One life is just not enough to cherish the Beauty of Wildlife

Alvis Lazarus

Kodaikanal is nicknamed “Princess of hills”. A small town with rich history covered with thick forest located in the upper Palani hills at an elevation of more than 7000 feet in the Western Ghats of India in Tamil Nadu State.

From the limits of daily life, everyone wants to escape the chaotic city lifestyle and rest in a peaceful location. There is a one-holiday plan that is perfect for everyone. Forest trips, above all, appear to be the perfect plan for people to undertake. It gives a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in peaceful surroundings.

A trip to the forest offers many countless activities to perform. What do you think about a trek into the hills, A safari close to the animals? To make it more adventurous, what do you think about a Night safari?

Kodaikanal is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The tourists explore the hill station’s wilderness on the Kodaikanal wildlife safari. An adventurous Night safari is one of the top tourist activities in Kodaikanal.

Night Safari

A trip to forests is no less than an excursion. Night safari is the perfect way to experience the splendid beauty, the natural panorama and the mystic charm of Kodaikanal. Unlike the other mountain regions, Kodaikanal has an enduring charm when the sun falls.

A night here in Kodaikanal offers you many memorable and exciting experiences. Loaded with a plethora of entertainment options like a night safari in the woods and Camping at Bear Shola Falls.

Apart from insight into the lives of nocturnal animals during the night safari. If you are lucky enough you may get a chance to see endangered fauna like Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri pipit, Grey-headed Bulbul, Bison etc,

How to Reach Kodaikanal?

🛫 By Air :

The nearest airport is in Madurai which is located about 135 km from the city. Other important airports nearest to the city are located in Trichy or Tiruchirapalli (201 km) and Coimbatore (171 km).

🚆 By Rail :

Kodai Road Station is the closest station located about 81 km away from the city. After reaching this station you have to travel by roadway to reach Kodaikanal.

🚍 By Road:

Kodaikanal is connected with major cities in the region. Kodaikanal is connected with Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Palani, Dindigul, and Coimbatore.

Location and Timings of Night Safari

Night safari is offered by Hotels, Resorts, and Private tour operators in tour packages. Apart from these, one can rent out a vehicle.

The tour operators charge between INR 2500 to INR 5000 according to the Vehicle model, Duration of safari, and Distance traveled. The Night safari usually starts at 8 PM and ends at 12:00 AM. Tourists get availed pick and drop from all over the Kodaikanal.

Activities Involved in The Safari

1. Kodai Lake

An artificial lake was constructed in 1863 by the Collector of Madurai. The lake acts as a Geographic landmark of Kodaikanal. Boating is the main activity one can do in the lake.

Captured by – found_and_framed

2. Silver Cascade Falls

The waterfall is formed by the overflow of water from Kodaikanal lake. The night view of the city from here is cinematic.

3. Bear Shola Falls

The picnic spot cherishes the visitors with its natural beauty and invites tourists to spend time with nature. The moonlight, the water beneath the stones and bonfire makes the moment memorable.

4. Moir point

Located at the entrance of the forest. The tourists can enjoy the night view of the entire city from this point.

5. Trekking & Camping

Kodaikanal’s beauty is best explored on foot. Major treks in Kodaikanal are Trek to Dolphin’s nose, Perumal Peak Trek, Bear shola trek, Pine forest trek, and Trek to Guna Caves. While undertaking treks in Kodaikanal visitors get enthralled by nature along the way.

6. Extinct Species

Despite the prevalence of exotic fauna, the Forest is home to many extinct species. If you are lucky enough you can experience the thrill of spotting these species in their natural habitat.

Nilgiri Marten Captured by Navaneeth Kishor

The forest is home to many extinct species such as Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Marten, Brown palm civet, and Nilgiri Tahr and habitat to many other animals which are present all over India like Indian Bison, the largest mammals of the region; Sambar deer, an 8 feet long deer which is sacred in the region; Barking deer’s, Royal Bengal tiger, Wild Ox, Grizzled Giant squirrel also.

Nilgiri Langur

The Nilgiri Langur, also known as Indian Hooded Leaf Monkey is endemic to India. These unique habitats are only found in the Southern part of India.

How To Spot the Animals in Pitch Darkness?

