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zllx06wthyxtt9kb kodaikanal trek photobygourabnandi 1

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

A Weekend Trekking and Camping Experience in the Avocado Hill of Kodaikanal

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TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

TREK DURATION

2 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

5150 ft

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SUITABLE FOR

6 years and above

A Weekend Trekking and Camping Experience in the Avocado Hill of Kodaikanal

We are happy to announce the opening of treks around Kodaikanal. With a vision that everyone must trek, we have always wanted to find a campus around the lovely folds of Kodai. This gives our trekkers in the Southern part of our country a chance to take a weekend off and trek in the lovely Shola forests and grasslands of Kodai.

You’ll love our campus in Kodaikanal. It is surrounded by hills on all sides — hills that climb right out of our camping grounds. There are some lovely trekking trails within walking distance of our campus. One can hike to the summit of a nearby hill, watch the sun rise from behind the mounds or take a dip in a nearby waterfall. You can also savour a cup of fresh coffee grown in the nearby plantations as you take in a panoramic view of the Elephant Valley.

Located in a remote area of Kodaikanal, just 20km from the main town of Kodai, the campus is easily accessible by road. It’s just an overnight journey away from most metro cities.

The Avacado Hill trek is an ideal addition to the experience. It is suitable for any age group and especially for families, friends, and colleagues to start trekking.

Did you know that PS Secondary School from Chennai is set to embark on an Outdoor Leadership Programme on the Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek in September 2024? We have a variety of specially designed experiential learning programmes for schools, ranging from introductory day-hikes to a multi day Himalayan IAYP Adventurous Journey. Click here if you would like to request a callback from us for a school programme.

Trekkers share why they loved the Kodaikanal Avocado Hill trek

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Dr Madhava Rao

Age 47 | Cardiac surgeon | Coimbatore | Group of Sept 2024

With lots of goods, this trek is a must-try. Do it to believe it.!

This is regarding my recent day trek (a hike for some) with team Indiahikes (a current favorite for my wife with one himalayan trek experience under her belt with them). It, however, was my first expe...Read More

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zulbrhoqrfvkmbc4 akhilmohnalal kodai sept24

Akhil Mohanlal

Age 40 | Product Architect, Adobe | Bangalore | Group of Sept 2024

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something” - Mother Teresa

Even at that age, when my friend and bodyguard Mr.Superman walked alongside me played with me, and fought monsters for me, I remember being very conscious about not throwing junk in public places. Not...Read More

Snehal Deshmukh

Computer Engineer, Adobe | Bangalore | Group of Sept 2024

I wholeheartedly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an amazing trek experience

An unforgettable and adventurous trek! I had such an amazing time, and there are so many things to mention. Firstly, a big shout-out to our trek guides, Rahul and Radhika. The trek was organized with ...Read More

Parthiban G

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

It’s really a life-changing experience doing trekking with India Hikes

It’s really a life-changing experience doing trekking with India Hikes. The trekking was well-organized from start to finish. So many activities to get engaged in during the trek kept me interested, a...Read More

Dr Madhava Rao

Age 47 | Cardiac surgeon | Coimbatore | Group of Sept 2024

With lots of goods, this trek is a must-try. Do it to believe it.!

Akhil Mohanlal

Age 40 | Product Architect, Adobe | Bangalore | Group of Sept 2024

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something” - Mother Teresa

Snehal Deshmukh

Computer Engineer, Adobe | Bangalore | Group of Sept 2024

I wholeheartedly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an amazing trek experience

Parthiban G

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

It’s really a life-changing experience doing trekking with India Hikes

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek Videos

Wondering if this trek is meant for you?

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek: Complete Trek Information

We’ve always felt that trekkers should be well-prepared before heading out on any trek, and the Kodaikanal Avocado Hill trek is no different. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference between a safe trek and one that’s risky. It also turns a simple walk into a much more meaningful and enjoyable experience. Being informed helps you really connect with the trail and get the most out of your time in nature.

Use this section to learn about the Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Don’t miss the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section at the end. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Day 1

Reach the Kodaikanal Campus by 11 am on your own

Have lunch with the Indiahikes team. Explore around the campus, visit waterfall point and spend the evening sharing stories over dinner and camp in tents for the night.

Note: We have arranged a pickup from Perumal Malai bus stop to our basecamp. This will cost 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid to driver directly. The timings for this will be 9 AM and 10 AM respectively. These timings will be followed very strictly. Incase you miss the pickup, you will have to arrange the transport on your own. You may call your experience coordinator for assistance.

