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An experience to cherish at Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels, Kodaikanal, India
The fragrance of the mountain air tinged with the sweet aroma of Eucalyptus and other exotic herbs and spices gently nudged our sleepy senses awake. We looked out of the window bleary-eyed as the bus wound its way across the meandering mountain road. We experienced early morning nirvana as we beheld the beauty of the valleys that stretched out below us.
A horse that stood grazing in the pasture to our right gave us a casual glance and went back to its grassy fodder. We smiled at each other in anticipation of what the immediate future held for us. We were just a few kilometers away from our destination, Kodaikanal – the gift of the forest and we were already intoxicated by the natural beauty that enveloped us. Kodaikanal is a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. Read on to find out about our experience at Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels.
Kodaikanal
It was not our first visit to Kodaikanal, in fact, we had been there more than a couple of times. But this visit was something special as we were guests of Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels and having experienced the warmth and hospitality of GRT Hotels and Resorts at Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai, Grand by GRT Hotels Chennai, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay by GRT Hotels Mahabalipuram, and Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels, we were sure that our Kodaikanal experience would be something beyond the ordinary, an experience that we would cherish for a long, long time.
Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels
The Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels experience began as soon as we alighted from our bus. A smiling driver escorted us to a waiting car and off we went down the mountain road to a valley, where stood the picturesque Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels, nestled amidst verdant hills. The drive to the hotel itself was a blissful experience as we wove through potato farms set in symmetrical splendor, layer upon layer of gorgeous green.
Hotel Review: Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels
Watch our video to get a glimpse of the property and also listen to General Manager Joe Dominic Richard talking about the property.
The Reception
Smiling faces, exuding genuine warmth greeted us as we were quickly checked in while we refreshed ourselves with a soothing welcome drink. Our luggage was stacked onto a sturdy jeep and we were driven to our Timber chalet across a steep incline. The chalets are situated at a height and they offer some stunning views of the valley in this beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal.
The Accommodation
Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels has 40 beautiful cabins with the British style of architecture that sits pretty overlooking a beautiful valley, surrounded by hills, virtually in the lap of nature. All rooms are equipped with a Coffee maker, sofa, work desk, electronic locker, LCD television, and complimentary WiFi. There are two categories of accommodation.
Timber Chalet
One is the Timber Chalet, which is built with timber which has come all the way from Indonesia. We were put up in one of the timber chalets and we woke up to stunning views of the valley stretching out below us. The timber chalets are spacious at 458 square feet and come with a super comfortable and large bed, bathroom, and also a sit-out or balcony where one can sip ones’ morning cuppa and simultaneously admire the scenery. The Timber Chalets make for an ideal place for families to bond together while holidaying.
Rock Cabin
The other type of accommodation is the Rock Cabins and make a cozy nest for couples, with an area of about 225 Square Feet and stunning views too from the large windows, individual sit-outs or balconies.
The Views
The views from the rooms and the property are stunning. Here is a look at some of the amazing views that we enjoyed during our stay.
The Grounds
The chalets are set in the midst of beautifully landscaped gardens filled with exotic flowers and trees. Here is a look at some of the colorful flowers that adorn the property.
The Food
Food is best enjoyed when it blends together love, hospitality, caring, and the flavors and aromas of the world all concocted to startling effect by the magic wand of experienced chefs. At Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels, food takes on a magical dimension and at the same time packs the flavor of a mother’s or grandmother’s lovingly cooked meals. Flavors and aromas, traditional and contemporary, Indian and Foreign, all fuse together to remarkable effect as Chef Manager Sundarajan expertly marshals his forces.
Watch our video: Chef Manager Sundarajan talks about how weaves his magic in the kitchen with the flavors and aromas from around the world:
The Idlis that are on offer at breakfast is so soft, that one can be forgiven if they think they are made of cotton!
