With a mix of fine valley views, terraced farms, ancient temples, and quick access to scenic lakes and nature coves, Poombarai is unlike your go-to travel destination. Just 20 km from the celebrated hill station Kodaikanal lies Poombarai Village, a lesser-known gem of Tamil Nadu. Colourful alleys, shy smiles, and generous welcomes await you at the tapestry of life and culture here. And in this travel guide to Poombarai, we will tell you how to make the most of your time in and around this hamlet.

Best time to visit Poombarai

Poombarai is a year-round destination due to the pleasant weather throughout. However, October-March is the best time to visit Poombarai to witness various festivals in the region. Monsoon months of July-September are also a good time to explore Poombarai, as you can find this place at its greenest. Summers can be hotter, but the average temperature does not go above 28 degrees.

Guide to Poombarai

From what-to-dos to how, where, and when, here's a guide to help you explore the best of Poombarai.

How to reach Poombarai

Located only 20 km from Kodaikanal, this village is easily accessible from major cities. Here’s how to reach Poombarai.

By air: You can fly down to Madurai airport, which is ~153 km away from Poombarai. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Poombarai.

By bus: You can take a direct cab from Kodikanal Bus Stand to Poombarai, ~20 km.

Alternatively, you can take a bus to the Poombarai bus Stand. Also, Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal) is just a 4 km walk away from here.

By train: You can opt for a train journey to Palani Railway Station, about 85 km away from the village and take a taxi from there. Alternatively, there’s Kodai Road Railway Station, which is 102 km away from Poombarai.

By road: A road trip to Poombarai from Bangalore is a picturesque excursion which you can embark on. It will take around 10 hours to cover this journey of 483 km.

Places to visit in Poombarai

While every corner of this serene village is a sight to behold, here are some of the best places to visit in Poombarai.

Mannavanur Lake- One of the must-visit places in the region, the lake is known for its pristine waters and rich biodiversity and is around 16.5 km from Poombarai. Set up a picnic as you listen to nature’s melody and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of Poombarai here. You can enjoy a boat ride or lie down under the stars as you camp by the lake. This lake can easily top the list of Kodaikanal tourist places! And what’s more, it’s just a scenic one-hour drive away from the newly launched Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal).

Peaceful setting at the Mannavanur Lake

Kookal village- Another hidden hamlet of Kodaikanal, this farming village is adorned by the idyllic Kookal Lake. Also, be ready to be mesmerised by the Kookal Falls that appear as a tiny veil of white amidst an otherwise limitless green field. Gear up for an hour’s thrilling hike to reach the falls. Take pictures of the lake's setting amid the alluring meadows and gorgeous hills in the distance. It’s definitely one of the best tourist places in Poombarai if you’re looking for something low-key.

Poombarai village viewpoint- As the name suggests, you can get a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire village from here. To add to your convenience, it’s just 4.2 km from Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal). And trust us, your Poombarai trip itinerary is incomplete without experiencing the beauty of the village from here.

Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple- Catch a glimpse of the traditional South Indian architecture and gear up for a cultural retreat here. Legends say that the temple is over 3,000 years old. And right outside the temple, you’ll also find the garlic market of the village, which the Poombarai Village is known for.

The shrine at Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple | Credits: Adobe stock

Berijam Lake: Located 26 km from Poombarai, Berijam Lake is a natural water lake where you can indulge in activities like fishing, bird watching and even go on a safari in the adjacent jungle. With so much to do around, this lake is a must in your Poombarai itinerary.

Note: Special permissions are required to visit this place. We recommend checking with the concerned authorities in advance.

Moer Point: This place stands out for its simplistic charm and ease of access. Located on the way to various other attractions, this viewpoint is located on the way to Berijam Lake and is only 3 km away from the Pillar Rocks.

Things to do in Poombarai

We have just the right recommendations for exciting things to do in Poombarai.

