- Coaker’s Walk
- Green valley View
- Golf Corse
- Pillar Rocks
- Devils Kitchen (Guna Caves)
- Pine Forest
- Moier Point
- Pambar Falls
- Upper Lake View
- Lake or City Drop
This package costs Rs: 120/- per head. Timing is 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Tour 2 (Park Tour)
- Kodai City View
- Kurinji Andavar Temple
- Palani View
- Chettiar Park
- Jain Temple
- Brayant Park
- Lake or City Drop
This package costs Rs: 85/- per head. Timing is 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Tour 3 (Picnic Tour with Trekking)
- Bear Shola Falls
- La Saleth Church
- 500 years Old Tree
- Dolphin Nose
- Mountain Beauty
- Vattakanal Falls
- Fairy Falls
- Lake or City Drop
This package costs Rs: 175/- per head and booking a car will cost Rs: 950/- . Timing is 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Tour 4 (Picnic Tour with Wild Ways)
- Silent Vally (Echo Point)
- Fire Tower
- Caps Fly Valley
- Berijam Lake View
- Medicine Forest
- Berijam Lake
- Lake or City Drop
This package costs Rs: 200/- per head and booking a car will cost Rs: 1200/- . Timing is 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. For this particular package you need to have special permission from forest department of Kodaikanal.
Tour 5 (Picnic Tour with Village)
- Observatory Pine Forest (Shooting Point)
- Gundar Falls
- Mahalakhsmi Temple
- Poombarai Village View
- Mannavanur Lake View
- Mannavanur Lake
- Vattakanal Falls
- Lake or City Drop
This package costs Rs: 200/- per head and booking a car costs Rs: 1200/- . Timing is 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
For all the packages, they pick the tourist from the respective hotel and after the completion of the trip, drop at hotel or lake side and guide charge is Rs 10/- per head.
We decided not to go with those packages and hired a separate car for us only. We booked a Tata Sumo for Rs 1500/-.
Day 2:We had our breakfast in our hotel itself. The Tata Sumo came at 9:30 a.m. and we started by 10:00 a.m. The places we visited were-
Coaker’s Walk is a magnificent gift of Mother Nature to Kodaikanal and its tourists. It derives its name from Lt. Coaker, who had prepared the map of Kodaikanal. The 1 km walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. There is a telescope house in this place. Ticket for the telescope house is Rs. 20/- per person.
Entry fees for this place is Rs. 10/- per person, normal camera Rs. 50/- and movie camera Rs. 100/-
Coaker's Walk |
View from Croaker's Walk |
View from Croaker's Walk |
Kodaikanal Lake view from Upper Lake View Point |
Kodaikanal Golf Course |
Kodaikanal Golf Course |
Green Vally View Point |
Pine Forest |
We didn’t have the view of the rocks as those were fully covered by fog. There was a small water fall as well in near the Pillar Rock.
Entrance of Water Falls in Pillar Rock |
Water Falls in Pillar Rock |
You will find some shops selling handmade flower with beautiful scent. They claim that flower and scent will remain as it is for 6 months at least.
Entrance of Devil's Kitchen |
Devil's Kitchen (The Cave was covered due to Fog) |
Handmade Flower available in Devil's Kitchen |
Moir Point |
The implausible Pambar falls is otherwise called as the "Grand Cascade". Flowing down Pambar River is meandering lively stream dropping over a chain of rock formations. The town water reservoir overflows southwards forming the Fairy Falls which continues to join the Vaigai River forming the Pambar Falls through its course. The Pambar Falls has a pretty glorious view. The unvaryingly cut step-like rock formations give bonus beauty to the cascading effect of the plain waters. There is a pond like formation at the foot suitable for bathing. Three or four adjacent small cascading falls can be seen as you go downstream.
This falls is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in 1985.
Pamber Falls |
Pamber Falls |
Kurinji Andavar Temple |
Inside Kurunji Andavar Temple |
Entrance of Chettiar Park |
Chettiar Park |
Kodai Lake is the most popular place in Kodaikanal. It is a non-natural; close to star-shaped widely spread across 45 ha (60 acres) lake developed in 1863. Rowboats and pedal boats are available for hire at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired next to the lake on an hourly rent. The 5 kilometer (3.1 mi) path that evades the margin of this exquisite lake is a favorite walk for the locals and tourists alike. The boat charges vary from Rs 50/- to Rs. 100/-.
Kodaikanal Lake |
Boating at Kodaikanal Lake |
Boating at Kodaikanal Lake |
We were not able to visit the park as it started raining heavily.
From the Coaker’s Walk view of the city is available after sun set. It’s an awesome view. The city looks like a necklace. But because of rain we had to miss that as well.
Day 3:
On the third day we went for shopping in Kodaikanal’s local market. Kodaikanal is famous for glass made goods, wooden goods and homemade chocolates. Any one should not miss those things, especially chocolates.
We came back to our hotel and had lunch. We started for Kodaikanal Road railway station at 5’o clock. We board our train at 8:35 pm and reached Bangalore next day at 6:40 arm.
Disclaimer: We went for this trip on Oct’2010. There are chanced that rates and timing have changed. Please check with hotel, travel agent and Indian Railway about current timings and rates.
