3 Day Kodaikanal Backpacking Trip from Bengaluru
Explore the misty hills of Kodaikanal, visit Silver Cascade Falls, Moir Point, Pine Forest, Guna Caves and Pillar Rocks, discover the peaceful villages of Poondi, Mannavanur, Kookal and Poombarai, and enjoy Dolphin’s Nose, Coaker’s Walk and Kodaikanal Lake on a three-day getaway from Bengaluru.
3 DAY KODAIKANAL BACKPACKING TRIP FROM Bengaluru Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the natural beauty of Kodaikanal, one of Tamil Nadu’s most loved hill stations. Known for its mist-covered mountains, lush forests, scenic valleys and cool climate, Kodaikanal offers the perfect setting for a refreshing getaway. This three-day backpacking trip combines waterfalls, pine forests, scenic viewpoints, cave formations, peaceful villages and beautiful lakeside experiences. Begin your journey with a visit to Silver Cascade Falls, followed by Moir Point, Pine Forest, Guna Caves, Pillar Rocks and Vattaknal Falls. Enjoy the scenic mountain landscapes and explore the natural beauty surrounding Kodaikanal. On the second day, travel beyond the main tourist areas and discover the countryside around Poondi, Mannavanur, Kookal and Poombarai. Experience the peaceful village atmosphere, scenic lake views and beautiful landscapes of the Palani Hills. On the third day, wake up early for a walk to Dolphin’s Nose, visit the Solar Observatory Museum, enjoy panoramic views from Coaker’s Walk and spend time around the famous star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake before beginning the return journey to Bengaluru. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Silver Cascade Falls Moir Point Pine Forest Guna Caves Pillar Rocks Vattaknal Falls Poondi Village Mannavanur Village and Lake Kookal Village Poombarai Village Dolphin’s Nose Solar Observatory Museum Coaker’s Walk Kodaikanal Lake Scenic mountain roads and village landscapes Shared dormitory accommodation Round-trip transportation from Bengaluru Group travel with an accompanying trip leader IMPORTANT INFORMATION The itinerary is indicative and may change because of weather, traffic, road conditions, local restrictions and sightseeing opening hours. All meals and sightseeing entry charges are excluded from the package. Certain destinations involve walking on uneven paths, steps and forest trails. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks, particularly for the village sightseeing route where food outlets may be limited. The schedule is intensive, so individual sightseeing durations may change depending on the group's pace and local conditions.
Highlights
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Moir Point
- Pine Forest
- Guna Caves
- Pillar Rocks
- Vattaknal Falls
- Poondi Village
- Mannavanur Village and Lake
- Kookal Village
- Poombarai Village
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Solar Observatory Museum
- Coaker’s Walk
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Scenic viewpoints and village landscapes
- Shared dormitory accommodation
- Round-trip transportation from Bengaluru
- Trip leader support
How the trip runs
- DAY 0 — OVERNIGHT JOURNEY FROM Bengaluru TO KODAIKANAL
- Begin your adventure with an overnight journey from Bengaluru to Kodaikanal, popularly known as the Princess of Hill Stations.
- Travel by private non-AC transportation and board at one of the designated pickup points across Bengaluru.
- 8:00 PM – MG Road
- First pickup point.
- 8:10 PM – Halasuru
- Scheduled pickup.
- 8:20 PM – Indiranagar
- Scheduled pickup.
- 8:40 PM – Tin Factory
- Scheduled pickup.
- 9:00 PM – Marathahalli
- Scheduled pickup.
- 9:20 PM – Bellandur
- Scheduled pickup.
- 9:40 PM – Silk Board
- Scheduled pickup.
- 10:00 PM – Electronic City
- Final listed pickup.
- After the final pickup, begin the overnight journey towards Kodaikanal.
- The road distance is approximately 465 km, with a journey time of around 9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Please arrive at your designated pickup point on time. The pickup schedule is indicative and may change according to the final vehicle route.
- DAY 1 — WATERFALLS, FORESTS, ROCKS AND CAVES
- 9:00 AM – Silver Cascade Falls
- Arrive at Silver Cascade Falls, one of the popular waterfalls along the Kodaikanal route.
- Enjoy the scenery, take photographs and explore the designated visitor area.
- Have breakfast after the waterfall visit. Breakfast is self-sponsored.
- 11:00 AM – Check-in at the Accommodation
- Proceed to the accommodation, check in and freshen up.
- Please note that there may be a short walk from the vehicle parking area to the accommodation.
- Get ready for the day's sightseeing according to the trip leader’s instructions.
- 1:00 PM – Moir Point
- Visit Moir Point and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Take photographs and explore the designated viewpoint area.
- Please carry sufficient drinking water and snacks, as food outlets may be limited along the route.
- 2:00 PM – Pine Forest
- Proceed to Pine Forest and enjoy a relaxed walk among the tall pine trees.
- Explore the scenic surroundings and take photographs.
- Lunch is self-sponsored and can be arranged after the forest visit.
- 3:00 PM – Guna Caves
- Visit Guna Caves and explore the surrounding forest and rock formations.
- Follow all visitor restrictions and safety guidelines. Do not enter closed or restricted cave areas.
- 4:00 PM – Pillar Rocks
- Proceed towards Pillar Rocks, one of Kodaikanal’s famous viewpoints.
- Admire the distinctive rock formations, surrounding valleys and misty mountain scenery.
- 5:30 PM – Vattaknal Falls
- Visit Vattaknal Falls and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape.
- Water entry or bathing must follow local restrictions and safety instructions. Do not enter unsafe or restricted areas.
- 7:00 PM – Return to the Accommodation
- Begin the journey back to the accommodation.
- Dinner is self-sponsored and can be arranged along the way.
