Kurinji Andavar Temple, Kodaikanal - Image 1
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Kurinji Andavar Temple Kodaikanal

4.7
·7k reviews·Kodaikanal, India

A serene temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, famed for its association with the rare Kurinji flower and offering breathtaking hill views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Clearer views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Kurinji Andavar Temple, Kodaikanal - Image 1

Kurinji Andavar Temple Kodaikanal

Best Time

Early mornings

Clearer views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, famed for its association with the rare Kurinji flower and offering breathtaking hill views.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"Spectacular views and a divine atmosphere make this temple a must-visit in Kodaikanal."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Views

Mist can hide the valley! Try early morning or late afternoon for the best chance at clear, panoramic views.

🚗 Parking is Limited

Parking is available but can be tight, especially for cars. Motorcycles have more space.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Valley Views

Panoramic Valley Views

From the temple grounds

Breathtaking vistas of the Palani hills and surrounding valleys, especially stunning when the mist clears.

The Sacred Kurinji Flower

The Sacred Kurinji Flower

Temple surroundings

Associated with the rare Kurinji flower that blooms only once every 12 years, symbolizing divine blessings.

Lord Murugan's Abode

Lord Murugan's Abode

Main shrine

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the 'God of Hills,' this temple offers a spiritual and serene experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Views

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see the stunning valley views, as mist can often obscure them later in the day. Check local weather forecasts to maximize your chances of clear vistas.

Temple Etiquette & Dress Code

As a place of worship, modest dress is required. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing. Be mindful of temple timings and any ongoing rituals.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
During festivals
Why
Vibrant celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

kodaikanal wibes❤️Missing the Days&ambiance💨🔥#hubbywifey #honeymoontrip @juby_jubz_officia @jismysalim @jesnajesnakj28891 🌺
@itz_shana_sulfi
647.2K likes • 10.6M views

🎯 Catch the Views

Mist can hide the valley! Try early morning or late afternoon for the best chance at clear, panoramic views. Reddit

🚗 Parking is Limited

Parking is available but can be tight, especially for cars. Motorcycles have more space. Reddit

My Home Tour in Kodaikanal | Cook With Comali Nanda Kumar Mud House | TAMIL NATIVE FARMER#handmade #skills #amazing #update #fyp #tiktok #viral #foryou #trending #tamil #shorts #howto #house #tour #cookwithcomali
@sidhart_buddyz
58.1K likes • 1.1M views
📍Kurinji Aandavar Temple, Kodaikanal The Kurinji Andavar Temple is located in Kodaikanal, India. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kurinji Andavar, and is associated with the blooming of the Kurinji flower, which happens once every 12 years. The temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination. Explore with us @wanderingtales...
wanderingtales_of_sindhu
42 likes • 2.4K views

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Browse the shops outside for local handicrafts, home decor, and dolls. Reddit

🙏 Dress Modestly

Respect the temple by wearing modest clothing. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Reddit

5 Murugar Temple at Kodaikanal🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 . . 1. Vilpatti - vetri velappar 3000 yrs old 2. Kodaikanal - Kurinji andavar temple 3. Poombarai - Kulandhai velappar 4. Kumbur - Suyambu velayudhasamy temple 5. Thandigudi - Balamurugan Temple These are the very unique temples. Located in kodaikanal and you can experience the positive vibe there. For more interesting contents follow @day_journeyy [kodaik...
dayjourney__
64.1K likes • 806.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Views

Mist can hide the valley! Try early morning or late afternoon for the best chance at clear, panoramic views. Reddit

🚗 Parking is Limited

Parking is available but can be tight, especially for cars. Motorcycles have more space. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Browse the shops outside for local handicrafts, home decor, and dolls. Reddit

🙏 Dress Modestly

Respect the temple by wearing modest clothing. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Reddit

📸 Photoshoot Spot

Great location for traditional couple photoshoots with scenic backdrops. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Kurinji Andavar Temple for its spectacular valley views and serene spiritual atmosphere. While the temple is small, its divine significance, especially its connection to the rare Kurinji flower, is highly appreciated. Some note limited parking and the potential for mist to obscure views.

"It’s one of the popular places in Kodaikanal. The temple is small yet beautiful and the views from there are spectacular. The temple is maintained well and new hall is being constructed. The roads are tidy and parking space is very limited. There are lots of shops and residences surrounding it. One of the best places in the town."

Nadana Ravishankar

"A divine sub temple of Palani
Main deity is Lord Muruga as kurinji aandavar ( Lord of Kurinji Hills )
Also have vigrahas of Navagraha, Vishnu & Ganapathi.
Annadhanam is served for 100 peoples daily.
Good amount of parking space for motorcycles limited space for cars"

ameeshmenon

"The Kurinji Anadavar Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India.

Significance
1. Dedicated to Lord Murugan: The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Tamil god of war and victory.
2. Kurinji Flower: The temple is famous for its association with the Kurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years.

Temple Features
1. Beautiful Architecture: The temple features beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
2. Idol of Lord Murugan: The temple houses a beautiful idol of Lord Murugan.
3. Scenic Views: The temple offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Festivals and Celebrations
1. Thaipusam Festival: The temple celebrates the Thaipusam festival, which is a significant festival for Lord Murugan devotees.
2. Other Festivals: The temple also celebrates other festivals like Skanda Sashti and Panguni Uthiram.

