WINTER SALE
Vattakanal is an eco Sensitive Zone surrounded by shola forests and contain many rare endemic flora and fauna.
Take care to minimize your carbon footprint by opting eco friendly way of travel.
Avoid plastics, and littering.
Plastic bags & 1 ltr plastic water bottles/cokes are banned in kodai.
Avoid Cars. Kodai get really jam packed on weekends and holidays and you are more likely to waste your time and energy looking for space to park and drive around.
Vattakanal doesn't have dedicated parking either and hilly terrain and one way makes it really frustrating. at times.
Expect to hike few hundred meters
each time to reach your rooms and be prepared to carry your luggage and essentials.
In case of elderly and people with knee issues,
DM us to provide rooms with easy access.
Walk as much as you can,
Avoid driving or using vehicles.
Vattakanal has beautiful paths to hike &
enjoy nature.
Avoid strolling late in nights.
There are bisons, wild boars, porcupines &
even leopards in the forests nearby.
💉Avoid Drugs.🍄
We discourage usage of any kind of illegal items.
There are many checkpost enroute Vatta & across Kodai
who are accustomed to ripping tourists off while entering.
If you are carrying anything illegal (drugs/weed etc)
good chance you will pay heftily.
They check for alcohol etc as well,
so avoid carrying in large quantities
from other states.
During Covid Lockdowns, check the travel restrictions on govt portal and obtain E-Pass if required. . https://www.tnepass.tn.gov.in/home
Road
Western Ghats offer some of the best roads to ride in India and worth the experience. There are Four access roads to Kodaikanal, Dindigul and Palani being the major ones which are easy to drive, while thandikudi and Adukkam are majorly forest routes and are only used by locals.
Important : You may need E-pass while coming by your own vehicle to enter kodaikanal which can be easily obtained for free by filling in your details. https://www.tnepass.tn.gov.in/home
The nearest airport is Madurai (120 km), followed by Trichy (150 km) and Coimbatore (175 km). From there, it’s a four to five-hour drive to Vattakanal. Cab charges 2.5 to 3,000 INR on an avg for the trip. Ola is available too.
A second option is to fly to Bangalore or Chennai and take an overnight bus, which starts around 8-11 p.m and arrives in Kodaikanal at 7am, where there are cabs waiting to go to Vattakanal which charges another 300-400.
Train is yet another way to commute. People confuse Kodai Road to be in Kodaikanal which is in turn 80 kms in the foothills ad there are only few trains that stop here. Dindigul, Palani, Coimbatore and Madurai being prominent ones with good connectivity from major cities. Its another 3-5 Hrs commute via taxi or local buses. Make sure that you arrive well in day light as last bus to kodai leaves around 6 pm. And it's harder to find Taxis and can be quite expensive otherwise.
Expenses:
Flight: Depending on your dates and the airport, rates may vary from Rs. 4,000-7,000 (£44-78)
Bus: From Bangalore – Rs. 1000 (£10) for a Sleeper Bus
Cab: From the airport to Vattakanal – Rs. ~3,500-4,000 (£40)
Cab: From Kodaikanal – Rs. 500 (£6)
No Parking
Most properties in vattakanal are located up on the hill accessible only by foot. Hence the cars are parked on street along the main road which is pretty common and safe. You can ping us for dedicated parking to be arranged in nearby locations. Some rooms you can reach really close by in car but still last stretch needs to be hiked.
You can message us to arrange a cab pick up or drops to your destinations.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AgvU5s4yVuaFhijSA
Save this location, or ask for Danish Studio & Bookstore and come to this Store/Reception to be guided to your particular homestay/Rooms. It is located right next to the famous Altafs Cafe, where you can wait and read books as well until your hosts show up.
The weather remains unpredictable with experiencing all three seasons in a single day. Kodaikanal being located at 2000 m asl in Western Ghats is usually wet and cold with avg temperature ranging below 20 degrees for most part of the year and close to zero during winters, it's always advisable to pack good waterproof jackets and liners. If you plan to camp then check waterproofing and the temperature rating of your sleeping bags.
Power Cuts are frequent and the pathways are dark, with wild life in close vicinity. Always carry a spare torch or head lamp. And backpacks fare better for luggage instead of suitcases and cabin luggage which may be tricky to handle.
Carry Cash as there are no ATMs in Vattakanal. You can however withdraw from Dostel being the only provider in Vattakanal or use UPIs or mobile payment gateways in shops.
Important Information to Know Before Your Stay
We’re thrilled to host you in Vattakanal! To ensure you have the best experience, here are a few things to keep in mind before your arrival:
*Hilltop Access*: Our properties are located on a serene hilltop, which involves a short climb with a few uneven steps at the beginning. But don't worry—our friendly staff will be there to assist you with your luggage and anything else you might need. But pack light, and backpacks are preferred.
*Room Setup*: We make every effort to ensure your space is perfectly prepared. In case we miss something by accident, just inform our on-ground team—they’ll be happy to assist promptly & best point of contact for immediate help.
Keep your shoes out,
and no smoking
or food inside the rooms.
Keeps bedsheets neat please &
avoid damages
which maybe charged otherwise.
🚭NO DRUGS OR SMOKING INSIDE ROOMS💊
*Power Backup*: We’re proud to be one of the few properties in the area with a power backup system (6–8 hours) to keep things running smoothly during any power cuts. But at times it can be longer than backup can last and we request yo to be patient as this also a part of mountain life.
*On-Ground Support*: Danish (your co-host and co-owner) will be present during your stay, along with 2–3 support staff members. We’ll share all relevant contact details close to your check-in date.
*Parking*: On-street parking is the norm in Vattakanal, as there are no dedicated car parks due to narrow roads. We’re happy to guide and assist you with parking arrangements as needed.
*Food & Water*: Dining options in Vattakanal close by 9 PM, and plastic water bottles are banned—so we suggest planning your meals and luggage accordingly.
*Homestay Experience*: Staying in an Airbnb homestays / cabin is different from a hotel. While we provide essentials like drinking water, a kettle, and toilet paper, amenities like heating and towels are not included. Thank you for understanding the rustic charm of this experience.
*Water Supply*: Water comes from a mountain stream and it may be muddy or of color at times especially during the rains. Water flow may temporarily disrupted due to blockages or air locks and we request you to always keep a bucket handy and filled for emergencies while ground staff resolve the issues.
*Weather & Packing*: The weather in Kodaikanal is beautifully unpredictable—think mist, rain, and chilly winds. Please pack warm clothing, rain gear, and suitable footwear. If you plan on hiking, it’s advisable to check for leeches afterward and carry hiking shoes and sandals. The weather range between 4-15 degrees so its always good to have a good waterproof wind cheater handy.
*WiFi & Dining*: Wifi is mentioned below and You’ll receive WiFi credentials at check-in as well. We’ll also provide a food menu/options for in-room dining options.
*Shared Spaces*: Vattakanal has a warm, community vibe. You may see other guests and visitors around the property. We kindly ask that you treat the space like your own home and help us maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
*Check-In/Out Timing*:
Check In time is 2 Pm - 6 Pm
Check out by 10 Am.
Late arrivals (after 6 PM) can be tricky because of mountain terrain and darkness. Its best to arrive in broad daylight. Early Check Ins & Late check-outs can be tricky since room have to be vacated first and needs time to be prepared for incoming travelers & hence we require you to share your travel plans with us in advance so we can help you settle in comfortably or arrange for alternative rooms at add on charges.
*Travel Permits*: If you're self-driving or riding in, an online e-pass is required to enter Kodaikanal. Guests from outside Tamil Nadu may be subject to checks, so kindly avoid carrying alcohol or recreational substances.
*Wildlife Awareness*: Our compound is shared with some amazing wildlife—peacocks, bison, boars, and friendly dogs. Please maintain a safe distance for everyone’s safety and comfort. Keep doors and windows closed for monkeys can be a nuisance.
*Contact Hours*: For non-urgent queries, Danish and I may be unavailable for calls after 10 PM. We appreciate your understanding and are happy to assist during the day.
*Cab Bookings & Travel Help*: Need help planning a trip or arranging transport? Just reach out—we're happy to help make your visit seamless.
We would like to inform you about a few additional details.
1. Kitchen services: We don't have a kitchen. We provide menus from local restaurants or home cooked meals from hosts in the room and they deliver the food in the room. All food is made fresh so they would need a bit of time to prepare the food, please inform in advance or pre-order one meal ahead if possible for reduced wait times. The pricing, the menu and service is not controlled or managed by us. The feedback for the food provided has been good overall.
2. We don't provide a bonfire service, the locals do this as they get firewood and there is a pit in the cabin stay compound. The cost for this will be external and not determined by us. If you avail this service consider getting some marshmallows that you can roast. You can also avail a BBQ service.
3. We occasionally have water pipeline or airlock issue. We are working on the issue but it is ongoing and will be resolved over the coming months by monsoon rains. If the water stops you can inform our staff and they will fix it quickly and provide a resolution (It is a manual job to refill the tank or to release the line, so that's why staff needs to be informed). We will try to ensure there will be no problem during your stay but keeping you informed so there is no panic.
Check In Time is 2 Pm
Fill this registration form on arrival
Early check in maybe chargeable based on availability.
Check in by 6 pm or Day light time for smoother experience. Register and make your payment as soon as you arrive.
Keep your doors windows closed as monkeys, dogs & Cats can be a nuisance.
Switch off geyser and electricity when not in use.
Wifi Speed & Latency varies. There are only two Network providers and we have listed all options that there are. Airtel, BSNL works better in the area as compared to Jio & Vodafone, but by using wifi calling you will be able to get through the day.
Alpine Haven
dostel1234
Alpine haven 5g
dostel4321
Vattakanal
dostel123
Dostel5g
dostel5432
Cloud Haven_R1/ DostelX
vattakanalx
DOSTEL
dost1234
Check Out Time 10 Am
Keep room & kitchen clean and tidy.
Extra charges may apply otherwise.
Check essentials, towels etc are kept in place.
Leave keys in the door. Inform the caretaker in advance .
And they will handle from here for helping with luggage etc.
Lost keys will be charges at 500 rs.
Guests are responsible for their luggage and belongings.
Make sure you don't miss anything.
Reservation Confirmation:
Bookings are confirmed once advanced payment is done. Guests will receive an automated confirmation email with all stay details. In case you havent, DM to get the bill. Balance payments have to be paid in full at the time of Check In.
Minimum Stay:
A minimum stay of 2 nights is required unless otherwise stated, mainly on weekends and holidays.
Maximum Occupancy:
Most properties accommodates up to [2-4] guests per room according to the occupancy and bookings made. Only registered guests included in the reservation are permitted on the property unless prior approval is granted and additional charges may add.
Check-In / Check-Out:
Check-in: After [2:00 PM]
Check-out: By [10:00 AM]
Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request and subject to availability and additional fees.
Security Deposit:
Advance is mandatory to confirm your bookings and are non refundable. It is required to cover damages or rule violations/cancellations. This deposit will be adjusted in rental before checkout.
Policy apply as mentioned on booking platforms (Airbnb/agoda/mmt/booking) etc.
Or
Standard Policy (Moderate Option):
Full Payments to be cleared at Check in Time
Guests can cancel up to 7 days before check-in for a full refund.
Cancellations made within 7 days of check-in will receive a 50% refund for unused nights.
No Refunds for cancellation made less than 48 Hrs before check-in.
Tariffs are 25% extra for such bookings & no discounts.
Strict Option (for high-demand listings & Holidays):
Guests can cancel up to 14 days before check-in for a 50% refund.
No refunds for cancellations made less than 14 days before check-in.
No refunds will be issued for early departures or no-shows once the stay has begun.
In the unlikely event that the host must cancel a booking due to unforeseen circumstances, guests can either receive a full refund or assistance in finding comparable accommodation in the same locality.
Requests to modify booking dates or guest count must be made through Manager and approved by the host prior to arrival. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable rate differences plus 25% of booking charges.