There are Many More Places to Visit in Kodaikanal During the Day. Among the Most Popular are:

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Lazy Sunday mornings with an ice cream sundae on the beach, sipping hot tea on a hill resort with an eco-tourism city view or letting loose with some booze in a nightclub. Notice what’s common in all these scenarios? They all give off ‘the perfect vacation’ vibe, don’t they? 

Touring around a new place can help you catch a break from your 9 to 5 but all that glitters is not gold. Because it’s so much fun, most of us neglect the negative effect that travelling and tourism have on the environment. 

Did you know? Hotels and resorts account for 84–2,000 litres of water per day, per tourist. With pre-existing environmental problems, these numbers pose alarming consequences. This is where Eco tourism comes into the picture. This blog talks about how you can travel more sustainably and why you should opt for eco-tourism in Kodai.

What is Eco-Tourism? 

The word is derived from ‘Ecosystem’ and ‘Tourism’. Ecotourism is a type of travel that aims to have as little of an impact on nature as possible, is environmentally conscious, and avoids the drawbacks of many large-scale travel ventures made in previously undeveloped regions.

As a tourist, you may have high expectations from any city that is glorified to be the ‘perfect vacation spot’. This closely links to the commercialization of tourist destinations to meet the high standards set by the tourism industry. 

These ‘high standards’ are met at a heavy cost to the natural resources. Tourism greatly contributes to Greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, pollution (of all types), habitat loss and waste problems. The immense and reckless usage of resources like water and land also reduces their availability for the local population, causing them distress. 

Eco-tourism is a budding alternative; greener and cleaner. In sum, it includes two major objectives: it preserves the environment and supports local people. 

How is it Different? 

UNWTO describes ecotourism as a kind of niche tourism.

•  It emphasises learning, appreciating and observing nature in its pristine form. 
• Ecotourism is usually practised in places with forests and landscapes, like The Princess of Hills, Kodaikanal. 
• Moreover, it helps generate money for conservation and employment opportunities for locals. 
• Recreational activities include nature-friendly adventures like trekking, boating, wildlife sanctuaries, understanding tribal culture and more. 

Tourism, on the other hand, does not centre around the environment and its protection. It involves travelling for leisure/fun or business reasons. It makes use of commercial provisions such as aeroplane, entertainment or services of a tourism agency.  

Eco-Tourism Hotspots in India

Let’s be honest, we could all use a break from the daily hustle-bustle of city life. It can be exhausting and sometimes all you need is to be amidst greenery, breathing the fresh air and hearing the birds chirp. Luckily, India has ample eco-friendly spots that are worth exploring. Here are some of them: 

Kerala

• Tea plantations and charming villages 
• Munnar- Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty, Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak
• Konni- elephant rides, safari 
• Periyar Tiger Reserves

Kodaikanal

• Kodai Lake, Berijam Lake
• Waterfalls
• Coaker’s walk
• Guna Caves
• Dolphin Nose

Assam

• Kaziranga National Park
• Tai Phake Ecotourism Camp (Naharkatia)
• Manas National Park
• Majuli (largest river island in India)

West Bengal

• Sundarban National Park
• Tinchuly Village
• Lamahatta 

Ladakh

• Pangong Lake 
• Laddakh Valley
• Ancient Monasteries 

Eco-tourism in Kodai

Let’s dive deeper and learn how to be an ecotourist and make the most out of eco-tourism in Kodai. 

Kodai Lake

One of the major tourist attractions, this lake is 6km long and is a popular place for boating and bicycle trips. This makes it super eco-friendly as you’re straying away from fuel, thus preventing air pollution. On a lucky day, you may even see some rare species of flora around this star-shaped lake.

Waterfalls

Although Kodaikanal is abundant in waterfalls, Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Fall and Thalaiyar falls are three important waterfalls that are a must-visit. It’s a beautiful scene to see the waterfalls zig-zagging through the rocks and gushing down into a foamy pool. Feel free to take a dip in the freshwaters and make the best out of Kodaikanal. 

Coaker’s Walk

Lieutenant Coaker built Coaker’s Walk in the year 1972. It’s a paved route measuring 1 kilometre long. Many visitors come here for walks in the morning and evening or to get a glimpse of the beautiful sunset or sunrise. You get a view of the hills, plateaus, and rivers as well. You can enjoy bhel and sliced masala mangoes that are sold by vendors on the path. Now, this is ecotourism at its best!

Berijam Lake

The lake is older than 150 years since Sir Vere Henry Levinge, a Madurai collector, created it in 1863. It is perfect for couples, oldies, kids and adults. Tourists love to spend their time fishing, safari touring and bird watching near this lake. It also houses a variety of wildlife, including deer, bison, Indian elephants, and Nilgiri langurs. If you’re lucky, you could even get to see one of these magnificent animals up close.

Guna Caves

If you have the guts for a daring adventure, Guna caves will be a thrilling experience. Also known as the Devil’s Kitchen, the cave is formed by rocks of fascinating shapes and has dark chambers. One thing for sure is you wouldn’t be the only visitor in the Guna caves as it is also home to several bats! 

Neelakurinji Flowers

It would be unfair to talk about Kodaikanal and not mention its glorious Kurinji flowers. These purple beauties blossom once in 12 years and are a sight for sore eyes. During the blooming season, the Kurinjis envelope the Western Ghats in a purple carpet. This is what gives the Nilgiri Hills its name. Whenever you’re in Kodaikanal, keep an eye out for these one-of-a-kind flowers.

How to be an Eco-Tourist in Kodai? 

Change can be difficult, however, it’s worth it when you know your actions contribute to the greater good. We’ve discussed some tips that you can use for your next travel trip to make it more eco-friendly and bring you closer to mother nature. 

Purchase Local Items

We all love to buy souvenirs to make a wonderful vacation a permanent part of our memory. Every place has unique handicraft and culture. And nothing captures that essence more flawlessly than handmade items like Kodai chocolates, spices and essential oils. When you buy something from local shops, you’re promoting authenticity while also benefitting the community. 

Practise No Littering

Surveys have shown that tourists might generate up to twice as much rubbish as locals in some areas. As a mindful tourist, it’s in your hands to dispose of your garbage appropriately to prevent landfills and overflow of sewage. 

Use Public Transport

Trains and buses are the most common and efficient means of public transport. What makes Kodaikanal so special is that you can explore all the tourist destinations on a bicycle or by walking. You’re hitting two birds with one stone when you travel this way- you’re neither producing CO2 nor missing out on the scenic views of Kodaikanal. 

Conclusion

Kodaikanal’s magnificent splendour never fails to mesmerise visitors with its combination of densely forested jungles, undulating hill slopes, flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. Experience Kodaikanal in a new way through eco-tourism.  

Fruit is nature’s candy.

anonymous

Winter months are around the corner and while hot chocolate on cold mornings might be the first image that pops in your head when you think of winters, let’s not forget about the delicious fruits that this season brings along. Thinking about oranges, guava, kiwi and grapes have got our mouth watering already! 

How is this relevant to Kodaikanal? Well, if you consider yourself a travel enthusiast, it’s essential to go beyond the scenic beauty of a place to have a wholesome trip. We’re sure you’ve heard and read a lot about Kodai Lake, the waterfalls and the homemade chocolates of Kodaikanal. But what you might not know is that this town is also popular for its wide variety of fresh fruit orchards. In fact, Fruits occupy 28.5% of the total horticulture crop area (102284 Hectares) in the Dindigul District of Kodaikanal!  

Additionally, a variety of therapeutic flowers are grown too. In markets across the state, lovely flowers including Madonna, Datura, Dahila, Lily, and many others are sold. The Kodaikanal region is abundant in trees including pine, eucalyptus, wattles, deodars, and several unidentified species.

In this blog, we intend to introduce you to a new aspect of Kodaikanal, the fruit orchards that bear the freshest and juiciest fruits in the South!

What is Fruit Orchards?

A piece of land where fruit trees are planted is called an orchard. Fruit is traditionally grown in orchards. Traditional orchards grow tall trees of various ages and types, as opposed to low-fruit farms. The use of artificial fertilisers or preservatives is avoided in the maintenance of Traditional orchards.

Any items centred on fruit-producing plants are included in Fruit Orchards. Apples, dates, olives, plums, pears, and many other foods are common choices. Citrus fruits, such as those comprising lemon, orange, or lime, can be grown individually in tiny establishments or collectively in larger citrus orchards. Typically, plantations that produce fruit-bearing bushes do not fit under this group. Berries and other non-tree fruits are among them.

Fruit Production in Kodai

Although Kodaikanal’s economy largely relies on the tourism sector, agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy.