Trekking and Camping near Poombarai

If you’re an adventure seeker, then trekking in Poombarai is a must. From well-known peaks to lesser-trodden trails, every hike will leave you spellbound. Here are some hikes that you can take in Poombarai:

Perumal Peak- Located in the heart of Palani Hills, this is one of the highest peaks in Kodaikanal. You’ll be greeted with the enchanting panoramas of the Nilgiris and the Western Ghats. It’s also one of the popular camping and tourist spots in Poombarai.

Dolphin’s Nose Trek- In this beginner’s level trek, savour the joy of hanging at an edgy rock cloaked in dense fog, as you observe the valley's depth. It’s one of the prime attractions near Poombarai if you’ve set your eyes on having some adventure on your getaway.

Vellagavi Forest Trek- This trail is not for the faint-hearted. You’ll go through a dense spread of flora and fauna. This wooded trek will let you delve into the beautiful vistas and serene atmosphere of the Vellagavi village. It will also give you a chance to discover even more offbeat places near Poombarai.

Offbeat Experiences Near Poombarai

Visit the Potter’s shed- In the village of Pethupurai, around 40 km away from Poombarai, lies this Potter’s shed. Here, one can get a glimpse of the life of a French entrepreneur who came and settled in India 23 years ago. And then, get your hands dirty, quite literally, as you indulge in ceramic art. They also have an antique shop where you can get some souvenirs and get a first-hand experience of one of the finest activities to do in Poombarai.

Visit terraced garlic farms- One thing Poombarai is known for, other than its breathtaking vistas, is garlic. Visiting one of the garlic farms and seeing the cultivation process yourself is a no-brainer when you’re here. It will also enable you to get an insight into the everyday routine of the locals and experience the slow-paced village life that might be one of the experiences in Poombarai.

Gorgeous terraced fields of Poombarai during sunset time | Credits: @ankitguptaphotography

Cafes in Poombarai

As Poombarai is yet to be discovered by the world of travel and hospitality, there are limited options of cafes to try here. Yes, Poombarai is that much of an untouched gem of Tamil Nadu!

Passiflora Art Cafe- Get the best view of the town as you indulge in a delightful Italian platter. The hipster vibe of the cafe is enough to keep you hooked, but the cotton candy clouds above the terrace plantations will just add to your experience.

Timings: 12 am to 7:30/8 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)

Kodai Adventure Cafe- Located right at the village viewpoint, it's a small drive-in cafe that offers a 360° view of the picturesque village. It’s a perfect snack spot amidst your excursion and to be a part of your Poombarai itinerary.

Timings: open 24 hours

Woody’s Cafeteria- You can count on this place for its cottagecore aesthetics and lip-smacking food. One of the few cafes in this quaint village, you spend some time here alone or with friends for a wholesome evening.

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

A bit about Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal)

Overlooking the exalted green mountains, our latest hostel in Tamil Nadu gives you a chance to relish the beauty of the exquisite rural hamlet, Poombarai. With majestic hill views and rustic interiors, the hostel is one of the best places to stay in Poombarai amidst nature from the comfort of a cosy room or vibrant dorms. You can chill with fellow travellers in the common room, enjoy the views from the rooftop and indulge in lip-smacking food from our on-site cafe. So, head to Poombarai for a revitalising vacation. Check out Zostel Plus Poombarai Kodaikanal.

The facade of Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal) | Credits: @ankitguptaphotography

The common room at Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal) | Credits: @ankitguptaphotography

Private room at Zostel Plus Poombarai (Kodaikanal) | Credits: @ankitguptaphotography

Whether it’s strolling through the colourful streets, exploring the local culture or hiking to peaks, you can experience it all in Poombarai Village. And for days when you don’t want to do anything, this paradisal town can be your place to unwind and relish the joy of doing nothing in the arms of nature. So, venture into a journey into the unknown to discover the untouched beauty of India and live it now with Zostel.

Poombarai Village is a charming hamlet amidst forested Palani Hills near Kodaikanal. In this comprehensive travel guide, read about where to eat, things to do, and places to visit in Poombarai.