Day 2

Start early for the trek. Come back to the campus and leave

Start early for the trek post breakfast. Packed lunch during the trek and return to the campus by 2 pm. Windup the campsite and leave by 4.00 pm.

Note: We have arranged transport from our basecamp to Perumal Malai bus stop. You will leave the basecamp by 4 PM and reach Perumal Malai by 5 PM. The cost for this will be 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Make sure your return ticket from Perumal Malai to your city is only after 6 PM.

IMPORTANT POINTS

➤ All trekkers will be staying in tents (3-sharing tents) with foldable mattresses for the overnight stay.

➤ Parking personal vehicles around the campus is at your own risk.

➤ Pack Light for the trek: There is a sharp climb of about 300 ft from the parking location to the campus (which is almost 1 kilometre). So do not get any trolley bags or heavy bags with you. You will have to carry your own luggage to the campus area.

➤ There is no offloading facility for this trek. Keep your bag as light as possible.

➤ Please note that there is almost no network in the area.

➤ Carry 2 bottles of water. This is important and required for the trek. (Though there is a waterfall on the trail, the water is not drinkable.)

➤ Carry a pair of flip-flops to use around the campus. But for the trek, use shoes with good grip only.

➤ Carry a small notebook and pen/pencil.

Day 1

Reach the Kodaikanal Campus by 11 am on your own

Have lunch with the Indiahikes team. Explore around the campus, visit waterfall point and spend the evening sharing stories over dinner and camp in tents for the night.

Day 2

Start early for the trek. Come back to the campus and leave

Start early for the trek post breakfast. Packed lunch during the trek and return to the campus by 2 pm. Windup the campsite and leave by 4.00 pm.

IMPORTANT POINTS

➤ All trekkers will be staying in tents (3-sharing tents) with foldable mattresses for the overnight stay.

➤ Parking personal vehicles around the campus is at your own risk.

➤ Pack Light for the trek: There is a sharp climb of about 300 ft from the parking location to the campus (which is almost 1 kilometre). So do not get any trolley bags or heavy bags with you. You will have to carry your own luggage to the campus area.

➤ There is no offloading facility for this trek. Keep your bag as light as possible.

➤ Please note that there is almost no network in the area.

➤ Carry 2 bottles of water. This is important and required for the trek. (Though there is a waterfall on the trail, the water is not drinkable.)

➤ Carry a pair of flip-flops to use around the campus. But for the trek, use shoes with good grip only.

➤ Carry a small notebook and pen/pencil.

low-preview-c2b5528c c5cc 44cb b3c6 9ef050c4e345 kodaikanal campus indaihikes19

c2b5528c c5cc 44cb b3c6 9ef050c4e345 kodaikanal campus indaihikes19

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6edb6bea 07dd 493e 8a05 97373bf05141 kodaikanal campus indaihikes13

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Reach Indiahikes Kodaikanal Campus

Plan and reach the Indiahikes Kodaikanal Campus by 11.00 am.

Click here for our campus location.

For more information on how to reach with your own vehicle or public transportation, please refer to the section called 'How to Reach the Basecamp.'

After a refreshing welcome drink, you will get familiar with the campsite through a brief campsite tour by the trek leader. After the briefing, you will finish setting up your tent and secure all your belongings inside. This is followed by a scrumptious lunch around 1 pm.

You will be briefed about the short trek after lunch, a necessary gap for the food to settle down.

Have fun on the short trek to the waterfall point, while following all necessary safety instructions. You would be back at the campsite by 6:30 pm. Tasty snacks and chai await your arrival from the trek. Refresh yourself, layer up and get comfortable in your tent and the campsite. Dinner would be ready by 8 pm.

Enjoy your dinner, a healthy portion of dessert is recommended for a nice recovery - body and mind. Indulge in dining area conversations, and get to know each other. Enjoy an idyllic starry night sky as you tuck in inside your tents for the night by 10 pm. Prepare your tents and sleeping bags to your comfort preference, sweet dreams.

P.S. You will be given a brief for Day 2 after dinner. This is because you will have an early wake-up call on Day 2.

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25575d20 ed04 4b6c b384 f52376ca678c kodaikanal trek nitesh kumar april 2023 48

Plan and reach the Indiahikes Kodaikanal Campus by 11.00 am.

Click here for our campus location.

For more information on how to reach with your own vehicle or public transportation, please refer to the section called 'How to Reach the Basecamp.'

You will be briefed about the short trek after lunch, a necessary gap for the food to settle down.

