Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is known for its pleasant weather, beautiful landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. The monsoon season is an ideal time to visit Kodaikanal, as it transforms the entire region into a lush green paradise. The hills come alive with gushing waterfalls, misty mountains, and blooming flowers, making it the perfect time for adventure enthusiasts to explore beautiful nature on foot.
This article will take a closer look at the top monsoon treks in Kodaikanal, including trekking tips and safety guidelines. We will also explore other activities you can enjoy in and around Kodaikanal beyond trekking.
Top 7 Monsoon Treks in Kodaikanal
The Bear Shola Falls Trek is another popular trek in Kodaikanal. It is a short and easy trek, perfect for those who want to explore beautiful nature without much physical exertion. The trek starts from the Bear Shola Falls viewpoint and takes you through a beautiful forest trail, with occasional glimpses of the stunning waterfalls. The trail is well-marked and is suitable for all ages.
The Pillar Rocks Trek is a short and easy trek, perfect for beginners and families with children. The trek starts from the Pillar Rocks viewpoint and takes you through a beautiful forest trail, with occasional glimpses of the stunning rock formations. The trail is well-marked and is suitable for all ages.
The Vellagavi Village Trek is a unique trek that takes you through a beautiful tribal village, offering a glimpse into their way of life. The trek takes you through dense forests and scenic valleys, culminating at the beautiful Vellagavi village. The village is known for its beautiful architecture and traditional handicrafts.
Another popular trek in Kodaikanal is the Vattakanal Trek, also known as the “Little Israel“ of India, due to the many Israeli tourists visiting this area. The trek is about 3 kilometers long and takes around 2 hours.
The trek starts from the Vattakanal village, located at a distance of 6 kilometers from Kodaikanal. The village is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint. As you begin your trek, you will walk through narrow paths lined with tall trees and pass through small streams and waterfalls.
One of the highlights of this trek is the Vattakanal Falls, located midway through the trek. This waterfall is a great spot for a refreshing dip in the cool water. The trek also offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way.
The Elephant Valley Falls Trek is another must-do monsoon trek in Kodaikanal. The trek starts from the quaint village of Munnar and takes you through dense forests and gushing waterfalls. The trek is about 8 kilometers long and takes 4-5 hours.
The trek starts with a steep climb up a hill, but once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. As you continue your trek, you will pass through dense forests and small streams and cross over several waterfalls, including the Elephant Valley Falls, which is the highlight of the trek.
The Elephant Valley Falls is a majestic waterfall that cascades down from 100 feet. Lush green forests surround the waterfall and offer a breathtaking view of the valley below. The pool at the bottom of the falls is a great spot for a refreshing dip, and you can also sit on the rocks and enjoy the serene surroundings.
The Silent Valley View Trek is a relatively easy trek that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Kodaikanal. The trek starts from Berijam Lake, located 23 kilometers from Kodaikanal, and takes you through dense forests, rolling hills, and gushing waterfalls.
The trek is about 6 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours. As you begin your trek, you will walk through dense forests and pass over small streams and waterfalls. You will also come across several viewpoints, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
One of the highlights of this trek is the Silent Valley viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the valley below. The view from this point is breathtaking and a great spot for photography enthusiasts. The trek also takes you through several tribal villages, where you can experience the local way of life and culture.
Perumal Peak is the highest peak in the Kodaikanal hills, standing tall at 2,440 meters. The Perumal Peak Trek is a challenging trek that takes you to the summit of this majestic peak. The trek starts from the village of Kavunji, located 18 kilometers from Kodaikanal, and takes around 7-8 hours to complete.
The trek is about 12 kilometers long and takes you through dense forests, rolling hills, and grasslands. As you begin your trek, you will walk through dense forests and pass over small streams and waterfalls. You will also come across several viewpoints, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Other Places You Can Explore in Kodaikanal
The Kodaikanal wax museum features wax sculptures of famous personalities, including Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Sachin Tendulkar.
A golf course is a great place for enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite sport, surrounded by scenic views.
The pillar rock is a set of three tall vertical granite boulders that provide a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Guna caves are believed to have been formed due to a landslide and are named after a popular Tamil movie, “Guna,” that was shot there.
Pine Forest is a serene place to spend time amidst tall pine trees.
For those who love adventure, Kodaikanal has plenty to offer. Trekking is a popular activity in the region, with several treks. Some of the popular ones include the Vattakanal Trek, Bear Shola Falls Trek, Elephant Valley Falls Trek, Silent Valley View Trek, Perumal Peak, Pillar Rocks Trek, Vellagavi Village Trek, Pine Forest Trek, Dolphin’s Nose, Echo Rock,Thalaiyar Falls, Palani trek, 80-Mile Round trek, Kurangani Top Station Trek, Kodaikanal to Kumbakarai Trek and Nagalapuram Trek.
Each trek has its unique features and challenges, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys
Safety Guidelines to Keep in Mind
While trekking can be a thrilling experience, it is important to follow safety guidelines and be well-prepared.
- Some essential trekking tips include carrying a map, carrying enough water and food, wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes, carrying a first aid kit, and wearing appropriate clothing.
- It is also important to trek with a group or a local guide who knows the area well.
- Additionally, it is important to check weather conditions before embarking on a trek, especially during the monsoon season, when there is a higher risk of landslides and flash floods.
In conclusion
Kodaikanal is a beautiful destination with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, it has it all. From picturesque lakes to stunning waterfalls, from serene forests to challenging treks, the hill station has a lot to explore and experience. With its pleasant climate and scenic surroundings, Kodaikanal is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature!
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