Dolphin’s Nose: A Scenic Viewpoint with a Dolphin-Shaped Rock in Kodaikanal

Dolphin’s Nose is a natural attraction in Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a flat rock that protrudes from the edge of a cliff, resembling the nose of a dolphin. It is located about 8 km (5 miles) from the Kodaikanal town and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills, valleys and forests. Dolphin’s Nose is a popular viewpoint and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the beauty and adventure of this place. Visit during Kodaikanal One day tour By cab

Location of Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin’s Nose is located at Dolphin’s Nose Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101, India. It is situated on the southern end of the Palani Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats. It is about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Vattakanal Falls, another natural attraction in Kodaikanal.

Timing/Entry Fees Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin’s Nose is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between sunrise and sunset. There is no entry fee for visiting Dolphin’s Nose. However, visitors may have to pay a nominal fee for parking their vehicles near the starting point of the trek.

How to Reach Dolphin’s Nose

There are many ways to reach Dolphin’s Nose from different parts of Kodaikanal and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:

By Road: Dolphin’s Nose is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from Dolphin’s Nose. The main road, also known as Lake Road or NH44, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to Dolphin’s Nose.
By Rail: Dolphin’s Nose can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kodaikanal and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, which is about 80 km (50 miles) away from Dolphin’s Nose. Other nearby railway stations are Palani, Dindigul and Madurai. From these stations, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Dolphin’s Nose.
By Air: Dolphin’s Nose can also be reached by air from various airports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 135 km (84 miles) away from Dolphin’s Nose. Other nearby airports are Coimbatore, Trichy and Kochi. From these airports, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Dolphin’s Nose.

Things to Do/Must See Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin’s Nose offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Dolphin’s Nose and its surroundings. Some of the things to do and see at Dolphin’s Nose are:

Trekking: Trekking is one of the most enjoyable activities at Dolphin’s Nose. Visitors can trek for about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the starting point near Pambar Bridge to reach the viewpoint. The trek is moderate in difficulty and passes through pine forests, rocky terrains and misty valleys. Visitors can also see some wildlife such as monkeys, bison and birds along the way.
Watching the view: Watching the view is another interesting activity at Dolphin’s Nose. Visitors can see a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills, valleys and forests from the top of the rock. Visitors can also see the clouds and mist that often cover the rock, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Picnicking: Picnicking is also an option at Dolphin’s Nose for those who want to relax and unwind. Visitors can sit on the benches or rocks near the viewpoint and enjoy some snacks and beverages from the nearby shops and stalls.
Visiting the other attractions: Dolphin’s Nose also has some other attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Some of them are:
- Vattakanal Falls: Vattakanal Falls are natural waterfalls that are located about 3 km (1.9 miles) from Dolphin’s Nose. The falls are also known as Liril Falls or Pambar Falls and have a height of about 50 feet. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and have a soothing sound.
- Echo Point: Echo Point is a viewpoint that is located about 1 km (0.6 miles) from Dolphin’s Nose. The point is named so because it produces an echo effect when one shouts or claps here. The point also offers a splendid view of the hills and valleys.
- Mountain View Point: Mountain View Point is a viewpoint that is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) from Dolphin’s Nose. The point offers a panoramic view of the mountains and the plains. The point is also a good spot for watching the sunrise and sunset.

Significance of Dolphin’s Nose

Dolphin’s Nose is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kodaikanal and Tamil Nadu. Some of the reasons why Dolphin’s Nose is important are:

It is a natural attraction that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature in Kodaikanal. Dolphin’s Nose is a flat rock that protrudes from the edge of a cliff, resembling the nose of a dolphin. It is a rare and unique geological formation that attracts many visitors.
It is an adventure attraction that showcases the thrill and excitement of trekking in Kodaikanal. Dolphin’s Nose requires a moderate level 3 km (1.9 miles) long trek through the pines and rocks of the Palani Hill Range. It is a challenging and rewarding experience for trekkers and nature lovers.

FAQ’s

Q: Is photography allowed at Dolphin’s Nose?

A: Yes, photography is allowed at Dolphin’s Nose for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.

Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Dolphin’s Nose?

A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Dolphin’s Nose, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking etc. There are also some shops and stalls near the viewpoint that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs etc.