After procrastinating for so long, now is the right time to share the ultimate itinerary as summer and long weekends are on us. So if you're still deciding on where to go then think no longer because the princess of the hill station is here.
As you know Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of the hill stations" and in Tamil language, it means "The Gift of the Forest". It is one of the popular tourist destination and my favorite among the others.
How to reach: You can reach Kodai vie train, bus or by your own. However the railway station to main Kodai town is ~40km and it will take more then an hour to reach. You will have to hire a cab for this (many available near the railway station).
Where to stay: My personal favorite is Lilly's Valley Resort, its mini Kodai for me. Check about it on my other blog.
So day one you can head to Mannavanur lake which is ~30km from the town and spend the rest of the day there. On the way you can stop to catch a glimpse of Poombarai village which is located in the heart of the Palani hills.
Mannavanur lake is a perfect picnic spot, there are a few shops here from where you can get snacks and other eatables.
Once you come out, you can visit the Southern Regional Research Centre. Its a small sheep and rabbit farm and the view from here of the lake is mesmerizing.
Second day to Vattakanal which is known as the "little cousin of Kodaikanal" and also as "little Israel" by the villagers.
Three major stops here: Dolphin's nose, echo point, and Vattakanal waterfalls.
To be frank, I liked echo point more than Dolphin's Nose. Firstly, no one was there, we had the entire place for ourselves and the view was simply beautiful.
After this go to any cafe nearby, we went to the famous Altaf's cafe and must say it lives up to the hype.
Vattakanal falls - It's a multi-step waterfall, you can hike down and find 2-3 small waterfalls. Go to the further one to avoid the crowd and enjoy.
If time permits stop at Kodaikanal lake and go around. you can go for boating, cycling or simply shop around.
Last day go to all the main attractions in Kodaikanal.
La Saleth Church is a small, beautiful church. The blue & white paint against the sky is a treat to the eye.
Go to Kodai and not see pine trees..simply impossible. The pine forest kodaikanal is well maintained and preserved. Spend some quality time here, walk around, sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature.
Guna cave or Devil's kitchen became famous after the 1991 movie Guna. If you have seen the song Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan you will remember it.
The cave is closed now for safety reason, but the surrounding is worth a visit.
Now before departing, stop at Coaker's Walk and as the name suggests walk around and enjoy the sunset.
Hope your long weekend will not go waste and the blog will help you in planning your trip to Kodaikanal and Vattakanal. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
Photo Credit: All of us, Dimple, Gunjan, Raviteja, Manas, Balaram and me