All You Need to Know About Vattakanal in Tamil Nadu- A Hidden Gem Also Known as “Little Israel”!

I love to explore a hidden gem and amidst the dense forest of the Western Ghats, in the Palani Hills of the Dindigul District in Tamil Nadu, just 6 km from Kodaikanal, lies a hidden gem known as Vattakanal or Vatta.

"Vatta" in the local dialect roughly means Circle & “Kanal” means Forest- translating to "Forest in Circles". Here the time stands still, and no one is in a hurry.

The stunningly beautiful village will mesmerise you the moment you step foot with mesmerising views, mind-blowing sunrise and sunsets, local delicacies and warm people.

The locals also refer to Vatta as Little Israel, since the place is transformed into mini Israel with the number of Israeli tourists visiting here from October onwards.

How to reach Vattakanal?

Just 5 kms from Kodaikanal, you can enjoy visiting this lesser know hamlet which does not have a direct mode of transport available. If you love walking or trekking, the best way to soothe your soul would be a hike from Kodaikanal to reach Vatta. But if not don't worry, you will find lot of cabs available from Kodaikanal to take you to this lovely place.

By Air: The nearest airport to Vattakanal is Madurai at 120 km, Trichy at 150 km and Coimbatore at 175 km. From here, Vattakanal is 4-5 hours drive.

By Train: Kodai Road and not Kodaikanal is 80 kms in the foothills.After which it is a 3-5 Hrs commute via taxi or local buses. The last bus leaves around 6 pm.

By Bus: You can take an overnight bus from Bangalore or Chennai and reach Kodaikanal. From there you can avail cab services for Rs. 300- 400 to reach Vattakanal.

By Road: Self drive would be the best way to reach Vattakanal as the Western Ghats offer some of the best and scenic roads to ride in India. You can reach the place via Palani and Vathalagundu. Both cities are well connected by various National Highways.

Best time to visit Vattakanal?

Vattakanal being a hill station can be visited throughout the year and offers pleasant weather. However, the perfect season to visit this lovely place is between April- September where nature is at its full bloom, and temperature ranges between 10-20 degrees.

Monsoon seasons can be beautiful but driving in these months can be tricky in these area. So we would suggest to have prior driving experience in the hills if you are self driving, else take a bus.

Winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below five degrees.

Vibe Check:

Vattakanal will totally give you a hippie vibe and is ideal for group of friends and adventurous people who would like to explore this hidden gem. If you are planning for a family holiday, we would suggest a day tour with stay options in Kodaikanal.

Best places to stay:

While there are limited resort options directly in Vattakanal, there are some guesthouses and homestays that offer comfortable accommodations. Here are a few options you can consider for your stay in Vattakanal:

Hillington Cottage: Located in the heart of Vattakanal, Hillington Cottage offers cozy rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The property has a garden and a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Kodai Heaven Cottage: Kodai Heaven Cottage provides comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The property offers a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge area for guests to unwind.

Pear County Cottage: Nestled in the picturesque hills of Vattakanal, Pear County Cottage offers rustic cottages with scenic views. The property features a garden, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a 24-hour front desk.

The Mistycove: Situated amidst lush greenery, The Mistycove is a nature resort in Vattakanal. It offers comfortable cottages, a restaurant serving organic food, and outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Villa Retreat: This homestay offers spacious rooms with modern amenities. It provides a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views of the valley. The hosts are known for their hospitality and can assist you with local sightseeing and activities.

The Cliff Cottage: This homestay is located in a peaceful area of Vattakanal and offers comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere. The property provides a garden and outdoor seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Woodstock Homestay: Nestled amidst nature, Woodstock Homestay offers cozy rooms with scenic views. The hosts provide personalized service and can arrange trekking and other outdoor activities for guests.

The homestay in Vattakanal is cheaper between October- December.

If you're looking for unique stays in Vattakanal, here are a few options that offer a distinctive and memorable experience:

Camping under the Stars: Vattakanal offers some beautiful camping spots where you can set up your own tent and enjoy the serene surroundings. You can experience the thrill of spending a night under the starry sky and waking up to the fresh mountain air.

