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The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal, often referred to as the "Princess of Hill Stations," is an idyllic escape nestled in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats.
Its charming colonial bungalows, lush green valleys, mist-covered mountains, and cascading waterfalls provide a perfect setting for our reunion.
POOMBARAI TRIP
Scenic Half Day Road Trip: Kodaikanal to Poombarai
Experience the Serene Drive from Kodaikanal to Poombarai
Just 20 km from the bustling Kodai hills lies Poombarai village—a hidden gem home to the ethereal Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple. The scenic drive itself is an attraction: dense shola forests, misty ghats, and lush mountain views. As you arrive, visit the 3,000‑year‑old temple, explore local garlic farms, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and embrace a slice of serene hill life.
A perfect half‑day outing combining spirituality, nature, and a touch of legend.
Experience the Serene Drive from Kodaikanal to Poombarai
Just 20 km from the bustling Kodai hills lies Poombarai village—a hidden gem home to the ethereal Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple. The scenic drive itself is an attraction: dense shola forests, misty ghats, and lush mountain views. As you arrive, visit the 3,000‑year‑old temple, explore local garlic farms, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and embrace a slice of serene hill life.
A perfect half‑day outing combining spirituality, nature, and a touch of legend.
This ancient shrine, believed to be nearly 3,000 years old, features a unique navapashanam or dashapashanam idol crafted by Sage Bhogar. Legend says the face was carved first, giving it an ethereal expression compared to the rest of the statue (Soulveda).
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple is also known as the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, built under the Chera dynasty. It has close mythological ties to the Palani Murugan temple and includes a shrine to Sage Bhogar, said to still meditate in the hills above (Soulveda).
Beyond the Temple: Things to Explore
- Garlic Farms & Local Markets
Poombarai is famous for its garlic cultivation. Visitors can stroll through terraced garlic farms, chat with local farmers, and taste hill garlic and forest honey (Tripoto). - Viewpoints & Nature Trails
In addition to the temple's vantage points, dedicated trekkers can head to Dolphin’s Nose, Green Valley viewpoint, or even nearby Perumal Peak for panoramic views and mild adventure (Tripoto).
Nearby Experiences
Visit Mannavanur Lake, just ~15 km away, offering boating, birding, and quiet forest walks. The region’s trekking network even connects with Berijam Lake trails via the historic Kodaikanal–Munnar “Goschen Road” (Wikipedia).
Useful Links & Resources
- Highlight of the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple in Poombarai, showing lore and architecture (Wikipedia)
- Article spotlighting Poombarai as a hidden gem, blending culture and countryside charm (Tripoto)
- Reported reflections from travel blogs and TripAdvisor users describing the drive and local flavour (Tripadvisor)
PALANI TRIP
Day Trip: Kodaikanal → Palani Andavar Temple Palani Pilgrimage: A Day Trip from Kodaikanal
Just under 65 km away, nestled in the Palani Hills, lies the sacred Palani Andavar Temple—one of Lord Murugan’s revered abodes. The drive is scenic and lush, hills rolling past verdant valleys.
Choose to walk the traditional stone‑step pilgrimage to the temple atop Sivagiri Hill—or opt for a tram or rope‑way ride. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views, local legends, and the serene temple atmosphere steeped in devotion and myth.
This half‑day excursion blends spirituality, natural beauty, and choice—offering everyone an experience you’ll remember, even if you are not religiously inclined.
Day Trip: Kodaikanal → Palani Andavar Temple Palani Pilgrimage: A Day Trip from Kodaikanal
Just under 65 km away, nestled in the Palani Hills, lies the sacred Palani Andavar Temple—one of Lord Murugan’s revered abodes. The drive is scenic and lush, hills rolling past verdant valleys.
Choose to walk the traditional stone‑step pilgrimage to the temple atop Sivagiri Hill—or opt for a tram or rope‑way ride. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views, local legends, and the serene temple atmosphere steeped in devotion and myth.
This half‑day excursion blends spirituality, natural beauty, and choice—offering everyone an experience you’ll remember, even if you are not religiously inclined.
Palani is nestled at the base of Sivagiri Hill, one of the revered Six Abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. The Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, known locally as Palani Andavar, stands high above the town and attracts millions of pilgrims each year (Wikipedia). The temple architecture features a gleaming gold‑plated gopuram and historic inscriptions, all set in an atmosphere of profound devotion and spiritual calm (madrasselfdrivecars.com).
From the temple courtyard, panoramic views stretch across the Palani Hills, with distant glimpses of Kodaikanal’s peak, shimmering rivers, fertile fields, and even the Kurinji Andavar Temple on clear days (tourHQ).
