A trek to the highest point of a mountain is a great feeling altogether. The view from the top is usually something to die for. If you are living in South India and if you are someone who has always wanted to trek, Kodaikanal is a great place to start from. While the mountains in Kodaikanal are not as high as in the Himalayan range, they are perfect for beginners.
Kodaikanal is only 115 km away from Madurai, and it is also quite near to cities like Bangalore and Chennai. You can avail a Bangaore to Kodaikanal taxi to reach this beautiful place.
Once you have reached this place, you can ask around for the best trekking options, as the locals know the best. Apart from those, here are some of the other options you have:
Trek to Pillar Rocks
The duration of this trek is around 4 hours, though a lot depends on your speed and stamina. This is possibly one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s natural beauty and splendour. Pillar Rocks are three entwined rocks that are standing erect shoulder to shoulder. These rocks are located around 7.5 km from the Kodai Lake. You have to walk through the intense fog and dense forest to reach the rocks.
Trek to Dolphin’s Nose
Every hill station in South India and Kodaikanal is no different. The Dolphin Nose is located 8 km away from the central city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. It is just a flat rock extending out of the market overlooking a deep cliff resembling the nose of a dolphin. It is located at the height of 6600 ft and happens to be one of the most important tourist spots here.
This trek also lasts for around 3-4 hours. If you are lucky (meaning the day is clear), you will get to see the Vaigai Lake and the Periyakulam Town from the top. This is not a strenuous trek, and you can consider taking a detour to the Vellagavi village as well.
Trek to Pambar Falls
Kodaikanal is famous for misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, lush green forests, and rolling valleys. A trip to Kodaikanal is incomplete without a visit to the Pambar Falls. The trek comprises of a walk through rugged hills and what you get to see after the completion of the trek is truly mesmerising. The fall cascade through a step-like formation and looks beautiful.
This is a trek of 16 km and lasts for up to a few hours. Take a shower below the falls to forget about the tiring walk. Don’t forget to spot wild species of birds and butterflies in the forest.
Trek to Kumbakarai
This is a long one, and you will have to trek the entire day to reach Kumbakarai. It is beyond Dolphin’s Nose, and on the way, you cross cardamon farms, coffee plantations, and lemon trees. You reach the Kumbakarai falls at night. You camp there for the night and leave only in the next morning.
These are some of the best trekking trails in Kodaikanal.The Madurai to Kodaikanal taxi fare is also affordable.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now!
