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Kodaikanal
The captivating Kodaikanal lake and the blanket of clouds tucking the hill station to sleep at night, makes Kodaikanal tourism an inviting holiday destination. Referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal sits regally at the crown of the Palani Hills. Tourists flock to the hill… read more
Kodaikanal is lovingly referred to as The Princess of Hill stations. And boy, does it take this title seriously! Built around an exotic star shaped lake, the region exudes ethereal charm like that of fairy-tales. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October - June, however, the weather remains a bit chilly during December and January. Cliffs, valleys, waterfalls and forests, carved out of nature’s nooks and crannies, band together as one. Kodaikanal can be visited through the year, but the ideal time is in the winter between October and March. The summer and monsoon months from April to June and between July and September respectively, also make for a good Kodaikanal trip.
Come sun or rain, the region glitters with sugar and spice! Hence, it is not surprising that people travel far and wide to partake in its natural splendour. However, this South Indian hill station has so much more to offer. From history to culture and recreation, tourists will find multifarious offerings throughout the year. So, what is the best time to visit Kodaikanal? Well, that depends on your unique requirements, preferences and levels of tolerance. However, we do have some guiding pointers for you.
Let’s begin with a breakup of each season, along with categorisation of the busiest periods:
Peak Season – October to March
Shoulder Season – April to June
Low Season – July to September
|
Travel Seasons |
Min/Max Temperature |
Season |
|
April to June |
13-34°C |
Summer - Warm |
|
July to September |
20-28°C |
Monsoon - Moderate rainfall |
|
October to March |
8-28°C |
Winter - Chilly |
Temperature – The air temperature during the season of summer fluctuates between 13°C and 34°C.
Weather – The weather of Kodaikanal in summer is mild, with occasional periods of hot and cold. Soft blue skies, soothing sunshine and ever blooming flora litters the plains. Some may consider this to be the best season to visit Kodaikanal in, for wanderlust and wayfaring!
Significance – This gorgeous hill station blossoms in the summer. Not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of activities such as boating, cycling and trekking, but you can also navigate nature’s bounty. For instance, Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Thalaiyar Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin’s Nose and Kurinji Temple.
Why you should visit now – Summer teems with energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in its colourful festivals. This is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in local Indian culture. The annual Kodaikanal Summer Festival thrives with eclectic offerings such as flower shows, kabaddi tournaments, Rangoli competitions and Bharatanatyam performances. It’s something worth witnessing!
Things to know before the visit – As this is mid tourist season and a popular time to travel, accommodation and tour prices will be steeper. Be sure to make your bookings well in advance, so that there are no last-minute hassles. Be wary of the hustle bustle that is synonymous with this season. Lastly, take note of the elevation of this destination and all that comes with it.
Tips – The summer months, although not extreme, can get rather warm. Hence, pack light cotton clothing to prevent stickiness and irritation of skin. SPF 30+ Sunscreen will aid you in preventing tans. Throw in a hat and some sunglasses too! Lastly, keep hydrated through the day and consume balanced meals.
Temperature – The air temperature during the season of monsoon fluctuates between 20°C and 28°C, with an average rainfall of 1650 mm.
Weather – Kodaikanal during monsoon is pleasing, to say the least. The temperature is cool, the atmosphere is earthy, and the air is fresh. The first showers of rain breathe life into the lush green landscapes. This is the best climate to visit Kodaikanal, if you’re a connoisseur of nature.
Significance – From July to September, this majestic hill station glistens with all its might. There is something so romantic and artistic about the rainy season. Every sense is heightened as the surroundings go from pretty to awe-inspiring. Take a look at these magical monsoon sites - Glen Falls, Fairy Falls, Silver Cascade, Kodai Lake and Byrant’s Park.
Why you should visit now – If you haven’t experienced the enchantment of hilly monsoons, you’re missing out! Kodaikanal is a serene, green universe that sings to the symphony of nature. It offers individuals the chance to relax, unwind and rejuvenate, amidst the stunning drizzles and showers.