Agriculture in Kodaikanal includes the production of a variety of fruits and vegetables in addition to its abundant coffee plantations. Fruit orchards of Kodai are well-known. Fruits including pears, Kodai oranges, peaches, grapes, plums, and others are abundantly grown in the orchards of Kodaikanal. It’s one of the state’s biggest potato producers. Due to their exceptional quality and freshness, Kodai fruits and vegetables are in high demand.

Old fruit species are particularly resistant to illnesses and pests. Regional differences in fruit varietals are possible. Some species may only be found in a few communities, or in what is known as “local variants.”

Producing the maximum yields of high-quality fruit is the fundamental goal of contemporary fruit cultivation. This is possible if one is knowledgeable about the field. Thanks to easier trade chains, most of your favourite fruits have an all-year-round availability. 

Kodai Fruits

Although Kodaikanal is a hub of top-quality fruits and vegetables, some specialities are worth tasting and purchasing from Kodai. Here are the special fruits of Kodaikanal: 

Avocado Pear

Did you know that avocados are widely grown throughout India, especially in the Palnis region? At the height of the season, they are available at the Sunday market for Rs. 50 per kg and are known locally as Butter fruit. However, they can be bought for a little bit more money during the week at vegetable carts positioned around the lake.

Raspberry

Due to the spike-covered shrub, many people fail to notice the luscious fruit. On walks, you would adore gathering berries. You only need to keep an eye out to find the plants bearing these delectable fruits because they are so widespread in the Kodaikanal region. Although the dark orange ones can be eaten, the sweetest ones are a faint shade of purple.

Pink Passionflower

The flowers that hang down from trees (this is a climber) are lovely, but if they aren’t kept in check, they swiftly take over bushes and trees. The fruit is edible and looks like passion fruit on the inside- flavourful seeds with jelly around it. 

Country Pear

They’re high in water content but might be as flavorful as you expect them to be. They are primarily used locally to make jams and pastries. Country Pears were first planted in Shenbaganur by Mr Tapp (from Tapps Corner), who brought them to Palni Hills.

Orange

Orange is one of India’s most significant agricultural products, particularly in Nagpur and Coorg. India is the third-largest producer of oranges in the world, behind China and Brazil. 

Kodai Orange

In terms of volume, oranges are India’s third-largest crop, behind bananas and mangoes. India comes in third place globally for orange production according to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 2010, just after Brazil and the United States.  

Fun fact: These three nations collectively produce 68 million tonnes or little under half of the global production. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, France, the UK, and the United Kingdom are among the nations that import delicious oranges from India. 

Orange Season

The orange season in the nation varies by area. Orange season lasts from December to February in the north while it lasts from October through March in the South. The seasons in central and western India are November through January and March through May. Coorg Orange and Kodai Orange are two of the most popular varieties of Orange in the South and November–December is the planting period. 

Climate and Soil 

It is a subtropical crop that is grown 500–1500 metres above mean sea level. It takes between 150 and 250 cm of rainfall. Mild winters and the absence of sweltering summer winds are ideal conditions. The best soils for cultivation are deep loamy soils with good drainage. Thus, Kodaikanal provides an ideal weather condition for the growth of Oranges with high rainfall and humidity. 

Kodai’s Fruit Orchards

Don’t worry, you won’t have to go out in the wild to hunt for the juiciest berries like in the olden times. Kodaikanal has a huge number of merchants and traders that sell fresh fruits at affordable rates. You can go out to the local Mandis or order online, based on your convenience. 

JR Fruits – Kodaikanal – Avocado Fruits – Avocado Sapling – Grafted Avocado Sapling- Passion Fruits

Address: J.Ravi Samuel, Pethuparai Pirivu, Perumal Malai Road, Post, Palani Rd, Kodaikanal

Time: Open 24 hrs

Description: Find a fresh yield of fruits for consumption or saplings if you’re interested in growing your home garden. 

OBJECT exotics and organic

Address: no 2, Kodaikanal Ghat Rd, opp. to ganaga compound lake, Kodaikanal

Time: Open 24 hrs

Description: A one-stop shop serving clients from the locality as well as other regions of the country. Known for its top-notch customer services along with plums, passionfruit and avocado. 

AMS FRUITS WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS

In-store shopping

Address: 6FXQ+PV4, Naidupuram, Kodaikanal

Time: Open 24/7

Description: One of the leading wholesale businesses in Kodaikanal. Apart from fresh fruits, they’re also known for their varied supermarkets that sell coconut, spices, etc. at wholesale rates.

Others 

Sunday Vegetable Market

Local Market

Address: Poet Tyagarajar Road, Kodaikanal 

Time: Closes at 6 pm

Description: The perfect place to find exotic and locally grown fruits and vegetables at reasonable rates. Right next to the vegetable stalls one can find meat and fish stalls as well. 

Indiamart

Online Store

Website: IndiaMART

Description: Best site for common and rare organic fruits from passionfruit, and Soursop fruit to hilltop bananas. It consists of verified suppliers so you know your product is of good quality.

Conclusion

Well now you know all there is to know about the fruits and Kodai oranges. A visit to one of the orchards in Kodaikanal would be a great experience for people who enjoy gardening and one can even take home saplings of organic fruits from here as souvenirs. But even if you’re not into all that and you’d much rather eat than wait for a plant to grow, this is still the right expedition for you. Now that artificially grown produce is taking over the market, you’ll find the taste of fresh fruits grown in Kodaikanal incomparable so make sure to add it to your list of ‘things to do in Kodaikanal’!

“Existence is a priceless gift and the beauties of nature are the priceless gifts of the existence!”

 Mehmet Murat ildan

Did you know? Kodaikanal is one of the most prominent producers of Eucalyptus Oil in India. Kodaikanal is famous for reasons other than its rare natural beauty as well. The town acquires a significant place in the industry of chocolate, natural products and Eucalyptus oil. The Kodaikanal Eucalyptus forest covers almost 22,000 ha. A trip to Kodaikanal is incomplete if you don’t go home with Kodai’s beloved homemade chocolates and eucalyptus oil. 

States that facilitate the production of eucalyptus in India are Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Karnataka. These states produce the majority of the nation’s eucalyptus, meeting the needs of the timber, pulp, and paper sectors. This blog expands on the local production of Eucalyptus oil in Kodaikanal as it’s a core small-scale industry here. 

About Eucalyptus

A plant that produces essential oils that are commonly utilised in the medical field is Eucalyptus globulus (one of the species of Eucalyptus). Leaves are often the beneficial component of eucalyptus. The bioactive chemicals derived from essential oils have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The extraction technique significantly determines the effect on the yield and bioactive compounds when it comes to the production process of essential oil.

Numerous industries, including those related to health, flavouring, perfume, cosmetics, and medicines, utilize essential oils. In the food industry, essential oils serve as a natural preservative as well as an additional ingredient for aroma and flavour.

Eucalyptus oil is also locally known as Nilgiri Tel. The liquid is clear and possesses a strong woody smell. Aromatherapy has gradually increased its use of eucalyptus oil over time.

Fun Fact: This tall, evergreen tree is referred to as a “gum tree” because its bark exudes gum that resembles honey. Trees like eucalyptus are important for reducing particle pollution. The dust is kept away from us because the particles collect on the leaves instead.

Benefits of Pure Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a multitude of uses; it can be diffused or inhaled to relieve cough and cold symptoms as well as to calm the body. It can also be applied to the skin and hair, calm tense muscles, and shield your skin from UV radiation damage. Eucalyptus essential oil contains numerous anti-fungal characteristics that prevent infection & when applied to hair, encourages healthy hair by stimulating follicles. Additionally, it increases hair volume, and gloss, and relieves itchy scalp.

History of Eucalyptus in Kodaikanal 

Eucalyptus, Australian blackwood, and silver Warde, all of which are native to Australia, were introduced to the Nilgiris in the 1850s, according to D Venugopal of the Nilgiri Documentation Center.

Despite strong opposition from the local Europeans based on aesthetics, they were planted primarily to supply the fuel and wood needs of an expanding township and were restricted to a few carefully selected areas far from water supplies.

To supply pulp wood for a rayon industry and a tannin factory in the lowlands, eucalyptus and acacia trees were widely and randomly planted throughout the Nilgiris in the 1950s. They were planted in settlements, catchment regions, grasslands, and on private property.

Why is Eucalyptus Called Nilgiri? 

The Nilgiri region in South India is where the bulk of eucalyptus trees in India are found, and it is from this region that eucalyptus earned its name. The Nilgiris are the Western Ghats’ blue mountain ranges that extend over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Commercial farms where eucalyptus trees are grown and harvested can be found in these mountains. When people used to travel to Ooty or Kodaikanal in the 1950s, they used to bring back this oil as a souvenir. Hence, Nilgiri oil gets its name.

