Things to Do in Kodaikanal Without a Car: A Walking Tour
Most of the things to do in Kodaikanal sit close to the lake, and you can see them on foot. We're a five-minute walk from the main bus stop and the lake, and a minute from Coaker's Walk. This is the self-guided walking tour we'd send you on.
Start at Astoria for masala dosa and filter coffee
Order the masala dosa and a filter coffee.
Walk towards the English Club and then to the CSI church
Even though this is a main road, it still is a lovely one (provided it’s not crowded with traffic) because of the trees that tower overhead.
On one of the compounds along the way, you can sometimes see a herd of bison grazing. If they're there, don't bother them and don't take pictures. Pictures can irritate them enough to charge.
Where to go next: Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park or Kodaikanal Lake
From the church, you have three ways on.
Coaker's Walk: It's a path about a kilometre long, built in 1872 by Lieutenant Coaker. It's a lovely view over the plains on days when it's clear, and a completely unique Kodai experience when it's misty.
Bryant Park: The botanical garden was laid out in 1908 by H.D. Bryant, a forest officer from Madurai. It's a nice place to rest for a while, with lots of grass to sit on. The Bryant Park entry fee is 50 rupees.
Kodaikanal Lake: Take the road down to the right of the Bryant Park entrance and it brings you to the lake. If you visit early, it's a pleasant walk around the water, where you can occasionally see a duck, lilies in bloom, and some lovely old houses
Or take this route instead
From the church, walk to the Wildlife Forest Office near Claverack and take the forest road. It's a lovely old road, shaded by old shola trees. Follow it and you'll pass the American Mission Cemetery, tucked behind an old fence. It belonged to the first American Mission church in Kodaikanal, and the graves date from 1854 to 1904.
Soon after, you'll reach a fork. The left road, going up, is Violet Lane, and it brings you back to the main road. Take the right one and you'll pass Red Lynch, Gemini Ganesan's house. Keep going and you'll come down to the lake.
There's a little tea kadai where you come out, so sit down and have a tea. Then walk around the lake until you reach a busy stretch where you can rent bikes and horses. Ask someone to point you to the Bryant Park entrance and go in. Depending on when you visit, there will be a kaleidoscope of roses in huge beds, or blue hydrangeas in the greenhouse, and a huge field to sit in and rest.
When you're ready, head up and out through the Bryant Park entrance on the Coaker's Walk side. Then go into Coaker's Walk and walk the route.
Lunch at George's Pizzeria, by Coaker's Walk
You'll come out at the end of Coaker's Walk, next to the Youth Hostel. Head in and you'll find George's Pizzeria, where you can grab a slice. Our favourite is the Meatlovers option.
We're a homestay in the middle of town, five minutes' walk from the main bus stop and the lake, so you can do all of this without a car.
