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5-star hotels in Kodaikanal
This shortlist gathers the 5-star hotels of Kodaikanal, from lakefront addresses to hillside resorts and quiet homestays outside town. It is for travellers who want the highest class of stay in the Palani Hills, whether for a couple's break, a family holiday or a longer, slower stay.
Staying in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a hill town built around Kodaikanal Lake, a man-made star-shaped lake created in 1863. The perimeter road around the water is popular for walking and cycling, and Coaker's Walk, a paved pedestrian path along a steep slope with valley views, and Bryant Park, a botanical garden beside the lake, are the other well-known landmarks. The surrounding hills hold viewpoints, waterfalls and hiking trails, including routes to Dolphin's Nose and Vattakanal. The climate is cool for much of the year, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C, which makes the town a popular break from the heat of the plains.
The hotels on this list sit in several parts of town. The Carlton is on Lake Road, 1.3 km from the centre, and The Tamara Kodai is at La Providence, 2.5 km out. Fairway Inn, on Brooklyn Convent Rd, is the most central at 0.1 km, with Haze valley at 0.7 km and The Jacks Hilltop Resort at 1.2 km. Others lie further away: Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House on Vilpatti Road at 1.5 km, Pears Garden Royal Suite near Kurinji Aandavar Temple at 1.6 km, Misty Magic House on Observatory Road at 2.4 km, and Dvara Luxury Resort at Attuvampatti at 2.7 km. For a short break, the addresses closest to the lake suit; families tend to favour the resorts with gardens, pools and family rooms; couples may prefer the smaller hillside and homestay properties.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Dvara Luxury Resort Kodaikanal
W4 106 W8 106A Attuvampatti Creche Villpatti Kodaikanal 624101, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereSet in Attuvampatti, 2.7 km from Kodaikanal's centre, this resort suits families and couples who want a full holiday without leaving the grounds. A spa, a pool bar and a games room keep everyone occupied, while the restaurant and 24 hour front desk handle the practical side. With free parking and free wifi, plus family rooms and a garden, it works for longer stays. Guests rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 126 reviews.
See Dvara Luxury Resort KodaikanalThe Tamara Kodai
#22 La Providence, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Tamara Kodai sits on La Providence, 2.5 km from the centre, and is the pick for travellers who want a pool, a gym and a garden in one place. An outdoor pool with a kids pool, a playground and family rooms make it straightforward for those with children, while the bar, lounge and restaurant cover the evenings. Free parking and free wifi are included. It holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 1354 reviews.
See The Tamara KodaiThe Carlton
Lake Road, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereOn Lake Road, 1.3 km from the centre, The Carlton puts the lake and the town's main stretch within easy reach. A fitness centre, massage and jacuzzi cover the leisure side, and a beauty salon, babysitting service and games room add to what families and couples can use. The lake itself is a listed facility here, and rooms come with balconies. Rating: 4.4 out of 5 from 3436 reviews.
See The CarltonFairway Inn
Brooklyn Convent Rd Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu 624101 India, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Business trips
Why stay hereThe closest of the group to the centre at 0.1 km, Fairway Inn on Brooklyn Convent Road is for travellers who want to step out and be in the middle of things. It keeps the offer simple: a restaurant, conference halls, lifts and a reception area, with currency exchange and newspapers at hand. Choose it if location matters more to you than extensive leisure facilities.
See Fairway InnAmã Stays & Trails Kailash House Kodaikanal
2 50 Vilpatti Road, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereAmã Stays & Trails Kailash House Kodaikanal is a 5-star property on Vilpatti Road, 1.5 km from the centre, and suits guests who want an outdoor pool and easy arrival. Express check in, free car parking and wheelchair accessible facilities are the practical points, and the house is set back from the main town area.
See Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House KodaikanalKodai Countryside Homestay
954 Valakaatu Odai Opp Road To Unico Resorts Pallangi Road, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereKodai Countryside Homestay lies 3.3 km from the centre on Pallangi Road, and is built for guests who want to cook and settle in rather than eat out. A kitchen with oven, microwave and refrigerator, plus a dining area and a fireplace, gives it a homely feel. Family rooms, a garden and a terrace add space, and wifi and parking are free. Smoking areas are provided.
See Kodai Countryside HomestayPears Garden Royal Suite
Near Kurinji Aandavar Temple Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Family rooms
Why stay herePears Garden Royal Suite, near Kurinji Aandavar Temple and 1.6 km from the centre, mixes hotel and self-catering: there is a restaurant and room service alongside a kitchen and kitchenette. Family rooms, a garden and a terrace give room to spread out, and breakfast can be taken in the room. Shuttle service, free parking and free wifi are included, and it is wheelchair accessible.