It is referred to as “eucaly enna” in Kerala, where “enna” stands for oil. Others refer to it as “neelagiri thailam.” Another name for the Western Ghats, which are home to a large population of eucalyptus trees, is “Neelagiri,” “Nilgiri,” or “Blue Mountains.” ‘Thailam’ also refers to oil. So, another name for eucalyptus oil is Nilgiri oil.

How is Eucalyptus Oil Extracted?

Essential oil extraction techniques can be categorised into two groups: traditional methods and modern ones. Hydro-distillation, steam distillation, and solvent extraction are all parts of the conventional process. The contemporary technique uses supercritical fluid extraction, hydrodistillation with microwave assistance, and extraction with ultrasound assistance. 

In Kodaikanal, conventional methods are employed to extract the purest essential oil from the leaves of Eucalyptus. The oil extracted does not expire for 1 year and it’s known to turn yellow with age. Most of the production of pure eucalyptus oil takes place via steam distillation. 

Steam Distillation

The conventional technique for separating volatiles from fragrant plant components is steam distillation. Steam is utilised as stripping gas in a multistage continuous distillation process to extract the oils. The plant matter is passed through with steam. The mixture of heated vapours is gathered and condensed to create a liquid with separate layers of water and oil.

This process of steam distillation is also used for extracting essential oils on an industrial scale from rose petals, camphor, and lavender along with Eucalyptus. 

Here’s a video of a distillery in Kodaikanal, explaining how eucalyptus oil is extracted: 

How to Check Purity of Eucalyptus Oil

Although Kodaikanal is abundant in pure natural products, especially its essential oil, there’s no harm in double-checking to make sure you are not compromising on quality. The test to identify pure and impure eucalyptus oil is fairly simple- Take 1-2 drops of oil and drop them on a piece of plain paper. If the oil leaves a mark in the shape of a circle, we can assume it has been blended with other readily available oils and hence is impure. 

Where to Buy Eucalyptus Essential Oil in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal houses several manufacturers for you to carry home this highly beneficial essential oil as a souvenir. All these places are leading stores of Kodaikanal and are loved by their customers for the high quality of products sold. 

• Kaleeswari Supermarket – This place also sells other natural products such as almond oil, saffron body oil and handmade soap bars. 

         Store Timings: 9 am to 9 pm 

         Check Location

• Mani Natural Essential Oil – Since its founding in 1970, the company has been well-known in its industry. 

         Store Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

         Check Location

• DAKSHINAA SPICES – The store is nothing short of heaven for all-natural products. You’ll find everything, from natural oils to spices to herbal cosmetics and tea/coffee powder here. 

         Store Timings: 8 am to 8 pm

         Check Location

• SV Natural Oils and Spices – The store is most popular for eucalyptus oil and homemade chocolates.

         Store Timings: 8 am to 9 pm

         Check Location

Happy Shopping!

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” 

John Steinbeck

We know that road trips can seem exhausting. However, they can be very fun if planned properly. With a bit of preparation and research, you can have a memorable and adventurous budget road trip from Bangalore to the Princess of Hills, Kodaikanal. A road trip gives you an opportunity to see more and experience more. Not only that, it allows you to cover more destinations in one go. The most exciting part about road trips is when you can witness the variation in the scenery as the places change. Another great thing about road trips is that you’re not bound to flight and train timings. You can start the journey at your own leisure and move at your own pace. 

Bangalore’s well-connectedness to some of the most touristy cities in Karnataka tourism paves a way for enjoyable road trips when you’re craving some adventure. Here are some ideal places if you’re hunting for Bangalore getaways:

• Hogenakkal Falls, Karnataka (129 km)
• Ooty, Tamil Nadu (265 km)
• Coorg, Karnataka (266 km)
• Wayanad, Kerala (271 km)
• Pondicherry, Puducherry (311 km)
• Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu (466 km)

While all these places are must-visit in South India, in this particular blog we’ll be guiding you along the journey from Bangalore to Kodaikanal, the routes you can take, places you can visit, Kodaikanal highways and some essential travel tips so that you’re ready to get set and go!

Bangalore to Kodaikanal by Bus

Travelling by bus is a popular option to experience Kodai by roads. If you’re not enthusiastic about driving to Kodaikanal by yourself, this can be a convenient and comfortable option as lots of tourists choose to traverse by bus and that is a joyful experience in itself. It’s safe, hassle-free and budget-friendly depending on the bus category you go for. Here’s all that you need to know about making it to Kodaikanal by bus:

Distance: 465 km

Travel Time: 8-11 hours

Best Route: Hosur Road to Salem

Timings of the bus: From 7:55 till 10.30

Pickup and Drop Points: 18 boarding points and 3 dropping points

Travel Track

The route from Hosur Road goes towards Salem and you will pass by Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri on the way. After that, you must go along NH 7, pass through Dindigul, and ultimately turn into Kodai Ghat Road by driving along the Southern G T Road. People often choose this option because it is simple to get tickets and saves time. 

The bus departs from Marathahalli and picks up passengers along the way from locations like Jalahalli and Yelahanka. The bus makes a final stop at the Kodai Bus stand.

About Buses

There are many options for buses from Bangalore to Kodaikanal for Kodai road trips and you may pick based on your budget and preferences. The travel time also varies from one bus operator to another. Fortunately, you can actually select a bus whose schedule fits your plan because there are so many buses that travel between Bangalore and Kodai.

Book a Bus

• Sam Tourist
• SRS Travels
• Abhishek Travels
• Greenline Travels and holidays
• KSRTC

Coaches Offered

 A/c Sleeper, Non A/c Sleeper, semi-sleeper, luxury A/c seater and normal A/c seater.

Price

The price varies from category to category. For instance, the price of an A/c sleeper will be comparatively higher than that of a Non A/c Sleeper and so on. However, you may consider Rs 550 as a base price. Some sites also offer a discount upon booking.

Most of the buses are overnight buses that run in the evening and bring you to Kodaikanal in the morning, which gives you the whole day to roam around the place.

Bangalore to Kodaikanal by Car

If you’re someone who likes to plan a grand vacation, Bangalore to Kodaikanal road trip is the odyssey for you. The route includes a range of interesting places and travelling by car allows you to take your time exploring all the different places as you go by. An important point to remember is to make note of the weather conditions and avoid travelling at night. The Travel Track is the same as the route taken by bus. 

Distance: 465 km and 15-20 km more or less, depending on the route chosen

Time: 7-8 hours

Expense: Rs 3500-4000

Places Covered: Hosur, Krishnagiri, Tiruchirapalli, Velur, Dharmapuri, Salem, Thopur, Namakul, and Dindigul

Traffic

Minimal after Hosur. Since Salem is a city, one can expect some traffic here. The ride is smooth thereafter on. However, 50 km ahead of Dindigul you come across rugged ghat roads that require slow driving. It takes over an hour to cross this because it is steep and hilly. This road’s upper sections travel through several heavily forested areas.

Because of the picturesque routes and easy driving, it is a road trip you will remember for a long time. Kodaikanal highways are one of the best in India and travel through some beautiful scenery. The magnificent hills, lush vegetation on either side and flowers in the centre of the partition look like they were plucked out of a landscape. You may see grape farms, palm trees on either side of the road, and seasonal flowers flowering on the divider as you pass Krishnagiri.

Eateries Along The Way

In case you run out of snacks, fret not. We’ve listed a couple of cheap eats. They’re great for breakfast or if you simply need to refuel and get going. Most of them serve South Indian cuisine.

• Sri Krishna Inn, Krishnagiri
• Shri Sangeethas, Tiruchirapalli
• Saravana Bhavan, Salem
• Sree Balaaji Bhavan, Dindigul

Travel Guide

Hosur

To avoid getting stuck in the city traffic, you should depart from Bangalore early. You will be at Hosur in around 30 minutes. The Hosur Border also delineates the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, two south Indian states. In order to pay the permit at the RTO check-post, you must stop as soon as you enter Hosur if you are taking a cab.

Krishnagiri

As you continue to drive beyond Hosur, you’ll reach Krishnagiri. The Bangalore – Kodaikanal highway is absolutely stunning with its beautiful scenery, so keep your camera handy. On this road, cars can easily go at speeds of 150 km/h or higher. This section is crossed quite quickly because the road is mostly clear.

Salem

Salem is the next important town you cross. Here, the highway expands to multiple lanes, cutting through the majority of the town. In case you missed out on breakfast in Hosur, Salem has lots of food places so you can take a break here and also stock up on essentials like snack items or medicines. 