Temple Significance & Local Colour
- Lord Murugan in Focus: The deity here is revered as a fierce ascetic—he’s said to have discarded worldly ornamentation and meditated atop the hill in solitude. Those seeking blessings often climb barefoot or carry a kavadi, tracing the footsteps of devotion and ritual from legend (Wikipedia).
- Festivals & Tradition: The temple hosts grand celebrations like Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram, when pilgrims flood the paths carrying ornate offerings and performing deep spiritual vows (Wikipedia).
- Ties to Kodai: Palani sits in the eastern foothills of the same Palani Hills range that cradles Kodaikanal. Visiting here connects both spiritual and natural landscapes—from hill flora to shared hill‑god mythology (Wikipedia).
Options for the Hill Ascent
You can reach the temple summit in one of two ways:
- Walk Up: A traditional climb of stone steps and ancient pathways—often taken barefoot, with ritual stops at shrines such as Idumban and Pada Vinayakar along the way (Wikipedia).
- Tram or Ropeway: A winch‑pulled tram or ropeway is available for those who prefer comfort—especially helpful after a full day touring Kodai (escape2explore).
What Makes This Stop Special in the Reunion
- Spiritual Essence: Visiting the sacred Palani temple offers a shared moment of reverence and cultural energy.
- Nature & Views: The drive through the Palani Hills is serene and scenic—just like Kodaikanal, with winding roads, green valleys, and hill vistas.
- Flexible Experience: Travelers can opt for a pious climb or a relaxed cable‑car ascent based on energy levels or preference.
- Cultural Connection: Palani Andavar Temple ties into the larger Murugan pilgrimage tradition, adding depth to your Kodai Reunion experience.
Bodhi Zendo
Perumal Malai Bodhi Zendo is a serene Zen meditation centre nestled in the lush Perumal Hills just outside Kodaikanal. It was founded in 1996 by Zen master and Jesuit priest Fr. Ama Samy, and today is run by Fr. Cyril Mathew, his successor (Outlook Traveller).
It serves as the international seat of Bodhi Sangha, welcoming spiritual seekers without regard to religion, nationality, or tradition (Review My Retreat).
Perumal Malai Bodhi Zendo is a serene Zen meditation centre nestled in the lush Perumal Hills just outside Kodaikanal. It was founded in 1996 by Zen master and Jesuit priest Fr. Ama Samy, and today is run by Fr. Cyril Mathew, his successor (Outlook Traveller).
It serves as the international seat of Bodhi Sangha, welcoming spiritual seekers without regard to religion, nationality, or tradition (Review My Retreat).
- Visitors often describe the place as a hidden sanctuary—a polished Japanese-style Zen garden, koi ponds, winding stone pathways and vibrant flower beds set against panoramic mountain views (Outlook Traveller).
- There’s a spacious zendo (meditation hall) with a hardwood floor, cushions, and an altar that blends Buddhist and Christian symbols, embodying Fr. Ama Samy’s inclusive ethos (intromeditation.com).
- Nature & Calm: The gardens open up to gentle hillside views, bird song, and the soft hum of quiet—ideal for pausing the world and reconnecting.
- Inclusive and Global: A richly diverse community, with guests from across Europe, South India, and beyond, practicing in quiet harmony.
- Mindful Experience: Even a short visit offers immersion in purposeful routines, silent moments, mindful walking, and meditative practice that lingers long after you leave (Outlook Traveller, thesolespeaks.com).
- 3:00 PM — Arrive at Bodhi Zendo; take a quiet walk in the garden, explore koi ponds, and soak up the serene atmosphere.
- 3:30 PM — Attend a short zazen session (~25 mins) or light walking meditation, followed by a brief look at the meditation hall.
- 4:00 PM — Pause in the courtyard or library—touch base with the stillness, read, or simply sit.
- 4:30 PM — Optional: Have a quick chai or veggie snack in the peaceful common area.
- 5:00 PM — Return to Kodai or continue your own contemplative time onsite.
TREKKING
Trekking Adventures in and Around Kodaikanal Kodaikanal, nestled in the upper Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, offers an intoxicating blend of mist-swathed forests, sweeping vistas, wild flowering meadows, and hidden waterfalls. Whether you're a casual hiker or a seasoned trekker, there’s a path for every pace and passion.
Trekking Adventures in and Around Kodaikanal Kodaikanal, nestled in the upper Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, offers an intoxicating blend of mist-swathed forests, sweeping vistas, wild flowering meadows, and hidden waterfalls. Whether you're a casual hiker or a seasoned trekker, there’s a path for every pace and passion.
