3 Night's Journey to Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, often referred to as the “Princess of Hills,” is a picturesque hill station nestled in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, specifically in Dindigul District. Known for its scenic beauty, Kodaikanal is adorned with granite rocks, lush forested valleys, and a blend of both natural and manmade lakes. This serene hill town is a favorite summer retreat, particularly for those seeking respite from the heat of the plains. Its mysterious mist and cool breezes invite travelers to embrace the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the natural wonder that it is. The captivating beauty of Kodaikanal is ever-present, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit.

Established in 1845 as a hill station by British officials and Christian missionaries, Kodaikanal was initially a vacation destination for the British colonial administration. Today, it continues to attract people from all over the country and beyond. Situated at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet, Kodaikanal enjoys a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. It is slightly warmer than Ooty, another popular hill station in the region, making it more conducive to human habitation during the winter months.

Our journey to Kodaikanal in January 2025 was planned with an understanding that the temperatures would be considerably cooler than during the summer season. We were aware that summer brings with it large crowds, often causing traffic jams that stretch up to 20 kilometers. However, our visit took place during the off-season, and the calm and serene atmosphere allowed us to explore all of the town's attractions without the pressure of large crowds. The weather was cool, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 18°C. While the daytime was pleasant with the sun shining brightly, we felt the chill more strongly inside the rooms, where the walls had absorbed the coolness of the night. To stay comfortable, we had brought along a room heater, which proved to be a helpful companion.

Kodaikanal is located about 206 kilometers from our hometown, Kanadukathan. We began our journey at 8:50 AM on January 5th, 2025, and managed to cover the distance in just over five hours, with a short break at Natham for refreshments. By lunchtime, we had reached our destination, Priya Cottage, located on Pambarpuram Road. The cottage staff welcomed us warmly and served a delicious homemade lunch of chicken biryani, white rice, sambar, rasam, and a vegetable side dish. The food at Priya Cottage was consistently good, offering a homely touch that made it safe and enjoyable to eat.

Our first stop on the way to the town center was the Silver Cascade Falls, a stunning waterfall with a park located opposite it. Kodaikanal boasts numerous parks—more than ten in total—and each offers a unique experience. After lunch, we took a stroll around Kodaikanal Lake, a manmade body of water that features a beautiful fountain in its center. Rowing boats are available for hire, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene waters up close. Horses are also available for riding along the lake, and there are plenty of shops selling various items such as natural oils, homemade chocolates, and warm clothing.

Returning to the cottage, we found that Gopakumar had to attend to his routine work. Both of us had brought our mobile phones and laptops, with Gopakumar taking care of office tasks while I kept myself busy monitoring the stock market. After a fulfilling dinner, we retired for the night to rest and rejuvenate for the next day's sightseeing.

The following day, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal's most famous attractions. Our first stop was the picnic spot, which offers access to several must-see locations, including Pillar Rock, Green Valley (previously known as Suicide Point), and Guna Caves. Pillar Rock is a remarkable formation of three vertical rocks that stretch up to a height of 400 feet, with a small garden nearby. It's a perfect place to relax and take in the surrounding views. Green Valley offers breathtaking vistas of the landscape, and the area is home to natural rock chambers known as the "Devil's Kitchen," where the aroma of the place adds to its mystique.

We were able to take pictures of the entrance to the Guna Caves, but photography inside the caves is prohibited. Our next stop was Moir Point, which offers another spectacular view of the valley. No trip to Kodaikanal is complete without visiting Moir Point, where we captured a picture of a bison displayed at the entrance. After this, we headed to the pine forest, which spans approximately 17 kilometers in the southwestern part of the town. The forest was planted over a century ago by British officer Bryant, and a park is named in his honor. Pine trees are among the most widely used timber in the Northern Hemisphere.

Although our guide suggested visiting Poombara Temple, we decided to skip it due to the long and tricky road journey. Instead, we returned to our hotel to rest before exploring more of Kodaikanal the next day.

On the penultimate day of our trip, we visited the Kurinji Andavar Temple, a revered spot for locals and tourists alike. Along the way, we passed several schools and convents run by Christian missions, some of which were featured in Tamil films. We also took time to capture the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal from various vantage points. The Kurinji Andavar Temple is renowned for its stunning surroundings and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking peace and spiritual solace. While returning, we caught a glimpse of the homes of several prominent personalities, including Alagiri, the son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi, and various film actors.

We also visited a prominent bungalow, which had once served as the place of house arrest for Sheikh Abdullah, who later became the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The bungalow is now used to accommodate VIPs visiting Kodaikanal. Before concluding our sightseeing for the day, we stopped by a rock from where we could see the Palani Hills in the distance.

After a quiet night, we began our return journey at 8:20 AM on January 8th, 2025. Along the way, we bought fresh vegetables and fruits as souvenirs from the trip. We reached Kanadukathan by approximately 1:20 PM, marking the end of an eventful and memorable visit to Kodaikanal.