Karur

The fact that the road continues straight until Karur is one of the best things about the drive from Bangalore to Kodaikanal. You need to make your first turn only when you get to Karur. Keep an eye out for a diversion towards Dindigul and move along the service road towards your left. You’ll come across a sign board indicating a right turn towards Dindigul and then proceed to pass below the main highway. 

Dindigul

You will find yourself on a two-lane road (the state highway) after making a right turn for Dindigul. Large, lush farmlands hug the road from both sides. Soon enough, the mountain ranges will emerge at the other end of the hill. You will shortly be scaling those mountains. After a challenging 50 km drive on the state highway, you arrive at the foothill of the mountains where the ghat road starts.

Kodai Ghat Road

Once you’re on the Kodaikanal ghat road, you’ll have to go for another nearly 50 miles. Since it is hilly and steep in certain places, it takes around an hour to travel this section of the highway from Bangalore to Kodaikanal. Keep your eyes on the road and you’ll spot some waterfalls and streams meandering through the forest. As you travel through these forests, you can sense the change in atmosphere- the scent of moist, damp earth and humid, fresh air.

Kodaikanal

After an hour-long demanding drive and making it to the top of the hill, you will start seeing housing and people, which is a good sign because it means you’ve successfully arrived at your vacation destination and now you can relax! Kodaikanal has several good hotels and restaurants where you can freshen up and catch up on food and rest before you head out to explore the town’s serene beauty. 

Places To See in Kodaikanal

Now that you’ve made it to the end of the trip, it’s time to holiday at the main destination. The exotic yet tranquil beauty of these places makes the long journey worth it. Moreover, all these places are super-pocket friendly with entry charges as low as Rs 30. 

• Coaker’s walk
• Green Valley
• Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple
• Kodaikanal Lake 
• Dolphin’s Nose
• Bryant Park

While you’re there, do not forget to check out all the wonderful food spots and the homemade chocolate factory for which Kodaikanal is famous.

Best Time to Visit & Duration of Trip

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is in summer- April to June, as the cool weather is very pleasing during the hot months. The temperature ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius making it suitable for outdoor activities such as cycling, boating and trekking. 

If you’re a little clueless about how long to spend in Kodaikanal, two full days are enough to tour all the major locations in Kodaikanal. 

Travel Tips & FAQs for Road Trip

• To avoid getting stuck in city traffic, leave Bangalore as early as you can, preferably in the morning.

• Make sure you pack up lots of snacks to avoid making unnecessary stops along the way. 

• It is advisable to carry some warm clothing as you may need it when the temperature starts dipping in the ghat areas. 

Is it safe to drive to Kodaikanal at night? 

Driving at night here can be a little challenging owing to the Ghat Roads. Even during the day, driving on the Palani – Kodaikanal Road, which connects the plains to Kodaikanal, is difficult due to its narrowness.

How is the road from Bangalore to Kodaikanal?

One of the most beautiful road drives in India is the one down NH7 from Bangalore to Kodaikanal. The highway is in excellent condition and offers a smooth and joyful drive. But there are a lot of “toll booths” along the way (A total of 9 of them). For a round-trip, the total toll price is approximately INR 1400.

Is Ola available in Kodaikanal?

Ola Outstation is now available for rides. The lovely city of Kodaikanal can now be reached through Ola ride. With just one click, book an Ola Outstation journey and take enjoyable road trips to Kodaikanal and other beautiful locations like Ooty and Palakkad. They also have special offers so make sure to not miss out on them.

Happy Travelling!

Happiness is Homemade

It’s no secret that along with being a scenic paradise, Kodaikanal is a hub for natural products such as Eucalyptus Oil from the Kodaikanal eucalyptus forest, homemade chocolates, candles and several other commodities that are manufactured indigenously, straight from nature’s bounty. For many of us, exploring a new location is as much about taking in the sights and sounds as it is about going on a shopping spree at our vacation destination. So go shopping in Kodaikanal. It is unlike anything other. When in Kodaikanal, it’s advisable to shop from the local vendors as you’ll always find something unique while also contributing to the local community and the preservation of forests. 

We’re sure you’d want to remember your Kodai trip for years to come so why not bring some of this mountain magic home with you in the form of handcrafted souvenirs? Moreover, some research on the destination you’re about to visit never hurts. This informational blog is all about the industries that are special to Kodaikanal and the goodness that this Princess of Hills has to offer.  

Eucalyptus Oil Industries

Eucalyptus oil is made from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, which is a fast-growing and evergreen tree native to Australia. The essential oil is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, such as nasal congestion, asthma, and tick repellent. The Eucalyptus forest in Kodaikanal covers almost 22,000 ha.

For thousands of years, Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Greek, and other European medical systems have used it to treat a variety of ailments. There are around 400 different eucalyptus species. The primary source of eucalyptus oil utilized worldwide is Eucalyptus globulus, popularly known as Blue Gum. The leaves are steam distilled to extract the oil, which is a white liquid with a strong, sweet, woody aroma.

Behind The Scenes

Major JM Partridge of the Indian army introduced eucalyptus, particularly blue gum or Eucalyptus globulus from Australia and Tasmania, to the Palanis in 1843. Major Partridge was also responsible for naming a shola in the past. He planted eucalyptus since the tree is recognised for absorbing enormous amounts of water and reducing insects and helping to confine large expanses of marshland, especially in the Shenbaganur area. 

As alternative applications for the trees, such as the extraction of eucalyptus oil, were discovered, a flood of other eucalyptus species saturated the Palanis. Fascinatingly enough, Eucalyptus Grandis is planted for the wood that is used in tea-making furnaces in Munnar and other tea-growing areas.

Uses & Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil offers a variety of medical benefits and is also quite a trend in the beauty and wellness space. 

• Combats Congestion & Clears Sinuses
• Soothes Insect Bites 
• Room Freshener 
• Keeps Bugs at Bay 
• Heals Dry Skin

Where To Buy Organic Eucalyptus Oil in Kodaikanal

• Kaleeswari Supermarket – Eucalyptus Oil, Natural Oils, Homemade Chocolates And Spices – Check Location  or Buy Online
• S V Natural Oils & spices – Check Location 
• SG Natural Oils and Spices – Check Location or Buy Online
• Jacob Oils and Spices – Check Location 
• VIJI.S Herbals & Natural Oils – Check Location

How to Identify a Fake One From a Real One? 

To extract the true benefits of any essential oil, purity is a vital factor. One can test the purity of an essential using a technique called the blot paper test. Because essential oils are non-greasy, they do not leave an oily mark on blotting paper like other oils we are familiar with, such as vegetable oil. That’s how you can test and find out if the oil is adulterated or pure. 

Home Made Chocolates Industries

For adults, for children, for good days for bad days, chocolate is always something that can lift anybody’s mood, especially if it’s premium quality homemade chocolate like the ones exclusive to Kodaikanal. The Chocolate Factory in Kodaikanal is a major tourist attraction and along with exotic memories, people go home with bags full of homemade chocolates from here. 

Handcrafted and customised chocolates of various sizes, shapes, and consistencies are sold on an individual basis, tailored to the individual’s wants and tastes, making it an ideal gift for loved ones.

Behind The Scenes

Chocolate in India began acquiring significance around 1852. American missionaries founded modern-day Kodaikanal as a hill station in 1845 as a haven from the plains’ harsh temperatures and tropical diseases. During this period, Cacao beans were discovered in the Princess of Hill Stations and that kick-started the development of the chocolate industry in Kodaikanal. The moderately cool and shady climate of Kodaikanal creates the ideal temperature for the growth of Cacao beans.  

Tamil Nadu houses one of the leading chocolate industries in the country and Kodaikanal is known to export chocolates to Europe along with other Asian countries. It also has a slew of tiny, family-run chocolate companies that serve as a major tourist magnet.

Uses & Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is high in nutrients that are beneficial to your health. It’s made from the cacao tree’s seed and is one of the greatest antioxidant sources available.

• Improves Blood Flow & Lowers Blood Pressure
• Helps With Blood Sugar Levels 
• Abundant with Antioxidants 
• Make the Most Delicious Hot Chocolate or Mocha
• Add to Cakes for Extra Richness

Where to Buy Authentic Homemade Chocolates in Kodaikanal

• Kodai Chocolate Factory – Check Location or Buy Online
• Manna Chocolate Factory – Check Location or Buy Online
• Kodai Herbals – Check Location or Buy Online
• SV Natural Oils and Spices – Check Location 
• Kodaikanal Homemade Chocolates – Check Location 

How to Identify a Fake One From a Real One? 

