Kodaikanal is situated in the Palani Hills of the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, South India, and is considered the âPrincess of the Hill Stations.'â Throughout the year, the hill station presents everything, from beautiful lakes to forests and mesmerizing views. However, it can be said that the attraction and beauty of Kodaikanal are different in each of these seasons and have a different flair in each season. From the rich green vegetation of summer to the cool and mystical haze of the monsoon, Kodaikanal is a new place in a new season each time one visits the place. Exploring more of Kodaikanal and how long it takes to take a tour of this serene place will determine the beauty that one will experience in this natural abode.
The Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
In this guide, we will let you know about the right time to visit Kodaikanal so that you do not miss the best that the hill station can offer. In this case, we will discover the various seasons to propose what each one has to give; the greenery and fresh weather of the monsoon season, the blooming flowers, and the good weather of summer. So, depending on your vacation schedule, here are the best times to visit Kodaikanal.
Spring (February to March)
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
Spring starts from March up to May, and there is a moderate temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Flowers start to open, and the scenery becomes stinging with colors, so it is an excellent environment for nature.
Must-Do Activities in Kodaikanal During Spring:
- Visit Bryant Park: This park is most ornate in spring, and I saw roses, daisies, and many other flowers in different sort of colors.
- Trekking at Kodaikanal Lake: Take a rather laid-back trail on the shore of the lake, which is home to several migratory birds and has scenic views.
- Participate in the Kodaikanal Spring Festival: In early March, you could come across this great festival: dance shows, local food bazaar, and arts and crafts dedicated to the beginning of spring.
- Explore the Pillar Rocks: The rocks rise high and are proudly surrounded by flowers, making them one of the best photographic zones.
Summer (March to June)
Why Summer Is the Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
Summertime has to be the best time to visit Kodaikanal though the heat ranges between 20°C to 30°C. The climate is favorable for outdoor activities, and the outlook of the scene is green and beautiful.
Must-Do Activities in Kodaikanal During Summer:
- Boating at Kodaikanal Lake: You can hire a pedal boat or you can take a shikara ride also. People go particularly to the lake in most cases for recreation and for barbeque celebrations.
- Stroll through Coaker's Walk: This trail has magnificent views of the valleys hence it can be used for walking, jogging, or simply walking leisurely in the morning, evening, or during the night.
- Explore the Guna Caves: There are also natural caves that are a bit challenging to explore but at the same time able to offer beautiful sceneries of the area.
- Enjoy the Flower Show: This much-famed flower show which is conducted in May helps people get a glimpse of the plethora of flowers that can be seen in and around Kodaikanal.
Monsoon (July to September)
Why Monsoon Is the Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
The monsoon season is another beautiful period for visiting because the rain leads to Kodaikanal being a green city. The climate is moderate, it is between 15 ° C and 25 ° C, and the hills are shrouded by a mist that looks rather mysterious.
Must-Do Activities in Kodaikanal During Monsoon:
- Visit Silver Cascade Falls: This great waterfall is at its best during the monsoon season because of the great volume of water it releases. Bathe in the sight and the mist from the falls.
- Trek to Guna Caves: It gets even more challenging, now with a roof making it even more beautiful with rain. That is very good for those that like a little bit of adventure sometimes.
- Explore Berijam Lake: Tourists flock to the lake mostly during holidays and business, but during the monsoon season the lake is empty making it the best place for picnicking and taking nature walks.
- Capture Nature Photography: The bright green vegetation, the hilly areas usually enveloped in mist and the Chinar trees along with cascading waterfalls are ideal for photography lovers.
Autumn (October to November)
Why Autumn Is the Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
Autumn belongs to the transitional type of climate and the period from September to November is suitable for traveling with cool, rather mild temperatures that vary between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. There are little to no clouds which is perfect for touring and outdoor-related activities.
Must-Do Activities in Kodaikanal During Autumn:
1. Trek to Dolphinâs Nose: The entire valley is visible from the top unlike other treks where tall trees provide obstruction and this is perhaps the reason this trek is highly attractive. Pack your lunch if you are planning to have lunch as there are no restaurants there to offer you a meal.
2. Visit the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: Even though these are rather specific for astronomy enthusiasts, such an observatory helps to explain the phenomena unfolding above us and is a special treat for the audience.
3. Explore the Wildlife Sanctuary: Actually, it remains one of the best times to practice bird watching because some of the bird species are migratory.
4. Enjoy the Autumn Colors: One more way of discovering the town and the nearby areas is by day-walking in the evening, to be able to see the changes in the colors of trees.
Winter (December to February)
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
Winter is a peaceful season with less than 10 ° C â 20 ° C cool temperatures. This is the best season for nomads, adventure lovers, and those who wish to walk through the serene beauty of the queen of hills Kodaikanal.
Must-Do Activities in Kodaikanal During Winter:
1. Trek to Berijam Lake: Take a break and relax on a clean lake that is adjacent to the green forests. The weather is colder which makes a hike a very refreshing one.
2. Bonfire Nights: Bonfire nights are also common in many resorts because they create a homely atmosphere and people love to share stories in the night.
3. Visit the Kodaikanal Church: The severely aesthetic architecture of the charming church is best captured in this season besides the winter season.
4. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local delicacies in comfortable cafes and restaurants. Instead, winter holds a better opportunity for having hot soups and other traditional South Indian foods.
Conclusion
Kodaikanal is a place that can be visited around the year; however, the ideal time to visit mainly depends on the interests of the tourist. Floral lovers should visit in spring, families and adventure lovers in summer, those interested in nature and rains in monsoon, those who wish to see clear skies and a calm and peaceful land should visit in autumn, and if one wishes to live in solitude then winter is the best time to visit in Kodaikanal. If the time you choose for your visit is not an issue, then soon, you will be able to experience the beauty of Kodaikanalâs sceneries and the warmth of its people in your heart. So get set go and be ready with Capture a Trip.