Visitor Information
1. Timings: The temple is open for visitors from early morning to late evening.
2. Dress Code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow temple rules.
3. Offerings: Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings to Lord Murugan.

The Kurinji Anadavar Temple is a significant pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination in Kodaikanal, attracting devotees and visitors from all over."

Housefull Events & Hospitality Management Services

What People Like

Spectacular valley views
Spiritual and serene atmosphere
Connection to Kurinji flower

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Mist obscuring views

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The temple is conveniently located about 3 km from Kodaikanal Lake. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw, or even enjoy a pleasant walk if you prefer. Many visitors use Royal Enfield bikes for scenic rides to the temple. TikTok

Parking is available, but it can be limited, especially for cars. There's more space for motorcycles. Arriving early can help secure a spot. Reddit

The drive itself to the temple is beautiful, with winding roads and lush greenery. Many visitors enjoy the journey on bikes, taking in the natural beauty of the hills. TikTokInstagram

Kodaikanal is accessible by road. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, and the nearest airport is Madurai. From these points, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kodaikanal. TikTok

Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 3 km from Kodaikanal Lake to the temple. It's a good option if you enjoy walking and want to soak in the surroundings. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entry fee to visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple. It is open to all visitors who wish to seek blessings or enjoy the scenic beauty. Instagram

The temple is generally open from early morning to late evening. Specific timings can vary, so it's advisable to check locally upon arrival. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as there is no entry fee. You can visit the temple at your convenience during its operating hours. Instagram

Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing attire. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in the temple premises, but it's always good to be mindful of ongoing prayers and rituals. Avoid flash photography inside the main shrine. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views of the valley from the temple grounds are spectacular. The temple architecture itself also offers great photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and potentially clearer views before the mist rolls in. Reddit

If you are lucky enough to visit when the Kurinji flowers are in bloom (once every 12 years), capturing their unique beauty would be a memorable photographic moment. Instagram

The temple is considered a great spot for traditional couple photoshoots, leveraging the scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive valley views. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several food stalls located outside the temple premises where you can find affordable snacks and local food options. Reddit

You can typically find local snacks, beverages, and some quick meal options at the stalls. Some shops might also offer sweets and chocolates. Instagram

The temple itself does not have dining facilities, but the surrounding shops and stalls cater to visitors looking for refreshments. Reddit

While there are food stalls right outside, for a wider range of dining experiences, you would need to head back towards Kodaikanal town or the lake area. Reddit

Yes, the temple serves Annadhanam to approximately 100 people daily, providing a free meal to devotees and visitors. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kurinji Andavar Temple offers a peaceful spiritual experience and stunning views that can be enjoyed by families. While the temple itself is serene, the surrounding area provides opportunities for children to explore. The shops outside sell dolls and other items that might interest younger visitors. Reddit The drive to the temple is also scenic, making the journey enjoyable. Remember to ensure children are dressed modestly and are supervised, especially near the viewpoints. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Kurinji Andavar Temple presents a unique blend of spiritual architecture and breathtaking natural landscapes. The panoramic valley views are a major draw, though timing is crucial to avoid mist. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. The temple's intricate details and the potential for capturing the rare Kurinji flower (if in season) add to its photographic appeal. It's also noted as a prime spot for traditional couple photoshoots. InstagramReddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the 'God of Hills,' the Kurinji Andavar Temple offers a deeply spiritual experience. The temple's association with the Kurinji flower, blooming once every twelve years, adds a layer of mystique and divine significance. Visitors often report feeling a sense of peace and tranquility within the temple premises. The presence of shrines for Navagraha, Vishnu, and Ganesha makes it a comprehensive pilgrimage site. InstagramReddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Kurinji Flower

The Kurinji Andavar Temple derives its name and unique significance from the Kurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana). This rare blue flower is endemic to the hills of South India and is famous for its extraordinary blooming cycle, occurring only once every twelve years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is revered as the 'God of the Kurinji Hills.' The infrequent blooming of the flower adds a mystical and divine aura to the temple, making it a symbol of rarity and divine timing. Visitors often feel a special connection to nature and spirituality when contemplating this unique phenomenon. Instagram+1

Exploring the Temple and its Deities

The Kurinji Andavar Temple is a relatively small but beautifully maintained Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Besides the main deity, the temple also houses sannidhis (shrines) for other important deities, including the Navagraha (nine celestial bodies), Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha. This makes it a comprehensive place of worship for devotees seeking blessings from various gods. The architecture, though not grand, is intricate and reflects traditional South Indian temple design. InstagramReddit

Capturing the Breathtaking Scenery

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple is the spectacular panoramic views it offers. Perched on a hilltop, the temple provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding Palani hills and the lush green valleys below. However, these views are often veiled by mist, especially during certain times of the day. Visitors are advised to try and catch the scenery during the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of clear skies. The scenic drive to the temple, often enjoyed on bikes, also adds to the overall visual appeal. TikTokInstagramReddit