Pay attention to the ingredients indicated on the nutrition label while seeking dark chocolate. Real dark chocolate always contains cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and sugar. If palm kernel oil appears in the ingredients list, the chocolate is adulterated.

Coffee Industries

What do we crave on busy mornings, on rainy monsoon days and after a long day at work? Coffee! If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss when you’re in Kodaikanal, it’s the coffee here. Almost all the cafes here serve locally sourced coffee grown in the lush green hills of Kodaikanal. Cafe Cariappa is one of the most famous cafes known for its delicious homegrown coffee which you can also purchase to take home with you. 

India is one of the world’s largest coffee growers and produces some of the world’s best coffee, which is farmed in the shade instead of direct sunlight. The hill regions of South Indian states dominate coffee production in India.

Behind The Scenes

The state of Tamil Nadu produces 5% of India’s coffee beans. The districts of Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud are popular for this. Coffee has been widely cultivated by farmers since the 1970s, especially in the Palani Hills in Kodaikanal. Planters claim that their coffee beans won honours at an event 5 years ago. Indian coffee is known as “Indian monsooned coffee” since it is grown primarily in southern states during the monsoon season. The best Indian coffee matches the flavour qualities of Pacific coffees, according to some. Arabica and Robusta are the two most well-known coffee species.

Needless to say, Kodaikanal is a coffee hub and the taste of freshly brewed coffee on a cloudy day is incomparable.

Uses & Benefits of Pure Coffee

Along with health benefits, coffee also packs several other uses. Check out the benefits and some alternative uses of coffee below: 

• Gives Your Energy Levels a Boost
• Helps in Weight Management
• More Antioxidants than Tea
• Keeps Heart Healthy
• Banishes Bad Odour
• Good for Skin Exfoliation or Natural Scrub

Where to Buy Coffee in Kodaikanal

• Jeba’s Coffee Shop – Check Location
• Cafe Cariappa – Check Location or Buy Online
• Kodai Herbal – Check Location or Buy Online
• Dakshina Spices – Check Location
• Jacobs Spice Super Market – Check Location 

How to Identify a Fake One From a Real One? 

True coffee should inflate when placed in a glass of water, but phoney coffee lumps up. Pure coffee is light and viscous even when brewed. Because synthetic coffee contains amylase, the brew will be extremely sticky and thick. Your mug will stick to it.

Organic Vegetables

Organic foods are those that are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides.

Although Kodaikanal’s economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture plays a vital role in the city’s economy. The city earns a significant amount of money from agricultural products. The magnificent hill station with its paradisaical vistas has ideal weather for growing coffee, which is a key export item. The farms in Kodaikanal produce carrots, beans, avarakai (broad beans), chillies, bitter melons, peas, cardamom, garlic, custard apple, bananas, avocado, and the mysterious passion fruit while running on solar energy!

Behind The Scenes

Kodaikanal agriculture includes the cultivation of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruit orchards are well-known in Kodaikanal. Fruits such as pears, peaches, grapes, plums, and other berries are bountiful in the orchards of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal is one of the state’s top potato producers. The freshness and excellent quality of fruits and vegetables are highly in demand. 

The area also grows a variety of medicinal flowers such as Madonna, Datura, Dahlia, Lilly, and many others that are sold in marketplaces throughout the state. 

Techniques like irrigation, composting, vermiculture (composting with worms), Biodynamic preparations, planting calendars, Permaculture principles, and companion planting are practised to nurture these luscious top-quality vegetables. 

Benefits of Organic Food

Vegetables and fruits grown organically are safer than conventionally or chemically grown harvest, here’s why:

• Absence of Toxic Chemicals Leads to Better Overall Health
• Better Tasting
• GMO-Free
• Environment Safe
• Less Food-Borne Illnesses

Where to Buy Organic Vegetables in Kodaikanal

• OBJECT exotics and organic – Check Location
• Vegetable Market, Law Ghat Road – Check Location
• Iyarkai vegetables – Check Location
• Hoopoe On a Hill – Check Location or Buy Online

How to Identify Inorganic From Organic? 

The first way to tell a difference between the two is by appearance. Organic vegetables and fruits are rarely identical and even the veggies from the same harvest come in unique shapes. They aren’t as shiny as inorganic ones. Secondly, organic fruits contain more seeds and possess a stronger aroma. Also, organic foods have a shorter shelf life as compared to inorganic ones that may last up to weeks. 

Cheese

Just when you thought that you have experienced everything that Kodaikanal has to offer, a delightful surprise awaits you. Witness and taste Kodaikanal’s handcrafted organic cheese, firsthand. There are only a few cheese factories in Kodaikanal and what makes their homemade cheese special is that no preservatives are used and most products have a shelf life of one month and yet they are sold out very quickly. 

Behind The Scenes

In earlier times, good quality cheese was only available through imports. Cheese production is becoming a cottage industry in Kodaikanal, Ooty, Puducherry, and other places. Outside of their countries of origin, the Feta, Gouda, Edam, Cheddar, Parmesan, Montasio, and Camembert they manufacture here are the most authentic.

Caroselle – The Gourmand’s Cheese is the most popular and prominent cheese factory in  Kodaikanal. Caroselle cheese is used and sold in many 5 star hotels and niche/speciality stores in India. Patrizia Norelli-Bachelet founded the Aeon Centre of Cosmology in Kodaikanal, according to local legend. She encouraged and inspired Hanekke, and they founded Caroselle together.

The cheese’s unique feature is that it is created from the milk of cross-bred Friesian-Holstein cows raised in the valley under their care. 

Uses & Benefits of Organic Cheese 

Apart from being the highlight ingredient of some of your favourite dishes, organic cheese carries with it very many health benefits.

• To make a cheese sauce, add to a simple cream sauce
• To be sprinkled on gratinated delicacies or served with toast
• Cheese is one of the best calcium sources
• Cheese is an excellent protein source
• Vitamin B12 is abundant in cheese

Where to Buy Cheese in Kodaikanal

• Kodai Cheese – Check Location or Buy Online
• Caroselle – Check Location or Buy Online

How to Identify a Fake One From a Real One?

Processed cheese foodstuff comprises not only cheese, but also a slew of other components that aren’t fermented or even dairy-derived, such as vegetable oils, additional salt, colouring, various emulsifiers, and even sugar. Fresh cheese should be freshly cut at a deli or wrapped in wax and formed into a wheel.

There is No Sincere Love Than The Love of Food

George Bernard Shaw

The hill station of Kodaikanal is the ideal vacation spot for visitors. Kodaikanal, known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. From serene viewpoints to adventurous trekking paths and placid lakes, there’s something for every mood. 

The hill station offers great connectivity, clement weather, and a variety of reasonable lodging options. However, any vacation is incomplete without fantastic food, right? Fortunately, Kodaikanal’s food is as exotic as its natural beauty and the hill station provides ample opportunities to pamper your palate.   

The hill station is abundant with modest restaurants, offering travellers snacks and meals at affordable prices. When it comes to Kodai eats, delicious appetisers are available at the eateries, which are great for snacking on while touring the hill station’s various attractions. Kodaikanal accommodates numerous cuisines for its tourists including Mughlai, South Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, and European. 

Kodaikanal’s homemade chocolates and pastries are not to be missed! If you haven’t sampled the chocolates and sweets handmade by the people in Kodaikanal, you’re missing out! Along with independent cafés and small restaurants, many hotels also feature restaurants.

This Kodai food blog is the ultimate guide to Kodai eats, covering the best restaurants and cafes in Kodaikanal because good food equals a good mood!

Tourist’s Beloved: Popular Cafes In Kodaikanal

For ‘Starters’ we have dainty cafes, cosy ambience and delectable munchies. Kodaikanal possesses some of the loveliest cafes that are worth trying out amidst your kodai adventure. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular cafes that are characterised by high ratings and a plethora of positive reviews.

Pastry Corner

Find it on Google Maps: Daily Bread Pastry Corner

Do try: Filter coffee, Natural ice cream

Customer Star Rating: 4.5 

What’s Special Here?

This Kodaikanal bakery & cafe is known for its freshly baked pastries, cookies, hot filter coffee and welcoming staff. One can always spot a queue of customers outside so if you plan on grabbing a bite from here, you need to be on time as the food sells out pretty quickly. A Lot of visitors love to pair their steaming coffee with either plum cake or sponge cake. 

One of the most affordable eats where you can enjoy filter coffee for just Rs 15 and delicious sponge cake for around 20 bucks. They also prepare one of the best natural ice creams around, with interesting flavours like pear and so on. 