The Restaurant
If food satisfies the stomach, the ambiance is what appeals to the soul. At Great Trails, Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels, a restaurant intriguingly named Whistler’s Cafe perches at a vantage point and offers breathtaking views of the valley. Whistler’s Cafe is an ideal and soothing place for the stomach and the soul. Having breakfast, listening to the morning sounds of the forest and watching the clouds gently moving in the sky is indeed the perfect start to the day. Lunch and Dinner at the Whistler’s Cafe are also an experience one needs to immerse oneself in.
Activities
If you thought that the Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels was only a place that one could relax and rejuvenate in, a calm and tranquil haven to just sit back and relax, think again! You have a whole range of activities within and outside of the hotel which will appeal the adventurous streak in you.
Bala who unfortunately is no more amongst us used to manage the various activities in the hotel and he talked to us about what they had on offer.
There is a total of 7 outdoor adventure activities available within the hotel premises. The place boasts of the longest Zipline in South India which stretches to 130 meters and apart from that there is the Swinging Bridge, Burma Bridge, Multivine, Earthquake Walk, Charlie Chaplin, and Valley crossing which is surely guaranteed to give an adrenaline rush.
Watch our video: Activity Co-ordinator, Late Bala talks about the various adventure activities available at the resort:
Apart from these activities, Bala also used to organize outdoor treks with varied grades of difficulty in the hills and jungles of Kodaikanal. If you are looking for more sedate activities, you can settle for indoor games like Table Tennis, Carrom, Chess, Foosball, and outdoor games like Badminton and Basketball.
The property also has many kids specific activities like Kids zipline, rope bridge, slides, etc.
Come evening the quiet environs of Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels come alive with Guests trying their hand at Karaoke singing, the cold mountain nights erupt into dazzling fun activities around a bonfire and entertainment in the form of magic shows and games are sure to enthrall young and old alike.
Conducted Tours organized by Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels
The Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels will also organize tours to places in and around Kodaikanal covering both offbeat places like a visit to a Strawberry Farm or the visit to a 3000-year-old Poombarai – Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple temple in a picturesque village. One can also take in the famous sights of Kodaikanal like Coakers Walk, Pillar Rock, Pine Forest, Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, etc., in comfort. One could choose the tours according to their choice from the following:
- Special hiking tour
- Nature tour
- Green Valley tour
- Park tour
- Wild tour
- Trekking
- Heritage tour
Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels – The Service
The service is impeccable and bears the hallmark of the GRT brand. But what will really strike you is the kind of personalized service that seems to have been imbibed in the DNA of the staff of GRT. It is not a mechanized kind of efficient service with plastic smiles. It is a service with genuine smiles and caring! Each and every member of the staff ensure that guests feel at home and are available to ensure that you have a great experience.
Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels – In Our Opinion
Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels is an ideal stay for families & couples. A pristine location offering stunning views & thrilling adventure activities & many more things to experience.
Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels is the place you need to head to if you are looking for an unforgettable experience in the hills of Kodaikanal. The natural environs of the place combined with activities that are sure to give one an adrenaline rush will ensure that families, kids, and couples will have a unique experience while in Kodaikanal as we did.
How To Get To Kodaikanal
- Kodaikanal is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu
- It is located about 467 kilometers from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka
- It is at a distance of about 527 kilometers from the city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu
- The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is the Madurai airport at a distance of about 135 kilometers
If you are planning a trip to Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadi, India then you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. You can fly to Madurai and then from there you can travel to Kodaikanal by road. Some of the options to reach Kodaikanal could be by self-drive car or cab or bus.
Where To Stay In Kodaikanal
Are you planning a holiday in Kodaikanal? You can book the Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels right here!
If you are looking to book any other hotel in Kodaikanal or anywhere in Tamil Nadu or India or the world, you can do that here too.
One can book hotels or resorts through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.
Click to book the best hotels in Kodaikanal.
We have bid adieu to Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels and its lovely staff, but the people and the place have found a permanent place in our hearts. Click here to view GRT Hotels and Resorts site.
We were hosted by Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels, but the views expressed here are our own based on our experience.
