Key Takeaways:

• Kodaikanal offers a mix of scenic lakes, majestic waterfalls, panoramic hills, and peaceful walking trails suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
• March to June is ideal for exploring Kodaikanal, as the cool weather makes sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities more enjoyable.
• From riverboat cruises on Kodaikanal Lake to jungle treks at Canopy Hills and photography at Pillar Rocks, the hill station has experiences for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers alike. 

How do you think a vacation in Kodaikanal in the Indian state of Tamilnadu is going to be like? Well, if you haven’t thought about Kodaikanal, you must consider the cool hill town of Kodaikanal as your next holiday destination. Kodaikanal is a popular hill station located in the Palani hill range in the midst of beautiful mountains, majestic valleys, cascading waterfalls, sparkling rivers, and stunning lakes and is a perfect hangout for honeymooners because of its cold climate throughout the year and the natural beauty surrounding it. Our blog post will list the best places to visit in Kodaikanal for spending a rejuvenating holiday with family and friends.

Kodaikanal calls to wanderers. Hike through its lush jungles. Glide across the starry waters of the lake. Capture every hill, valley, and green expanse in your photos. Families, friends, and solo travelers will find joy everywhere. March to June brings cool air. Summer heat is no match for this hill station. Every moment here feels alive with nature’s charm. 

How to reach Kodaikanal?

The easiest way to reach Kodaikanal is flying to Chennai (MAA) and then hiring a private car to reach Kodaikanal, about 527 km apart in distance.Reading our Chennai Travel Guide can help you have a seamless tour of the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Have your cheap flights to India booked with Indian Eagle right away for huge savings on flights. Read on to find out what’s in our bucket-list of amazing places to visit in Kodaikanal.

Fairy Falls

Explorers visiting Kodaikanal cannot miss Fairy Falls. From a local community reservoir, its waters flow. The basin is safe for swimming, adding to the fun. Walking across the Stonebridge offers a unique perspective of the waterfall. The surrounding lush landscape is ideal for photography and discovery. Families and friends can spend hours enjoying this natural wonder. 

Also Read: A Kodaikanal Guide for the Weary Traveler

Coaker’s Walk

Coaker’s Walk is a beautiful walkway with stunning views to the scenic valleys and is perfect for getting lost in the natural beauty and wilderness of the hill town. Walking the stone-paved walkway along with your sweetheart can add a little bit of romance to your life. The must-do is shopping some local souvenirs at the small shops located on the walking trail.

Pillar Rocks

The Pillar Rocks according to us is the numero uno of all the attractions of the hill station. Get bedazzled by the stunning sight of the three vertical rock pillars which lie next to each other standing tall in the wilderness of the hill town. The best time for sightseeing the Pillar Rocks is during the dawn when the evenly sized 400-feet long rock pillars are partly covered with fog and mist.

Kodaikanal Lake

Couples will love Kodaikanal Lake. Its star-shaped waters are calm and beautiful. Riverboat cruises give stunning views of hills and forests. Couples can enjoy quiet moments together. Families and solo travelers also find the lake peaceful. The reflections on the water add to the charm. Photos and memories are easy to make here. Kodaikanal Lake creates magical experiences for everyone. 

Canopy Hills

The Canopy Hills are one of the best places to visit in Kodaikanal for the mind-boggling panoramic view of the hill-town. A long trek to the Canopy Hills in Kodaikanal can help you discover the adventurer in you and is a must-do for all adventure enthusiasts who are fascinated by the idea of putting their physical trekking ability to test. The 15km long trek will take you through the thick jungles of the Western Ghats and en-route one can spot beautiful wildlife creatures including porcupines, wild goats and some rare birds from the bird kingdom.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a beautiful 20-acre garden right by Kodaikanal Lake. It features diverse flowering plants and exotic trees. The lawns are carefully maintained for visitors to relax. Winding paths invite peaceful walks amid nature. The annual flower show fills Bryant Park with bursts of color. Couples, families, and solo visitors find quiet joy among the flowers. The lake’s close location lets you combine visits effortlessly. Bryant Park is a charming and peaceful spot for love and memories.

Also Read: Amazing Hill Stations in India for a perfect Holiday

Conclusion 

Kodaikanal is a playground for explorers. Hike jungle trails and cruise the lake. Swim or relax at Fairy Falls. Trek to Canopy Hills for panoramic views. Stand in awe at Pillar Rocks. Stroll along Coaker’s Walk with someone special and enjoy the calm of nature. Families and friends will also find joy here. The months from March to June offer perfect weather. Each step makes a memory worth keeping.

FAQs 

What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from March to June. The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities. 

How do I reach Kodaikanal?
The nearest airport is in Madurai. You can fly there and hire a private car or taxi to reach Kodaikanal, which is about 120 km away. Buses and cabs from nearby cities like Chennai and Bangalore are also available. 

How much time should I spend in Kodaikanal?
A 2–3 day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions, including Kodaikanal Lake, Fairy Falls, Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk, and Canopy Hills.

Are the attractions in Kodaikanal suitable for families?
Yes. Most places, including Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, and Kodaikanal Lake, are family-friendly. Kids, couples, and solo travelers can all enjoy these attractions.

