Kumbakarai to Vattakanal Trek, Kodaikanal

Going by the literal meaning, Kodaikanal stands for ‘The Gift of the Forests’ and is often referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations. A perfect retreat destination for people seeking some freshness away from the chores of the city life, Kodaikanal is the place to be if you are looking for serenity.

Located at an altitude of 6,998 ft, the meadows and grasslands cover the hills while the giant eucalyptus trees and the Shola forests flourish in the valleys below. There are some breathtaking waterfalls in this region, which will surely blow your mind and make you fall in love with the place.

Breezy, cool weather throughout the year, vast patches of lush greenery, a fun trekking
experience, wild bison idling amongst eucalyptus trees – these are some of the things you’d
associate with a trip to Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.

Crystal-clear water of its lakes and waterfalls reflects the images of the nearby greeneries.
Strolling through these blissful wood, plucking delicacies
like avocados and fresh apples is an enjoyable way to spend your time in Vattakanal. So book your spot with us and let’s embrace the bliss of being amidst nature’s lap.

MORE DETAILS

Day 0 – Depart for Kumbakkarai:

We begin our journey from Bangalore in the late evening after picking up trek participants from
various boarding points. We will be covering a distance of around 440 km to reach Kumbakkarai Falls
overnight. The aim is to reach on time so, all travellers are expected to have a light dinner
before boarding. As we hit the road, the trek leads will give you a brief summary about the trek
and then get you acquainted with fellow travellers through the signature Plan The Unplanned
intro sessions. By the time dawn arrives, you’ll feel right at
home with your fellow travellers.

Day 1 – The Kumbakkarai Falls to Vattakanal Falls Trek:

Kumbakkarai is located along the Kodai-Vellagavi-Periyakulam trail in the Theni District of Tamil
Nadu, 9 km from Periyakulam. Once we reach, freshen up, have your
breakfasts, and then get ready for our first day of the trek. Make sure you carry enough water, as
it is going to be a long one.

Kumbakkarai Waterfalls – Our first day starts by visiting and exploring the famous Kumbakkarai
Waterfalls, a popular tourist spot loved by people of all ages, especially kids. It is known for
the clean environment and being at the foothills of Kodaikanal Hills, its waters are blessed with healing properties. At the first stage, water
collects in huge rock recesses which are each named after wild animals such as tiger, elephant,
snake, etc. The Pambar river then flows 5 km to the second stage before falling as the main
waterfall. The water originates in Kodaikanal Hills and flows along the rocks until it finally reaches
the foothills. The water flows throughout the year; but in rainy seasons, the flow will be very
heavy.

The place around the falls is very scenic. If you look close enough, you can even spot the
two-stage fall of Kumbakkarai. While trekking,  depending on how lucky you are, one can also find a wide variety of animals and birds. Be sure to keep an eye out for them. We will then set off on an exciting day of trekking starting from Kumbakarai Falls till Vellagavi Village where we shall camp for the night.

Day 2 – Resume Trek & the Journey Back:

Today we have an early start to the day. Catch the sunrise, freshen up, have breakfast, and continue to our final destination, Vattakanal, where we will
also be hiking up to Echo Point is the farthest of all, but one of the best vantage point overlooking trees and small towns. It also has a trail of shrubberies and other plants. Make sure you capture the pictures it in your travel diaries. Many people visit this unique place every year as the view is just amazing from the hills and the sunset is mesmerizing too.

Dolphin’s nose which is a mere 10 minutes walk from Echo Point is basically a narrow rock lookout overhanging a precipitous drop. You might spot a Gaur
(bison) or giant squirrels in the forested areas. The path is covered with pines and long trees which make it look beautiful.

Next stop on our trek will be at the scenic Vattakanal Waterfalls. Birds and
other animals around the waterfalls make it even more beautiful. Enjoy the view, freshen up,
and check out the stalls that have been set up for tourists selling various snacks and refreshments.

After a long trek, now it’s time to depart from this beautiful place as we head back to Bangalore with unforgettable memories! Expect to be back around 10 PM (Approx)