Cafe Cariappa

Find it on Google Maps: Cafe Cariappa

Do try: Carrot cake, Tosca cake, Coffee 

Customer Rating: 4.5 

What’s Special Here? 

When you need a coffee break, a cosy cafe like Cafe Cariappa is the place to be. The cafe is tastefully designed, the service is courteous and the coffee is sourced locally. Along with some wonderful homemade cake, you can also buy coffee or coffee beans to take home and carry the aroma of fresh coffee with you until your next trip to this beautiful place. Moreover, you can sit in the corridor sipping coffee and relish the city view. 

Passiflora Cafe

Find it on Google Maps: Passiflora Ristorante Italiano

Do try: Roasted Mushroom

Customer Rating: 4

What’s Special Here?

Flavoursome food with a heavenly view is Passiflora Cafe in a nutshell. Run by an Italian lady, this place is perfect for when you’re craving Italian cuisine. You can spend time on the hanging balcony here and enjoy the spectacular sunset or relax on the comfy couch with a book in hand paired with hot chocolate. Stop here to admire the view of Poombarai village on the way to Mannavanur Lake from Kodaikanal. Some well-liked dishes here are Pink Sauce Vodka Pasta, roasted mushroom, Passion fruit drink and Panna cotta. The cafe is slightly expensive but serves authentic Italian food. 

Muncheez

Find it on Google Maps: Muncheez

Do try: White Sauce Pasta, Cheesecake, Paneer 65 Roll

Customer Rating: 4.5 

What’s Special Here?

This snug cafe/restaurant is a wonderland for meat lovers. Dim lighting and soft music create a very pleasant ambience for dining. Beef roll, Wraps, Cheesecake, Pasta, Burger and Cafe Frappe are some of the dishes that Muncheez’s customers keep coming back for. This food spot is great for lunch, dinner as well as snacks as it offers many options to choose from.  

Altafcafe

Find it on Google Maps: Altaf’s Cafe

Do try: Ginger tea, Falafel plate, Chicken Schnitzel

Customer Rating: 4.5 

What’s Special Here?

A very popular cafe in Kodaikanal, Altafcafe serves excellent Israeli cuisine and is equally treasured for its Mediterranean food. When in Vattakanal for visiting Dolphin Nose, this cafe deserves your attention as there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cup of lemon ginger tea above the clouds, overlooking the lush green valleys of Kodaikanal. 

Wine & Dine: Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal 

Now that we’ve covered the top cafes in Kodaikanal, it’s time to move on to the ‘Entrée’, AKA the tasteful restaurants of Kodai. What’s remarkable is that the restaurants here accommodate diversity in diets by catering to vegetarians, non-vegetarians as well as vegans. In this kodai eats listicle, we’ve covered a handful of restaurants, ranging from casual and affordable to lavish and luxurious. 

Orchard Restaurant – Hotel Kodai International

Find it on Google Maps: Orchard Restaurant

Do try: Paruppu Podi Sadam, Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu, Rasam Sadam

Customer Rating: 5

What’s Special Here?

Hotel Kodai International itself is one of the best hotels to stay in Kodaikanal because of their exceptional hospitality and superb services like separate play areas for children and pets. The hotel’s restaurant is a bonus and has been labelled as a ‘must-try’ by all visitors. The restaurant serves stellar breakfast, lunch and dinner. One can even take a stroll on the fresh green lawns after an appetising meal. The Orchard has a colourful menu with several cuisines but South Indian and Chettinad style foods never cease to impress. 

Flavours – Le Poshe by Sparsa

Find it on Google Maps: Le Poshe by Sparsa

Do try: Exotic Sprouts Salad in an Igloo shelter, Avocado & Shrimp Timbale and Nested Brownie with Chocolate Sauce

Customer Rating: 4.5 

What’s Special Here?

On a cold and rainy day, you’ll be welcomed with a hot sukku malli coffee (Sukku is dried Ginger and Malli is dried Coriander) that warms the cockles of your heart. Flavours Restaurant offers a buffet as well as Ala Carte. Breakfast and supper buffets are both excellent along with plenty of desserts and salad options. Find everything from Chinese, Continental to North Indian, South Indian and more. The restaurant is spacious and provides indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the hills.

Tava, Vegetarian Restaurant

Find it on Google Maps: Tava Vegetarian Restaurant

Do try: Sweet Lassi, Pav Bhaji, Aloo Paratha with curd

Customer Rating: 4

What’s Special Here?

When away from home, food is the one thing that we miss the most, don’t we? If you ever find yourself missing home-like food during your trip, Tava is your holy grail. It’s a small vegetarian restaurant with limited seating that serves tasty North Indian food at fairly low rates. Flavourful Chhola Bhatoora, Tandoori roti, Gobhi Paratha and spicy chaat are some of the dishes that are bound to leave you with a happy gut. 

Bistro 1845

Find it on Google Maps: The Tamara Kodai

Do try: Blueberry Cheesecake, Aglio Olio Spaghetti, Mutton Laal Maas

Customer Rating: 5

What’s Special Here?

Located inside The Tamara Kodai Hotel, this restaurant combines good food, warmth and service seamlessly. A beautiful place with a dollop of vintage charm fused with contemporary elements. Bistro 1845 is one of the best restaurants in Kodai and worth revisiting because of the retro ambience and the genuine friendliness of the staff that is twinned with excellent food from diverse cuisines like Italian, Indian, Contemporary, etc. On a chilly day, you can take joy in feasting by the fireplace. 

Brother Tibet

Find it on Google Maps: Tibetan Brothers

Do try: Steamed Momos, Thukpa, Beef Chilly Fry

Customer Rating: 4

What’s Special Here?

This restaurant serves mouthwatering Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Perfectly cooked broth, steamed beef, and fried chicken may be just what you’re looking for. When visiting Brother Tibet, you must order great tea. This is the perfect pocket-friendly food spot for enjoying authentic Tibetan food. Along with being an absolute delight for beef lovers, the restaurant caters to their vegetarian clients as well.

Ten Degrees

Find it on Google Maps: Ten Degrees

Do try: Coconut Mousse, Stuffed Mushrooms, Grilled Stuffed Onion and Potato 

Customer Rating: 4.5

What’s Special Here?

The exterior of this food parlour might appear a little drab, however, one mustn’t judge a book by its cover as the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the enticing aroma of Chinese, Continental and fusion style foods. The place offers numerous choices for vegetarians, non-vegetarians and vegans. The flavours are very palatable with well-balanced sweetness. This unpretentious, laid-back diner is warm and inviting, making it an idyllic spot to get a break from all the traffic outside.

Sweet Tooth: Homemade Chocolates in Kodai

We’ve compassed starters, the main course and now it’s time to end this lovely feast with something sweet, after all, a meal isn’t complete without dessert. Fortunately, Kodaikanal is India’s very own chocolate heaven because the cacao plant species, which was previously unknown to India, was discovered here. In Kodaikanal, you’ll find anything from coffee bean chocolates to fruit-flavoured chocolate to chocolate topped with almonds. 

Here are 2 of Kodaikanal’s endeared homemade chocolate shops that are nothing short of a paradise for every chocolate lover.

Manna Chocolate Factory

Find it on Google Maps: Manna Chocolate Factory

Do try: Hot Chocolate

Customer Rating: 4.5

What’s Special Here?

This shop sells high-quality premium chocolates and is known to be the best chocolate shop in Kodai. One can tell a difference by the way their chocolate melts into the mouth, unlike any other! The best part is that you can eat it guilt-free because they use Stevia instead of sugar. It’s a lot of fun to wander around tasting chocolates for free and then purchasing the best boxes for loved ones.

Kodai Chocolate Factory

Find it on Google Maps: Kodai Chocolate Factory

Do try: Melted Cup

Customer Rating: 4.1

What’s Special Here?

Candies and chocolates of all sorts, shapes, sizes and colours can be found in this chocolate shop that has been in the game for almost 10 years. Clearly, there’s something about it that makes it a must-visit shop for homemade chocolates. You can also browse through their website and check out the mind-blowing chocolates that are sold here. 

Some More Chocolate Shops & Eateries 

• Mum’s Chocolate
• Kodaikanal Homemade Chocolates
• Spice India Chocolates & Spices Corner
• Cloud Street
• Silver Oak Restaurant
• Hilltop Woodlands

Happy Dining! 

Kodaikanal Wildlife Surprises You When You Least Expect It

Mohamed Ibrahim

Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is an untamed wildlife reserve that is very precious to India. Kodaikanal wildlife is bound to be the highlight of an animal lover’s trip to the South! Even if you’re not the biggest fan of animals, you can still have the time of your life here admiring the numerous waterfalls that are located all over the reserve.  

