Introduction
When you are in Kodaikanal, and wish to be given just one country drive, combine the terraced valley of Poombarai with the meadows and lake at Mannavanur. This field trip incorporates vintage hill-village scenery, peaceful by-roads, strolls of average length, and cost-effective meals.
It should be used as a convenient guide to schedule your ride, select stops, calculate expenses, and eliminate pitfalls such as afternoon fog, lengthy lunch lines, etc.
Route Overview and Best Time
- Location: On the villages road to Poombarai and Mannavanur west of the town of Kodaikanal.
- Distances (approaches): Kodaikanal – Poombarai 18-20 km; Poombarai – Mannavanur 17-18km; total loop back to Kodaikanal: 70-80 km.
- Road conditions: The road is generally of a good single-lane slope with turns and some rough areas around village areas.
- Best months: September-March when the views are clear. In April-May it is nice but busier. Mist, green valleys, slippery shoulders, monsoon (Jun-Aug)–slow down.
- Early beginning: Be out of Kodaikanal before 8:00-8:30 AM to get the best of the views before clouds form.
Quick Planner: Distances, Time and Costs
| Segment/Item | Segment/Item | Typical Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Kodaikanal → Poombarai | 18–20 km / 45–60 min | Fuel: ₹150–250 |
| Poombarai → Mannavanur | 17–18 km / 40–50 min | Fuel: ₹120–200 |
| Mannavanur Lake Eco‑Park Entry | 1–2 hours visit | ₹20–50 per adult |
| Simple village lunch (veg) | – | ₹120–220 per person |
| Full‑day taxi from Kodaikanal | 8–10 hours | ₹3,200–4,800 (sedan) |
| Bike rental (Kodaikanal) | 1 day | ₹800–1,500 + fuel |
Prices are indicative for 2025 and vary by season, crowd and negotiation.
Suggested One‑Day Itinerary
- 8:00 AM — Start from Kodaikanal. Rapid sightseeing of Upper Lake View in case of clear weather.
- 9:00 AM — Poombarai Viewpoint pull-off of layered valley terraces; proceed to village.
- 9:30-10:15 AM Poombarai village walk + Kuzhanthai Velappar (Murugan) Temple. Be modest in dress; may not take photographs in sanctum.
- 10.30 AM — Tea/coffee and hot vadas in a small shop; take water and snacks.
- 11:30 AM — Arrive Mannavanur; purchase eco- park tickets. Wander the meadows, go along the lake. You can find coracle rides or horse rides which are provided by locals depending on the day, and ask by the gate about availability and prices.
- 1:00-1:45 PM: Village lunch: basic veg meals/parotta/kurma.
- 3:00-4:00 PM – Choice: short walk on the farm road (only on a public one), or relax on the grass to take pictures.
- 3.15 PM – Start back; unless the skies clear off, rest again at Poombarai view point.
- 4.30-5.00 PM- In Kodaikanal preceding evening mist.
Must‑See Places and Typical Fees
| Stop | What You’ll See | Time Needed | Fees/Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poombarai Viewpoint | Terraced farms, layers of valleys | 15–25 min | Free |
| Poombarai Village & Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple | Historic Murugan temple, narrow lanes, local produce | 30–45 min | Free; donations welcome |
| Mannavanur Lake Eco‑Park | Grass meadows, quiet lake, sheep/rabbit farms nearby | 60–90 min | Entry ₹20–50; parking ₹20–50 |
| Lakeside Activities (on select days) | Coracle ride / horse ride | 10–20 min | ₹100–300 (if running) |
| Roadside Photo Bays | Rolling hills, eucalyptus lines | 5–10 min each | Free |
Notes: Government/eco‑park rates change; check the board at the gate for the latest. Some rides may not operate in bad weather.
Food, Washrooms and Essentials
- Food: Poombarai has small food places with hot idli, dosa, poori and chai; Mannavanur has homely meals in small places-to be expected are veg curries, rice, sambar, omelettes. Dining out; veg food is scarce.
- Washrooms: There is Poombarai temple complex (basic) and Mannavanur eco-park (there are wash rooms that are hygienic yet simple).
- What to pack: Practical bottle, light jacket (cold wind may be nippy), hat, sunscreen, power bank, small amount of money and trash bag.
- Accentuaries: village honey, carrots, garlic, local hill greens- purchase at the stalls of the farmers.
Transport Options (Self‑drive, Taxi, Bike)
- Self-drive car: It is okay to use any well-maintained hatchback/sedan. Stay on your side in bends and honk on turns. Do not go out late in misty evening.
- Motorcycle/scooter: Picturesque but windy; put gloves and rain coat in monsoon. Use engine-braking on down-hills; never coast in neutral.
- Taxi in Kodaikanal: You will need to negotiate the price of a taxi that is a full-day trip (car+ driver + parking). Confirm route: Poombarai sightseeing point, temple, and Mannavanur eco-park and back.
- Public transport: small direct buses. When you are on tight budget, inquire at Kodaikanal bus stand about the timing to Poombarai/Mannavanur and josh with short share autos.
Safety, Network and Eco‑Etiquette
- Weather: It may fog in after 3 PM–open early. When monsooning, slick shoulders and leeches are to be anticipated on grassy places; a pair of shoes with a hold is necessary.
- Driving tips: It is better to drive downgears when going down the hill; hairpins should not be cut. In case of narrowing of the road, the uphill vehicles are given priority.
- Mobile network: Jio/Airtel are reliable in Kodaikanal and town extensions; around estates may have coverage issues. Save offline maps.
- Eco-etiquette: Use designated trails; do not walk on farm plots or tea rows. No littering, no loud music. Drones can be limited–consult locals/forest employees.
- Respect of the temple: Toilet shoes must be taken off where appropriate; plain attire is welcome.
Conclusion
Mannavanur and Poombarai enjoy a low cost, day-time outing out of Kodaikanal. Early and simple meals, a leisurely stroll in the meadows, and proper time in the village and the temple, and you will have classic hill-country shots without taking your life in a hurry–or spending a lot of money. Be light, leave imprint and leave the rest to the valleys.
