Kodaikanal also called the “Queen of Hill Stations, ” is an enchanting hill station in the Western Ghats of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Because of its cool climate and natural resources like hills and forests, it has become popular among many nature enthusiasts, couples, and sports love seekers. Picturesque lakes, waterfalls, hills with clouds, and forests abound in the region making it a perfect place to unwind. Following are the top 15 Tourist places in Kodaikanal worth visiting, each adding a new dimension of beauty to this beautiful place. 

Kodaikanal Lake 

Kodaikanal Lake, in the shape of a star, is the highlight of this hill station as it is a manmade lake in the center of it all. Boating, biking, and even just taking walks all paved around the lake are assisted by the beautiful hill and green field banks along with misty hills. There are pedal boats, row boats, and even shikhara rides offered making it one of the best places to take your family or spouse to relax with water in the surroundings. 

Coaker’s Walk 

Cosy Coaker’s Walk is a beautiful path with breathtaking views of the valleys and hills. It is located next to the lake in Kodaikanal and is an ideal place for some quiet stroll remembrance say, in the early mornings when the land is full of fog. This is the place where visitors can watch faraway valleys, plains, and the surrounding sites through a telescope. 

Bryant Park 

Sitting next to Kodaikanal, Lake Bryant Park is a botanical garden. Covering an area of 20 acres, it consists of many different flowers, trees, and shrubs. This was indeed a Centre of attraction for nature lovers and photographers during the summer season when a flower show would be conducted in the park. It’s a great place to sit back and spend the afternoon around all the nice greens. 

Pillar Rocks 

Among Kodaikanal’s more than a few scenic sites, Pillar Rocks deserves mention for its three large granite rocks each about 400 feet in height. They are about 8 kilometers from town and the view of the rocky hills congested with dense trees and valleys in between is breathtaking. Besides this point of view again there is a small garden and this is also a favorite place for children of picnicking tourists. 

Green Valley View (Suicide Point) 

Green Valley View or the Suicide Point gives a complete view of the plains, valleys, and mountains. Close to the Kodaikanal Golf Club, the lookout point is unfortunately usually covered with clouds which only adds to its beauty. The scenery from this point has a deep valley, and when viewed from this area there is a lot of greenery in sight.

Silver Cascade Falls

Located on the road to Kodaikanal from Madurai, Silver Cascade Falls is a fascinating waterfall with a height of 180 feet. This waterfall is fed by the excess water of the Great Kodaikanal Lake and is a good stop to cool off and stretch while on your trip. It is a sheer delight to behold the water coming down amidst the greenery and also you can cool yourself by getting into the water which is there at the bottom part of the falls. 

Bear Shola Falls 

Bear Shola Falls lies within a forest and falls under the category of seasonal waterfall. This waterfall has its name originated from the fact that bears used to come to this place to drink water. The waterfall experience during the season of Monsoon is completely different as it is covered with water during this time making it perfect for nature walks and photographic expeditions. 

Guna Caves 

The Guna Caves, formerly known as Devil’s Kitchen, became famous when a Tamil movie named Guna was filmed here. These caves are situated between the Pillar Rocks and are lungs full of adventure. Possessing dense shola forests surrounding the caves, the caves have now been partially sealed for safety reasons. However, the vicinity of the cave offers good hiking. The Guna Caves are also a scenic spot. 

Kurinji Andavar Temple 

The Kurinji Andavar temple is one of the popular Hindu temples in Tamilnadu which is devoted to Lord Muruga. This temple is on distance more than 3 km from the town area. It is famous for its kurunji flowers, which bloom only once in 12 years. It turns the hills all around the temple into an ocean of blue. This temple has a calm and serene environment as well as magnificent views of green hills and valleys around it which makes it not only a religious place but a perfect photo shoot location as well. 

Dolphin’s Nose 

There is a place called Dolphin’s Nose which is a centre for trekking activities in Kodaikanal. This formation is outstretching flat rock plastered over the mountain, which looks like a dolphin’s nose and pleases one with the sight of a gloomy valley beneath. The trek towards the sight of the Dolphin’s Nose view is quite exciting and one gets soaked in thick forest and traverses small blues. Sunrise and sunset views are amazing from this viewpoint, thus, this place has great potential for sunrise and sunset photography. 

Vattakanal Falls 

Vattakanal Falls is about 6 kilometers away from Kodaikanal town and is a very beautiful place. Due to the large number of Israeli tourists who come to this place, it has been referred to as the ‘Little Israel of India’. Vattakanal is attractive as it’s relatively quiet. It is said that the

falls are most attractive during monsoons when one can catch the cascade tumbling down the hillside because there is a flow of water in plenty. 

The Central Pine Forest 

The Pine Forest of Kodaikanal is an expanse of tall pine thickets that will fascinate nature lovers as well as photographers. The forest was grown during the British period and is a favorite place to take walks, have picnics, and even go horse riding. This is a picturesque region where you can take stunning photographs because of the serenity of the place and the effect of the sun’s rays through the pines. 

Shembaganur Museum of Natural History 

If you want to know about the flora and fauna that are found in this region, one such place is the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History. The museum, which was founded by one of the Jesuit priests, contains a wide aspect of over 500 taxidermied animals, birds, and insects as well as botanical samples. It highlights the rich biological diversity of the Western Ghats. 

Chettiar Park 

Chettiar Park lies on the periphery of the popular Kodaikanal Lake and is a very well-kept koi pond garden of not many’s knowledge. About three kilometers away from Kodaikanal Lake is another park Chettiar Park which is not so famous but equally impressively landscaped. The 

park is ideal as it has silence, a lot of varieties of colorfulflowers however especially in the summer. It is an ideal place for those who want to have a quiet day in the lap of nature without being surrounded by typical overcrowded touristy places. 

Thalaiyar Falls 

It is also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, as it is about 975 feet tall. This is roughly 35 kilometers from Kodaikanal and is a lovely place when viewed from some distance. It is difficult to reach the base of the falls but the view from the Dum Dum Rock lookout is amazing as one can see water from such heights and rushing into the valley below. 

Kodaikanal has it all which is why the lakes, forests, waterfalls, and outlooks make it a perfect place to go in the arms of Mother Nature. Also, without the dominance of one or another, each of the 15 places listed above has some uniqueness to it which offers plenty of fun, leisure, and culture. Kodaikanal is one place that caters to all categories of people, be it young thrill-seeking adventure lovers, nature lovers looking for peace, families looking to spend time together, or anyone else.