Kodaikanal – Vellagavi

Grade

Moderate

Distance

10 km there and back

Walking time

10 hours

Altitude

1997 m

Best months

Oct – May

Start point

Vattakanal

District

Dindigul

Nearest station

Dindigul, ~100 km

Nearest airport

Madurai, ~140 km

About this trail

Vellagavi is a small village below Kodaikanal that can only be reached on foot. This trail starts at Vattakanal and follows hill paths down through forest and grassland to the village, where old homes and shrines sit among the slopes. It gives a very different view of Kodaikanal from the busy lake town.

The 10 km trek includes both a descent and a steady climb back, so allow about ten hours with breaks. A night in tents at the village is possible as part of a package. Carry good shoes, rain gear and snacks.

Highlights

• Roadless hill village of Vellagavi
• Quiet paths away from the Kodaikanal crowds
• Forest and grassland scenery
• Option to stay the night in camp
• Good birding along the way

How the day goes

1. MorningReport at Vattakanal and complete registration.
2. DescentWalk down the hill paths with the guide.
3. VellagaviSpend time in the village and rest.
4. Camp (optional)Stay the night in tents if booked as an overnight.
5. Climb backWalk back up to Vattakanal.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Dindigul, ~100 km
• By air: Madurai, ~140 km
• Stay: Tented camp at Vellagavi when booked as an overnight; hotels in Kodaikanal otherwise.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Trekking shoes
• Rain jacket
• Warm layer
• 3 litres of water
• Snacks
• Head torch

Good to know

These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.

More trails in Dindigul