Vattakanal Travel Guide: A Haven Hidden Between The Clouds

If you are from the south and feel like taking that quick well-deserved break from work, which place would that be – Ooty, Kodaikanal or Munnar? All these popular hill stations are a perfect place for nature lovers and for those looking for tranquility. How about ditching these popular places and exploring a still largely unexplored place. So here’s Vattakanal for you, a small hill station within a hill station that offers everything just like how a bustling tourist destination would do. Read on to know what this tiny hamlet has in store for you.

Where Is Vattakanal

Vattakanal is a small vibrant village located alongside the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is just a short 30 min drive from Kodaikanal. Vattakanal or Vatta is also referred to as the “Little Israel of India ” as you can see a lot of Israeli tourists here. As Vatta does not stand out on the tourist map, there is an added advantage of a lesser number of tourists. Its breathtaking landscapes, peaceful ambiance, and soulful cafes make it a must visit place.

Best Time To Visit

Vattakanal weather is very pleasant between October and March. It’s the perfect time for all outdoor activities and sightseeing. Make sure to avoid the monsoon season between July to September as the intense rains can hamper your travel itinerary. 

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Getting There

Kodaikanal is well connected with all the major cities by air, road and rail. Madurai Airport is the closest airport to Kodaikanal which is about 120 km away. Then we have the Kodai Road Railway Station (80km away) and there are buses from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore on a daily basis. Once you are at Kodaikanal, it is another 7-8 km to Vatta. You have an option to hike up or hire a cab to go get there.

Things To Do In Vattakanal

Though Vattakanal Kodaikanal is a little hill station in the Western Ghats, there are a lot of things to do while here. 

Take Dip Under Vattakanal Falls

At a walking distance from the main town of Vatta is the gorgeous waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery. This place is ideal to spend half a day with friends or family by taking in the beauty of the forest and by taking a dip at the bottom of the Vattakanal falls where the water forms a pool.

Trek To Dolphin’s Nose

A half an hour downward trek brings you to Dolphin’s Nose which is a flat section of rock jutting out over a mountain edge. Since the stone resembles the nose of a Dolphin it is called the Dolphin’s Nose. The spectacular views from here are truly worth the trek. Do not forget to catch a sunrise or sunset from here as they are truly incredible. 

Experience Israeli Culture

You will get to see a lot of Israeli tourists visiting Vatta from October onwards to attend festivals. The local cafes have Israeli dishes in their menu due to the demand for Israeli cuisine. One gets to see the unique cultural blend happening if your visit is during this time of the year.

Click Some Pics At Echo Point

A little further from Dolphin’s Nose is yet another unique vantage spot called the Echo Point. Scream anything from here and the hills will reverberate it back to you. The view from here is so scenic that this place can be a treat for photography and insta selfie lovers.

Explore Local Cafes

There are a lot of small, quaint cafes offering delicious local and international cuisines. Special mention for Altaf’s café that serves everything from breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks and dinner. Variety of Israeli food like hummus, babaganoush, Sabich and Shakshuka is a must try.

Take A Walk In The Pine Forest

Pine Forest is a perfect place for nature walks and relaxation while taking in the aromatic pine-scented air. The winding roads with towering pine trees on either side makes for a perfect setting to take photographs or to set up a camp to unwind. The place is so beautiful that Pine Forest has become one of the most visited attractions.

Tips To Consider While Visiting Vattakanal

• Carry a lot of warm and comfortable clothes and protective gear, but for the trek travel light.
• Make sure you put on sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots.
• Medical facilities in Vatta are limited, so make sure to carry all regular and essential medicines.
• Download offline maps of the area as network connectivity is poor here.
• Always start treks and hikes in the morning and avoid roaming in the forests at night.
• Carry enough cash as many places might not accept other modes of payments and ATMs too are a little hard to find.
• Be a responsible traveler by carrying your trash and disposing it properly.
• Respect the traditions and local culture, be polite and considerate to all.

Where To Stay

Vatta has many options when it comes to accommodations. Homestays, hostels, resorts, guesthouses, local homes are few of the options to try. Homestays or hostels will work out cheap, however resorts can be expensive. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

Altaf’s Cafe and Guesthouse, Vattakanal Space Hotel, Alta Vista, Kodai Heaven Guesthouse, Green Valley View, Rock Inn, Vattakanal Tent Stay, Zion Residency, Vattakanal Guesthouse.

Still dreaming about wandering in the woods among the clouds. Dream no further, turn all your dreams into reality by booking your Vattakanal trip now. Pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the mini Israel of India with our guide.

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