Trekking & Hiking in Kodaikanal

Perumal Peak stands as a sentinel over the Kodaikanal valley. Local folklore whispers that this peak was once an active volcano, now dormant and covered in lush carpets of grass. The trek begins at the base village of Perumal Malai, and as you ascend, the noise of the world fades away, replaced by the wind and the rustle of the shola grasslands.

Unlike the crowded tourist spots, Perumal Peak offers solitude. The climb is steady, rewarding you with increasingly dramatic views of the Nilgiri hills and the Palani range. Reaching the summit is a triumph—on a clear day, you can see the plains of Madurai stretching out below, and you'll often find yourself standing above the cloud layer, a surreal ocean of white.

Imagine a village that has refused to connect to the modern road network for centuries. Vellagavi is that place. Nestled deep in the valley, accessible only by a steep, winding forest path, this village is a time capsule. The trek starts from Vattakanal or Dolphin's Nose and plunges you into a deep descent through thick jungle.

As you walk, the air gets warmer and the vegetation changes. You'll pass ancient trees and spice plantations. Arriving in Vellagavi is a spiritual experience; the village is filled with temples, and by tradition, no one wears footwear in the village square. It is a place of profound silence and hospitality. The return journey is a test of endurance, a steep climb back up to Kodaikanal that will leave you exhausted but exhilarated.

This isn't just a walk to a viewpoint; it's a descent into the dramatic geography of the Western Ghats. The trail winds through twisted roots of ancient pine and eucalyptus trees, creating a natural staircase. Your destination is a flat rock formation that protrudes precariously over a deep chasm—shaped like a dolphin's nose.

Standing here, with the valley floor thousands of feet below, is heart-pounding. A little further lies Echo Rock, where the acoustics of the mountains come alive. While popular, our guides know the quiet times to visit and the secret angles for the perfect photograph without the crowds.

For those who want the adventure without the exhaustion of a full-day summit hike. We utilize our fleet of 4x4 Jeeps to take you deep into the restricted reserve forest areas where regular vehicles cannot go. The Jeep ride itself is an adventure, bouncing over rugged logging roads.

We stop at a trail head known only to locals. Here, you step out for a guided 45-minute nature walk. The silence is profound. You'll track the footprints of the Indian Gaur (Bison), spot the Malabar Giant Squirrel leaping between canopies, and end up at a secret viewpoint overlooking the Elephant Valley. It’s the perfect blend of off-road thrill and on-foot exploration.

Escape the dry trails and head for the water. This niche trek follows the course of a mountain stream. You will hop across boulders, walk under the canopy of river-side trees, and listen to the constant white noise of flowing water. The destination is a multi-tiered waterfall hidden away from the public eye.

It's an ideal spot to dip your feet in the ice-cold water, enjoy a packed lunch, and simply breathe. This trek is particularly magical just after the rains when the flora is at its most vibrant green.