Things to know before the visit – Monsoon is deemed as low tourist season, as the rains can sometimes make it precarious to be out and about. In-fact, there is risk of landslides occurring during this time. On a lighter note, this is the best time to optimise on affordable prices offered by hotels and travel agencies.
Tips – You never know what the monsoon season will bring! As such, carry an umbrella, windcheater and rain proof footwear. Make sure your attire is comfortable and protective. Shelter all electronic gadgets in plastic bags, you don’t want to be sorry. Don’t forget to apply that all important mosquito repellent. Lastly, stay clear from unhygienic street food stalls.
Temperature – The air temperature during the season of winter fluctuates between 8°C and 28°C.
Weather – The climate of Kodaikanal in winter can be described as frosty and fantastic. With temperatures occasionally dipping below 8 degrees, the atmosphere is the perfect blend of chilly and comfortable. One can engage in sightseeing and exploration of this exquisite hill station with ease.
Significance – Kodaikanal winters will inspire you to live your very own Bollywood fantasy! The panoramic views are simply breath taking. What’s more? You will be greeted with angelic wisps of fog! Here are some of the recommended winter spots for you to enjoy - Pillar Rocks, Coakers Walk, Devil’s Kitchen, Dolphin’s Nose and the Kodai-Palani Trek.
Why you should visit now – What better time to tour the sights, engage in adrenaline pumping adventure sports and taste delicious delicacies? There is something to be said about snug mug of hot chocolate in this weather! Kodaikanal induces equal parts of adrenaline and comfort in the winter.
Things to know before the visit – During winter, tourists flood the gates of Kodaikanal. Being peak tourist season, the region witnesses a palpable busyness. Long queues and large crowds at major sight-seeing points are common occurrences. Furthermore, hotels tend to get booked out extremely quick. So, ensure that you plan your trip well in advance to avoid any hinderances.
Tips – Winters in Kodaikanal fluctuate from pleasant to extremely cold. As such, it is imperative to carry long sleeved shirts, pants, socks, sweaters and a warm jacket. If you’re someone who is inclined to feeling cold, throw in a scarf and some vests too! It’s always good to carry moisturizer and lip balm during this season.
This dreamy hill station is awaiting your presence! If you’ve decided on the best time to visit, go through Thomas Cook’s amazing Kodaikanal tour packages.
Kodaikanal doesn’t have an airport, so if you want to come here by air, then you will have to fly down to the nearest airport which is in Madurai, which is 120kms away, or Trichy which is 150kms away. Another airport that is often used to get to Kodaikanal is Coimbatore airport which is 175km away. Once you reach these airports, you can most likely take a taxi or a local TNSTC bus to reach Kodaikanal.
By Bus
There are regular bus services to Kodaikanal from cities such as Chennai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Madurai, etc. In fact, this is the most preferred way to reach Kodaikanal because of the many options that are available. The Kodaikanal bus stand is centrally located and once you get down here, it’s easy to figure out where you need to go.
By Road
A road trip to Kodaikanal is also an excellent idea as it can be quite scenic and beautiful. However, do note that the ghat sections here are extensive and inexperienced drivers might find it a little difficult to drive. There are two routes to reach Kodaikanal – Palani and Vathalagundu. Before taking either of these routes, do some research to see if these routes are navigable as sometimes construction and road widening work is usually done here. However, the experience of driving down to Kodaikanal in your own car can be a refreshing experience indeed.
Around 100kms from the main Kodaikanal town is Kodai Road, which is the station that serves Kodaikanal. The rail route can be quite scenic so many people opt for travelling here by train. However, reaching the main town from here is not easy as only taxis are available. Taxi rates are not negotiable as there’s no other way to reach the town and taxi drivers often capitalize on that.
The other railway station close by is Dindigul Railway Station. It can be a slightly circuitous route to reach Kodaikanal however as you will have to first take an auto to reach Dindigul Bus Stand and take a bus to Vathlagundu, and then a bus to Kodaikanal from there. There are direct buses from Dindigul to Kodaikanal too, but these are not very frequent. The distance from Dindigul to Vathlagundu is 30 minutes and from here to Kodaikanal, it’s 2 hours by bus.
Also check out the best time to visit Kodaikanal and plan your journey accordingly.
