The itinerary below is just a rough outline for now.
We've shared a detailed Google Form (which also serves as the registration form) where you can tell us what activities you're into. Once we have your inputs, we’ll shape the final plan closer to the travel dates.
Kodai has something for everyone—from relaxed vibes to full-on adventure. We’re also keeping a couple of days open for optional treks, trips, or other fun stuff. Just note: your choices might influence the final cost.
Once everyone who’s planning to join has paid the advance, we’ll set up a WhatsApp group for all registered participants. That’s where you’ll get polls, updates, and key info to help us fine-tune the itinerary together.
We’re aiming to lock in the final itinerary by the end of October.
For folks who aren’t on WhatsApp—(like Gautam and Tool) !—we’ll sort out an alternative so they don’t miss anything.
We’ll send out the full itinerary once everyone’s had a chance to weigh in!
- 6:00 AM: Depart Chennai by Tejas Express from Egmore
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Dindugal railway station
- Midday: Drive toward Kodaikanal with a lunch stop at Temple City, Battalagundu
- 3:00 PM: Check in at the hotel in Kodaikanal
- Afternoon: Unwind—or stroll to Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, or Kodaikanal Lake for walking or boating, all within easy walking distance
- Evening: Hosted dinner at the Kodaikanal Club
Day 1
January 19 – Arrival & Lakeside Leisure
- Morning (9:00 AM): Scenic drive to Poombarai — a 30-minute journey through mist-laced forests, terraced farms, and panoramic valley views.
- 12:30 PM: Return to town for lunch at the Kodaikanal Club
- 2:30 PM: Head out for an afternoon drive to explore Kodai’s iconic cliffside landmarks:
- Pillar Rocks – dramatic vertical granite pillars rising into the mist
- Guna Caves – eerie and enchanting, once known as Devil’s Kitchen
- Suicide Point (now called Green Valley View) – with vertigo-inducing views and curious monkeys
- 5:00 PM: On the way back, pass by the Kodaikanal Golf Club—stop in for a quick drink or hot beverage
- 7:00 PM: Return to the hotel
- 8:00 PM: Hosted dinner at the Kodaikanal Golf Club
Day 2
January 20 – Poombarai Bliss & Cliff-Top Views
- Morning Options (choose):
- Gentle, curated half-day trek suited for experienced walkers
- Day trip to Palani, with local temples and village sights
- Visit Bodhi Zendo, the serene Zen retreat in the hills
- Additional optional activities based on group interest
- Lunch at leisure
- 8pm - Hosted Dinner TBD followed by:
- Mid Night visit to the Kodaikanal Observatory—skywatching under clean mountain skies, with a chance to spot celestial events
Day 3
January 21 – Optional Activities
& Stardust Views
Duration: 7–8 hours
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Highlights: Scenic viewpoints, serene lake, forest trails, and group bonding in nature.
Itinerary
8:00 a.m. – Departure from Kodaikanal
Meet at the designated pick-up point after breakfast. Depart by pre-arranged vehicle (permits required).
8:45 a.m. – Silent Valley Viewpoint
Enjoy sweeping views of the mist-covered valley. Perfect spot for photographs.
9:15 a.m. – Caps Fly Valley
Experience the curious “flying caps” effect caused by strong updrafts.
9:45 a.m. – Berijam Lake
Arrive at the pristine lake, surrounded by lush shola forests. Relax, take in the peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy short nature walks.
11:15 a.m. – Mathikettan Shola Forest
A short, guided walk through a protected forest known for its biodiversity.
12:15 p.m. – Vembadi Shola or Kukal Caves (optional stop)
Explore these natural spots if time and forest permissions allow.
1:30 p.m. – Picnic Lunch
Packed lunch will be available for everyone.
2:15 p.m. – Leisure Time at the Lake
Unwind, take photos, or engage in quiet group activities in the scenic surroundings.
3:00 p.m. – Return Journey
Drive back to Kodaikanal, with optional photo stops along the way.
4:00–4:30 p.m. – Arrival in Kodaikanal
Trip ends back at the starting point.
Evening at 7p.m : Grand gala dinner at The CARLTON —final reunion celebration
Day 4
January 22 – Berijam Lake Tour
- Breakfast and checkout by 10 AM.
- Last-minute shopping, etc.
- Lunch - every on their own (many hotels within walking distance)
- Depart at 3 PM after lunch.
- Board Vande Bharat Express at 6 PM from Dindigul, arrive in Chennai at 11 PM.
Day 5
January 23 – Departure