Hotels in Kodaikānāl

Kodaikanal: Hill Station at 2,133 Metres in the Palani Hills

Kodaikanal sits at 2,133 metres in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, roughly 480 km south of Chennai. British colonists and American missionaries established the settlement in 1845 as a retreat from the coastal plains. The town centres on Kodaikanal Lake, a star-shaped reservoir created in 1863 that spans 24 hectares and remains the focal point for boat hire and cycling. Pillar Rocks, three vertical granite columns rising 122 metres near the Coaker's Walk viewpoint, draw visitors to the southern edge of the plateau.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Hotels cluster along PT Road and Bear Shola Road, within walking distance of the lake. Budget guesthouses sit in the Bazaar area; mid-range and resort properties spread toward Kodai Valley View on the plateau rim. The nearest railhead is Kodai Road station, 80 km below on the plains — shared taxis and buses cover the climb in roughly two hours.

Practical Tips

• Best season: October to June; monsoon (July–September) brings heavy mist and road disruption.
• Temperature: Evenings drop to 8–10 °C even in April — pack a warm layer.
• Transport from Coimbatore: 170 km by road; frequent bus services via Palani.
• Altitude note: The drive up involves steep hairpin bends; travellers prone to motion sickness should take precautions.