I have tried to provide as much details as possible for the trip. For any further clarification please feel free to contact me @ dutshilpi@gmail.com.
You should have gone inside the Devil’s Kitchen. I went inside with few more local guys. It was too dangerous but it's worth taking the risk to go down the cave. And yes, we actually jumped over the fence :-)
@Anonymous : I am sure you didn't visited kodaikanal with parents.. Sure wont be able(allowed) to take the risk..lol.. :)
jokes appart.. It will be very helpful if you could share your experience of Devils' Kitchen...
i'm planning for a two nights three days vacation sometime next month. can you please help me with it?
if i can get your number, i'll glad to call you and ask for the details.
@Anonymous : I would love to help you out. Please sent me mails with all your queries @ Shilpiabir@gmail.com
Hi i m jayaseelan, I m & my 3 frns planned 2 go 2 kodaikanal. before that i c ur blog .we got a good planning by ur trip experience,tanks. After my trip i mail u.
Thanks Jayaseelan.... and As already mentioned, your mail was a true inspiration... Thanks a lot once again :)
Look like you really enjoyed ur trip, ill be going to kodaikanal with my family in the next few months i just googled to get some info and ur blog had quite a lot of it good work.
Thanks a lot Rajendran.. I am glad that I could help..
Here is a beautiful video of kodaikanal
So much detail?!! I wish I had checked your blog before heading to Kodaikanal.
Here's my Travelogue, http://reveringthoughts.com/2015/10/25/travelogue-kodaikanal/, do take time out to read this.
nice post...
Sandeep Jethwa, Sandeep Jethwa, Sandeep Jethwa
Thanks for the blog.You have really given an insight of what an Indian will be curious when going to a hill stn . I want to go with my family of three in Last week of Jan2017 there.What about the safety in Hotels.Also if we hire a seperate cab is it safe.Pl clarify.
awesome one by best budget hotels in ooty
Thank you. I am glad that my post makes you want to visit Vacation Rentals . It is definitely a place worth visiting second time.To book Vacation Rentals.check out Heyholidays .
Hi
Located in the forests of the Dindigul districts, the hill station of Kodaikanal is fast gaining reputation for its "unspoilt beauty and soothing climate". It is known by the nickname "Princess of Hill stations" and is a leading tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. The Kodaikanal Lake – Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Very popular with tourists.
Bryant Park: Just east of the lake is the Bryant Park. Over 325 species of trees, shrubs and cacti and flowers.
Coaker's Walk – A paved pedestrian path offering stunning views of the mountains and the plains below.
Green Valley View – Offers views of the plains and the Vaigai River Dam at the South.
Shembaganur Museum of Natural History – A nature museum with over 500 species of local wildlife and 300 exotic orchid species.
Silver Cascade – A waterfall in the region popular with first-time visitors.
Berijam Lake – A calm lake surrounded by nature.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and Bus Ticket Bookings, searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your online bus ticket booking advance in Kodaikanal to Chennai Bus and get more Bus Ticket Offers.
Hi
Kodaikanal is one of Tamil Nadu's finest hill stations. It is situated 7,200 feet above sea level amongst the picturesque western ghats of India.
Kodaikanal is located in the palani hill range and is under the administrative control of the Dindigul district of Tamilnadu.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and Bus Ticket Bookings, searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your online bus ticket booking advance in National Travels and get more Bus Ticket Offers.
Hi,
The 2–3-hour drive to Kodaikanal via the steep and winding Ghat roads from Palani or Batlagundu is a memorable experience. Travellers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills.[41] There is a 49 km shortcut road from Periyakulam to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai and Adukkam. Bicycle rentals, taxis, vans and limited city buses are available.[42] Auto rickshaws are not available.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for sharing this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and Bus Ticket Bookings, searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places and your online bus ticket booking advance in Kodaikanal to Chennai Bus and get more Bus Ticket Offers.
Hi
Kodaikanal is a city near Palani in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest". Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.
Kodaikanal Main Town covered with mist
Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. Much of the local economy is based on the hospitality industry serving tourism. As of 2011, the city had a population of 36,501.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places book your online bus tickets advance in National Travels NTC and get more offers.
Hi
Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s set in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills. At 2,000 meters above sea level, the town centers around man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, bordered by evergreen forest. Rowing boats can be hired, and hikers and cyclists follow the 5k Lake Road path around the shore.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places book your online bus tickets advance in Kodaikanal to Chennai Bus and get more offers.
Hi
Kodaikanal is a city near Palani in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.[2] Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest".[3] Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.
Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places book your online bus tickets advance in Kodaikanal to Chennai Bus and get more offers.
Hi,
Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s set in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills. At 2,000 meters above sea level, the town centers around man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, bordered by evergreen forest. Rowing boats can be hired, and hikers and cyclists follow the 5k Lake Road path around the shore.
Thank you for this article because it’s really informative. If you are planning for your holiday and searching for the beautiful place to spend your time then you can wander around this vibrant city. It really helps people to plan for future trips. If anyone want go to visit these places book your online bus tickets advance in National Travels NTC and get more bus ticket offers.
Nice information. Thanks for sharing content and such nice information for me. I hope you will share some more content about. Please keep sharing!.
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Thanks for the blog.You have really given an insight of what an Indian will be curious when going to a hill station .
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