Mannavanur and Poombarai: A Day in Kodaikanal's Upper Palani Villages
Updated 21 October 2026 · By the Hostyard Experience and Stay team
Mannavanur and Poombarai are farming villages in the upper Palani Hills, beyond Kodaikanal town. Poombarai is known for its terraced fields and an old Murugan temple; Mannavanur for a quiet lake ringed by open grassland. Together they make the best day out from Kodaikanal for anyone who wants hills without the town crowds.
Where they are
Both villages lie west of Kodaikanal, higher and more rural than the town, on the road that winds out through forest and farmland into the upper Palani Hills. Poombarai comes first on the usual route, so most people pair the two in a single trip.
There is little in the way of shops or cafés once you leave town, so set off with water, snacks and a full tank.
Poombarai: terraces and the old temple
Poombarai is the village people photograph from the roadside viewpoint: houses gathered on a slope, surrounded by terraces of vegetables and garlic that step down the hill. The view is best in soft morning light, before haze builds up.
At its heart is the Kuzhanthai Velappar temple, an old Murugan temple that draws pilgrims from across the region. Dress modestly, take your shoes off where asked and ask before photographing people or rituals.
Mannavanur: the lake and the grassland
Mannavanur feels different again: rolling grassland, eucalyptus and pine, and a still lake that reflects the sky on a clear day. It is a place for a long, unhurried walk rather than a quick photo stop.
Part of the area is managed by the forest department and a sheep research station, so you may find fenced sections, entry rules or fixed visiting hours. Follow the signs and check locally before you set out.
A simple plan for the day
- Leave Kodaikanal early and stop at the Poombarai viewpoint while the light is soft.
- Visit the village and temple, then carry on towards Mannavanur.
- Walk around Mannavanur lake and the grassland; take a picnic and your rubbish home with you.
- Head back before late afternoon, when mist can close in on the forest roads.
Weather and what to bring
The upper villages are cooler and windier than Kodaikanal town, and the weather turns quickly. Bring a warm layer and rain gear in any season, and expect heavier rain and poorer views during the monsoon.
Wear shoes you can walk on grass and mud in. Mobile signal can be patchy, so download offline maps before you leave.
Kodaikanal as a base
Staying a night or two in Kodaikanal makes this an easy day rather than a rushed one. Hostyard Kodai has private rooms and dorm beds; ask the team for current road conditions when you arrive.