Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal - A Traveller’s Guide

Kodaikanal, also known as the "princess of hill stations" is a destination situated in full of natural beauty that will leave you in awe. It came into existence when the British wanted a much-needed break from the sultry summer of southern India. With stunning views of the lush valleys along with pleasant winds all year long, the best time to go to Kodaikanal is whenever you’d like to go! Although it is hard to say which one is the best season to visit Kodaikanal, you can visit this hill station as per your preference. The summer season is quite enjoyable as the temperature usually falls under 11 to 20 degrees Celsius. In winter the weather is fairly cool which can become chilly by the night while the monsoon season witnesses average drizzle. The months of September to October are best to visit Kodaikanal as it is neither too cold nor scorching for the tourists.

While you are in Kodaikanal, you can explore the gorgeous hills and valleys, waiting to be explored. You can also enjoy multiple activities such as boating, hiking, visiting various temples, and much more.  You will find numerous Kodaikanal tour packages that will offer you an experience of a lifetime that you will always cherish. Mentioned below are the seasons of this hill station, allowing you to decide the best time to go to Kodaikanal:

Summer

Summer is probably the best season to visit Kodaikanal as the weather is mild in addition to occasional intervals of hot and cold. During this time the spring sets in, offering breathtaking views to travellers from around the world. Additionally, many people consider this the best time to go to Kodaikanal as many festivities are taking place at this time. You can take advantage of the pleasant weather to enjoy activities like cycling, trekking, boating, etc. If you ask avid travellers the best month to visit Kodaikanal, they will probably say May as the grand annual summer festival takes place at this time. It is a ten-day-long celebration in which you can witness thrilling boat races, elegant flower artwork, classical dance performances, and more. Another best month to visit Kodaikanal for festival lovers is March Panguni Uthiram which celebrates the ceremonious weddings of Hindu gods and goddesses Shiva and Parvati, Kartikeya and Devasena, Rama and Sita, and Vishnu and Andal.

Monsoon

A good time to visit Kodaikanal is during the monsoon season which arrives in July and lasts till September. The heavy rains during this season open your senses to the scents of different trees and the pitter-patter of the downpour. Although monsoon is the off-season time of Kodaikanal, you should consider going there if you are a nature lover. Additionally, the prices of accommodations tend to go down as there is a minimal tourist crowd in the hill station. You can enjoy the off-season time of Kodaikanal with a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the lush greenery all around. Romantic souls especially consider monsoon the best season for Kodaikanal as the misty air around the majestic hills is everything one could ask for. During this time, you can visit Kodai Lake, Glen Falls, Fairy Falls, Byrant's Park, etc., to enjoy nature to the fullest.

Winter

From October to March, Kodaikanal witnesses the winter season. It is the best time to go to Kodaikanal as the weather gets colder which is typically the charm of hill stations. Starting from November till the month of January, you will notice that the nights will start getting chilly with occasional rainfalls. You can even book a Kodaikanal honeymoon package during the winter season to experience the romantic weather in the air. The month of January is best to visit Kodaikanal as the celebrations of the Pongal festival are in full swing during this time and are worth experiencing if you are here. You can check out the Pillar Rocks, Dolphin's Nose, Kodai-Palani Trek, etc., during winter as it is the best season to visit these places in Kodaikanal.

Top 5 Things to Do in Kodaikanal

Surrounded by the natural beauty of dense forests, lakes, waterfalls, etc., Kodaikanal is a hill station you should not miss out on if you are in Tamil Nadu. Once you decide the best time to visit Kodaikanal, you should start exploring the things you can do on your next vacation to this majestic destination. Listed below are the top 5 things to do in Kodaikanal regardless of the season you come in: -

1.     Take a Boat Ride

The Kodai Lake is the best spot to visit at any point in time as it is the most sought-after tourist attraction in this hilly area. Nestled by the Palani Hills range, Kodai Lake offers a panoramic sight from every angle. You can take a boat ride for an amazing experience of the tranquillity of this nature-rich spot. The best season to visit Kodaikanal Lake is during the winter season for the dramatic effects of fog around you as you enjoy the pleasantly chilly weather.

2.     Look at Amazing Views at the Dolphin’s Nose

The Dolphin's Nose is a viewpoint that you can reach after a moderate trek of almost 3 km. This spot is named dolphin's nose because it is based on a piece of rock which looks like a dolphin's nose. A good time to visit Kodaikanal's Dolphin's Nose is during a summer evening when the winds are blowing and you get to witness the picturesque views of the valleys. You can also explore the waterfall while on the trek to this tourist spot.

3.     Visit the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is an early 20th century observatory, located at the highest point of the hill station. It is a place where solar observations are conducted along with research work. The best time to visit Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is when you are in the mood to learn about astronomical instruments and research conducted there. This observatory offers guided tours that allow you to check out its state-of-the-art equipment, research facilities, and telescopes for looking at astronomical objects. It is a must-visit place for all astronomy lovers.

4.     Explore the Guna Caves

Just a few kilometres away from Kodaikanal are the Guna Caves, a tourist spot that offers a thrilling experience to everyone. It is located at an altitude of almost 2230 metres and is totally covered by pine forests that give it a mystical feel. The Guna Caves were originally known as the Devil’s Kitchen but the name changed after the hit Tamil movie "Guna" was shot here. The best time to go to Kodaikanal's Guna Caves is during the daytime as the forest can be pretty dangerous if you are not cautious enough.

5.     A Day Trip to Ooty

If you are in the mood for a road trip, you can go to another most sought-after hill station in Tamil Nadu, called Ooty. The best time to visit Kodaikanal and Ooty is during the winter season as you can enjoy the natural beauty along with pleasant weather. The Ooty Lake surrounded by lush flora attracts innumerable tourists from across the country as its beauty is not to be missed. Many locals from Tamil Nadu take this road trip during the summer season as it best time to visit Kodaikanal and Ooty, giving them a much-needed break from the unbearable heat.

The best season to visit Kodaikanal is during winter but you can explore this hilly area whenever you want. Every season has its magnificence that makes it a good time to visit Kodaikanal. You can take a tour package from a reputed travel agency to ensure the best time at this destination.