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.