See Pears Garden Royal SuiteThe Jacks Hilltop Resort Kodaikanal
W5 550 L Misty Mountains Chinnapalam Road Naidupuram, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereOn Chinnapalam Road in Naidupuram, 1.2 km from the centre, this hilltop resort suits guests who want sport and views in one stay. Badminton, horse back riding and a playground cover active days, while a jacuzzi and a garden offer quieter ones. The lake and a market are close by, and rooms have balconies and patios. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on site.
See The Jacks Hilltop Resort KodaikanalSm Gardens Luxury Homestay
D No 14 3 30A Oothu Nadai Pathai Pannaikadu Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSm Gardens Luxury Homestay is the most remote of the group at 14.6 km from Kodaikanal's centre, so it is for travellers who want quiet and don't mind the distance. Pets are allowed, which is rare here, and the property has a garden, terrace, kitchen and family rooms. Free parking and wheelchair accessible facilities are provided. Rooms look over the garden from balconies.
See Sm Gardens Luxury HomestayAmã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa Kodaikanal
47 17 85 1 Swedish Settlement Rd, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereAmã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa Kodaikanal is a 5-star villa on Swedish Settlement Road, 2.6 km from the centre. The offering is a garden with a picnic area, free car parking and wheelchair accessible access, so it suits a group or family who want a private base close to town without shared hotel facilities.
See Amã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa KodaikanalRoyal Adventures
W1 5603 Semmankavai Adisarai Road Pallangi Kodaikanal., Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereRoyal Adventures sits 5.6 km from the centre on Adisarai Road in Pallangi, with a river and a lake among its listed features. A jacuzzi, a fireplace and a lounge make the indoors comfortable, and the garden, patio and balcony open the stay to the outdoors. Family rooms are available, and wifi and parking are free. Non smoking rooms are offered.
See Royal AdventuresMisty Magic House
Observatory Road, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereMisty Magic House on Observatory Road, 2.4 km from the centre, is for guests who want a pool plus homely extras. A swimming pool and a garden are the headline facilities, with a kitchen, fireplace and lounge behind them. Pets are allowed, public transport is nearby, and shuttle service, free parking and free wifi are included. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available.
See Misty Magic HouseLt Nature Glamps
Kanchara Kadu Mannavanur Road Poombarai18, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereLt Nature Glamps is a glamping-style 5-star stay 10.1 km from the centre on the Mannavanur Road near Poombarai, well outside the town. Breakfast is served, and housekeeping, laundry service and a shuttle service handle the practical side, with free wifi and car parking.
See Lt Nature GlampsThe Highline Luxuriuos Stay
4 37 Bharathi Nagar, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereThe Highline Luxuriuos Stay is 3.5 km from the centre in Bharathi Nagar and leans on comfort: air conditioning, a fireplace and a jacuzzi, with a bar on site. Family rooms, a garden and a balcony give space, and shuttle service, room service, free parking and free wifi are provided. Non smoking rooms and luggage storage are available.
See The Highline Luxuriuos StayHaze valley
Haze Valley Ecc Road Naidu Puram Near Vinayagar Kovil, Kodaikanal, India
Best for: Travelling with pets
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereHaze valley is 0.7 km from the centre on ECC Road in Naidu Puram, near Vinayagar Kovil, making it the second closest to town here. It is a compact, no-frills 5-star base with room service, a 24 hour front desk, a garden and non smoking rooms. Pets are allowed, and rooms come with a balcony, desk and shower.
See Haze valley
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dvara Luxury Resort Kodaikanal | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.7 km |
| The Tamara Kodai | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.5 km |
| The Carlton | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.3 km |
| Fairway Inn | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | – | 0.1 km |
| Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House Kodaikanal | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.5 km |
| Kodai Countryside Homestay | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 3.3 km |
| Pears Garden Royal Suite | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 1.6 km |
| The Jacks Hilltop Resort Kodaikanal | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 1.2 km |
| Sm Gardens Luxury Homestay | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 14.6 km |
| Amã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa Kodaikanal | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 2.6 km |
| Royal Adventures | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 5.6 km |
| Misty Magic House | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.4 km |
| Lt Nature Glamps | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 10.1 km |
| The Highline Luxuriuos Stay | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 3.5 km |
| Haze valley | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Tamara Kodai lists family rooms, a kids pool, an outdoor pool and a playground, and The Carlton adds babysitting service, a fitness centre and badminton. Dvara Luxury Resort has family rooms, a games room and a garden, while The Jacks Hilltop Resort offers family rooms and a playground. All four put the lake area within a few kilometres.