After sunset when the chirping of birds stops, the diurnal animals go inactive. Then there is new life born out of the darkness. The nocturnal animals become active and start to find food in the darkness of night. Viewing animals on the night safari is the highlight of the experience.

Here are a few tips to rush your adrenaline by spotting the animals:

• Install a spotlight and cover it with red plastic wrap during your night safari. Many of the animals do not pick up red lights, with less disturbance you can spot the light on wild animals.
• Wearing night vision devices on night safari is encouraged as it helps us to identify the animals which are far away from the scope of light.
• Stay calm and drive slowly as animals get anxious by high-pitch sounds.
• Knowing the noises of animals adds an advantage. Giving attention to the animal noises makes it easier to find the direction of the animal where they lie.
• Look around the lakes, and ponds as animals like Langurs prefer to live near the water.

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

1. Berijam lake

A hidden Crystalline water lake located in a dense forest near the Kodaikanal, this lake is a habitat for the beautiful Flora and Fauna of the region. One can enjoy Fishing and Bird watching here.

Captured by Smita Nandish

2. Dolphin’s nose

The natural rock resembles the shape of a Dolphin’s nose. One can reach the cliff by a 1km trek from Vattakanal Hamlet.

Bird’s eye view of Dolphin’s nose

3. Coaker’s walk

Summers are the best time to visit Coaker’s walk. A 1km walk was constructed by Lieutenant Coaker in 1872. The view from here is spectacular. It is advisable to visit Coaker’s walk-in during clear cloudy as it is located above the clouds.

4. Guna Caves

It is located at a 5 km distance from Kodaikanal. On the short trek after parking the car in the forest uphill, you see Deep, Narrow, and Dark caves. The Caves are nicknamed Devil Kitchen as Mist lying on the caves resembles the smoke coming out from Chimney.

Shot by –Divya Kumari

5. Kurinji Andavar Temple

A known Dravidian architecture temple located 3 km from Kodaikanal town. Lord Murugan is the deity here. The temple is crowded with Pilgrims and Tourists.

Precautions and Safety Measures to be taken during the Night Safari

Your safety and the safety of your family must be taken care of first and foremost. While you are relishing the Night Safari don’t miss out on some important tips mentioned below :

• Always stay in the vehicle and ensure to keep your windows up as wildlife is not restricted to a place.
• Make sure the road ahead is well-lit by your car’s headlights and keep a lookout in the surroundings to avoid hitting animals crossing the road.
• Always drive slowly during the Night Safari and Stay calm so that you don’t frighten the animals.
• Always listen to your Guide as they are well known about the surroundings.
• If you are close to an animal and observing it, take note of its behavior – if it looks agitated in any way, makes mock runs at you, or stares and paces up and down, then move slowly off.
• Be aware of the surroundings and consider the risks in the area.
• Walking alone at night is not encouraged, move in a group if you want to go out.

Where to stay?

Hotels and Resorts located in every part of the town are available at budget-friendly prices. The hotels and resorts also offer cab service, tour packages, and Guides.

Accommodation can be booked from all major Booking sites. These are some of the High rated hotels and Resorts:

• JC Residency: Convent road. The hotel is 8 km from Silver Cascade Falls, 5 km from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Museum, and 3 km from Kodaikanal Lake.
• Clouds N Mist, Building Society Main Road, MM street.
• Lumino Fairstay, Opp fire station, Convent Road.
• Indra Residency, 4th Street Anantagiri, Opp to Kodaikanal Radio Station.
• Trippr Kodaikanal Backpacker Hostel, Perupallam Road.
• Santhi Ayurvedic Resort, Siddha Healthcare Centre, Atuvampatty cross.

Pack Your Bags Now!

Kodaikanal is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The hill station’s wilderness is explored by tourists on the Kodaikanal wildlife night safari. An adventurous Kodaikanal safari is one of the top tourist activities in the region.

Night rides are best experienced in Kodaikanal. They are not only about sightseeing, there is more to explore. Kodaikanal is famous for its night food joints. Thupka soup is one of the best local delicacies for your midnight cravings.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and book your tickets for Kodaikanal, one of the most surreal and wonderful places in India. Being a part of such a wonderful experience assures that you won’t feel undone.

Book Your Tour Plan

Book your tickets with Kodaitrip to get the best experience of your Vacation.

Night Rides – Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Trekking