Kodaikanal Day Tour: A Review of the Trip from Madurai
Thinking about ditching Madurai’s heat for a bit and heading to the hills? A day trip from Madurai to Kodaikanal could be just what you’re looking for. Very honestly, the “Princess of Hill Stations” offers such a refreshing change with its scenery and that lovely, cool weather. This review? It’s like your peek at whether a private day tour there is really a good idea. I’ll be chatting about the drive, spots you really shouldn’t miss, and what to expect from the whole day.
What to Expect on the Drive from Madurai
Okay, the drive? That’s the first part of this trip from Madurai to Kodaikanal, and so it’s a big chunk of the day. Normally, you’re looking at somewhere between three and four hours, give or take a bit, to actually make the trip. At first, it’s going to be pretty flat lands and smaller towns. But then things get way more interesting. As you start to get higher up, so the road begins to wind, and there are turns. That said, keep an eye out, okay? Because you’ll catch some great views of the plains, just stretching way out in the distance. If car sickness hits you a bit, just a little heads up, those curves might get to you, potentially.
Private tours normally make things nice and comfortable with an air conditioned vehicle. A decent driver? That can really help. Someone who’s done the route a bunch will know just when to speed up, when to slow down, so, too it’s safer, that way. The roads themselves are maintained quite well, really, but it’s always a good idea to double check conditions before you go. Knowing this, maybe check for recent updates? Stuff happens, like little landslides during the rainy season, yet those could cause delays. I’m just saying it could, potentially.
Top Attractions You Can’t Miss
Alright, once you arrive in Kodaikanal, so what’s first? There is the iconic Kodaikanal Lake. Very nice, is it not? It’s that great spot for a little boat ride or perhaps just to walk around, just taking in all of the atmosphere. After that? Check out Coaker’s Walk. So it’s basically a paved path that will provide great views from the side of a pretty steep slope. On days when it is quite clear, very often you can even see Madurai far away!
Don’t you overlook the Pine Forest. That place? I can only describe it as straight out of some movie, could be. It has super tall trees all packed tightly together, giving the light a sort of interesting, ethereal feel, doesn’t it? For those who love their gardens, the Bryant Park offers such pretty flowers and hosts horticultural shows sometimes. The Pillar Rocks, just some other popular spot, actually offer impressive rock formations standing shoulder to shoulder. You will get pretty cool photographs.
Bear Shola Falls? A smaller waterfall. Nice place, it can be especially awesome just after some rains, truly. Depending, though, on the amount of time you have and exactly what interests you, your tour could add even more. Just in case you might care about seeing more, very honestly. Some options? Guna Caves and Silver Cascade falls might be considered if you’re not pressed for time, might be. Ask your tour operator, so they can fit the perfect amount in. This way you avoid just rushing from spot to spot.
What About Lunch and Food Options?
One part of going on these sorts of trips? That’s finding a place to eat lunch. Typically, your driver will steer you toward some restaurant in Kodaikanal, potentially. A ton of places, do have it. All the typical stuff, could be south Indian plates such as dosas, so you’ll find some very flavorful, spicy curries. I will suggest trying a little of the local home style food too. There might be some smaller places that serve meals made with recipes passed on in the families, that I assure you. They frequently have that bit more of a “real” taste.
Do you get cravings for very specific stuff? Talk about it before you leave Madurai! Your tour people may have relationships, might be. I’m thinking maybe that way they might get you booked some spot ahead. On your own you can often find places serving chow mein, maybe a few other Western kind of foods. Fruit and spices? Yeah, Kodai has a lot. Keep your eyes peeled when you’re visiting markets.
Potential Snags and Things to Think About
Any trip is amazing? Maybe not. Here is something you could think about when booking one to Kodaikanal. The weather? Wild. You might begin with sunny skies and then you will see it changes, turning all cloudy. It could actually pour some minutes later! Bring layers along, too it’s always handy that way.
Lots of walking at any spot can become more tiring compared to what you may expect since you are dealing with higher up hills. Therefore, pace yourself somewhat, and remember bringing good shoes for walking around in. Next? Traffic, more particularly during weekends. The roads might be stuffed because everyone seems to wish escaping on holidays. This messes up your schedule for the whole day, possibly.
Private tours, even, aren’t really flawless. They could feel rushed if it attempts packing in way too many sights, truly. Discuss the plan ahead of time and, I believe, feel very sure you get free time at whatever place interests you specifically. Then, regarding price, always determine precisely what the cost has in it and double check everything. What about things like tolls and entrance costs or meals? Asking could definitely save headaches eventually.
Is a Private Day Tour Worth It?
Taking a personal day tour out from Madurai to Kodaikanal could certainly be such an awesome plan for any of these individuals: People tight on the schedule, such as. The thing to think about with private journeys, truly, is the comfort. To be more specific, it saves on needing to think about bus routes plus timing and flagging down random taxis.
Would you rather travel just with your family or with the few companions traveling besides you? That is another factor, without a doubt. Getting a customized visit usually tends to work just perfectly particularly once you have unique requirements, too. Are you passionate regarding photography? You would be able to take more stops when and where the surroundings just strikes an individual to the most. Does any member just avoid hiking and may require to go a small slower paced? Perhaps any driver and plan may fit this more appropriately.
Alternatively, still, whenever cash counts some thing and also you can handle the a little extended bus ride, so that is the one route people may go. Very honestly, any shared minibus can run you quite cheaper. This basically covers a day or so by Kodaikanal which depends completely from personal desire and also travel style. In either case, you just have to get in and see that refreshing mountain feel.
