1. Thalaiyar Falls

Thalaiyar Falls is the sixth highest waterfall in India and has a height of 975 feet. It is also known as the Rat Tail Falls because of its long thin white strip of silently gushing water which can be seen from far. If the weather is clear, one can even witness the falls from Dum Dum Rock View Point which is approximately 3.5 km away.

The Thalaiyar Falls is located on the outskirts of Kodaikanal but is on our way when travelling from Madurai. One cannot reach the bottom of the waterfall by road since there is no official access to it. However, one can hike their way but only during the dry season. The hike is rather a difficult one and one has to pass through various mango and potato fields. At the bottom, there is also a shrine temple of Goddess Kamakshi.

Must see \ Things to do:Do take out your cameras and capture the cascading waterfall.

Timings:Open On All Days from 10.00 am to 6 pm

Fee:No Entrance Fee

Recommended Duration:20 Minutes

2. Silver Cascade Falls

A hill station is nothing without its waterfalls and just seeing one waterfall wouldn’t do justice. We are lucky, as we will also get to see the Silver Cascade Falls on our way to Kodaikanal which is 8 km before the hill station. The waterfall had originated as a result of the overflowing man-made Kodai Lake.

The water gushes from a height of 180 feet which also makes it accessible for tourists. One can also indulge in seasonal fruits being sold by street vendors at a walking distance from the waterfall.

Must see \ Things to do:Carry an extra pair of clothes, so that you can even take a shower here or just splash water on your friends and family. One can also enjoy swimming in its water.

Timings:Open All Day from 9.30 am to 3 pm

Fee:No Entrance Fee

Recommended Duration:30 Minutes

3. Coaker’s walk

The beauty of a hill station lies in walking amongst nature, feeling the cool breeze and spending time in the company of your loved ones. However, since the roads are busy, it is unsafe to do so. Which is why there is Coaker’s walk in the heart of Kodaikanal which is a man-made, one km walking pavement created for tourists to take a morning or an evening walk.

The pavement is also fenced for the safety of the visitors and thus is also kid-friendly. This walk will give you a breathtaking view of the landscapes of Kodaikanal and various viewpoints can also be witnessed from here.

Things to do:One can rent binoculars from the counter and get a clearer view of the valley. You could also try raw mango stripes and Bhel Puri being sold outside.

Timings:Open All Day from 7.30 am to 6 pm

Fee:Rs.10/person

Recommended Duration:40 Minutes

4. Pillar Rocks

Head to Pillar Rocks, a picnic spot in a mini garden with your full-day packed Madurai to Kodaikanal tour. There are three vertical rock pillars of the height of 400 feet, hence it is named as Pillar Rocks. Because of its mammoth size and its placement amid a dense forest, it is a sight to behold.

There are dark chambers between these pillars, known as the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ that gives a bird’s view of the various sightseeing points. The spectacular background of the valley along with clouds hanging over the pillars also makes it a great place to take photographs.

Things to do:Apart from taking your picnic here, you can also feast on onion and potato fries with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Timings:Open All Day from 09:30 am – 04:00 pm.

Fee:Free

Recommended Duration: 40 Minutes

5. Green Valley View

The Green Valley View offers a mesmerising view of the Vaigai Dam. It also offers a scenic view of the valley which is at a depth of 5000ft and is surrounded by lush green plantations. The viewpoint is fenced to ensure safety to its visitors.

During your walk to the green valley viewpoint, you will come across a lot of locals selling handmade ornaments, chocolates, Eucalyptus Oil, Ooty Tea Powder, staring at just Rs.100 which can make for perfect souvenirs for one to take back. There are also a lot of monkeys around this sightseeing point but do not be scared as they won’t harm you.

Things to do:If you are a nature lover, hike up to the point to catch the mesmerising view of the Vaigai Dam.

Timings:Open All Day from 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM

Fee:Free

Recommended Duration:30 Minutes

6. Upper Lake View

One can visit the Upper Lake View Point either on their way to Green Valley View or while coming back. This viewpoint gives an aerial view of the star-shaped Kodai Lake that was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. Being surrounded by greenery on all sides further adds to its magnificence.

Not just that, it gives a 360-degree view of the valley and tourists are left spellbound by its marvellous beauty. Tourists often stop here to indulge in the classic hill station delicacies like Maggie, bread omelette, soup, coffee etc.

Things to do:Eat a quick bite here with the view of the lake and the hills.

Timings:Open All Day from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fee:Free

Recommended Duration:30 Minutes

7. Kodai Lake

After taking an aerial view of the Kodai Lake from the Upper Lake View Point, we will then visit it closely. It was built by the Britishers and it is said that it also used to be their swimming ground.

The depth of the lake is 3m and is at a height of approximately 2300m above sea level. A lot of flora can also be found in the catchment area of the lake. If you are somebody who enjoys cycling, you could even cycle this distance.

Things to do: Boating, Cycling, Horse Riding are popular things to do at the Kodai Lake. One can either opt for a Gondola Boat Ride or a Luxury Boat ride as per their preference.

Timings:Open All Day from 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fee:Free

Recommended Duration:1 Hour

8. Bryant Park

Next in your itinerary during your day tour to Kodaikanal is the Bryant Park which is located on the eastern side of the Kodai Lake. It is a haven for somebody who is fond of flowers or gardening.

While one side of the park only grows exotic roses such as green roses, which are one of its kind, the other side has a greenhouse where various other plants and flowers are grown. This 20-acre park is also a demonstration centre for the students of Ornamental Horticulture who are often given practical lessons here.

Things to do: Spot a 175-year-old eucalyptus tree and an age-old Bodhi tree.

Timings:Open All Day from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Fee:Rs. 30 for Adults & Rs.15 for Kids

Recommended Duration:30 Minutes

9. Shenbaganur Museum

The last place of interest in our One Day Madurai to Kodaikanal Trip would be the Shenbaganur Museum which will not entice history buffs, rather, the botanical buffs. This is one of its kind orchidarium of the country and has various collections in the departments of Flaura, Fauna, Anthropology & Handicrafts from the Palini range.

With a herbarium of over 2500 kinds of plants & a unique display of butterflies, moths, snakes and mammals, this place is going to spike the interest of a nature lover. Currently, the Shenbaganur Museum is managed and maintained by the Sacred Heart College.

Things to do:There are two paper maps which explain the ecological developments of the Kodai range. One can spend time reading the map and understand the natural history of this place.

Timings:Friday to Wednesday, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Closed On:Thursday

Fee:Rs. 30 for Adults & Rs.15 for Kids

Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes