A short, easy walk through forest to a rock that juts out over a thousand-metre drop. Go before 9 am for the view before the cloud arrives. Vellagavi, a village without a road, is beyond it — an unforgettable overnight trek with a guide.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
Loading the forecast…
Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
Dolphin's Nose, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Dolphin's Nose: the trek
- TravelBase: Vattakanal, 6 km from Kodaikanal
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailEasy trek to 2,000 mFree
₹49 once, 4 pages. Secure payment by Razorpay, instant download. Already bought? Get your download
The route
Tap a place: the map zooms to it.
On the map
Dolphin's Nose & Vattakanal · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Local bus or auto from Kodaikanal to Vattakanal. The trail starts at the end of the road past the cafés.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Vattakanal is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Dolphin's Nose & Vattakanal trek?
Easy grade. It takes Half day and climbs to about 2,000 m. A short, easy walk through forest to a rock that juts out over a thousand-metre drop. Go before 9 am for the view before the cloud arrives. Vellagavi, a village without a road, is beyond it — an unforgettable overnight trek with a guide.
Do I need a permit for Dolphin's Nose & Vattakanal?
None for Dolphin's Nose and Echo Point. Longer trails beyond, such as the walk down to Vellagavi village, are best done with a guide or as a Trek Tamil Nadu guided trek.
How do I reach the Dolphin's Nose & Vattakanal trek?
Local bus or auto from Kodaikanal to Vattakanal. The trail starts at the end of the road past the cafés. Base: Vattakanal, 6 km from Kodaikanal.
What is the best season for Dolphin's Nose & Vattakanal?
Sep–May.
How much does the Dolphin's Nose & Vattakanal trek cost?
There is no entry fee or permit charge; budget only for local transport and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Trainers with grip, water, rain jacket. The rock at the Nose is slippery in the mist.
Nearby treks
Kurangani – Top StationModerate · 1–2 days · up to 1,880 mFrom ₹2,500
MeesapulimalaMedium · 2 days · up to 2,640 mFrom ₹2,500
Kolukkumalai sunriseEasy · Half day (pre-dawn) · up to 2,170 mFrom ₹2,500Places to stay near by
KodaikanalA lake you cycle around, shola forest you walk into, and a twelve-year flower bloom that draws…From ₹1,000/day
VattavadaTerraced vegetable and strawberry farms in a rain-shadow valley, 45 km past Munnar's tea, where…From ₹1,100/day
Devikulam & EravikulamA sacred lake said to hold water from the Ganges, and the national park next door where you can…From ₹1,200/daySacred places near by
Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: ACKSEN · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Rainer Halama · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Marcus334 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
