Complete Guide to the Best Places to Visit Around Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, often called the “Princess of Hill Stations,” is a favourite for travellers seeking misty valleys, star-shaped lakes, and romantic sunsets. But the magic doesn’t have to stop when you’ve explored every corner of its charming town. Venture just a few hours away, and you’ll discover equally captivating destinations — from tea-carpeted hills in Kerala to wildlife-rich forests in Tamil Nadu. Whether you’re craving a peaceful retreat, an adventure-filled trek, or a cultural immersion, these places near Kodaikanal are worth adding to your travel list.
In this Blog
Quick Guide to Places Near Kodaikanal
| Destination | Distance from Kodaikanal | Highlights | Best For |
| Munnar | 160 km / 5–6 hrs | Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, waterfalls | Nature lovers, honeymooners |
| Thekkady | 150 km / 4–5 hrs | Periyar Sanctuary, bamboo rafting, spice gardens | Wildlife enthusiasts |
| Valparai | 230 km / 6 hrs | Coffee estates, Sholayar Dam, offbeat treks | Offbeat travellers |
| Vattakanal | 4 km / 15 mins | Dolphin’s Nose, laid-back cafes | Backpackers, slow travellers |
| Poombarai Village | 18 km / 40 mins | Ancient temples, terraced farms | Culture seekers |
| Meghamalai | 100 km / 3 hrs | Misty mountains, tea estates | Photography lovers |
1. Munnar – Kerala’s Crown Jewel of Hill Stations
Distance & How to Reach
Located around 160 km from Kodaikanal, Munnar takes about 5–6 hours by road. The scenic route via Theni and Chinnakanal is filled with lush valleys and waterfalls.
Top Things to Do & See
- Eravikulam National Park – Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare Neelakurinji bloom (once every 12 years).
- Mattupetty Dam & Lake – A serene boating spot surrounded by rolling hills.
- Tea Museum – Dive into Munnar’s colonial tea history and taste freshly brewed varieties.
- Attukad Waterfalls – Ideal for monsoon visits, surrounded by trekking trails.
Best Time to Visit
September to March is perfect for cool weather and tea estate strolls.
Travel Tip
Stay in a tea plantation bungalow for a serene sunrise experience.
2. Thekkady – The Wild Heart of Kerala
Distance & How to Reach
About 150 km from Kodaikanal, Thekkady can be reached in 4–5 hours via Bodi and Kumily.
Top Things to Do & See
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Take a boat safari to spot elephants, bison, and exotic birds.
- Bamboo Rafting – A unique way to explore forest waterways.
- Spice Gardens – Guided tours through pepper, cardamom, and clove plantations.
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre – Witness the traditional martial art form, Kalaripayattu.
Best Time to Visit
October to February for pleasant weather and wildlife sightings.
Travel Tip
Book your Periyar boat safari in advance — seats fill up quickly.
3. Valparai – Tamil Nadu’s Offbeat Hill Escape
Distance & How to Reach
Valparai is about 230 km from Kodaikanal, roughly a 6-hour drive through winding ghats and forest stretches.
Top Things to Do & See
- Sholayar Dam – A massive dam surrounded by coffee estates and greenery.
- Aliyar Dam Viewpoint – Panoramic valley views from the drive up.
- Nallamudi Viewpoint – Offers a glimpse of Kerala’s Anamalai Hills.
- Wildlife Spotting – Look out for the lion-tailed macaque, an endangered primate.
Best Time to Visit
September to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Travel Tip
Valparai is best for slow travel — avoid rushing and enjoy estate walks.
4. Vattakanal – The Hippie Haven Near Kodaikanal
Distance & How to Reach
Just 4 km from Kodaikanal, Vattakanal is a 15-minute drive or a short trek away.
Top Things to Do & See
- Dolphin’s Nose – A cliff shaped like a dolphin’s snout offering breathtaking valley views.
- Echo Point – Test your voice against the hills.
- Vattakanal Falls – A seasonal beauty during monsoon months.
- Cafes – Israeli-style menus, banana pancakes, and herbal teas.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for clear skies and crisp air.
Travel Tip
Carry cash — many small cafes don’t accept cards or UPI.
5. Poombarai Village – A Slice of Rural Tamil Nadu
Distance & How to Reach
About 18 km from Kodaikanal, reachable in 40 minutes via a scenic mountain road.
Top Things to Do & See
- Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple – A 3,000-year-old Murugan temple with fascinating legends.
- Terraced Farms – Perfect for photography, especially during sunrise.
- Village Markets – Sample homemade chocolates and spices.
Best Time to Visit
November to April when the skies are clear for landscape photography.
Travel Tip
Respect local customs — modest dressing is appreciated in temple areas.
6. Meghamalai – The High Wavy Mountains
Distance & How to Reach
Located about 100 km from Kodaikanal, Meghamalai takes around 3 hours via Theni.
Top Things to Do & See
- Tea & Coffee Plantations – Mist-covered estates perfect for long walks.
- Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary – Spot elephants, spotted deer, and rare birds.
- Vellimalai Viewpoint – Sweeping views of the Western Ghats.
Best Time to Visit
August to February for cool weather and green landscapes.
Travel Tip
Roads are narrow and winding — start early and avoid night driving.
Suggested Road Trip Itineraries
Weekend Getaway (2–3 Days)
- Option 1: Kodaikanal → Thekkady → Back
- Option 2: Kodaikanal → Vattakanal → Poombarai → Back
Extended Trip (5–7 Days)
- Day 1–2: Kodaikanal sightseeing
- Day 3–4: Munnar tea estates & waterfalls
- Day 5: Thekkady wildlife safari
- Day 6: Valparai coffee trails
- Day 7: Return
Where to Stay while visiting and around Kodaikanal
Enhance your getaway with the comfort of a private villa — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. StayVista offers handpicked properties near these destinations, blending scenic views with luxurious amenities for a truly memorable trip.
Spice Notes – Bison Valley-Munnar
Spice Notes is a 5-bedroom bungalow featuring a sprawling lawn, wooden-accented interiors, and balconies that frame postcard-perfect mountain views. From morning tea-scented breezes to evenings by the fire, it’s the ideal retreat for families and groups seeking charm, comfort, and nature’s embrace.
Cave Song- Thekkady, Kerala
Perched in front of the majestic Idukki Dam, Cave Song is a cosy 2-bedroom hillside villa with postcard-perfect reservoir and mountain views. With its charming wooden interiors, sunset balconies, and easy access to scenic trails, it’s the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and unforgettable moments.
Talerock Inn – Valparai
Talerock Inn offers a rare blend of modern comfort and nature’s charm. With scenic views right from your bed, nearby coffee plantations, and flavourful South Indian delicacies, it’s an idyllic escape for nature lovers.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Kodaikanal’s charm is undeniable, but the real treasure lies in the journeys you take beyond its borders. From Munnar’s rolling tea hills to Thekkady’s wild forests and Valparai’s tranquil estates, these destinations offer a refreshing change of scenery while keeping the mountain magic alive. Whether you have just a weekend or a full week, these nearby getaways ensure your trip is filled with misty mornings, lush landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Image banner credits: Kerala Tourism
Written by: Elita Almeida