1. Dolphin’s Nose & Echo Rock
A moderately easy ~3 km trail offering a dramatic lookout resembling a dolphin's snout. From the edge, gaze upon deep valleys, the Pambar River and shimmering plains below. Casual yet breathtaking. (plantheunplanned.com, Kodai Jeep Safari)
2. Vattakanal Trek
Roughly 14 km through shola forests, grasslands, and across Vattakanal village. Hidden waterfalls like Pambar Falls await amidst dense greenery. Expect a 4–5 hour trek with magical misty moments. (carlton-kodaikanal.com)
3. Silent Valley View Trek & Pillar Rocks
A short ~2 km hike leading to a serene elevation point overlooking valleys and the weathered Pillar Rocks. Bold vertical formations often draped in fog. Ideal for a reflective nature walk. (plantheunplanned.com)
4. Bear Shola Falls Trek
Quick and easy (~2 km), especially beautiful in monsoon when the falls are roaring. Lush forest path, frequent wildlife sightings—a great option for families. (plantheunplanned.com)
5. Elephant Valley Falls (Anju Veedu Waterfalls)
An adventurous full-day hike from Vilpatti hamlet through sacred Kurinji Andavar temple pastures and giddy cascades—the perfect mix of pilgrimage and wilderness. (plantheunplanned.com)
6. Perumal Peak
Strikingly perched at 2,234 m, this higher-altitude trek rewards you with panoramic views across the Palani Hills. Expect a steady ascent, ideal for enthusiastic hikers. (Wikipedia)
7. Vandaravu Peak (Optional Advanced Trek)
The tallest in the Palani Hills at 2,533 m, trekking this remote ridge offers rich biodiversity and crisp hill-top vistas—best suited to experienced trekkers. (Wikipedia)
8. Kookal Caves & Mannavanur Routes (Local Paths)
Offbeat paths leading to ancient rock shelters, tribal villages, sheep farms, and dolomite trails—wild, quiet, and authentically Kodai. Best done with a guide. (Wikipedia)
At-a-Glance: Trail Comparison
GOLF
Kodaikanal Golf Club: Swing, Stroll, or Just Soak It In If you’re the kind of person who gets twitchy without a club in hand (at least 6 of us in the group are) , Kodaikanal’s legendary Golf Club has you sorted. Just 6 km southwest of town and perched at 2,220 m, this historic 18-hole, par 71 course stretches across the rolling greens and whispering woods of the Palani Hills. It’s been around since 1895 and still packs charm, challenge, and postcard-worthy views.
Not a golfer? No problem.
The course is also one of the best walks in Kodai—think mossy trails, mountain air, and the occasional deer sighting. It’s a lovely way to stretch your legs and pretend you know the difference between a birdie and an eagle.
Kodaikanal Golf Club: Swing, Stroll, or Just Soak It In If you’re the kind of person who gets twitchy without a club in hand (at least 6 of us in the group are) , Kodaikanal’s legendary Golf Club has you sorted. Just 6 km southwest of town and perched at 2,220 m, this historic 18-hole, par 71 course stretches across the rolling greens and whispering woods of the Palani Hills. It’s been around since 1895 and still packs charm, challenge, and postcard-worthy views.
Not a golfer? No problem.
The course is also one of the best walks in Kodai—think mossy trails, mountain air, and the occasional deer sighting. It’s a lovely way to stretch your legs and pretend you know the difference between a birdie and an eagle.
Whether you play or not, we’ll all be gathering at the Clubhouse for dinner one evening. The food’s hearty, the vibe’s cozy, and the fireplace is a very welcome treat in chilly January. Bring a sweater and an appetite, .
Course Highlights
- Spanning around 6,100–6,400 yards, it challenges golfers with dramatic elevation changes, forested fairways, and holes with character‑filled names:
- Devil’s Dip, where the terrain dips into a fairway abyss
- Tiger Hole, once frequented by real tigers
- Twister, whose green refuses to be seen from tee-off
- And the formidable New Long’un, a beastly 561‑yard par 5 (Wikipedia).
- Expect jaw‑dropping mountain views, crisp air, and occasional wildlife sightings (watch for birds and maybe even a shy deer or two) (Wikipedia, CARTER.EU).
- It takes about 4 hours to complete all 18 holes—perfect timing for a relaxed afternoon round
Why It’s Kodai’s Hidden Gem
- It’s both refined and rustic—you play among nature yet enjoy colonial charm.
- It’s scenic enough for a selfie on every hole, just try and blame your caddy if your swing wobbles at altitude!
- Dont worry we will organize clubs and buggies if you want
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