P.S. You will be given a brief for Day 2 after dinner. This is because you will have an early wake-up call on Day 2.

low-preview-193b7964 90d1 4b10 9664 8858f8600d10 kodaikanal trek suhas saya april 2023 18

193b7964 90d1 4b10 9664 8858f8600d10 kodaikanal trek suhas saya april 2023 18

low-preview-3f18207d 983a 4f5f bdd4 a91f1d678afb kodaikanal trek suhas saya april 2023 48

3f18207d 983a 4f5f bdd4 a91f1d678afb kodaikanal trek suhas saya april 2023 48

low-preview-40c4c7e4 c093 41bd beb5 8373670f093b kodaikanal campus indaihikes3

40c4c7e4 c093 41bd beb5 8373670f093b kodaikanal campus indaihikes3

Complete your trek, have a hearty lunch and depart from the campus

Wake up to the bird calls with the first light just about peeping behind the adjacent hill. The timings will be given by the Trek Leader on the previous day.

Enjoy a quick morning snack with tea or ragi malt. Get ready for the trek. Make sure you eat and pack well. Also, keep two water bottles of 1 litre each in your bag.

Today's trek will have some of the best experiences if the weather permits. Also, don't forget to see the flora and fauna around.

You will reach the campus by lunchtime. Pack up and un-pitch your tents. Learn a bit about how you have helped to leave behind a cleaner trail after the trek and practical skills you can take back to your home for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Have the delicious lunch prepared by our kitchen team. Reminisce about the last 24 hours. Let the thoughts sink in as you prepare to depart. Get involved in deep conversations with fellow trekkers and the trek leader. Holding on to dear memories, time to bid adieu post lunch.

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ffb70b4f ce21 4b7c 885a 5d87d4bedebd kodaikanal campus indaihikes9

Wake up to the bird calls with the first light just about peeping behind the adjacent hill. The timings will be given by the Trek Leader on the previous day.

Enjoy a quick morning snack with tea or ragi malt. Get ready for the trek. Make sure you eat and pack well. Also, keep two water bottles of 1 litre each in your bag.

Today's trek will have some of the best experiences if the weather permits. Also, don't forget to see the flora and fauna around.

low-preview-89f1c73e 3a0e 410f bcfc b56c86cc555b kodaikanal trek nitesh kumar april 2023

89f1c73e 3a0e 410f bcfc b56c86cc555b kodaikanal trek nitesh kumar april 2023

Plan Your Travel

The nearest town to our Kodaikanal Campus is Perumal Malai. You will find small shacks and one hotel where you get basic food. You can finish your breakfast here if you are reaching early. Post your breakfast, start your journey in a shared cab towards Spice Valley Parking area.
This journey of 9.3 km will take you about 30 min. You travel 5 km on pakka road and 4.3 offroad. Each trekker is recommended to keep a minimum of 2-3 thousand rupees. You do not get signal/ mobile data at the Spice Valley Parking area.
To get to your camping area, you trek for 800 meters from the parking area. Thus, it is recommended to not bring suitcases/ trolley with you.
Direction boards are placed all over the trail to guide you to the campus.

Campus location - https://goo.gl/maps/riXeSTXMeUpqt6ED9

How do you get to Perumal Malai?

You can either take a bus or a train. But we would recommend taking a bus since you can get down directly at Perumal Malai. Ensure you inform the conductor of having a stop here at Perumal Malai. Buses can tend to not have a stop here unless informed.

With a train, you would have to get down at Kodaikanal Road station and traverse back.

Here are a few known drivers who can help you reach the parking space of Spice Valley: (Note: Call them 1 hour in advance if you want to book these vehicles)

Ramarpandi - 9585198223
Muthupandi - 9585856465
Raja Ramar Pandi - 9361470682

The jeep per vehicle will cost Rs 600 one way.
Indiahikes will arrange for your return vehicle to Perumal Malai from the campus on the last day. (This is done so that the return fare is shared among the trekkers, naturally bringing it down.)

Reaching by bus (recommended):

Almost all buses stop at Perumal Malai (Palani Checkpost) before going further into Kodai main town. Check with the conductor or driver, and get down at Perumal Malai.
The distance from Perumal Malai to Kodaikanal main town is 12 km.

For trekkers travelling from Bangalore, find buses from either KSRTC or Redbus.

Pro Tip: If you are travelling via bus and have motion sickness, do watch this video with excellent tips to prevent motion sickness.

Reaching by train:

If you are taking the train, then the closest railway station is Kodaikanal Road (KQN). From the Railway Station, the distance is about 70 km and will take you over 2 hours to reach by local cab or bus.

Trekkers travelling from Bangalore to Kodaikanal can take train number 16235 (Mysore Express).

