Places to Visit Near Kodaikanal

Known For : Vydehi Falls Adiyogi Shiva Statue Kovai Kondattam

One of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is a major hub for industry, textiles, and manufacturing, and is also the gateway to several other tourist destinations in South India. However, there is a lot more to Coimbatore than just that. From ancient temples to classy new buildings, from breathtaking mountains to jaw-dropping waterfalls, from a mouth-watering cuisine to pleasant weather all year round, Coimbatore has everything you could possibly need to make for a perfect holiday experience.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 175 km

Best Time: September to March

27 Coimbatore Attractions

Known For : Palakkad Fort Silent Valley National Park Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The quaint town of Palakkad in Kerala boasts of picturesque landscape, tranquil scenery and clear backwaters. Palakkad gets its name from pala trees which once dominated the area. Also known as Palghat, Pallakad is located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy Fields and is famous as the chief granary of Kerala.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 174 km

Best Time: July to March

37 Palakkad Attractions

Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District, in Kodaikanal. With a height of 297m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. There is view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 20 km

Berijam Lake is a quaint reservoir near Kodaikanal town in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is at the old site of Fort Hamilton and is situated in the upper Palani hills, overlooking the surrounding landscape. Berijam Lake was formed as the result of the construction of a dam with sluice outlets and is part of a micro-watershed development project. The sparkling blue waters of this attraction makes for a tranquil spot for nature lovers to enjoy in the lap of Mother Earth, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 20 km

Old rock shelters which are believed to be the home to the descendants of the Palaiyar tribes who used to wear leaf clothing, the Kukkal Caves are the overhanging slabs of various types of metamorphic rocks known as granulite and charconite. Until the mid-1980s, more than 30 families lived on the hilltop where a small temple was situated as well. The old hand paintings present on the walls of the temple indicate the presence of the Paliyan tribes.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 29 km

Perumal Peak which is situated at the height of 2,440 meters is the highest peak of the Perumalai Hills. Nestled in the majestic Western Ghats, it is a place that is worth visiting on tour to Kodaikanal. Bestowed upon with enchanting natural beauty, the site is flocked to by nature lovers as well as adventure seekers. Situated around 18 km from Kodaikanal, this peak is the dream destination of every trekker out there. In addition to this, the Perumal Peak also provides stunning views of the surrounding Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 21 km

Known For : Suruli Falls Meghamalai Vaigai Dam

Dotted by luscious patches of greenery and gushing waterfalls wherever you go, Theni is a little hamlet on the Western Ghats. With something for every traveller, from seeking divinity at the exquisite temples to taking a dip into the waterfalls, Theni is the best-kept secret of Tamil Nadu. The topography of Theni mainly consists of hills and ranges. It won't be an exaggeration to say that Theni has plenty of rivers and dams which add up to the beauty of this place. Theni is an abode to 27 forests hence filled with unparalleled greenery and wilderness.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 97 km

Best Time: November to February

7 Theni Attractions

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, Madurai is constructed in the form of a lotus. Madurai is known for Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar. There are many other ancient temples in Madurai, including Thiruparankundram. It is one of the important old temples dedicated to Lord Muruga(Karthikeya) and is located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 115 km

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Mathikettan Shola National Park is between other national reserve forests such as Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park. Established initially to encourage cardamom plantation, it was declared as a national park in 2003 to protect the environment, and it's ecology, flora and wildlife. It now stands as a conservatory for wildlife and flora alike.

Located 35 km off Munnar is the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, perched at an altitude of 8000 ft. above sea levels. This orthodox tea factory lays claim to being one of the highest in the world and is famous for its flavoursome tea. It takes about 52 minutes to reach here by jeep from Munnar. Tourists frequent this place for a mesmerising view of Kodaikanal which looks best during sunsets. At the tea factory here, tea leaves are still handpicked, rolled, cooled, fermented and manually packed for distribution.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 147 km

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, more famously known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, located in the south of India is a unique reserve which has long since protected the endemic species of both plants and animals that reside here. The reserve was officially declared a Tiger Reserve in the year 2007. It lies in the Western Ghats which is a well-known hotspot for biodiversity. This also means that the species found in the tiger reserve are truly endangered and often rare and in need of protection.

Poombarai is a tiny village that is famous for its production of garlic. It is comfortably nestled among terraced fields and lush greenery. It stands at the height of 1,920 m in the Palani Hills and offers a picturesque view of the surroundings. You get to see colourful houses laid out in neverending greenery. Poombarai is as tranquil as it is mesmerising, and makes for a fantastic addition to any Kodaikanal trip.

Distance from Kodaikanal: 4 km

Cardamom hills is a renowned mountain range of Kerala. It is beyond a visual treat and happens to be a one of the best places for rejuvenation. There are valleys, forests, spice villages, tribes, tea plantations and more. Apart from offering scenic views, cardamom hills also serves to be the right place for biking, cycling, trekking etc. There are wildlife sanctuaries and National parks as well.