Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal - Vattakanal - Poombarai & Mannavanur
- Duration
- 3D / 2N3 days · 2 nights
- Starts from
- Bangalore
- Trip type
- Mountains
Long weekend in the Princess of Hills: Dolphin Nose trek, Vattakanal Falls, Pillar Rock, Pine Forest, Kodai Lake, Mannavanur Lake & Poombarai views.
- Mountains
- Heights
- Nature
- Adventure
Dates
- 6 Nov 20263 days₹8,999
Prices are per person.
The trip
Kodaikanal, the Princess of Hills, sits high in Tamil Nadu's Palani range with a climate that stays pleasant in every season. Cascading waterfalls, a shimmering lake in the heart of town and rolling green hills make it one of South India's best-loved escapes, whether you want time alone in nature or a weekend away with friends.
This long-weekend trip covers the best of it: the trek from Vattakanal to Dolphin Nose and the Vattakanal waterfalls on day one, Pillar Rock, Guna Cave, the Pine Forest and an evening at Kodai Lake on day two, and a slower final day at Mannavanur Lake and the terraced Poombarai village viewpoint before the overnight drive back to Bangalore. Evenings are for music, bonfire and new friends at the stay.
Highlights
Day 2 · 9:00 AMPillar Rock, Guna Cave & Pine Forest
Day by day
Overnight Departure from Bangalore, Vattakanal & Dolphin Nose
Leave the city behind on Friday night and set off for Kodaikanal. Board the AC Tempo Traveller/Mini Bus at your chosen pick-up point, settle in for the overnight drive and join the trip captain's ice-breaker session to get to know your fellow travellers. Pick-up Locations (departure around 8:30 PM): Udupi Grand (Teacher's Colony, HSR Layout) → KLM Fashion Mall (Marathahalli Village). Exact pick-up timings are shared in the trip group before departure. The 500 km drive takes about 10 hours. Wake up to the misty mountains of Kodaikanal as the winding ghat roads climb towards the stay on the outskirts of town. Freshen up, have breakfast and relax in the lap of nature before heading to Vattakanal for the trek to Dolphin Nose. Catch the stunning cliff views, stop for lunch at a café in Vattakanal and visit the Vattakanal Waterfalls, framed by forest with the scenic road winding above. Return to the stay for a fun evening with your newly made friends: music, bonfire, dinner and overnight stay.
- 7:00 AMArrive at the stay & breakfastReach the stay on the outskirts of Kodaikanal, freshen up and have breakfast (rooms on triple/quad sharing).
- 10:00 AMVattakanal to Dolphin Nose trekTrek from Vattakanal to Dolphin Nose, a cliff-edge viewpoint with sweeping views over the valley.
- 1:00 PMLunch at a Vattakanal caféLunch at a café in Vattakanal near the trailhead (self-sponsored).
- 4:00 PMVattakanal WaterfallsVisit the Vattakanal Waterfalls, a soothing cascade surrounded by forest, with the scenic road winding above it.
- 7:00 PMMusical night, dinner & bonfireFun evening with your newly acquired friends at the stay: music, a bonfire and dinner. Overnight stay in Kodaikanal.
Pillar Rock, Guna Cave, Pine Forest & Kodai Lake
After breakfast, check out and head to Pillar Rock for stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with a short hike to take it all in. Continue to Guna Cave and the Pine Forest, a preserved stretch of nature that is part of the town's heritage. Then head into town for a late lunch and the famous Kodai Lake in the heart of the city, staying on for the sunset over the water. Return to the night's accommodation for a bonfire evening with your group, dinner and overnight stay. During peak and holiday seasons this circuit gets very crowded and one or two spots may be skipped.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast & check-outBreakfast at the stay, then check out for the day's sightseeing.
- 9:00 AMPillar Rock, Guna Cave & Pine Forest (a highlight)Stunning views of the surrounding mountains from Pillar Rock with a short hike, a stop at Guna Cave and a walk through the preserved Pine Forest.
- 1:00 PMLate lunch in townLate lunch in Kodaikanal town (self-sponsored).
- 3:00 PMKodai Lake & sunsetStroll or cycle around the famous star-shaped Kodai Lake in the heart of town and stay on for the jaw-dropping sunset over the water.
- 7:30 PMBonfire & dinnerReturn to the night's accommodation for a bonfire evening with your newly acquired friends, followed by dinner. Overnight stay.
