Before you start reading, this post is only useful for groups who just want to have a peaceful stay and enjoy the beauty of nature.
I recently visited Kodaikanal, and the one thing I learned from it is, if you visit Kodaikanal, never stay at Kodaikanal. The rooms are expensive and not even worth the money you spend. There will be many people who try to convince you to take the room they say and they will say “You will not get a room for this rate”. Lies. All lies. You could easily book a OYO / Airbnb and get cottages and hotel rooms or tents with awesome sunrise view in the mountain and experience true beauty of Kodaikanal.
Places to visit Kodaikanal (not including the places in Kodaikanal city - Lake, Coaker’s Walk,…):
- Poombarai & Kookal: Poombarai is a farmers village. The road to Poombarai was one of the memorable roads to travel. Filled with greenery and birds, this place is heaven.
- Pillar Rocks : If you are in time (mist changes from time to time), you will get a awesome view of the Pillar Rocks. This place is filled with tourists and for me that was not a good experience.(no images added : the mist was very high and had very low visibility)
- Palani Viewpoint : On the way to Poombarai, you will see a small tea shop on the right. You can stop on the road side (be careful not to stop at the corner) and enjoy the views.
One humble request to my fellow travelers, please take care of your own wastes. Almost 80% people who come here leave all their plastic bags and other items on road side and this is really harmful for the animals. And please do-not feed the animals.