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Easy
2 Days
TAMIL NADU
6 years and above
A Weekend Trekking and Camping Experience in the Hill of Kodaikanal
We are happy to announce the opening of treks around Kodaikanal. With a vision that everyone must trek, we have always wanted to find a campus around the lovely folds of Kodai. This gives our trekkers in the Southern part of our country a chance to take a weekend off and trek in the lovely Shola forests and grasslands of Kodai.
You’ll love our campus in Kodaikanal. It is surrounded by hills on all sides — hills that climb right out of our camping grounds. There are some lovely trekking trails within walking distance of our campus. One can hike to the summit of a nearby hill, watch the sun rise from behind the mounds or take a dip in a nearby waterfall. You can also savour a cup of fresh coffee grown in the nearby plantations as you take in a panoramic view of the Elephant Valley.
Located in a remote area of Kodaikanal, just 20km from the main town of Kodai, the campus is easily accessible by road. It’s just an overnight journey away from most metro cities.
The Avacado Hill trek is an ideal addition to the experience. It is suitable for any age group and especially for families, friends, and colleagues to start trekking.
It, however, was my first experience with TTMI, and must say it was pretty awesome and thoroughly curated for a group of members with varied trekking experience and abilities, ages ranging from 5 to 50 years. A recent addition to the trekking list for TTMI, Kodaikanal Hill Trek was a relatively virgin track (a trail path so thin and recent that you could miss out if not careful) with untouched and serene beauty all around. A trek with a summit at 5000 odd feet had so much to offer along its path. Lemon grass as tall as 5 feet could hide an elephant from plain sight, a feeling one got seeing what looked like some elephant dung in a few places (I like to be correct on this as there wasn't a mention of elephants on this eastern ghat trek). Team TTMI was ably led by Ahamed, a thorough professional with immense trekking experience and a current trainer for senior trek leaders. Following suit was Preethi, a newbie with TTMI. This was her first as an assistant trek leader, and I must confess she was up to the task. She was a constant companion to the needy set of trekkers trying to push their last bit of dying courage and will to conquer their first on the trails of any trek. All in all, the trek was a great experience with some very enthusiastic young adults adding flavor and energy to the proceedings with their constant buzz and incessant singing. What started as 4 different groups of people with diverse backgrounds, ended as a cohesive gang sharing awesome moments on the trail during the day and a half at Kodaikanal. This trek saw 3 kids 5, 6 and 10 years scale the summit with unmatched energy. I could write more on this but instead, urge the trek enthusiasts to try the Kodaikanal Hill trek with TTMI to enjoy the experience. This can be the perfect start to the trek journey being an easy trek (or easy to moderate to some beginners). There were a few minor deficiencies in the trek too but nothing is ever perfect and so was this. With lots of goods, this trek is a must-try.
Even at that age, when my friend and bodyguard Mr.Superman walked alongside me played with me, and fought monsters for me, I remember being very conscious about not throwing junk in public places. Not sure how, but maybe my mom’s insistence on keeping my surroundings clean had a greater impact than she and I realized. Unlike many of my friends that age, I used to make sure that I kept the bus ticket (in those days you would get colorful paper chits in public or private transport buses) in my pocket and get home to dispose of it in the bin. This is a decade or two before the ‘Swach Bharat’. Nowadays I try to impart the same value to my son, my nephews, and my nieces. We were a group of around 25 individuals from varied backgrounds and ages participating in the Kodaikanal Hills trek organized by TTMI. The trek was well organized. Ahamed & Preethi, our trek coordinators made sure that every minute details and arrangements were taken care and information was available to everyone. The trek itself was amazing, both picturesque and enjoyable. But the one thing that stood out was when Rahul handed over a small pouch that goes around your waist during the trek. The idea was to pick litter along the way up and down. It may not be a such big thing to many. However, it is the intent and the culture that the organization is trying to build in its trek participants that impressed me. There were impressionable kids of the age 10 and below in that group. I felt happy seeing that they were sometimes more enthusiastic about picking litter and filling the pouch than the trek itself.