Mannavanur Lake, Poombarai Viewpoint & Return Journey
Wake up to a healthy breakfast and drive out to Mannavanur Lake, a scenic freshwater lake known for its tranquil surroundings, rolling meadows, pine forests and eco-tourism activities, with an offbeat trek to a hidden hill nearby. After an offbeat lunch at a local eatery, visit the Poombarai Village viewpoint, where colourful rooftops sit among terraced fields and lush green hills. Begin the journey back to Bangalore in the evening and reach home early next morning with a backpack full of memories, stories and experiences. During peak and holiday seasons Mannavanur can be very crowded and may have to be skipped.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast at the stayWake up, freshen up and have a healthy breakfast at the stay before checking out.
- 9:00 AMMannavanur Lake & offbeat trekDrive to Mannavanur Lake, a tranquil freshwater lake ringed by rolling meadows and pine forest, with a morning walk around the viewpoint and an offbeat trek to a hidden hill nearby.
- 1:00 PMLunch at a local eateryOffbeat lunch at a local eatery (self-sponsored).
- 3:00 PMPoombarai Village viewpointVisit the Poombarai Village viewpoint, where the colourful rooftops of the village sit among terraced fields and vast, lush green hills.
- 5:00 PMReturn journey to BangaloreBoard the vehicle for the overnight drive back to Bangalore via the same scenic route. Reach your pick-up point early next morning.
What’s included
9 items · extras
Gear & extras, 9 items
- Entry fees to the places mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meals: breakfast on Day 1, 2 & 3 and dinner on Day 1 & Day 2.
- Accommodation in rooms on triple & quad sharing.
- Visit Kodai Lake for a stunning view and the jaw-dropping sunset.
- Trip captain throughout the trip.
- Experience of group travel and a lifetime of memories.
- All toll and driver night charges.
- Kodaikanal exploration: Vattakanal, Dolphin Nose, Echo Point, Pine Forest, Vattakanal Waterfalls and an offbeat trek to a secret location.
- Entire travel as per the itinerary by AC Tempo Traveller/Mini Bus.
Not included, 5 items
- Lunches and any meals not mentioned under inclusions.
- Travel, Accidental, Health and Medical insurance.
- GST @ 5%
- Cost arising due to uncontrollable circumstances like bad weather conditions, landslides, or public protests.
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Questions about this trip
What to carry?
Soft copy of your Aadhaar card, cargo/track pants/shorts, T-shirts, a warm jacket or hoodie for chilly Kodai evenings, sunscreen, good traction shoes, two water bottles, cap and sunglasses, a personal medical kit, flip-flops for lazing around the stay, polybags for wet clothes, extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary, a power bank, a small backpack for the trek, and most importantly your sense of humour and the spirit of adventure.
What is the check-in policy and how strictly is the daily activity timeline followed?
Activity & Daily Timeline: The hourly activity schedule provided is tentative and designed to give you the best experience. The order of places visited or timings may vary or be adjusted due to weather/climatic conditions, traffic jams, local government restrictions, or road conditions. During peak and holiday seasons the Kodaikanal town circuit and Mannavanur get very crowded, and one or two spots may have to be skipped. Early Check-in: Standard check-in times apply as per the stay policy. Early check-in is strictly subject to availability upon arrival at the property. In cases where early check-in isn't available, common washrooms/freshen-up areas will be provided so you can get ready for the day's plan without delay.
Is it safe to travel with strangers?
Safety is built into everything we do. Every member completes ID verification before joining. Our community review system means travellers build reputation through completed trips. Plus, tribes typically form through chat and video calls before any trip happens, so by the time you meet, they're not really strangers anymore.
How does GoWeekender match travellers?
Our Vibe Check algorithm goes beyond basic preferences. We analyse your travel pace (relaxed explorer vs packed itinerary), adventure appetite (chill vibes vs adrenaline junkie), budget comfort zone, and interests like photography, street food, or trekking. The result? You get matched with travellers who genuinely get you, not just people heading to the same place.
Terms & conditions
We reserve the right to rearrange the itinerary to suit availability without changing the total number of days or compromising on any service. All guests must carry a government-issued ID card. Confirmation of physical & mental health is required before starting any trek/tour. No refund will be provided for problems due to government orders, harsh weather, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation/reschedule: the initial booking amount is non-refundable; 50% of the trip cost is charged if you cancel or reschedule 7 days before the start date, 75% if 3 days before, and 100% within 3 days of departure.
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