The Tamara Kodai · The Carlton · Dvara Luxury Resort Kodaikanal · The Jacks Hilltop Resort Kodaikanal
For couples
Amã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa and Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House are small, quiet properties with gardens, a picnic area and an outdoor pool between them. Misty Magic House on Observatory Road and Haze valley at 0.7 km from the centre are compact stays with balconies, terraces and gardens, suited to two travellers who want privacy rather than resort facilities.
Amã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa Kodaikanal · Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House Kodaikanal · Misty Magic House · Haze valley
Closest to the centre
Fairway Inn on Brooklyn Convent Rd is 0.1 km from the centre, Haze valley 0.7 km and The Jacks Hilltop Resort 1.2 km. The Carlton on Lake Road, 1.3 km out, puts the lake, boat club and Bryant Park within easy reach. These four keep the town's main focal point close at hand.
Fairway Inn · Haze valley · The Jacks Hilltop Resort Kodaikanal · The Carlton
For longer, quieter stays
Kodai Countryside Homestay at 3.3 km and Royal Adventures at 5.6 km have kitchens or kitchenettes, gardens and fireplaces. Lt Nature Glamps at 10.1 km and Sm Gardens Luxury Homestay at 14.6 km sit furthest out and accept pets or offer wheelchair access. They suit guests with their own transport who want space and quiet.
Sm Gardens Luxury Homestay · Lt Nature Glamps · Royal Adventures · Kodai Countryside Homestay
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
The nearest major airport is Madurai, about 120 km away, with connections to Chennai and other Indian cities; Coimbatore airport is around 170 km. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, about 80 km from Kodaikanal, on the Madurai–Chennai line, and from there taxis and buses are available. Buses also run from Madurai, Coimbatore and Chennai. Kodaikanal is about 120 km from Madurai, a bus or taxi journey of around 3 to 4 hours. Within the town, local buses and auto-rickshaws serve the main areas, but many attractions are within walking distance of the lake, and taxis can be hired for day trips to viewpoints and nearby villages.
When to go
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, with temperatures from around 8°C to 20°C. The monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rain and occasional landslides. April and May are warmer but still pleasant. Winter nights can be cold, so warm clothing is advisable, and the cool climate persists for much of the year, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Kodaikanal?
Fairway Inn on Brooklyn Convent Rd is 0.1 km from the centre, the closest on this list. Haze valley follows at 0.7 km, The Jacks Hilltop Resort at 1.2 km and The Carlton on Lake Road at 1.3 km. All four keep the lake area within easy reach.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
Dvara Luxury Resort Kodaikanal holds the top guest rating here at 4.8 out of 5 from 126 reviews. The Tamara Kodai follows at 4.6 from 1354 reviews, and The Carlton at 4.4 from 3436 reviews. The remaining properties on the list have no guest rating shown.
Do any of these hotels have a pool?
The Tamara Kodai lists an outdoor pool and a kids pool. Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House lists an outdoor pool, and Misty Magic House lists a swimming pool. The Carlton and The Jacks Hilltop Resort list a jacuzzi rather than a pool.
Is parking available at these hotels?
Free car parking is listed by Dvara Luxury Resort, The Tamara Kodai, The Carlton, Amã Stays & Trails Kailash House, Kodai Countryside Homestay, Pears Garden Royal Suite, The Jacks Hilltop Resort, Sm Gardens Luxury Homestay, Amã Stays & Trails Sneh Villa, Royal Adventures, Misty Magic House and The Highline Luxuriuos Stay.
Can I bring a pet to any of these hotels?
Sm Gardens Luxury Homestay, Misty Magic House and Haze valley all list pets allowed. The other hotels on this shortlist do not state a pet policy, so it is worth confirming directly with the property before you travel.
Which hotels are best for a family holiday?
The Tamara Kodai lists family rooms, a kids pool, an outdoor pool and a playground. The Carlton adds babysitting service, badminton and a fitness centre, while Dvara Luxury Resort has family rooms and a games room. The Jacks Hilltop Resort offers family rooms and a playground.
Do any of these hotels have a spa or fitness facilities?
Dvara Luxury Resort Kodaikanal lists a spa. The Carlton lists a fitness centre and massage. The Tamara Kodai lists a gymnasium. No other hotel on this shortlist states spa or fitness facilities.
Is breakfast included at these hotels?
Breakfast is listed among the facilities at Dvara Luxury Resort, The Tamara Kodai, The Carlton, Kodai Countryside Homestay, The Jacks Hilltop Resort, Misty Magic House and Lt Nature Glamps. The Carlton, The Jacks Hilltop Resort and Pears Garden Royal Suite also list breakfast in room.