About Kodanad View Point
Kodanad View Point is a well-known panoramic viewpoint near Kotagiri that looks out over deep valleys, forested slopes and the distant Bhavanisagar dam sitting like a silver strip on clear days.
A short walk from the parking area takes you to multiple vantage lines where you can see layered blue-green hills, scattered villages and an almost endless horizon. Many travellers do this as the grand finale of a Kotagiri side trip after Kotagiri town, tea estate drive and Catherine Falls outer view.
Grand Valley Panorama Bhavanisagar Dam View (On Clear Days) Sunrise & Evening Light Photo-Friendly View Decks
Kodanad View Point – Photo Gallery
Timings, Entry Fee & Typical Visit Duration
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Opening Hours | Kodanad View Point is generally accessible in daylight hours, roughly 07:00–18:00. Exact closing time can vary slightly by local management and season. |
| Entry & Parking Fee | There is usually a small viewpoint/entry fee, sometimes collected per person and/or per vehicle for parking and basic maintenance. Keep cash in small denominations. |
| Suggested Time at Viewpoint | Plan about 30–45 minutes to walk around, try different vantage spots, click photos and simply absorb the valley view. |
| Sunrise & Evening Visits | Sunrise can be magical on clear days but requires starting early from Kotagiri. Evenings can offer warm golden light, but check with your driver on return time & fog conditions. |
Note: Information here is a general guideline. On some days visibility, crowd and local maintenance can affect access to certain edges or decks.
How to Reach Kodanad View Point from Kotagiri & Ooty
- From Kotagiri Town: Drive on the Kotagiri – Kodanad road, passing through tea estates and small villages. Kodanad View Point is at the terminal side of this road for most sightseeing circuits.
- From Ooty: Many guests do an Ooty – Kotagiri side day trip, covering Kotagiri town & tea estates, Nehru Park, Catherine Falls outer viewpoint and finally Kodanad View Point before returning.
- By Private Cab: The most convenient is a pre-planned sightseeing cab. Local drivers are familiar with the viewpoint approach road, parking and safe drop points.
- Self-Drive: The road is scenic but has bends, narrow sections and occasional fog. Drive slowly, give way at narrow spots and follow local speed norms.
- Public Transport: Limited buses may run towards Kodanad, but timings are not always convenient for tourists. For flexible halts at Catherine Falls & tea estates, private cab is strongly recommended.
Parking, Safety & Viewpoint Etiquette
- Parking: Use the designated parking area or clearly marked open ground. Avoid blocking vehicle movement or emergency paths.
- Edges & Railings: Kodanad View Point has set lines and parapets, but some spots may still have steep drops. Do not climb over railings or sit on exposed edges for photos.
- Children & Elders: Hold hands of smaller children near the view edges and stairs. Allow elders to take their time on steps and uneven patches.
- Weather Changes: Fog can appear suddenly, hiding the entire valley. In such cases, wait calmly for a short while or accept what nature offers that day.
- Noise & Cleanliness: Keep music/noise low so everyone can enjoy the quiet valley atmosphere. Carry back all plastic, bottles and snack covers.
Best Time to Visit Kodanad View Point
- Post-Monsoon to Winter (Oct–Feb): Usually the best balance between greenery and clear skies, with good chance of seeing Bhavanisagar dam and plains on clear days.
- Summer (Mar–May): Days can be bright and a bit warmer, but views are generally clear. Great time to combine with Kotagiri tea estates & Catherine Falls View.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): The slopes turn lush, but heavy clouds and mist can completely cover the view. Be prepared that some days you may see only fog.
- Time of Day: On a clear forecast, late morning to mid-afternoon is reliable for visibility. Sunrise/evening are more dramatic but depend heavily on cloud patterns.
Seasonal Guide – Kotagiri & Kodanad Belt
| Season | Weather | View Conditions | Tip |
|---|
| Dec–Feb | Cool days, cold mornings & evenings | Many days with clear valley layers and far-reaching views | Carry warm layers, especially if attempting sunrise; light is beautiful for photography. |
| Mar–May | Warmer hill weather, peak tourist season | Generally clear; slight haze on hottest afternoons | Start from Ooty/Kotagiri a bit early to beat crowd and get less hazy views. |
| Jun–Sep | Rains, low clouds & mist | Highly variable; some days fully covered in fog | Keep expectations flexible. Enjoy the cloud drama & tea estate atmosphere even if the plains are hidden. |
| Oct–Nov | Fresh post-monsoon slopes | Green hillsides with improving sky clarity | Good time to club Kotagiri town, Catherine Falls and Kodanad in one loop. |
Whatever the season, Kodanad View Point is best enjoyed with a slow, unhurried stop – give yourself enough time for the view to evolve as clouds move.
Highlights of Kodanad View Point
- Sweeping Panorama: One of the widest valley views in the Kotagiri belt, with multiple layers of hills and plains.
- Bhavanisagar Dam (On Clear Days): Spot the distant dam and water spread shimmering on the horizon when visibility is good.
- Great Finish to Kotagiri Loop: Perfect way to end a tea estate and Catherine Falls drive before returning to Ooty or Kotagiri hotel.
- Photography Friendly: Good space to use wide-angle as well as zoom lenses/phone modes for dramatic valley shots.
Even when low clouds block the far plains, the play of mist, light and tea-clad slopes around Kodanad can be quietly beautiful.
Accessibility & Walk Effort
- From the parking area, expect a short walk with steps/ramps to reach the main viewing zone.
- Surfaces may include paved paths, steps and a few uneven patches; comfortable walking footwear is recommended.
- Elders who can manage gentle stairs with hand-holding usually do fine. Allow them extra time and avoid hurry.
- Wheelchair access is limited; some parts of the path may not be smooth. Check current ground condition with your driver or local contact.
Map & Area Overview
Kodanad View Point lies at the eastern edge of the Kotagiri side ridge, overlooking valleys, forests and distant plains. It is accessed via the Kotagiri – Kodanad hill road, which itself is a scenic drive with tea estates on both sides.
Kodanad View Point – FAQs
How much time do we need at Kodanad View Point?
Most visitors keep around 30–45 minutes. This lets you walk around the main view areas, wait a bit if clouds are moving, and click photos without rushing.
Is there an entry ticket or parking fee?
Typically, there is a small viewpoint/entry fee and sometimes a parking charge, collected by local authorities/associations. Charges are usually modest and paid in cash.
Can we see Bhavanisagar dam clearly from Kodanad View Point?
On clear, low-haze days, you can often see the Bhavanisagar dam and water spread far away as a silver strip on the plains. On misty or hazy days it may not be visible.
Is Kodanad View Point suitable for children and elders?
Yes, with normal care. There is a short walk with some steps. Keep children close to you near edges and parapets. Elders may need hand support, especially when climbing or descending steps.
Which is better – morning or evening for visiting Kodanad?
Morning hours often give more stable visibility and cooler air. Evening visits can be beautiful for golden light but may have more cloud build-up on some days. Your driver can suggest based on that day’s pattern.
How do we include Kodanad View Point in our Ooty itinerary?
The simplest is a Kotagiri side circuit from Ooty: Kotagiri town & tea estates → Nehru Park → Catherine Falls outer viewpoint → Kodanad View Point, then back to Ooty or Kotagiri stay. Travel2Ooty can help with cab, timing and stop planning.
Private Cab Packages – Ooty to Kotagiri & Kodanad View Point
Doorstep pickup from Ooty with a scenic Kotagiri side circuit, covering tea estates, Nehru Park, Catherine Falls outer view and Kodanad View Point, driven by experienced local drivers.
