Kodaikanal, which is usually known for its breathtaking natural beauty like Kodaikanal Lake, dense forests, Pillar Rocks, pine forests, Silver Cascade Falls and the infamous Kurinji flower that blooms once every 12 years, is unfortunately making headlines for a different reason.
Heavy rainfall has disrupted travel in the region, leaving tourists stranded as they head towards the popular hill station, possibly for a weekend trip. The situation has prompted the Dingul superintendent of police s. jasyakumar to advise people to avoid visiting Kodaikanal and Thandikudi for the time being.
this Friday, oct 23, the Kodaikanal region received heavy rainfall, triggering landslides at three separate locations along the main ghat road. The landslides disrupted traffic, with soil, rocks and vegetation blocking parts of the road. The Highways Department worked to clear the debris, and traffic on the main route was restored after about an hour of work.
Weekend trip turns into a nightmare for tourists heading to #Kodaikanal! Heavy rains & floods have cut off roads to the hill station, leaving cars and buses stranded for nearly two hours. #TNRain #TamilNaduRain #TamilNaduWeather #Kodaikanal https://t.co/VwzF2u10o8
— Ram M Sundaram (@ramsundaramTOI) October 23, 2026
The heavy downpour also caused water to flow rapidly across the Batlagundu–Kodaikanal ghat road, creating flash-flood-like conditions. Near Silver Cascade Falls, the force of the water reportedly caused soil erosion and damaged sections of the road. The Adukkam–Kodaikanal road was also affected, with traffic disrupted by the adverse conditions.
Waterlogging was also reported in several residential areas of Palani, highlighting the wider impact of the heavy rainfall in the Dindigul region.
The heavy rainfall comes amid the intensification of the northeast monsoon, which brings significant rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu during this period. With the possibility of further rain and the risks associated with landslides and flooding on hilly roads, travel conditions remain a concern.
For those planning a weekend getaway, it may be better to put Kodaikanal plans on hold until conditions improve and local authorities confirm that travel is safe. While the hill station remains a popular destination for its scenic landscapes and pleasant surroundings, the current situation is a reminder that weather conditions can quickly turn a relaxing trip into a difficult journey.
Before travelling, tourists should check the latest local advisories and road conditions rather than assuming that the usual routes are safe. For now, postponing non-essential travel to Kodaikanal and Thandikudi is the safer choice.
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