Looking for the ultimate Kodaikanal 3-day itinerary? Be it a couple’s romantic escape or a family nature retreat, 3 days is just right for exploring the “Princess of Hill Stations”. Kodaikanal is a delicious medley of mist, mountains, pines and placid lakes. This is a guide to Kodaikanal’s must see places while taking care of your pocket!
Three days in Kodaikanal don’t just show you the hills — they let you feel the mist, follow the forest trails, and leave with nature etched into your soul.
Trip Overview:
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (for chilly weather) or April to June (to escape the summer heat).
- Ideal for: Couples, Families and Solo Travelers.
- Budget Level: Low to Moderate.
Day 1: Arrival, Iconic Landmarks & Lake Vibes
Morning: Arrival & Check-in
Get to Kodaikanal (the nearest railway station is Kodai Road) and check-in at your home-stay. Customarily look for value stays options in homestays near the town center.
Afternoon: Kodaikanal Lake & Bryant Park
Start your Kodaikanal sight-seeing at the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake. Things to
do:
Pleasant boat rides, cycling, horse riding. Rent a bicycle and make the 5km loop
along the water. Next Stop: Bryant Park. This botanically rich park is located
just adjacent to the lake and is maintained beautifully.
Evening: Coaker’s Walk to see the sunset
You are close to Coaker’s walk, a commercial term given to a 1km stretch of paved pathways sloping downwards that includes gorgeous panoramic views of the valley. Make it in time for one of the rare fog free moments when you might be able to see a solar phenomenon called the “Brachem Spectre”. You will see your own shadow on the clouds!
Day 2: Misty Viewpoints & Enchanting Forests
Focus: Capturing the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
Early Morning: Pillar Rocks & Guna Caves Public places get crowded quickly, so seek out Pillar Rocks first thing in the morning. These three giant boulders rising to a height of about 400 feet are nearby. You might also like to visit the mysterious Guna Caves, (also called Devil’s Kitchen) famed for its deep narrow ravines and ancient tree roots.
Late Morning
Late Morning: Pine Forest & Moir Point Walk through the majestic trees at the Kodaikanal Pine Forest, definitely a candidate for the most Instagrammable spot in South India before heading to a bird’s eye view of the hills from Moir Point.
Afternoon
Dolphin’s Nose & Vattakanal Falls If you are into light trekking, climb atop the Dolphin’s Nose rock formation for a stunning view of the deep valley symbolically below. On your way back, grab a quick stop at the refreshing Vattakanal Falls.
Day 3: Offbeat Escapes & Local Shopping
Focus: Visiting offbeat attractions, doing some shopping.
Morning: Poombarai Village & Mannavanur Lake For those who wish to escape the crowds, drive all the way to Poombarai Village. The view of the terraced farms is so postcardy, it might make you feel you are in a little slice of Switzerland. If you plan your time well, pay a visit to Mannavanur Lake nearby. It is unspoilt, grassy land, a perfect setting for an outing away from the throng.
Afternoon
Berijam Lake (Optional) You need a permit from the forest department. Berijam Lake is a craggy part of the forest and you should visit only if you are exactly what it sounds like: a nature-worshipper. Silent, pristine and dotted with medicinal plants.
Evening
Shopping at the Local Market Done for the day? Before heading back, why don’t you check inside the town market? Kodaikanal is quite famous for its:
- Handmade Chocolates: rocky road, roasted almond, fruit-n-nut, it is all available here
- Eucalyptus & other Essential Oils of very good quality grown locally.
- Spices: The best-natured produce of the region like pepper, cardamom and cinnamon.
Up next: A detailed 5-day Kodaikanal itinerary covering hidden places, trekking options, food spots, and full relaxation will be updated soon.
