Located in the dense forests of Dindigul district, Kodaikanal is one of the best hill stations of Tamil Nadu. These misty hill stations are on the southern crest of the Palani hills which is around 120 km from Madurai.

Positioned at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level, Kodaikanal is famous for splendid waterfalls, picture-perfect lakes, fine temples, rich culture, green valleys and much more. Kodaikanal referred to as various names such as the “Princess of Hill stations”, and “The Gift of Forest”, according to the Tamil Language.

Furthermore, before planning a trip and deciding which places to visit in Kodaikanal, it’s very important for you to know what is the best time to visit Kodaikanal.

What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?

 Kodaikanal can be visited throughout the year because of its pleasant weather. However, the winter months are the best to plan your trip for but each season has its own charisma. Additionally, it also depends on the traveler. If you love the cold season, late monsoons and the winter is the best time to enjoy. For those, who love warm seasons, summer is best for them.

Summer in Kodaikanal

April to June is a good time to visit Kodaikanal. A refreshing, pleasant, cold breeze blowing on your face, summers are the ideal season. In summer, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as cycling, boating, trekking, and sightseeing.

Basically, the summers are perfect for the outdoors because it doesn’t get too hot and the temperature varies between 24 degrees to 38 degrees.

Things to Experience During Summer

You will experience flower-shows, dog-shows, boat-race in may month. However, you may find this place a little crowded. At this time, Lakes and rivers are the highlights of Kodaikanal. One of the major attractions of Kodaikanal is the man-made lake known as Kodai Lake. It is perfect for cycling, hiking, and boating whereas Berijam lake is perfect for a picnic surrounded with pine trees.

Some of the places you can visit during summer months are Princess of the Hill Stations, Green Valley View Thalaiyar Falls, Kurinji Temple, Shola Falls, and Bryant Park. This magical hill stations also organizes various festivals throughout the year. One of them is the Grand Annual Summer Festivals which happens in May.

It attracts a lot of tourists every year. Moreover, you may also experience fruit exhibitions, boat race, classical dance during summer. The princess of Hills also holds incredible festivals such as Panguni Ithiram in March and Annual Horticulture show in May.

Monsoon in Kodaikanal

July to September is the wet season of Kodaikanal. The temperature varies from 10 degrees to 18 degrees Celcius. During these months, most people avoid traveling because of heavy rainfall and therefore there is a drastic decrease in travelers which means lesse crowd.

However, if you love rain and want to relax in this beautiful calm place, this is the best time for you to visit the “Princess of Hill Stations”. As because of rain, Kodaikanal offers a new and refreshing beauty to this place and becomes greener during monsoon.

Suggested read- if you are thinking to explore India in magical Monsoon, here are the best India monsoon travel destinations for you.

Things to Experience During Monsoon

Kodaikanal is also famous for some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls such as Glen Falls, Silver Cascade Falls, Fairy Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Vattakanal Waterfalls, Liril Falls, Pambar Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, and Kumbakkarai Falls.

The monsoon adds beauty to these waterfalls. However, you need to be careful while visiting this place as it becomes slippery. Not only the waterfalls but the pine forests also become fresh and refreshing.

Winter in Kodaikanal

October to March is the time when winter starts in Kodaikanal. The temperature varies between 30 degrees Celcius to 8 degrees Celcius. This time of the season, Kodaikanal offers pleasant weather.

December and January are the coldest months of the season and it is advisable to carry some warm clothes to protect yourself from chilly weather. Nevertheless, you can also buy it from local markets. You may experience little rain at this time. However, it only lasts for some time. This is the best time of the year to experience the hills which offers a breathtaking view.

Things to Experience During Winter

Pillar Rocks are the best place to enjoy the winter picnic with your friends and family. Furthermore, you may also to Green Valley View, also knows as Suicide Point and the Silent Valley View to capture some elegant scenery. Located 1km away from the heritage Pillar Rocks is another amazing yet dangerous spot called the Devil’s Kitchen popularly knows and Guna Caves.

When in Kodaikanal, don’t forget to attend the popular Tamil Festival known as Pongal which takes place in the month of January. The winter here becomes more memorable when you try the local hot and delicious cuisine or you can take a short walk down the market road where you will find a lot of restaurants serving all kinds of delicious foods from Tibetan to European.

Nothing will be more amazing than sipping a cup of hot coffee in warm clothes and enjoying a pleasant view. Some the best places where you can roam around are Coaker’s walk, Saleth Matha Church, Moir Point, and Kodaikanal Golf Club.

Summary & Conclusion

Lastly, no matter which time of the year you visit the Kodaikanal, it offers a splendid view throughout the year. From the misty mountains to lakes, forests, waterfalls, a breathtaking viewpoint, picture-perfect scenery, Kodaikanal is a perfect gateway to spend time with your friends and families.

Kodaikanal offers all-round destination to visit for solo, family or backpacking traveller, weather remain all pleasant throughout the year with Summer season the best one. Let me know in the comment when you visited or planning to visit Kodai.