Eco-Friendly Treehouse: Some accommodations in Vattakanal offer eco-friendly treehouses nestled amidst the lush greenery. These treehouses provide a unique and close-to-nature experience, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Farmstays: Experience the rustic charm of Vattakanal with a farmstay. These accommodations are typically located on working farms, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle and enjoy farm-fresh meals. You can also participate in various farm activities and learn about sustainable agriculture practices.

Yoga Retreats: Vattakanal is known for its serene and tranquil environment, making it an ideal destination for yoga and meditation retreats. You can find retreat centers that offer accommodation, yoga classes, meditation sessions, and wellness activities to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Must Visit Places in Vattakanal:

Vattakanal is every hiker's dream destination in South India, with many hidden gems to explore. Do not worry if you are not a trekker Vattakanal still has a lot to offer for every kind of tourist/traveller.

1. Vattakanal Falls

Located in the middle of a forest, surrounded by dense trees, majestic hills, and lush greenery, is the enchanting Vattakanal Falls. Straight out of a fairytale, this falls is just 3 km from Kodaikanal and offers a rich biodiversity. You can also get Instagram-worthy pics from a bridge near the falls. You can also hike to these falls and enjoy a dip in the pool formed by the waterfall.

It is a perfect picnic spot. You can also have delicious snacks and local delicacies from nearby stalls.

Best time to visit: July & August

2. Coakers Walk

Coakers walk is a one km long walking plaza which is constructed by the edge of the gorgeous mountain with breathtaking views. You can see the valley of the Pambar river at the south east and to the south lies the Dolphin's nose and the City of Madurai.

Entry Fee: ₹ 30 per hour for adults and ₹ 20 per hour for children.

Camera Fee: ₹ 30

Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

3. Hike to Vellagavi

Located amidst the forested terrains of the Western Ghats, at 4196 feet above sea level, lies a small hamlet with no road access known as Vellagavi. It's a beautiful place with 120-150 homes and 24 Hindu temples, due to which the locals do not wear any footwear In the village. To reach the village, one has to descend 3.5 km from Vattakanal and trekking here is difficult.

In case you are not able to trek, you can avail of a back ride at Rs. 1200/- approx.

Best time to visit: December & January. The hiking trek is submerged in water during monsoons.

Cost including guide, stay and meals: Vellagvi campsite is the only stay option available at Rs. 1800 for Indians, Rs. 5000 for foreigners. Rs. 5000 for a honeymoon stay.

4. Kurinji Andavar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the Kurinji Andavar Temple, built in 1936, is set in beautiful hills with mesmerising views of the Palani and Vaigai dams surrounded by the Kurinji flowers. The temple is very famous among Hindu devotees. The Kurinji plant last bloomed in 2018 and is expected to bloom in 2030. According to a few, the honey from this place during the year when the Kurinji flower booms have medicinal value.

Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

5. Moir Point

Situated just at the entrance of a forest, Moir Point is one of the most visited viewpoints. It offers scenic views of the valley and mountains. The place is named after Sir Thomas Moir, who started constructing the Goschen Road in 1929 CE. Offering a lot of history, this place is very serene and ideal for unwinding.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

6. Visit Poombarai

A picturesque village In Palani hills at 1,920 ft above sea level, Poombarai will take your breath away with its terrace landscapes surrounded by mountains and valleys. Apart from its unmatchable beauty, the place is famous for its colourful houses, a 3000-year-old Kuzhanthai Velappar temple, and wild honey and garlic production. You will find many tea stalls in this hamlet, and this place deserves the " pahado wali chai" tag.

Where to eat: Do not miss eating at the Pasiflora cafe offering amazing coffee, Italian cuisine with views overlooking the village.

How to reach: It is located 21 km from Vattakanal and takes about 50 minutes to drive.

7. Hike to Pillar Rocks & Guna Caves

Hike to these three massive pillar rocks or boulders, standing at an equal height in the middle of beautiful and verdant rainforests and the Guna caves. This place gives you vibes straight out of a sci-fi movie. Also known as the Devil's Kitchen, this place is at an altitude of 2230 meters. There are deep dark chambers between the rocks, which are inhabited by bats.