Can I swim at Fairy Falls?
Yes. The basin at the bottom of Fairy Falls is not too shallow, making it suitable for swimming. Always follow safety instructions while swimming.

Is trekking safe at Canopy Hills?
Yes, trekking is generally safe. The 15 km trail passes through dense jungles and wildlife areas, so it’s best for physically fit travelers and adventure enthusiasts. Always carry water and wear comfortable shoes.

–Travel Diary

The post From Kodaikanal Lake to Pillar Rocks, Must-Visit Spots in Kodaikanal appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Pondicherry is a former French Colony in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu and just 105 miles from Chennai. This quaint coastal town is famously known as ‘The French Capital of India’. Serenity is what awaits you as you tour this small but well planned town. The French used European style town planning and made the most of the tiny area Pondicherry holds.  Although you can roam the town in a day, it still offers a plethora of adventurous activities along the Coromandel Coast. The town has a canal running between it with the French Quarter on one side and the Indian Quarter on the other. Many tourists have described the attractions in Pondicherry as a “French surprise in an Indian curry.” This breathtaking town is filled with urban architecture, immaculate beaches and a unique cuisine that will leave you with yummy in your tummy.

Auroville: Tour the City of Equality with Harmony

Auroville began as an experimental town, inspired by Indian Philosopher and freedom fighter Sri Aurobindo. The main aim of this universal township is human unity in diversity. This unique town houses over 2,000 people from 59 different countries. The idea is to create a land filled with humans irrespective of their creed, caste or religion.

Founded in 1968, Auroville is crowned with the Matri Mandir in the middle of it. A magnificent sphere shaped golden structure that acts as a meditation center for the Aurovillians. Tourists are not allowed to enter this spiritual dome but an advance booking can get you to the viewing point of this center. Auroville is Utopia coming to life and is one of the unique attractions in Pondicherry.

Paradise Beach: Take a Backwater Boat Ride to Heaven

If you’re looking for a secluded haven, Paradise Beach is the place for you. This private, pristine beach boasts white smooth sand scattered alongside azure waters. Paradise Beach is not connected by land and the 5-minute ferry ride from Chunnambar Boat House is a beautiful journey. You will sail through the backwaters of Chunnambar to reach this heavenly paradise.

The beach’s aesthetic beauty has the locals to thank for their relentless efforts towards keeping this coast unblemished. Paradise Beach is among the famous tourist attractions in Pondicherry attracting scores of visitors every year.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Reflect on your Spirituality

Sri Aurobindo was a famous philosopher, poet and yogi who stood as one of the many influential leaders during the Indian freedom struggle. He founded this Ashram in 1926 after retiring from politics and permanently settling in Pondicherry. Aurobindo once said, “Peace is the first condition, without which nothing else can be stable.” The Indian philosopher’s Ashram evokes a pure sense of peace, resonating with his above beliefs.

The Ashram is also the resting ground for this spiritual mind, attracting tourists from all over the world. Whether you seek spirituality or knowledge, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram has it all. With libraries and assembly halls, one can connect with their inner selves and understand their philosophies all at the same time. Among the attractions in Pondicherry, the Ashram is a must for first-time visitors.

Bay of Buddha Restaurant: Eat your Heart Out!

The first Pan-Asian restaurant in Pondicherry, Bay of Buddha is a rooftop eatery with an immaculate view of the Rock Beach. Located in White Town, this obviously classy restaurant rocks an earthy ambience and a diverse set menu. The fragrant, delectable dishes to try here are Tom Kha Kai, Seafood Sushi Platter and Holy Basil Cheesecake.

A fusion of Southeast Asian elements, this eatery boasts multiple cuisines including Vietnamese and Japanese food. Bay of Buddha runs for just the dinner service, so it is advised to make reservations to enjoy your eating binge.

Pondicherry Museum: Take a Walk through Pondy’s Past

Situated in the Bharathi Park at Saint Louis Street, the Pondicherry Museum has an enviable collection of relics. There are over 80 intricately carved bronze sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties. However, the best artifacts housed here are from the 2nd Century Arikamedu-Roman settlement.

The port Arikamedu was used to import and export goods to the Roman Empire. The excavations conducted here found some amazing pottery and statue artifacts. A fossilized tree trunk welcomes you in the courtyard of this museum making it one of the top attractions in Pondicherry.

Pondicherry is filled with rare and unprecedented beauty that everyone needs to see at least once in their lives. While the above five are the most famous attractions in Pondicherry, it deserves a few special mentions.

Ousteri Lake is an IUCN designated wetland and attracts scores of migratory birds every year. It is also the perfect place for bird photographers to build your Instagram portfolio. Pondy Bazaar is a hub for handmade art pieces. This shopping line has an official tour where the guide enlightens you about the Pondy Bazaar’s past.

Now that you have a fairly clear idea of the things to do in Pondicherry, get those bags packed and gear up for an adventure. Finding the right flight to a foreign land can be taxing so why not give Indian Eagle a shot. This airline booking agency is ideal for those looking to book last minute flight tickets to India.   

–Travel Diary

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