Travel guide to Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu

 🌄 Destination: Travel guide to Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu

 

 

From: Bangalore
Distance: ~465 km
Travel Time: ~8–9 hours (by personal car)
Trip Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Best Time: April to June (cool & pleasant weather)

---

🚗 Travel Plan

🗓️ Day 1 – Departure from Bangalore & Local Sightseeing

• Start Early: Leave Bangalore by 5 AM to beat traffic and enjoy a smooth drive.

• Breakfast Stop: Salem highway (many clean restaurants available).

• Arrival in Kodaikanal: Around 2 PM.

• Check-In: Budget hotel (see hotel options below).

• Sightseeing:

  • Coaker’s Walk – Scenic walking path. Entry ~₹30/person.

  • Bryant Park – Colorful botanical garden. Entry ~₹30.

  • Evening Walk Around Lake Road – Family-friendly stroll.

• Dinner: At hotel or local vegetarian restaurants.

🗓️ Day 2 – Nature & Adventure

• Morning:

  • Kodaikanal Lake – Boating (₹40–₹100), cycling, horse riding for kids.

  • Bear Shola Falls – Short, easy walk through forest.

• Afternoon:

  • Pillar Rocks – 3 tall rock formations with a view.

  • Green Valley View – Deep valley viewpoint.

  • Pine Forest – Great for photos & kids to play.

• Dinner: At hotel or cloud kitchen delivery apps (Swiggy/Zomato work here).

🗓️ Day 3 – Culture & Return

• Morning:

  • Kurinji Andavar Temple – Peaceful atmosphere, great valley views.

  • Optional: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (kids will enjoy it).

• Checkout & Drive Back: After lunch, start return journey to Bangalore.

• Dinner Stop: Salem or Krishnagiri.

---

🛏️ Budget Hotels (2 Nights Stay)

Here are 3 budget-friendly family hotels (₹2000–₹4000/night):

1. Hotel Hill View (Near Lake)

• Clean rooms, hot water, parking, WiFi.

• ~₹2,500/night for family room.

2. JC Residency

• Mid-range, good ambience, kids’ play area.

• ~₹3,500–₹4,000/night with breakfast.

3. Hotel Raindrops

• Basic budget stay, close to bus stand.

• ~₹2,000–₹2,500/night.

👉 Book via Booking.com or Goibibo early for best deals.

---

🍽️ Food Suggestions

• Budget Meals: Astoria Veg, Tava Veg, Hilltop Inn

• Snacks for Kids: Maggie points, corn stalls, homemade chocolate shops

---

💸 Approx Budget (Family of 4, 3 Days)

Category	Estimated Cost
Fuel & Tolls	₹4,500
Hotel (2 Nights)	₹5,000–₹8,000
Food (3 Days)	₹3,000
Sightseeing/Entry	₹500–₹800
Total	₹13,000–₹16,000

---

✅ Do’s

• ✔️ Carry warm clothes – it gets chilly at night.

• ✔️ Carry a first aid kit, kids’ medicines.

• ✔️ Keep some dry snacks & water bottles in car.

• ✔️ Book hotel early – summer is peak time.

• ✔️ Use Google Maps for offbeat spots.

---

❌ Don’ts

• ❌ Avoid night driving on ghat roads.

• ❌ Don’t litter in forest/lake areas.

• ❌ Avoid street food if kids have sensitive stomachs.

• ❌ Don’t disturb monkeys – they can snatch items!

---

🎒 Packing Tips

• Woolens & jackets

• Umbrella (sudden drizzles)

• Good shoes (walking/trekking)

• Power banks, extra chargers

• Sunglasses, sunscreen

   ************************

  Disclaimer

  This travel plan is a general guide created for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data as of April 2025. Prices for accommodation, food, fuel, and entry tickets may vary depending on season, availability, and inflation. Travelers are advised to double-check all bookings, routes, weather conditions, and COVID-19 (if applicable) guidelines before the trip.

  While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not take responsibility for any unexpected closures, changes in schedules, or inaccuracies in third-party services such as hotel accommodations, restaurants, or sightseeing spots.

  Travel at your own risk and discretion. Always prioritize safety, especially while driving through hilly terrain and with children. Please respect local customs, wildlife, and the environment during your visit.