- Evening – Relax and Overnight Stay
- Return to the homestay or dormitory accommodation and relax after a full day of sightseeing.
- Enjoy time with fellow travellers before retiring for the night.
- DAY 2 — VILLAGES AND LAKES
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast and Departure
- Wake up early, freshen up, have breakfast and leave the accommodation by 7:00 AM.
- Breakfast is self-sponsored.
- 10:00 AM – Poondi Village
- Visit Poondi Village and explore its peaceful countryside surroundings.
- Enjoy the rural landscapes, scenic mountain views and village atmosphere.
- 12:00 PM – Mannavanur Village and Lake
- Proceed to Mannavanur Village and Lake, known for its beautiful countryside scenery and open landscapes.
- Explore the designated visitor areas and take photographs of the lake and surrounding hills.
- Lunch is self-sponsored and can be arranged after the visit.
- 2:00 PM – Kookal Village
- Continue towards Kookal Village and explore the scenic countryside.
- Enjoy the peaceful setting and views of the surrounding hills.
- 4:30 PM – Poombarai Village
- Visit Poombarai Village, known for its hillside setting and distinctive agricultural landscape.
- Explore the viewpoints and enjoy photographs of the terraced fields and village surroundings, subject to visibility and local conditions.
- 8:00 PM – Return to the Accommodation
- Return to the accommodation after the village sightseeing route.
- Dinner is self-sponsored and can be arranged along the way.
- Rest overnight and prepare for the final day.
- DAY 3 — DOLPHIN’S NOSE, OBSERVATORY, COAKER’S WALK AND KODAIKANAL LAKE
- 6:00 AM – Dolphin’s Nose
- Wake up early and proceed towards Dolphin’s Nose at the time specified by the trip leader.
- Enjoy the scenic walk and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- The walk involves uneven terrain in places. Stay with the group and follow the designated route.
- 10:00 AM – Breakfast
- Stop for breakfast after the morning visit.
- Breakfast is self-sponsored.
- 12:00 PM – Solar Observatory Museum
- Visit the Solar Observatory Museum and explore the facility, subject to visitor access and opening hours.
- Learn about the observatory and its astronomical significance.
- Any entry charges are self-sponsored.
- 2:30 PM – Coaker’s Walk
- Proceed to Coaker’s Walk, a scenic walking promenade known for its panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding mountains.
- Enjoy the cool mountain air, explore the walking path and take photographs.
- Lunch is self-sponsored and can be arranged after the walk.
- 5:00 PM – Kodaikanal Lake
- Visit Kodaikanal Lake, the famous star-shaped lake at the heart of the hill station.
- Spend time exploring the lakeside area and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
- Boating and other optional activities may be available at additional cost, depending on operating conditions.
- 5:00 PM onwards – Begin Return Journey to Bengaluru
- After exploring Kodaikanal Lake, board the vehicle and begin the return journey towards Bengaluru.
- 9:30 PM – Dinner Stop
- Stop for dinner during the return journey.
- Dinner is self-sponsored.
- Continue the overnight drive towards Bengaluru.
- DAY 4 — ARRIVAL IN Bengaluru
- 5:00 AM – Arrival in Bengaluru
- Arrive back in Bengaluru after the overnight journey.
- DROP-OFF POINTS
- Drop-offs are planned at the same locations as the departure pickups.
- MG Road
- Halasuru
- Indiranagar
- Tin Factory
- Marathahalli
- Bellandur
- Silk Board
- Electronic City
- The exact drop-off order and arrival times depend on traffic and the final vehicle route.
- THINGS TO CARRY
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Photocopy of Aadhaar or voter ID if required for applicable permissions
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- One or two water bottles of approximately one litre each
- Lunch box and spoon if you prefer carrying your own packed food
- Comfortable walking or trekking shoes with good grip
- Extra pair of socks
- Raincoat or poncho during rainy weather
- Backpack rain cover
- Flip-flops for the accommodation
- Torch or headlamp
- Power bank or portable charger
- Extra pair of clothes
- Waterproof bags for wet clothes
- Energy bars, chocolates and dry fruits
- Tissues and personal hygiene products
- Personal medication
- Snacks for the journey
- Cash for meals, sightseeing entry fees, boating and personal expenses
- TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- Follow the trip leader’s instructions throughout the journey.
- Arrive at your designated pickup point on time.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks, particularly for the village sightseeing route.
- Respect local rules at waterfalls, caves and viewpoints.
- Do not enter restricted cave sections or approach exposed edges for photographs.
- Avoid littering and minimise single-use plastic.
- Follow safety instructions near waterfalls and lakes.
- Respect local villages, private property and the natural environment.
- Alcohol consumption is prohibited under the published trip guidelines.
- The itinerary may change if weather, traffic or local restrictions make a destination inaccessible.
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Bengaluru in a non-AC vehicle
- Dormitory accommodation
- Trip leader support
- Basic first-aid kit
Not included
- All meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Sightseeing entry charges
- Personal expenses such as shopping and souvenirs
- Optional activities not specified in the package
- Health, medical or personal accident insurance
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
- Snacks, bottled water and personal refreshments
- Any service or expense not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pack this
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Photocopy of Aadhaar or voter ID if required for applicable permissions
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- One or two water bottles of approximately one litre each
- Lunch box and spoon if you prefer carrying your own packed food
- Comfortable walking or trekking shoes with good grip
- Extra pair of socks
- Raincoat or poncho during rainy weather
- Backpack rain cover
- Flip-flops for the accommodation
- Torch or headlamp
- Power bank or portable charger
- Extra pair of clothes
- Waterproof bags for wet clothes
- Energy bars, chocolates and dry fruits
- Tissues and personal hygiene products
- Personal medication
- Snacks for the journey
- Cash for meals, sightseeing entry fees, boating and personal expenses