An unforgettable and adventurous trek! I had such an amazing time, and there are so many things to mention. Firstly, a big shout-out to our trek guides, Ahamed and Preethi. The trek was organized with utmost care and safety, and you both were so helpful, cooperative, and caring throughout. This trek wasn’t just about reaching the summit, but about the journey—full of fun, adventure, and lifelong learning! My fellow trekkers in Kodaikanal were full of energy and enthusiasm. The memories we made, especially during our Antakshari sessions, will stay with me forever! Special mention to our little guide Milind, the lovely elderly members who captured beautiful pictures, and the group of engineering students who added so much fun to the trek. I’d also like to thank the cook aunty who served such delicious meals—I’ll never forget her warm smile!. Looking forward to many more adventures with TTMI!
Wondering if this trek is meant for you?
We’ve always felt that trekkers should be well-prepared before heading out on any trek, and the Kodaikanal Hill trek is no different. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference between a safe trek and one that’s risky. It also turns a simple walk into a much more meaningful and enjoyable experience. Being informed helps you really connect with the trail and get the most out of your time in nature.
Use this section to learn about the Kodaikanal Hill Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Don’t miss the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section at the end. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1
Reach the Kodaikanal Campus by 11 am on your own
Have lunch with the our team. Explore around the campus, visit waterfall point and spend the evening sharing stories over dinner and camp in tents for the night.
Note: We have arranged a pickup from Perumal Malai bus stop to our basecamp. This will cost 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid to driver directly. The timings for this will be 9 AM and 10 AM respectively. These timings will be followed very strictly. Incase you miss the pickup, you will have to arrange the transport on your own. You may call your experience coordinator for assistance.
Day 2
Start early for the trek. Come back to the campus and leave
Start early for the trek post breakfast. Packed lunch during the trek and return to the campus by 2 pm. Windup the campsite and leave by 4.00 pm.
Note: We have arranged transport from our basecamp to Perumal Malai bus stop. You will leave the basecamp by 4 PM and reach Perumal Malai by 5 PM. The cost for this will be 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Make sure your return ticket from Perumal Malai to your city is only after 6 PM.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ All trekkers will be staying in tents (3-sharing tents) with foldable mattresses for the overnight stay.
➤ Parking personal vehicles around the campus is at your own risk.
➤ Pack Light for the trek: There is a sharp climb of about 300 ft from the parking location to the campus (which is almost 1 kilometre). So do not get any trolley bags or heavy bags with you. You will have to carry your own luggage to the campus area.
➤ There is no offloading facility for this trek. Keep your bag as light as possible.
➤ Please note that there is almost no network in the area.
➤ Carry 2 bottles of water. This is important and required for the trek. (Though there is a waterfall on the trail, the water is not drinkable.)
➤ Carry a pair of flip-flops to use around the campus. But for the trek, use shoes with good grip only.
➤ Carry a small notebook and pen/pencil.
Day 1:
Reach Our Kodaikanal Campus
Plan and reach the Our Kodaikanal Campus by 11.00 am.
For more information on how to reach with your own vehicle or public transportation, please refer to the section called 'How to Reach the Basecamp.'
After a refreshing welcome drink, you will get familiar with the campsite through a brief campsite tour by the trek leader. After the briefing, you will finish setting up your tent and secure all your belongings inside. This is followed by a scrumptious lunch around 1 pm.
You will be briefed about the short trek after lunch, a necessary gap for the food to settle down.
Have fun on the short trek to the waterfall point, while following all necessary safety instructions. You would be back at the campsite by 6:30 pm. Tasty snacks and chai await your arrival from the trek. Refresh yourself, layer up and get comfortable in your tent and the campsite. Dinner would be ready by 8 pm.
Enjoy your dinner, a healthy portion of dessert is recommended for a nice recovery - body and mind. Indulge in dining area conversations, and get to know each other. Enjoy an idyllic starry night sky as you tuck in inside your tents for the night by 10 pm. Prepare your tents and sleeping bags to your comfort preference, sweet dreams.
P.S. You will be given a brief for Day 2 after dinner. This is because you will have an early wake-up call on Day 2.