Palani’s sky-high mountains never cease to soothe the souls of nature lovers craving tranquillity amidst the hustle-bustle of the city life. The Palani Hills are abode by various endemic species of flowers and shrubs. One can also spot endangered animals like the Nilgiri Tahr & the Indian Elephant in the Palani wildlife sanctuary. 

If this sounds exciting to you, keep reading on to know how to make the best out of this place and experience the exotic Kodaikanal wildlife in all its glory.

Palani Hills

The Palani Hills, which are areas of great significance, form the eastern half of the massive Western Ghats. They’re one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. Palani Hills’ unique location and pleasant climatic settings, as well as exceptionally charming natural scenery, is what calls out to tourists from Kodaikanal. The evergreen shola forest is one of the most attractive features of this destination. 

Palani Wildlife Sanctuary

Among the 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park are among the most cherished wildlife preserves. This Forest Reserve, which is located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, was designated as a protected zone in 2008 by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The sanctuary covers a total area of 736.87 kilometres and covers numerous highlands and hills. The cherry on the cake is that Palani is home to around 26 mesmerising waterfalls!

The waterfalls here range in height from twenty metres to five kilometres. Bear Shola Falls and Pambar Falls are the most well-known of these waterfalls. Apart from these waterfalls, which have crystal clear water that gleams in the sun, the sanctuary is also surrounded by mountains that rise to an average height of 8,000 feet.

How To Reach

By Air 

Palani Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by plane from all major cities. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, around 170 kilometres from the nearest town of Kodaikanal.

By Road

Chennai, Madurai, and Trivandrum connect directly to Palani Wildlife Sanctuary. Other than that, government-operated buses, both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, run frequently from these cities. Private taxis and buses are also available to transport you to this location.

By Rail

Kodaikanal is the closest station. From Kodaikanal, various buses and taxis will bring you directly to the sanctuary.

Where to Stay

Within the sanctuary itself, there is a wide choice of lodging options. The forestry guest rooms and resorts are spread out around the sanctuary due to its vast size. It is preferable to book lodging in advance instead of looking for it until you arrive.

When To Visit

The months of April and May are ideal for visiting Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. There is moderate rainfall with frequent showers, as well as lush fauna and flora. The waterfalls in various regions of the reserve are at their most active during this time, creating a sense of untainted beauty. 

Famous Fauna

It always helps to know the specialities of the place you’re about to visit. Kodaikanal wildlife and Nilgiri wildlife are abundant with varied species of endangered animals. Here are the animals that you should keep an eye out for when visiting the Palani wildlife sanctuary. 

• Nilgiri Tahr
• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Wild Ox
• Indian Elephant
• Wild Boar
• Grizzled Giant Squirrel
• Indian Panther

Apart from these land animals, one can also spot various amphibians and reptiles that are exclusive to the Western Ghats. 

Prominent Waterfalls

One can relish the beauty of several enchanting waterfalls in and around Palani. Make sure you do not miss out on them and the peaceful ambience that’s created by these beautiful waterfalls. The sound of water hitting the rocks as it meanders and pours down into a foamy pool is a sight for sore eyes and rejuvenation for a tired mind. 

Here are some of the waterfalls adored by tourists:

• Bear Shola Falls  [2kms from Kodaikanal]
• Fairy Falls  [5 km from Kodaikanal]
• Silver Cascade  [8 km from Kodaikanal]
• Alanthoni Falls
• Thalaiyar Falls  [3rd highest waterfall in India]
• Pambar/Liril Falls  [3km from Kodaikanal]
• Snake Falls  [below Pambar falls]

Nearby Attractions

Once you’re done exploring the wilderness in Palani Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park, you can go ahead and venture out to other interesting and popular spots near Palani that are worth visiting. 

Palani Murugan Temple

The Palani Hills are home to Lord Muruga’s temple. Dandayuthapani is the patron God. The idol is crafted from medicinal plants. It is thought to be one of Lord Muruga’s six abodes and a famous pilgrimage site in South India. It is only a short distance from Thirupathi. The pilgrims are carried to the top by an electrically driven winch. 

Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over 32 square kilometres, this sanctuary is known for its “Neelakurinji” plantation, which is an endangered perennial plant that blooms only once in 12 years. It is a blue-flowering shrub that is native to this area. It’s about 50 kilometres from Munnar. The sanctuary acquires its name from the phrase Kurinjimala, which means “mountain where Kurinji blossoms.” 

Berijam Lake

The cool environment and rich foliage here make for an ideal picnic area. To enter the area, you’ll need a forest pass. There is also a 100-year-old brick structure in Berijam that you can look for while exploring the place. The lake is characterised by diverse plants and wildlife. This excursion can be completed in half a day. One should surely pay a visit purely for experiencing the freshness that this place offers.

Coaker’s Walk

Coaker’s Walk is a half-kilometre trail located near the Kodaikanal Lake and Bus Stand. Throughout the trek, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the valley. It’s one of Kodaikanal’s must-see attractions. Views of the blue clouds snuggled in the valleys that blanket the entire hills with only the summits visible are breathtaking. There are two telescope houses where you may take in the view.

If the animal lover in you has a neverending wanderlust and can’t get enough of Kodaikanal’s wonderful wildlife, here are some more National Parks that you can take a trip to.

Happy Exploring!

“In the Temple we can find peace. The blessings of the temple are priceless”

Thomas S. Monson

Lord Muruga, famously known as God of Hills is the ruling deity of Tamil Nadu, South India. God of war is another name that Lord Murugan is called by and he acquires a position of immense significance amongst Tamil Hindus. The Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple is well known among devotees as well as other tourists who come to admire the rare Kurinji flowers. These flowers, that bloom once every 12 years, are considered nothing short of a treasured jewel! The architectural style of the Kurinji temple beautifully incorporates Dravidian elements. Located about 3 km away from the star-shaped Kodai Lake, the shrine attracts countless visitors. One can even take in views of the Vagai Dam and Palani from here. 

Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple

The Kurinji temple is not to be mistaken for just another place of worship as it beholds a rich illustrious history. The interesting story behind this temple is that it was built by an Australian woman– Lady Leelavathi Ramanathan who was married to PonnambalamRamanatham, the Solicitor General of Ceylon. She was so fascinated and moved by Hindu scriptures that she chose to convert to Hinduism and adopt the culture. Later, following the demise of Lady Ramanathan’s husband, she built this temple in 1936 to honour his memory. 

In addition to the idol of Lord Muruga, who is the primary deity here, there are idols of nine planet gods. The intricate carvings and beautiful paintings found throughout the temple are breathtaking and will leave you speechless. The Tamil words Kurinji and Andavar denote ‘hill region’ and ‘God,’ respectively. As a result, the name itself symbolizes a relationship between the hill and the hill’s God.

The Kurinjis

The temple was named after the famed Kurinji flowers that blanket the hills of Kodaikanal in purple and blue. These flowers are tied to the name of the ‘Nilgiri Hills’. In a rare phenomenon, Kurinji flowers only bloom once in 12 years. Strobilanthes Kunthiana is the scientific name possessed by them and is locally called ‘Neelakurinji’. 

Kurinji flowers can be found in roughly 33 different types in the Ooty mountain ranges. It is a natural phenomenon, and neither a scientist nor a naturalist has been able to come to any conclusions on how the Kurinji flowers stick to the time intervals of 3, 7, 12, 17, and 36 years for flowering, one of the many mysteries of the mother earth still unsolved!

Kurinji flowers can be found in abundance in the Shola Forests of the Western Ghats of South India. They can be witnessed in their glory covering the mountains of Kodaikanal, South India’s Princess of Hills. Tourists, nature enthusiasts, and photographers flock to Kodaikanal during the flowering season to observe and enjoy the exotic beauty of the Kurinji flowers.

They last bloomed in 2018 and are expected to bloom again in 2030 now.

Nearby Attractions

• Silver Cascade Falls – Birthed by the overflow from the man-made Kodai Lake, these falls are the ideal place to stop on a long road trip. Feel free to dive into the waters if the temperature’s suitable!

• Sacred Heart Church – The Sacred Heart Church is one of Kodaikanal’s holiest sites. It is a parish church of the Roman Catholic faith. People travel from all over to offer their prayers. The church’s lovely architecture makes it stand out.

• Kodai Lake – The views of the lake are beautiful. If you want to rent a pedal boat, you won’t have to wait long. Pony riding and cycling are available for a fee near the entrance to the boathouse.

• Wax Museum – There is a cost to enter, and once inside, you can witness wax statues of Krishna-Radha, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Sharda Devi, St Alphonsa, St Francis Xavier, and other religious figures.

