Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal: Timings, Height, Trek & How to Reach (2026)

Are you planning a trip to Kodaikanal? Looking for the Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal timings, height, or trekking route, this guide covers it all. Where you can go for trekking, see the beautiful view of valleys and mountains. If you want to know more about Dolphin’s nose Kodaikanal, then read this article. In this article, we cover how to reach dolphin nose, hiking to dolphin nose, tips for trekking, location, and other attractions near it.

⚡ Dolphin’s Nose Quick Reference Guide

Feature / Metric	Information & Details
Entry Fee	Free (No entry ticket required)
Timings	6:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)
Best Time to Visit	6:00 AM – 9:00 AM (To avoid mist and heavy crowds)
Trek Distance	~1.5 km one way (3 km round trip)
Trek Duration	2 to 2.5 hours total (including time at the cliff)
Difficulty Level	Moderate (Steep downhill steps; continuous uphill climb back)
Starting Point	Vattakanal Taxi Stand / Near Altaf’s Cafe
Nearest Landmark	Vattakanal Falls (~500 meters from trail start)
Ideal For	Hikers, nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers
Not Recommended For	Toddlers, pregnant women, senior citizens with knee/heart issues

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Kodaikanal, the beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu, is home to many viewpoints that offer wonderful views of the valley and mountains. Dolphin’s nose is one such viewpoint, which is a must-visit place for trekking and nature lovers.

What Makes Dolphin’s Nose Special?

Unlike static roadside viewpoints, Dolphin’s Nose requires you to earn the view through a rewarding forest hike. Standing on the edge of the flat rock formation offers an unobstructed, 360-degree vantage point overlooking:

• Vellagavi Village: A tiny, isolated settlement nestled deep in the valley below that has no motorable road access.
• The Vaigai River Basin: Visible on clear, sunny mornings stretching across the plains.
• Echo Rock: A secondary, higher natural rock outcrop located just 5 minutes past Dolphin’s Nose that provides even higher vantage points.

Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal Height and Timings

Dolphin’s Nose sits at an altitude of about 6,600 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest and most dramatic viewpoints in Kodaikanal. The flat rock juts out over the cliff edge, giving you an uninterrupted view of the valley below.

Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal timings are 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It’s best to reach early in the morning, before 9 AM, when the skies are clearer and the valley view is at its best — later in the day, mist can roll in and block the view.

How to reach Dolphin Nose

You can reach Dolphin’s Nose by two ways:

• Via Upper Shola Road
• Via Old Upper lake Road

Reach Via Upper Shola Road

From this route, Dolphin Nose is 6 km away, and then you need to travel 5.3 km on the road and trek for approximately 1.5 km to reach this Dolphin’s Nose.

Reach Via Old Upper Lake Road

From this route, Dolphin’s Nose is 7.5 km away, and you need to travel 6.6 km on the road and trek for approximately 1.5 km to reach this Dolphin’s Nose.

From Kodaikanal Lake, the distance to Dolphin’s Nose is approximately 7–8 km depending on the route.

Dolphin’s Nose Hike in Kodaikanal

The Dolphin’s Nose hike is one of the most loved activities for tourists visiting Kodaikanal. The trail begins near Vattakanal Falls, and from there, you need to walk about 1.5 kilometers to reach the viewpoint.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush green trees, colorful plants, and amazing views of the mountains and valleys. You’ll also pass by some natural caves and peaceful forest paths.

When you reach Dolphin’s Nose, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valleys below. The name “Dolphin’s Nose” comes from the shape of the rock – it looks like a dolphin’s nose sticking out over the cliff!

From the top, you can see:

• Thick green forests
• Misty mountains
• The quiet Vellagavi Village
• And even a distant view of the Vaigai Dam

Important tip:
The path is steep and a bit tricky, so it’s best for people who are comfortable walking on slopes and uneven ground. The full hike usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Tips to Visit Dolphin’s Nose

• Try to reach Dolphin’s nose early in the morning for best views.
• Before go for trekking check the weather condition.
• Wear clothes and shoes suit for trekking.
• Better you can take some snacks and water, shop are available on the way where you can purchase it.
• If you are going your vehicle you can hiker the local driver. Road are bit difficult to drive.
• Try to avoid this trekking during rainy season.

Location

Other Attractions Near Dolphin Nose Kodaikanal

There are lots of other places to see near Dolphin Nose Kodaikanal that you can explore while you are in Kodaikanal.

Liril Falls or Pambar Falls

This waterfall is located 3 km away from the Dolphin’s Nose. It is surrounded by lots of green plants and trees, and it feels very calm and peaceful.

Vattakanal falls

The waterfall is a must-visit place when you travel to Dolphin Nose. Vattakanal fall are only 500 meters away from this view point.

Some other places to visit include Echo rock, Mountain view, Valley view, Hidden falls, New echo point, Lion Caves and Vellagavi village. The only way to reach Vellagavi village is by trekking or horseback riding. The village is nearly 3 km away from Dolphin’s Nose.

Echo Rock

The Echo Rock is located next to Dolphin’s Nose. If you enjoy trekking, you can reach this viewpoint by walking a short distance from Dolphin Nose. There are many small shops available here where you can purchase fruits and other snacks. You can enjoy the beautiful experience by standing on the Echo Rock.

Mountain View

Mountain View is one of the popular spots to visit when traveling to Dolphin’s Nose. From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The climate here is pleasant, and the area is usually less crowded, allowing tourists to peacefully enjoy the stunning views of the Kodaikanal hills.

If you looking for cab service in Kodaikanal for Dolphin’s Nose trip visit Kodaikanal Cab Service

Best Place for Whom

This place is best suited for nature and silence lovers, trekking and hiking enthusiasts, as well as photography enthusiasts and admirers of hills.

Check out: Kodaikanal cab services to visit Dolphin’s Nose

FAQ

Conclusion

Dolphin’s Nose Kodaikanal is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and enjoys a good hike. The trail to the viewpoint is challenging but rewarding, and the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, Dolphin Nose is a destination that you should not miss.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below. I’ll do my best to provide you with a helpful answer.

Have a great journey

Thank you