4 days ago
Kodaikanal On A Shoestring Budget: Still As Dreamy As You Imagine
A serene hill station located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is famous for its mountains covered in mist, exuberant greenery and calm lakes. Often referred to as 'Princess of Hill Stations', Kodaikanal offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with its natural beauty that won't break one's budget. Here is how you can live a good life while in Kodaikanal without spending much.
1. Low cost accommodation
Accommodation options in Kodaikanal range from luxurious resorts to guesthouses and homestays for those on a budget. To save money, try booking into one of the many guesthouses or homestays away from main tourist spots. They usually offer decent accommodation which will guarantee you a feel of local lifestyle but are way cheaper when compared to hotels.
2. Look at Natural Beauty
Kodaikanal has some truly beautiful scenery that you don't have to spend much cash seeing. Start your tour by visiting Kodaikanal Lake where you can enjoy a slow boat ride on its waters surrounded by beautiful views. Coaker's Walk is perfect for taking evening walks peacefully with a panoramic view of the valley.
3. Visit Local Attractions
Most attractions in Kodaikanal either don't attract any fee or charge only a minimal entrance fee. Bryant Park known for its botanical garden hosting thousands of species of flowers and plants makes for a good picnic or relaxation spot. Bear Shola Falls may be less impressive during the dry season but it is worth visiting if one loves nature.
4. Trekking and Nature Walks
Apart from being scenic, there are several trekking trails here that suit even those operating on tight budgets who love adventure activities such as trekking in this magical vacation destination.. Dolphin's Nose trek will give you a breathtaking view of the valley beneath while Vattakanal trek meanders through green forests and small villages, offering glimpses into the lives of locals.
5. Savor Local Cuisine
Exploring local cuisine is an important aspect that can define one's experience when visiting any destination. Kodaikanal has several food outlets that offer delicious South Indian cuisines at pocket friendly rates. Some of the local specialities you should try are hot idlis with chutney, flavourful dosas and aromatic filter coffee.
6. Shop Wisely
Shopping in Kodaikanal can be so much fun if you do it smartly. Instead of purchasing souvenirs from touristy stores, go to the farmers market or Tibetan Market where items are available at reasonable prices. There you can find handmade chocolates, homemade cheese and warm shawls at fair prices.
7. Embrace the Culture
Get immersed in the local culture by attending cultural festivals or visit heritage places like Kurinji Andavar Temple'. This temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is known for flowering once every twelve years carpeting its hills purple with kurinji flowers.
8. Plan Off-Season Travel
Traveling off-season not only helps avoid crowds but also saves significantly on both accommodation and activities because during this time, hotels lower their tariffs.' Monsoon season (June – September) turns Kodaikanal into a lush green paradise which is ideal for budget travelers to visit.
9. Enjoy Sunset Points
There are many vantage points around Kodaikanal that provide stunning views of sunset free-of-charge including those at Pillar Rocks and Green Valley View (Suicide Point) as they offer panoramic vistas of surrounding landscapes where one can take unforgettable pictures during sunset periods without paying anything extra for them.
Guide
For cheap travel in Kodaikanal, it is relatively simple to get around without having to spend much. For travel between cities, you could use public buses or shared taxis rather than private ones. Many of the attractions are close enough together that you can walk from one to another and explore the town at your own pace without spending too much on transport.
In conclusion
Kodaikanal offers plenty of experiences for budget travelers looking for relaxation in the midst of nature's wonders. You will be able to enjoy a good life here because accommodation is affordable, there are natural sights to see, local cuisine to taste and most importantly embracing the culture. Hiking along green trails or simply admiring its lakes and hills serenely; Kodaikanal offers an experience that enriches without draining your wallet. Make smart decisions when planning your trip so that you can enjoy some beautiful moments in Kodaikanal while staying within your budgetary limits.