You may want to read the following posts:
Places to Visit in Kodaikanal and Things to do in Kodaikanal
How We Spent Our 2 Days in Kodaikanal
Madurai- The Athens of the East
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Lovely review Sandy & Vyjay! The pictures bring back some fond memories 😊
That sounds like such a wonderful place to stay! I have never been anywhere in India, but would love to go someday.
Nope on that rope bridge, not happening. The flowers and countryside are beautiful. Looks like you had a great stay and wonderful place to rest and re-coup at night.
This would be perfect for me as I am really fond of the trails, nature and the outdoors. I would really love running around the place and exploring it while appreciating the scenic sites.
India–is on my bucket list. We love to travel the world and Kodaikanal certainly looks like an amazing place to stay. The beauty of the surrounding area is breathtaking as well as all the amenities they offered. thanks for sharing and making me swoon 🙂
This place looks amazing! I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that side of the world but reading posts like this make me want to go sooner than later.
I love the scenery and the hotels look fantastic! I would love to take a trip here with my husband someday!
This hotel loooks absolutely heavenly and India is a major travel bucket list destination for me. It looks like you had an awesome trip. This posts leaves me wanting to vacation plan!
What a stunning looking place to stop, I would love to explore the gardens myself they look absolutely beautiful and the lodges look so cosy.
Wow, the grounds of Great Trails are so pretty. I love the look of the timber cabin too. This looks like an awesome place to stay.
Wow this place looks awesome. I love the cabin-style accommodations. Certainly not your typical chain hotel.
This hotel sounds so relaxing and the photos are gorgeous. It’s so neat that the hotel offers a large variety of activities for the guests. The views are so pretty, and I just love those flowers. I could stay there for days.
I totally love the unspoiled natural beauty of Kodaikanal. Have been there several times but didn’t have a chance to stay with the Great Trails. Looks like a great place to soak in the natural beauty. Will give it a try the next time
I loved reading about this absolutely fantastic place. I am surprised to learn the resort is host to the longest zipline in south India. Also, something which raised my eyebrows is the “earthquake walk”..I really want to know what exactly is that? The chalet looked like a peaceful place to stay in and the restaurant Whistler’s Cafe sounds perfect to sit back and relax while munching on soul stirring food.
Earthquake walk is walking across a series of swings suspended in mid-air. Requires great balancing skills and upper body strength.
Wow the Great Trails Kodaikanal seems like such a fun vacation with so many outdoor adventures! I love the cabins instead of a typical hotel – It brings back good memories of being in summer camp and doing outdoor activities!
Thanks for the detailed review. I might be trying it out soon. The ‘Earthquake walk’ sounds fun from your explanation to Tania.
Like the independence of a chalet with the warm welcome of a hotel. Did you try the zipline? It certainly looks daring, I am a bit of a coward about such things!
This looks like such a beautiful destination. I would love to take a family trip here. I think we would enjoy exploring all the sights.
Those cabins looks so charming! I love that they have so many outdoor activities, although I would be too chicken to go on the zipline!
What a stunning setting! My first instinct would be to curl up on the balcony of my Rock Room and watch what’s going on – but then, how could I resist the longest zipline in southern India?? It’s great to stay in a place with a variety of things to do and places to eat so you can choose your own pace – and when it’s all set amidst such beauty, it’s hard to go wrong! And your videos make it feel like I’ve had a personal introduction 😀
Those cabins look great. The hotel looks like a great place for a family to go, something fo everyone is always nice.
The Timber Chalet is so gorgeous, and the space looks like a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing retreat. Of course, I might be down for trying that rope bridge and maybe even the zip line (typically, I’ve been too timid to try one, but it does look amazingly tempting). The bonfire would be a must, and the food sounds so good! And, of course, I’d love to just roam around those grounds, smell the flowers and just enjoy the views.
That is an extraordinary location for a hotel. You will hit two birds in one stone for this one.
What a beautiful location to either unwind and enjoy the views or find some fun outdoor activities. The Timber Chalet looks so cozy and being able to wake up to those views are amazing. I found it interesting that the timber was from Indonesia. Thanks for sharing the videos. I always appreciate videos in posts 🙂
This looks beautiful! I would love to stay in the Timber Chalet! It looks absolutely amazing – especially those views. It looks really cozy and I know my mountain-loving-husband and I would really enjoy a romantic getaway there.
Sounds like you have had some great experiences at GRT Hotels and the Great Trails Kodaikanal was no acception. I really loved watching the videos to get a better sense of the place. I can see myself relaxing here and enjoying the beautiful nature.
Great review and insight on resort. Looks and sound fantastic. I should hope to be able to visit one day!
I would love to stay at this place with my boyfriend. The view looks amazing. It is good that there are activities, really a place for families too. I would love to try the zip line. 😃
This looks incredible! I love being pretty much anywhere there is this much green, and this place doesn’t seem to disappoint! Looks like such a perfectly peaceful spot!
What a beautiful place! I have found choosing cottages or cabins over a hotel is so much better for our big family.
I have not heard of Kodaikanal or the Kodaikanal GRT Hotels. What a great looking resort and I love all the outdoor activities that they offer. 7 outdoor adventure activities available within the hotel premises is a lot and you would definitely not get bored anytime soon. I am also a huge fan of zipline, so I would be spending my whole time on their ;-).
What a lovely place to stay at! The view from the Rock Cabin is stunning! I love how they have a cople outdoor activities on site!
This sounds like a great place to stay. I would love to wake up and sip my coffee while admiring that amazing view. Such a peaceful place.
Wow! This place looks fabulous!
Oh, I could just imagine waking up every morning to those views! I’d love to go on a zip line, and how convenient that it’s there. What an amazing place to stay!
Í love the terraces so much. The flowers are beautiful. I’m glad you had a good time.
Never been to Kodaikanal, but if I would go, I would def stay here. The cabins and chalets look great, and those views are amazing!
That does look like home from home. I’m not convinced by the rope bridge either, but I can see if you arrived with kids or teenagers it would be a great place to stay and keep them busy!
absolutely amazing! the view and the room are so breathtaking.
Looks like such a great location, so much greenery all around. I would love to go in the monsoons. Imagining it would be wonderful then.
This place sounds perfect. I love the chalets: simple and clean with great views.
The hotel looks like it has lots to keep you entertained. Beautiful scenery and the rooms look luxurious 🙂
This place look so beautiful I would definitly stay in one of these rock cabins with my boyfriend. Love the beautiful flowers and how doesn’t want to smell Eucalyptus when arriving.
Wow, this seems like a lovely stay option at Kodaikanal. It’s been many years since we’ve been there and the only thing that’s stuck around is the tasty homemade chocolate slabs you used to get in some stores there. Maybe this was a hint for us to get packing and plan a trip there soon!
I feel like it’s worth staying there for the view alone! What a lovely place. A whole destination, really! 🙂
Now this is my kind of hotel to stay in! The view alone has me sold – it is filled with natural beauty and lush scenery! I would love to wake up to that view!
This looks like a dream hotel, those timber cabins are so cute and the views are spectacular. So cool that there are activities within and around the hotel too!
Sounds like Great Trails Kodaikanal By GRT Hotels™ is GRT value for money! Perhaps laying it on a little thick, do you think?
Wow, this place looks beautifull. such a detailed wrtie up aswell 🙂 I would have never of though that this was india! honestly thought it was canada hahaha
This looks like a perfect getaway for a newly married couple! The British type cabins, the expansive lawns, adventure activities and great food! Great review by you guys! Loved reading about it. A few of my friends are planning a honeymoon to other countries, will suggest them Great Trails for an exotic getaway for their 1st anniversary.
Love the detailed review of the place, I was thinking of visit Kodai sometime around next year with my in-laws, will weigh this option too…
Wow dear, this seems like a good place to stay . this is a really good review by the way . It;s so cute, I would love to stay here.
Wow I know we would love this place, it looks absolutely stunning with the surrounding views! The activities sound awesome too, we will definitely keep this place in mind for when we visit India!
I need to get out more because this place looks ideal for my family! I love all the green views and the activities. It looks like a fulfilling destination- if that makes sense!
Looks like an amazing place to stay! I can’t imagine waking up to stunning vistas from your room. I would cry from happiness 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience. Safe travels. – Mariella
Wow, that looks fantastic! I love hotels with beautiful views like this, and those cabins would be a great place to stay. It seems ideal for every family member!
What a great detailed review complete with fabulous pictures. Thanks!
What an idyllic place to stay. I think I would prefer a cabin because it would be a little rosier. The ropes course would be a hit with the hubby!
I haven’t been to Kodaikanal in such a long time. This post sure brought back memories. What a lovely place to stay. Love the chalets! They look so cozy. The bonfire sounds like a great idea for the weather.
I’ve been learning quite a bit about India and its fabulous terrain. I had my eyes set on visiting Mumbai and sticking near the beach but the beauty that I see is stellar. I have never stayed in a cabin before and know that I would be blown away to wake up to such views daily.
I want to stay there right now! All those activities sound like so much fun!
Never been here but it sounds like an awesome place to have fun and stay with the kids or even friends. That zipline is inviting too.
Great Trails Kodaikanal seems to have something for everyone. Views, nature, a comfy spot to read a book or simply day dream. Alternatively, the activities are fun and varied. It certainly looks like a place to enjoy for a few days.
This is stunning. That location is top notch and o love all of the natural elements in the rooms. Looks like a beautiful places with loads of activities!
Ah, the smell of the mountain pine and eucalyptus adds to the charm of places like Kodaikanal. South has always beckoned me but for some unavoidable reason, I have not gone south of the Vindhyas for more than 25 years. Time for me to backpack and head south, I guess. My best compliments to the GRT group.
Looks like a nice place! What appeal to me the most are the size of Timber Chalet – 458 square feet – and the 130m zipline although I must admit I’m not sure I’d want to try that, haha! I’d have to be there and see it for myself before I decide.
This place looks great! I’d love to stay there sometime. I’ll have to keep it in mind for when I visit.
Haven’t heard of this area but the hotel looks great! Love the views of the area and the range of tours offered. Also really enjoyed the insights you provided into the hotel with your videos. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! This looks likes a great hotel! Love how it has so many tree hehe.
Looks like a really great hotel! Love the views around the property and the restaurant sounds really good. I like how they have a bunch of adventure activities right on site–they all look like so much fun!
Looks like the perfect hotel to escape to, get some fresh air and have lots to entertain you. It’s great when you want to stay in one place and just have that flexibility between activities and relaxing.
Seems like a good place to stay with friends and family. Luxurious and fun is how I perceive it. Will definitely consider it when I plan Kodai . Lovely pics.
Wow I love this place! It looks very stylish and cosy. I would love to visit it one day <3
Looks like a cozy and clean place! And the activities look a bit scary! 🙂
I love the flooring! I like how you included videos. Need to make it to the subcontinent!
The Great Trails Hotel looks like a great place to visit. Great location videos. I need to make a visit to India and stay and see at this amazing resort. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
Such great views! I loved the Timber Chalet. What an adorable, rustic, yet romantic, place to stay. I cannot wait to visit India!
This place looks amazing! I would definitely stay here during my visit. I’ll have to keep this in mind when I get the chance to go for myself.
Wow it really is a complete accommodation experience, between the beautiful chalets, the food, and the activities – the longest zipline in southern India is something I would travel for anyway!! Great Trails Kodaikanal sounds like a wonderful property in the GRT Hotels portfolio, I’ve read a couple of your other hotel reviews and it sounds like the brand I’ll be going with for our India trip. I love the look of the timber chalet!