Poondi

Poondi is a serene, picturesque high-altitude village located roughly 35 to 40 kilometers away from the main Kodaikanal town in Tamil Nadu. Known for its raw, untouched beauty, it sits further down the route past Mannavanur and serves as one of the most peaceful offbeat destinations in the Palani Hills range.
​Details regarding its landscape, attractions, and travel planning include:
​1. Key Highlights & Attractions
​Scenic Countryside & Step Farms: Poondi is heavily agrarian, framed by vibrant green terraced step-farms, rolling hills, and deep valleys. It offers an authentic look at rural hill life away from the commercial crowds of Kodaikanal.
​Proximity to Mannavanur Lake: Located just a short distance before or after Poondi (depending on your direction), Mannavanur Lake is famous for its wide-open grasslands, serene water body, coracle rides, and the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) sheep farm.
​Trekking and Nature Trails: The area around Poondi offers fantastic offbeat hiking and trekking trails passing through mountain streams and shola forests. (It is recommended to check with local authorities or guides before venturing deep into forested tracts).
​Stargazing: Because of its remote location and virtually non-existent light pollution, Poondi offers incredible, crystal-clear night skies, making it a popular spot for campers and astrophotography.
​2. Typically Combined With a Village Circuit Tour
​Most travelers visit Poondi as part of a comprehensive Kodaikanal Village Tour route. A typical day-trip circuit includes:
​Poombarai (famous for its cascading terraced farming and the historic Murugan temple)
​Mannavanur Lake & Sheep Farm
​Poondi (for peaceful landscapes and quiet countryside views)
​Optional extension: Kookal (known for its lotus-filled lake and waterfall treks)
​3. Staying and Accommodation
​Poondi itself has very limited commercial lodging options. Most visitors choose to base themselves in Kodaikanal town and drive down for a day trip.
​However, there are a few rustic farmstays, eco-campsites, and tent-stay operators on the outskirts towards Mannavanur that offer bonfires and stargazing setups.
​4. Best Time to Visit
​Monsoon & Post-Monsoon (July to February): The hills turn intensely green, waterfalls are active, and the valleys are frequently wrapped in mist.
​Summer (March to June): Offers pleasant, cool weather escaping the plains' heat, though skies are clearer for sightseeing and trekking.
​5. Getting There
​By Road: It is roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Kodaikanal town via theavnic/Poombarai-Mannavanur road. Hiring a private cab or driving a two-wheeler/car is the best way to get there, as public transport frequency to these remote pockets is sparse.
​Note: The roads can get quite narrow and slippery during heavy rains, so drive with care.