- From Chennai
- 520 km · ~9 h
- Difficulty
- Easy–Moderate
- Best months
- Sep–Mar
- Altitude
- Not published
- Distance
- Varies
- Time on trail
- 3–4 hours round trip
About Dolphin's Nose
A rock outcrop shaped like a dolphin's nose, reached by a walk from Kodaikanal along a forest track and a rocky descent. The view over the valley is the main reward, and the cliff edge needs care.
- Cliff-edge views
- Forest track from Kodaikanal
- Combine with Pillar Rocks and the lake
Permit & rules
- Permit needed?
- Yes: permission or booking
- Authority
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department
- How to book
- Book on https://trektamilnadu.com if the trail is one of its listed trails; otherwise ask the local forest range office.
- Fee
- Fees are set by the forest department or your guide; confirm before you go.
- Guide
- Required
- Night trek
- Not allowed
- Note
- Guides and entry rules apply on this forest stretch; check locally.
Best time to visit
Go
Sep–Mar
Avoid
Heavy rain and low cloud, when the cliff edge is slippery
Wildlife, clothing and what to carry
Wildlife
- Indian gaur are reported in the Kodaikanal forests
- Birds of the shola forest
What to wear
- Fleece for the cool mornings
- Shoes with strong grip
What to carry
- Water
- Rain jacket
- Snacks
Itinerary
- 1Start from Kodaikanal in the morning.
- 2Walk the forest track to the viewpoint.
- 3Return the same way and spend the day in town.
Fuel for a car round trip from Chennai is roughly ₹5,951 at current prices, split across passengers.
Operators & costs compared
Listed starting prices per person. They change by batch, so confirm inclusions with the operator. Tamil Nadu has fewer commercial operators than Karnataka; where none is verified we show the official route and a do-it-yourself estimate.
Do it yourself
Rough estimate: long drive or train and bus, a night in Kodaikanal and food.
~₹4,500
ThrillophiliaLowest listed
Marketplace – operator varies by batch, tent/homestay options
₹800
- Included
- Per listing; check inclusions
- Notes
- Listed at Rs 800 after a discount from Rs 1,000; a short local trek, not a transfer from Chennai.
Trek Tamil Nadu (official)
Government-run; fee covers entry, guide and insurance; 18+ unless stated
Check price
- Included
- Entry, guide and insurance on listed trails
- Notes
- Check whether this trail is bookable on the official portal; its fee covers entry, guide and insurance.
Tips
- Keep well back from the edge, especially in mist.
- Go with a guide on the forest section.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Dolphin's Nose?
Yes. Book on https://trektamilnadu.com if the trail is one of its listed trails; otherwise ask the local forest range office. Fees are set by the forest department or your guide; confirm before you go.
How far is Dolphin's Nose from Chennai?
About 520 km by road (roughly 9 hours); sources quote slightly different distances.
What is the best time to visit Dolphin's Nose?
Sep–Mar. Avoid: Heavy rain and low cloud, when the cliff edge is slippery.
How difficult is Dolphin's Nose?
Easy–Moderate. 3–4 hours round trip.
More Tamil Nadu hikes
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Distances, trail lengths and rules differ between sources; confirm with the forest range or your operator before you go.