8. Visit the Vattakanal Shola Tree Nursery

Organised and run by the Vattakanal Conservation Trust, the Vattakanal Tree Nursery's main focus is to conserve and distribute shola saplings across the village to help with the deforestation in the Palani Hills. This place is ideal to take a stroll and understand more about the history of the rare and endangered Shola trees native to this region.

9. Dolphin’s Nose

The Dolphin's Nose is a flat rock protruding out of a cliff and looks exactly like its name. At 6600 ft, the trek to this place is 3 km short but difficult. The trek is filled with rugged terrains but surrounded by lush greenery. Once here, the view of the Periyakulam town and the Vattakanal Valley will make you forget about the difficulty. You will find a beautiful waterfall on your way here. The sunrise and sunset from this place are simply mesmerising.

10. Echo Point

At the end of Dolphin's Nose, ten minutes walk away is the beautiful Echo Point, where the sound of your voice will reverberate back at you. With the view of ridges and valleys, it offers panoramic views of the surroundings. This point can only be reached by hiking and is a rocky route.

There are many other viewpoints such as the Silent Valley viewpoint, Mountain viewpoint, Valley view and the Vattakanal cliff viewpoint nearby for you to enjoy.

Best places to eat in Vatta:

Vattakanal has lovely cafes and restaurants serving you delicious cuisines from around the world with views you will be left dreaming for.Do not expect 5 star services but good food here. Here are our recommendations:

1. Altaf's Cafe:

With spectacular views of the mountains, this is the best cafe serves Indian, Middle Eastern, Lebanese,Mediterranean, Israeli and Italian cuisine. You cannot skip this one if you are in Vattakanal also for its perfect vibe.

Google Location: Altaf's Cafe

Instagram link for Altaf's Cafe

2. Manna Cafe:

Overlooking the vattakanal valley, serves delicious multi cuisne food.

Google Location: Manna Cafe

3. Sunrise Cafe:

A small cafe but with unmatchable views of the valley, the place serves local food and hot tea, coffee and Maggie. As the name suggests watch one of the most beautiful sunrises from this cafe.

Google Location: Sunrise Cafe

4. Jack Cafe:

This rooftop cafe is one of the top recommended cafes for breakfast in Vattakanal with the view of the hills.

Google Location: Jack Cafe

5. Selva Restaurants:

If you are looking for a quick bite, this place serves decent food.

Google Location: Selva

6.Mountain View Point snacks shop:

If you are a snack lover, you simply have to go and visit this small shop. Watch the view while sipping on some drinks or maybe that Pahado wali Maggie is calling your name.

Google Location: Mountain View Point snacks shop

Note: Falafels and Shakshouka are very popular among travelers here so don't forget to try them.

Tips to help you make your visit memorable:

1. Airtel and BSNL may work but in general there is no cell phone network in Vttakanal.

2. Electricity is fluctuating in the area so wrapping up your day early would be a good idea.

3. Expect rainfall at any given time, so make sure you have an umbrella or raincoat always handy, no matter the weather updates.

4. The place is a famous trekking zone, so if you are igniting the trekker in you make sure to dress comfortable with anti skid shoes.

5. Seeing a Bison is common in the area, so if you happen to come across one- be quiet and maintain distance.

6. Do not go for a walk at night in the woods.

7. Bring plenty of warm clothes as weather is unpredictable.

8. Negotiation is a skill you must use while dealing with cab drivers here.

9. Pre booking your hotel will be a good option.

10. Pack light as you may have to walk or trek.

11. If your stay is little away from the main road, make sure to stock your food well in advance.

The Magic word.....

While the place is famous for the magic ..., we would suggest to be very careful with whom you are dealing with. They also contain hallucinogenic substance known as "psilocybin"- a mood altering substance with side effects.

Whether you are interested in experiencing the hippie culture or simply wish to enjoy the natural beauty and serene atmosphere, Vattakanal is a bucket list destination in South India.

Planning to visit Kodaikanal soon? Do not miss out on our Guide to help you explore the best of the state.

Follow me on Instagram and explore this world through my eyes!

Ready to travel for free? Earn Credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!