Perched at 2000 meters above the sea-level, the ‘Princess of Hills Stations’ is a beauty that would give you joy forever. But the real highlight of this lush green hamlet is not the adventure sports, all travelers harp about. If you want a different experience of Kodaikanal, then forgo the typical guide map to all things touristy. Embark on an offbeat journey and discover Kodaikanal in its true essence.

Here are 10 unique ways you can explore and experience this jewel of Tamil Nadu:

1. Travel differently. Of course, you can fly to Madurai, which is the nearest airport. But if you want to enjoy the scenic views of the Nilgiris, we recommend you take the roadways. Hire Bangalore to Kodaikanal cabs or drive down NH 7 or from Trichy via NH83. To add more adventure, take a Madurai bound train or bus.
2. Live in a homestay. The lakefront hotels, lodges, and resorts are undoubtedly resplendent. But real experience of a place is at a local home. With homestays picking up as a huge trend in India, finding a host in Kodaikanal is a cakewalk. Indulge in warm hospitality and home-cooked food. The homes around Elephant Valley and Bison Wells are good places to stay as a traveler.

3. Discover the hidden path to Guna Cave. Also known as the Devil’s Kitchen, this bat-infested natural cave became infamous when a group of young travelers got lost here. Since then tourists are prohibited from entering. And that is where your adventure could begin. If you can befriend a local as a guide, then you can find the hidden pathway to enter the cave. But be careful of going there after sundown.
4. Grab a puff pastry and a special filter coffee from Pastry Corner, while you walk down the town streets. If it turns out to be rainy, then get drenched and warm up at Pot Luck café with a mug of hot chocolate.
5. Drop by an art gallery on the streets along the Kodai Lake. If you are an art aficionado, then you would like to walk around and see the art display. Most of these artists are not local and travel from far and wide to share their works with tourists and art connoisseurs.
6. Go for forest trek. You would hear of many doing jungle treks in Kodaikanal. But the kind of treks we recommend can only be done and is actually more fun with a bunch of locals. Take a walk through the forest and join them for collecting spices and condiments.
7. Give a helping hand to a farmer at the paddy field or observe the workers at a coffee plantation.
8. Rent a bike for a day and roam around the town and surrounding wilderness. Find fitness, fun, and expedition- all for a ride.
9. Unwind by the lake. If you want to relax by a water body, Kodai Lake is definitely not the place to be. Rather, book a Kodaikanal taxi and head out to the OId Reservoir or Berijam Lake and spend a quiet afternoon reading or meditating. Though you need prior permission from the Forest Department, these lake areas are absolutely worth it.
10. Ever thought of trying your hands at pottery? Head straight to the Potter Shed on the Seven Roads Junctions and spin a wheel. You would be amazed to see alternative travelers like you, giving traditional pottery a shot.

Whether you choose to do all these things or not, you will find the real experience of Kodaikanal when you break away from convention. Go for a walk, get lost in the woods, click a random photo, climb a mountain, smell the coffee – do anything that you wouldn’t do on a regular day in your hometown. After all, isn’t that what a vacation is for?