Palani Murugan

After a pleasant visit to the Kurinji Temple, make sure you take some time out to explore another significant shrine, the Palani Murugan Temple. One of Murugan’s Six Abodes is the Palani Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani shrine. Palani is a popular tourist destination in South India, known for the Palani Murugan Temple, which was built thousands of years ago and is dedicated to the Hindu war God Kartikeya (Lord Murugan). 

With the lush Western Ghats in the background and lovely lakes in its foothills, it is a picturesque location. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Palani. Enchanting hills, old temples, appealing waterfalls, magnificent lakes, deep green forests, and a spectacular animal sanctuary all draw a large number of people.

From the Palani Murugan, you can see the entire Palani city’s breathtaking splendour. The Palani Murugan Temple holds immense spiritual significance because the idol is said to be fashioned from a concoction of nine poisons (Navapashanam) with healing properties.

Nearby Attractions

• Palani Hills –  Mythology has it that Lord Murugan himself created this location. Lord Muruga was enraged because Lord Shiva had refused to give the auspicious mango fruit presented by sage Narada. As a result, he proceeded to this region and established a territory for himself- The Palani Hills

• Varathamanathi Dam – If you’re in search of a place to relax on the outskirts of the town, this is the spot. The dam’s not crowded and offers an amazing view of the Palani Hills. 

• Thirumoorthy Hills & Waterfall – It is one of the most popular spots to visit near Pollachi and is part of the Anamalai range in the Western Ghats. Thirumoorthy Temple is located at the foot of the hills, bordered on one side by a seasonal stream.

Traveller’s Guide

Location: Kurinji Andavar Temple Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, 624101, India

Entrance Fee: No fee

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Best Time to Visit: 11 am

• Summer is a great time to visit the Kurinji Hindu Temple as you can enjoy a clear view due to the lack of fog. After a long day of exploring Kodaikanal, make a stop at this temple to breathe in peace and delight in the divine aura that this place radiates.  

• To avoid crowds, visit the temple in the morning. 

• There might be extra parking charges. 

• After viewing the temple, don’t forget to see the Kurinji flower and tour Kodai Lake.

• Pastry Corner, Muncheez, Cafe Cariappa, Question Mark and Kodai Sunshine Hotel are some delectable nearby restaurants and food spots.

Where Mist and Trees Fall in Love

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a lovely hill station that welcomes visitors from all over for a pleasant vacation. The hill station’s charisma is obvious in its famed moniker, “Princess of Hills”. The hill station provides travelers with a comprehensive trip package that includes daring trekking routes, temples, museums, caverns, breathtaking waterfalls, parks, and lakes. 

The hill station is also well accessible by numerous modes of travel, including roads, railroads, and airways. The wonderful climate in Kodaikanal adds to its allure. Kodai weather is often good, providing a relaxing environment to spend a few memorable days with your loved ones. 

In this blog, we’ve indexed seasons in Kodai along with metrics to aid you in choosing the right time for a hilly vacation and to smoothen your Kodai travel booking. 

Weather in January 

Kodaikanal offers pleasant temperature combinations in the months of winter, especially in January. Evenings tend to be chilly so make sure to carry layered woolens and warm clothing. It’s a delightful time to be outside. If you’re planning a trip to Kodaikanal in January, you mustn’t leave without witnessing the Pongal celebration. 

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 28.1°C

Low: 16.3°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 71%

Rainfall: 12mm 

Weather in February

February is a slightly more convenient visiting time for people who do not possess a high tolerance for cold temperatures. Kodaikanal gets a lot of tourist traffic in the summer months, hence planning a trip in the winter months pans out to be more economical as hotels charge season fares that are 20-30% higher than during the off-season months- October to February.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 30.4°C

Low: 17.2°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 61%

Rainfall: 18mm 

Weather in March

It’s a fantastic time to visit Kodaikanal because it’s the beginning of spring, which means the weather will be amiable. And if everything goes well, you might be able to glimpse the mountains and landscapes, though capturing pictures and viewing mountains may be tough owing to the clouds.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 32.8°C

Low: 20.3°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 55%

Rainfall: 34mm 

Weather in April

Summers in Kodaikanal are beautiful. Trekking, cycling, boating, sightseeing, and summer festivals are all available during this season. Berijam Lake, Coakers Walk, Chettiar Park, Kurinjiandavar Temple, and many other attractions in Kodaikanal are popular tourist destinations.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 34.8°C

Low: 23°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 55%

Rainfall: 63mm 

Weather in May 

Although it is not advisable to tour South India during the peak summer month such as May, there are still a couple of hill stations that can offer you shelter from the scorching heat. Kodaikanal, Ooty and Coorg are some of them. These sites will feel like heaven in the searing heat of May, and you will be able to enjoy a lot more in the cooler weather and make tonnes of memories.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 34.6°C

Low:  24.2°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 58% 

Rainfall: 80mm 

Weather in June

The period of June is also referred to as the early monsoon and it’s a splendid time to make a trip to Kodaikanal. The ambiance is something else! Families, Nature Buffs, and Adrenaline Junkies, all venture out of their homes and explore Kodaikanal during this time. 

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 32.1°C

Low:  23.5°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 62% 

Rainfall: 68mm 

Weather in July

In Kodaikanal, the monsoon (which usually arrives in July) will be extremely enjoyable, however, it will be a very wet season. During the monsoon, the visual grandeur of Kodaikanal is amplified, and the overall experience is wonderfully invigorating. The rains turn the hills into lush green slopes, making your vacation a breathtakingly beautiful experience.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 31.8°C

Low:  23.6°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 62%

Rainfall: 72mm 

Weather in August

In August, the weather will be cool, although there will be some rain. If you prefer rainy days, you’ll love it. The best part is that August is off-season, which means better deals and fewer crowds at the attractions. Natural vegetation would be abundant, and places like Mannavanur, as well as the exotic Kodai flora, would be gorgeous.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 31.6°C

Low:  23.5°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 63%

Rainfall: 79mm 

Weather in September

The monsoon season, which lasts mostly from July through August, can be challenging. However, it is during this time that the beauty of rain and fresh air is best appreciated. September is an excellent month to visit because it rarely rains and the weather is perfect for touring. In fact, September is the peak season of Kodaikanal.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 31.6°C

Low:  22.9°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 64%

Rainfall: 67mm

Weather in October

October makes for the best month to visit Kodaikanal. Here’s why: It’s the end of monsoon season, therefore, making it less wet and troublesome to wander around in. Secondly, it also kickstarts the winter season, the most pleasant period to make a trip to Kodaikanal in. Renting & riding a motorbike around the city is one way to make your voyage more exciting. 

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 30.1°C

Low:  21.3°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity:71%

Rainfall: 216mm

Weather in November

September and November are ideal months to go to Kodaikanal because one can easily get cottages at a minimal price, due to it being off-season. A relaxed stay always makes the vacation more pleasurable. Climate is comparatively more chilly and it rains frequently, carpeting the lush greens in dew and enveloping the hilly tops in clouds of mist. Kodaikanal’s scenic beauty is at its peak in the month of November. 

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 28°C

Low:  19.3°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity: 78%

Rainfall: 145mm

Weather in December

In December, especially around Coaker’s Walk or near the Observatory in Kodaikanal you can enjoy a spectacular view of the clear night sky and revel in stargazing like never before. The chilly nights make for a perfect bonfire occasion. However, there will be a lot of mist at night. Even during the day, the city and vantage sites are likely to be shrouded in mist. Many view locations, such as valleys below the green valley viewpoint (former suicide point), dolphin nose, and pillar rock, may not be viewable.

Average Temperature in Kodaikanal

High: 27.2°C

Low:  17.5°C

Average Humidity & Rainfall in Kodaikanal

Humidity:  78%

Rainfall: 56 mm

Kodai Peak Seasons

What Is The Best Time To Visit? 

January, February, March, and April are excellent months to visit Kodaikanal since they incorporate the best of winter and summer. These months offer a more pleasant climate than any other period, which implies that you’re bound to have a marvelous vacation. 

May and June are the liveliest months of the year. Kodaikanal will be more crowded. Everything costs twice as much this time, be it resorts, hotels, or even restaurants.

Even individuals who reside in Kodaikanal are not very fond of the monsoon months of July and August.

The winter months of November and December are the most freezing months of the year.

To Sum Up

• The weather is always lovely and the temperature is seldom too high. Kodaikanal experiences a mild temperature throughout the year. 

• It can get chilly between September and February, so bring some woolens.

• Sightseeing is possible at any time of year. You can go out and explore regardless of the season.

Happy Vacationing!