Day 2:
Complete your trek, have a hearty lunch and depart from the campus
Wake up to the bird calls with the first light just about peeping behind the adjacent hill. The timings will be given by the Trek Leader on the previous day.
Enjoy a quick morning snack with tea or ragi malt. Get ready for the trek. Make sure you eat and pack well. Also, keep two water bottles of 1 litre each in your bag.
Today's trek will have some of the best experiences if the weather permits. Also, don't forget to see the flora and fauna around.
You will reach the campus by lunchtime. Pack up and un-pitch your tents. Learn a bit about how you have helped to leave behind a cleaner trail after the trek and practical skills you can take back to your home for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Have the delicious lunch prepared by our kitchen team. Reminisce about the last 24 hours. Let the thoughts sink in as you prepare to depart. Get involved in deep conversations with fellow trekkers and the trek leader. Holding on to dear memories, time to bid adieu post lunch.
Kodaikanal is a hill town. So expect the weather to be slightly chilly and have that additional nip compared to the cities.
The average temperature between March to July is around 21-23 °C. During the night, the minimum temperature is around 16-18 °C
The period between August and February is when the average temperature lies between 18-20°C and the night temperature can drop to 14-16 °C
Carrying 2 warm layers and a raincoat/poncho for rain is mandatory.
Plan Your Travel
The nearest town to our Kodaikanal Campus is Perumal Malai. You will find small shacks and one hotel where you get basic food. You can finish your breakfast here if you are reaching early. Post your breakfast, start your journey in a shared cab towards Spice Valley Parking area.
This journey of 9.3 km will take you about 30 min. You travel 5 km on pakka road and 4.3 offroad. Each trekker is recommended to keep a minimum of 2-3 thousand rupees. You do not get signal/ mobile data at the Spice Valley Parking area.
To get to your camping area, you trek for 800 meters from the parking area. Thus, it is recommended to not bring suitcases/ trolley with you.
Direction boards are placed all over the trail to guide you to the campus.
How do you get to Perumal Malai?
You can either take a bus or a train. But we would recommend taking a bus since you can get down directly at Perumal Malai. Ensure you inform the conductor of having a stop here at Perumal Malai. Buses can tend to not have a stop here unless informed.
With a train, you would have to get down at Kodaikanal Road station and traverse back.
Here are a few known drivers who can help you reach the parking space of Spice Valley: (Note: Call them 1 hour in advance if you want to book these vehicles)
Ramarpandi - 9585198223
Muthupandi - 9585856465
Raja Ramar Pandi - 9361470682
The jeep per vehicle will cost Rs 600 one way.
Our team will arrange for your return vehicle to Perumal Malai from the campus on the last day. (This is done so that the return fare is shared among the trekkers, naturally bringing it down.)
Reaching by bus (recommended):
Almost all buses stop at Perumal Malai (Palani Check post) before going further into Kodai main town. Check with the conductor or driver, and get down at Perumal Malai.
The distance from Perumal Malai to Kodaikanal main town is 12 km.
For trekkers travelling from Bangalore, find buses from either TNSTC or KSRTC or Redbus.
Reaching by train:
If you are taking the train, then the closest railway station is Kodaikanal Road (KQN). From the Railway Station, the distance is about 70 km and will take you over 2 hours to reach by local cab or bus.
Important Note: We have arranged a pickup from Perumal Malai bus stop to our basecamp. This will cost 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid to driver directly. The timings for this will be 9 AM and 10 AM respectively on Day 1. These timings will be followed very strictly. Incase you miss the pickup, you will have to arrange the transport on your own. You may call your experience coordinator for assistance.
On the way back, on Day 2, from our basecamp to Perumal Malai bus stop, we follow the same process. On Day 2, you will leave the basecamp by 4 PM and reach Perumal Malai by 5 PM. The cost for this will be 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Make sure your return ticket from Perumal Malai to your city is only after 6 PM.
Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.
Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you:
PRO TIPS
Along with this, smoking, drinking and taking drugs are strictly prohibited.
Note: Fitness and medical certificates are not required for the Kodaikanal Hill trek.