Important Note: We have arranged a pickup from Perumal Malai bus stop to our basecamp. This will cost 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid to driver directly. The timings for this will be 9 AM and 10 AM respectively on Day 1. These timings will be followed very strictly. Incase you miss the pickup, you will have to arrange the transport on your own. You may call your experience coordinator for assistance.

On the way back, on Day 2, from our basecamp to Perumal Malai bus stop, we follow the same process. On Day 2, you will leave the basecamp by 4 PM and reach Perumal Malai by 5 PM. The cost for this will be 600rs per vehicle and will be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Make sure your return ticket from Perumal Malai to your city is only after 6 PM.

Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.

Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you:

A 30L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice. (Available for rent)
2 full sleeves t-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek
An extra pair of trekking pants – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are thorns along all the trails.
Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip
One jacket or fleece sweater
Rain Jacket/Poncho (mandatory)
Headlamp (Available for rent)
Trek Pole (Available for rent)
Sun cap
Sunglasses
2 pairs of socks (for the trek) + 1 extra pair
A light towel
Two 1-litre bottles (reusable) (Available for rent)
Your lunch box, coffee mug, and spoon (Available for rent)
A small toilet kit (only essentials)
Insect repellant

Note: Trek pole, tiffin box and spoon, 800 ml water bottle, 30L backpack, headlamp and mug are all available for rent. Once your registration is completed, click on this link and fill out the form to rent the required gear.

PRO TIPS

As the trail is exposed, with very little tree cover, make sure you cover yourself well while trekking. Carry a full-sleeve t-shirt/shirt and full trekking pants for this trek.
Keep a pair of sandals to walk around the campsite.

Disposable cutlery, plates, glasses, etc
Packaged foods and snacks
Wet wipes

Along with this, smoking, drinking and taking drugs are strictly prohibited.

Original and photocopy of identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read it carefully, fill and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download Disclaimer certificate

Note: Fitness and medical certificates are not required for the Kodaikanal Avocado Hill trek.

The best time to go to Kodaikanal is anytime between August and March. However, expect December and January to be colder than the other months.

Yes. The Kodaikanal trek is a great trek for beginners. This is because, you will experience a variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna within a short distance. However there are a few tricky sections along the trail that you will cross.

The Kodaikanal trek is 3 kilometres one way, which makes the total distance of the trek (on Day 2) 6 kilometres.

The Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek is a trek that is easy on the legs. This makes it accessible to a larger trekking audience.

Yet, we suggest that you don't do it on your own. The presence of wild animals makes it dangerous to trek without experienced personnel.

Yes, it is safe to drive at night to Kodaikanal. There is frequent bus movement on the route.

Nevertheless, please know that if the person driving will be doing the trek, it may become a little tiring. In this case, we would like you to travel by bus, keeping in mind the safety concerns.

Tamil is the most common language spoken in Kodaikanal. The locals in Spice Valley speak Hindi and English fluently. The locals in Kodai and Perumal Malai also understand basic Hindi and English.

The Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek's base camp is located in a remote area in Kodaikanal, just 20km from the main town of Kodai. Our campus is easily accessible by road.

You will cross the waterfall, both on Day 1 and 2. You can fill your water bottles here. But after you cross this, there are no water sources ahead.

No, there are no toilets on the trail.

Avocado Hill and Elephant Valley are known for a lot of Elephant movements.

Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.

Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you:

A 30L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice. (Available for rent)
2 full sleeves t-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek
An extra pair of trekking pants – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are tall lemongrass along all the trails.
Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip
One jacket or fleece sweater
Rainwear (mandatory)
Headlamp (Available for rent)
Trek Pole (Available for rent)
Sun cap
Sunglasses
2 pairs of socks (for the trek) + 1 extra pair
A light towel
Two 1-litre bottles (reusable) (Available for rent)
Your lunch box, coffee mug, and spoon (Available for rent)
A small toilet kit (only essentials)
Insect repellent

You will camp in 3-sharing tents on the night of Day 1.

No, trekking shoes are not mandatory. But, the shoes must have a good grip on the soles.

The main town of Kodai has stay options after and/or before the trek.

There is only 1 ATM in the town of Perumal Malai. The Central Bank of India ATM is at Palani Checkpost. But it is best not to depend on this ATM and keep 2-3 thousand rupees with you beforehand.

No, there is no network on the trek. You may get network, sparsely, in certain areas. But this cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, carry about 2000 rupees with you. There are ATMs in Kodai. But you may not find ATMs in Perumal Malai. It is best to withdraw in Bangalore or any other city before your trek.

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5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.