Bangalore to Kodaikanal was our first major road trip in 2024. It had been on our list (Guddu & I) for at least a couple of years now. While we love road trips, Kodaikanal somehow seemed like a daunting task. Bangalore to Kodaikanal distance is around 430 Kms however this 8-10 hour ride managed to escape us even though we have done much longer ride (To Goa) many a times and I have done Bangalore to Goa solo bike ride a few times. (Bangalore to Goa bike ride)
Finally, in April this year, we spent 3 nights at Kodaikanal and we are so glad we did that. Over the years, our pattern of travel has changed. From an approach of making sure to cover all the popular spots at a destination, we have transformed to approach to spend quality time at a few chosen spots, explore like a local and contend with missing out on the other touristy things. This has worked wonders for us in terms of improving our travel experience.
You can read about my other road trips here
Onward Journey, Bangalore to Kodaikanal
We started from south Bangalore (Guddu & I) around 6am and the usual Bangalore to Kodaikanal route i.e. Hosur-Krishnagiri-Salem-Dindigul-Kodaikanal. The roads are perfect for driving and early start helped us to beat heavy traffic. After around 2 hours of nice early morning drive, we took a pit stop at Murugan Idly (Salem highway). This turned out to be a good decision. Even though the place was swarming with people and there was about 40 mins wait time, the food was worth the wait and overall experience was enjoyable. Service at this outlet is quick and ragi idly was a standout menu item. There is plenty of parking space at this outlet which makes it a worthy and convenient pit-stop for breakfast.
The drive post Murugan Idly was superb as the road is smooth. On the way, we didn’t find too many exciting eating options. We took a short stop for refreshment at Pudupatti, post which the last couple of hours is a single road journey and April heat was in its full bloom which made the journey a bit of drag but the excitement of visiting Kodaikanal for the first time kept us energetic.
Things to do In Kodaikanal
Usually, Kodaikanal is considered a one or two night trip. However, in our endeavor to spend quality time at a place, we had planned to stay for 3 nights at Kodai. First evening, we absorbed the superb Kodai mountain views from our property and then explored the Bazaar road area. Several small shops and restaurants are adorn this buzzing 1Km stretch close to the Kodai bus station. Savory hot chocolate on offer at the ubiquitous hill station chocolate shops grabbed my attention.
I would recommend that you treat yourself to yummy street food in this popular area to soak in the touristy vibe of Kodaikanal. Some other things to do in Kodaikanal:
1) Walk along the periphery of Kodaikanal Lake, we did this on both the morning we had available and the mesmerizing experience has stayed with us.
2) Explore local cafes on Poet Tyagaraja road (PT road). Munchiez is a good option.
3) Visit farmer’s market on PT road (Sunday morning only). You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, especially avocados
4) Visit Kodaikanal solar observatory. Especially in the evening, for a chance to star-gaze through a telescope. You need to book this in advance.
5) Just relax! Absorb the views from Coaker’s walk, sing to the mountains, give company to the trees along the lake, savor a warm soup, snuggle in a cozy blanket say and hello to the night stars in the sky.
6) Be a responsible tourist, don’t litter, don’t de-face monuments. Buy local stuff from small shops to support local people.
Tourist Spots in Kodaikanal
There are several tourist spots in Kodaikanal. Certainly, we missed more than we visited, however we felt completely comfortable with that. Most of the tourist spots in Kodai are wonders of nature, lakes and majestic views of the mountains. Picturesque views are indeed everywhere.
Our resort gave us easy access to Coaker’s Walk and Kodaikanal lake. A couple of others we covered are upper lake view and Kodaikanal solar observatory. We wanted to do Mannavanur lake and the sheep farms close to it however the local drivers thankfully advised us against the 2-3 hour drive to Mannavanur lake as it ran almost dry during April.
When we visit next time, which is very likely, we will try to cover the other lakes i.e. Mannavanur lake, Berijam lake and Pine forest. I am also curious about Poombarai village.
Overall, we had a relaxing and soothing time at Kodaikanal. It’s hardly a secret and no wonder this summer season government mandated passes for visitors to ebb the overwhelming flow of tourists to this picturesque destination. It is well worth spending a long weekend in Kodai. I would recommend a road trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal since travel time is adequate and roads are smooth, which make the journey enjoyable. After all, isn’t this that they talk about? Journey is more important than the destination, and what if the journey and destination are both equally enjoyable, it’s a bliss! When are you planning your travel to Kodai? Cheers, Happy Travelling!
Recommended Places for eating at Kodaikanal:
- Villa Retreat restaurant at Coaker’s walk
- Tamara Kodai
- Cloud Street (PT Road – a bit expensive)
- Muncheez Cafe (PT Road)
- The Carlton, for buffet
- Wok at Skydeck
Recommended places to stay at Kodaikanal:
- Villa Retreat
- The Carlton Kodaikanal
- The Tamara Kodai (high on budget)
Villa Retreat and The Carlton are centrally located and give you access to Kodaikanal lake which is a top attraction in Kodaikanal. Additionally, popular streets like PT Road, bus stand, kodai market are accessible by walk from these properties.
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