Walking in lush greenery and kissing you from both sides is like witnessing a thousand miracles. The soaring trees and chirping birds are realism at the best treks in Kodaikanal. This hill town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu has grassy hills and forested valleys to trek. The best bet about Kodaikanal treks is they are easy to embark upon with your soulmate and even family members too! How amazing is that?
Overview of Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ has to offer tourists the finest natural beauty. The sinewy grandeur, the green vistas, and the misty mountains in Kodaikanal enchant its visitors.
If you are an adventure lover and trekker enthusiast, this sky-touching hill town is a must-visit. The list of best treks in Kodaikanal is long. So, in this blog, we have shortlisted the top 8 trekking spots you must visit when in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.
Why is Trekking in Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu an Unforgettable Experience?
Many tourists and travelers planning a trip often ponder the question – why Kodaikanal for trekking? Well, trekking places in Kodaikanal offer you the best experience! Whether you love hiking, biking, trail running, or simply trying thrilling outdoor activities, the scenic Kodaikanal trails have them all. The Kodaikanal elevation is 2,133 m (approx.) above sea level, hence, it’s too obvious to find out why trekking in Kodaikanal should be in your Tamil Nadu itinerary.
You can enjoy hand-curated trail maps and capture photos when trekking in Kodaikanal. That’s why we trek in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Below, we have hand-picked 8 hiking trails in Kodaikanal for your next adventurous trip. These spots are perfect gateways for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top 8 Trekking Places in Kodaikanal
- Vattakanal trek
- Bear Shola Falls Trek
- Elephant Valley Falls Trek
- Silent Valley View Trek
- Perumal Peak Trek
- Pine Forest Trek
- Dolphin’s Nose Trek
- Pillar Rock Trek
1. Vattakanal trek
Vattakanal Trek is one of the most scenic places for trekking in Kodaikanal in the entire South. Being a moderate-level trek, you can opt for this adventurous journey in Tamil Nadu. This trek will take you through dense forests, roaring waterfalls, and narrow valleys. Start early in the morning and lose yourself in the natural beauty of Kodaikanal.
This particular trekking spot is a bustling tourist destination. During the trekking, you can sightsee the Western Ghats skirting clouds around. The canopy of clouds covering the mountains offers a spectacular view. Moreover, the picturesque Palani Hills, Shola Nursery, and the Pambar Falls included in this trek will leave you awe-struck!
Location: Vattakanal Village, Western Ghats
Height: About 6650 feet above sea level
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Average Duration: 4 hours
Best Time to Go: September to December
2. Bear Shola Falls Trek
Bear Shola Falls is a perfect heaven concealed in the dense forests of the Western Ghats. This trekking spot is home to innumerable animals and plants. The prolific forests surrounding Bear Shola Falls offer tourists a peaceful, welcoming break. The fragmenting thick canopy that opens to a majestic view of the falls appears magnificent from the middle of the pristine woods.
Being one of the best trekking destinations in Kodaikanal, Bear Shola Falls Trek is a popular picnic spot. Here, the waterfalls from over 40 feet and enters a pool where one can bathe and swim. Opt for a monsoon trek in Bear Shola to enjoy yourself to the fullest. It’s quite an easy trekking trail that will take you through the waterfalls, rich biodiversity, and random streams of water.
Location: Reserve Forest, 3 km from Kodaikanal Bus Station
Height: About 40 feet above sea level
Difficulty Level: Easy
Average Duration: 15 minutes
Best Time to Go: September and October
3. Elephant Valley Falls Trek
Elephant Valleys Falls Trek is among the best treks in Kodaikanal. This is a go-to destination for tourists who want to explore an unpopulated trekking spot. It’s a refreshing trek that will take anything between 15 minutes to 24 hours. Elephant Valley Falls is also known as Anju Veedu Waterfalls.
The trek begins from Kodaikanal and takes you through the village of Vilpatti. You can indulge in the ring road to visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple. The trekking spot also includes sightseeing Ganesh Puram that’ll finally take trekkers to the scenic Elephant Valley Falls. The high cascading waterfalls originate from the Palar Stream and appear breathtaking!
Location: Kodaikanal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Average Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
Best Time to Go: July to October
4. Silent Valley View Trek
Silent Valley View Trek is one of the best choices for capturing breathtaking views in Kodaikanal. The spectacular panorama of the deep valleys, hanging clouds, and enchanting views of the Nilgiris hills make this trekking spot appear more than just beautiful! You must explore this trekking place for thrill and adventure, watch the sunrise, and lose yourself in its pristine landscape.
Among Kodaikanal’s most popular trekking places, the Silent Valley View offers an alluring backdrop of lush green valleys dotted with eucalyptus trees on the hill slopes. The enchanting scenic landscape views, the cold wind blowing up on the hills, and the ghat roads winding through the tea gardens seem welcoming to tourists.
Location: Silent Valley Division, Mannarkkad
Height: 4320.8 feet above sea level
Difficulty Level: Easy
Average Duration: About 5 hours
Best Time to Go: December to April
5. Perumal Peak Trek
When discussing the finest trails in Kodaikanal, Perumal Peak Trek must be included. Located around 11 kilometers from Kodaikanal, the Perumal Peak is among the soaring peaks in the Perumalmalai hills. On this trek, you will go through the summits and touch the clouds! Begin early in the morning to enjoy the long trek.
Perumal Peak Trek begins from the Neutral Saddle, situated in the Perumal Malai Village. The trek is distinct and beginner-friendly. You can walk in the clouds by reaching the top of the trail! The rich flora and fauna of the trek and the thrilling activities like mountain biking will all add to the uniqueness of the trek.
Location: Kodaikanal in the Perumalmalai hills
Height: 8005 feet above sea level
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Average Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
Best Time to Go: January to May
6. Pine Forest Trek
Pine Forest Trek is one of the more accessible trekking routes in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. During this trekking route, you will go through attractive pine forests that are beautiful to watch! These pine forests are well-preserved. And so, it is best for photography. Camping amidst the eucalyptus trees and pretty mushrooms is another thing tourists can try here.
The enchanting beauty of densely grown Pine trees forms a perfect background for getting clicked! It is ideal for strolling in the forest amidst the trees. You can sightsee the lush greenery or simply admire the unique beauty & peaceful atmosphere.
Location: Kodaikanal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Average Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time to Go: October-November and February-March
7. Dolphin’s Nose Trek
This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Kodaikanal. In Tamil Nadu, scout in and around Dolphin’s Nose Trek. The trekking spot offers a bird’s eye view of the panoramic landscape of the surrounding mountains and hills. The medium-level trek will take you through Pamban Bridge, the flat rock of a Dolphin shape, and Echo Point.
Dolphin’s Nose Trek is a 6600 feet high trek spot that attracts thousands of tourists annually. A flat rock obtrudes out of the mountain, winking at the deep cliff. The shape and size of the mountain rock are similar to the nose of a dolphin. The fascinating beauty of the trekking spot offers you an opportunity to spot Periyakulam Town and Vaigai Lake.
Location: 8 km from Kodaikanal
Height: Approximately 6000 feet
Difficulty Level: Medium
Average Duration: 2 hours
Best Time to Go: March to May
8. Pillar Rock Trek
Pillar Rock Trek is one of the best treks in Kodaikanal. It is a 400-foot-high granite rock formation to be explored by tourists. The topmost point of Pillar Rock offers you the serene beauty of Kodaikanal. This particular trekking hotspot is formed by three rocks that stand shoulder to shoulder. It is enthralling to trek between the gaps between the rocks, known as the ‘Devil’s Kitchen.’
The waterfalls surrounding the rocks appear striking. Moreover, the natural setting and lighting of the place make it picture-perfect. Trekkers are advised to come to Pillar Rock Trek early to capture a stupendous sunrise view. Some of the attractions of Pillar Rock include lush greenery, a garden with blooming flowers, and scenic summits. You can also enjoy a picnic here.
Location: 7 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Stand
Height: 400 Feet (approx.)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Average Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
Best Time to Go: April to June
Wrapping Up
So, these were the top 8 places for trekking and hiking in Kodaikanal. Every nature and adventure lover will get several memories while trying out trekking on the mountains and rock elevations in Tamil Nadu. Hours of trekking through the thick fogs, green woods, and cold, windy landscape offer you nothing less than an adventurous experience!
Do not wait anymore. Book your tickets for a trip to Tamil Nadu in 2023 and opt for these best treks in Kodaikanal. The journey to Kodaikanal is enthralling, as you will experience the scenic beauty of the mountains & hills. A trip to Kodaikanal makes you understand why the mountaintops and dense forests are a perfect place for you to visit for a getaway. Hurry up, trek lovers!
People also ask about treks in Kodaikanal
Is there any trekking place in Kodaikanal for the beginners?
Pine forest trek is one of the easiest trekking spots in Kodaikanal for the beginners.
Are there waterfall treks in Kodaikanal?
Yes, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade Falls, Vattakanal Falls are some of the waterfall treks in Kodaikanal.
Must Read – 13 Waterfalls in Kodaikanal
When is the best time for trekking in Kodaikanal?
Apart from the monsoon during July to September, any time of the year is a good time to embark on the treks of Kodaikanal.
