Ooty to Kodaikanal: The ultimate scenic road trip guide

Imagine driving on the mountainous roads, while a mild and chilly breeze is wafting through your hair as you cross Ooty City to get to Kodaikanal. Drive via Nilgiri hills which are surrounded by beautiful lakes, evergreen forests and great viewpoints.

The beauty of this trip doesn’t just lie in the destination but also in the journey itself. At every curve or turn there is another breathtaking landscape with misty mountains, dark waterfalls and endless tea gardens. This is one of the best trips for naturalists or even photography enthusiasts like me from Ooty to Kodaikanal.

Think about having a peaceful break at a silent café by the side sipping on hot tea while enjoying amazing views. Alternatively, hike till you locate an undiscovered waterfall somewhere deep into dense jungles where you can take a refreshing swim. Eastwards, peace and instants that may accompany us until our dying breaths.

Will you be ready to drive? It’s time we got down to our travel guide on the scenic Ooty to Kodaikanal road route that includes must-see places and everything else required not to leave out this trip from memory.

Planning your road trip

Selecting your route

There are two main routes from Ooty to Kodaikanal:

• Route 1: Ooty – Coonoor – Mettupalayam – Coimbatore – Palani – Kodaikanal (258 km)
• Route 2: Ooty – Karamadai – Dharapuram – Dindigul – Kodaikanal (323 km)

Route 2 is not only longer but also has steeper gradients and narrower paths that make it even more difficult. In comparison, Route 1 is shorter and offers a smoother and more scenic drive through places like Mettupalayam and Coonoor. Both paths have their peculiarities; hence consider your driving skills and preferences.

5 Must-visit stops along the Ooty to Kodaikanal route

1. Coonoor: The gateway to Nilgiris

Starting from here, there is a hill station that is called Coonoor. This place is famous for its extensive tea gardens as well as blooming flowers which just add to the charm of history. There are several things to do; either go on a hunt around Sim’s Park which contains rare plant species or enjoy your ride on Nilgiri Mountain Railway having scenic views of the countryside.

• Drive time from The Hosteller Ooty: 37 minutes (16.3 km)
• Altitude: About 1,850 metres above sea level.
• Major attractions: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock

Coonoor | Credits: Canva

2. Mettupalayam: Where the hills meet the plains

On coming down from Nilgiris, you would find yourself in Mettupalayam whose hot plains are traversed by the Bhavani river. This small town serves as an ideal place where you can stop over when travelling. You may choose to visit Vana Bhadrakali Amman Temple or simply take a rest along its banks that act like transition zones from cool highs to warmer lows.

• Drive time from The Hosteller Ooty: 1 hour 41 minutes (48.6 km)
• Altitude: About 325 metres above sea level.
• Major attractions: Vana Bhadrakali Amman Temple, Bhavani River

Mettupalayam | Credits: Canva

3. Palani: A spiritual retreat

On your way to Kodaikanal lies Palani, one other location where spiritualism has blended with adventure spirits together! The famous Palani Murugan Temple sits at this elevated position making it only accessible via interesting cableways. It offers some great scenes of the landscape.

• Drive time from The Hosteller Ooty: 4 hours 31 minutes (186 km)
• Altitude: About 1,072 metres above sea level.
• Major attractions: Palani Murugan Temple, Palani Hills

Palani | Credits: Canva

4. Silver Cascade Falls: Nature’s symphony

When approaching Kodaikanal, Silver Cascade Falls cannot be omitted at all costs. It is an amazing sight having a height of up to 180 feet and water flowing out of Kodaikanal Lake after the monsoon season ends in addition to other waterfalls. The sound of rushing waters hitting rocks is captivating and soothing at the same time, making it an excellent place for a quick rest.

• Drive time from The Hosteller Ooty: 6 hours 21 minutes (242 km)
• Altitude: About 2318 metres above sea level.
• Activities to do around: Photography, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic beauty

Silver Cascade Falls | Credits: Canva

5. Coakers Walk: A stroll above the clouds

Once you arrive at Kodaikanal go to Coakers Walk. This narrow winding path on the edge of steep slopes provides breathtaking views of the valleys below. In addition, when the sky is clear one can see a Dolphin’s Nose which appears like a dolphin nose-shaped rock forming it. Usually, there is mist all over as if we are walking among clouds.

• Drive time from The Hosteller Ooty: 6 hours 39 minutes (249 km)
• Total length: About 1 kilometre (About 0.5 km from the Kodaikanal bus stand)
• Major attractions: Views of the valleys and the Dolphin’s Nose rock formation

Coakers Walk | Credits: Canva

5 Best activities to do in Kodaikanal

1. Boating at Kodaikanal Lake

The city’s heart, Kodaikanal Lake is an artificial lake having a star shape where you can go for a boat ride peacefully. With high trees and green vegetation around, the whole afternoon can be spent in this area leisurely. You could get a paddle boat, rowing one or even shikkara.

2. Explore Bryant Park

Located next to Kodaikanal Lake is Bryant Park, a botanical garden with many different kinds of flowers, trees and shrubs. The park is usually teeming with life, especially during the annual flower show held in May so photographers and nature lovers must not miss out on it.

3. Visit the Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks are three amazing rocks that rise to 400 feet high hence among the most famous tourist attractions in Kodaikanal Occasionally these rocks are mist-covered adding to their mystery too On one side of these rocks is a small garden which makes it an ideal place for picnicking as one takes the view.

4. Trekking and hiking

Kodaikanal provides various paths through dense forests, beautiful valleys and untouched waterfalls making it a trekker’s paradise Popular trails include Dolphin’s Nose Trekking Perumal Peak Trekking and Bear Shola Falls Hike Every trail has its taste from challenging climbs up to calm strolling on a natural path.

5. Visit the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

For astronomy enthusiasts who may be interested in paying a visit to this place Established back in 1899 this institute counts as one of the oldest observatories globally It offers insights into research on the sun and celestial occurrences through its museum. It also has night sky observation programmes for visitors who may want to observe stars at night time.

Kodaikanal Lake | Credits: Canva

Best time to travel

The journey between Ooty and Kodaikanal is a sensory delight at any time of year, but the best months to experience this route in its full glory are October through March. In these months, temperatures are pleasant, making it cool, and there is not much rainfall which makes it ideal for driving by road. Avoid monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can cause slippery roads.

Conclusion

It’s more than just travelling, it’s an experience that remains with you long after you have left your home. The beauty of nature along the way, serene stopovers and the thrill of crossing the Nilgiris will make every South Indian tourist go on this drive. It has something for everyone regardless of whether you are travelling alone or you are with your friends or family.Lastly, book yourself into The Hosteller Ooty to be ready for your most unforgettable trip. This place is highly recommended because it has comfortable rooms as well as being located in a good place from where one can start his/ her adventure. Book your stay now!