Dasara falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at the end of nine nights of Navratri. If you'd like to spend the festival somewhere cooler and slower than the city, here are the dates and an honest picture of October in the hills.
The dates worth knowing
- Sharad Navratri: Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October 2026.
- Durga Ashtami: Sunday, 18 October.
- Maha Navami: Monday, 19 October.
- Vijayadashami (Dasara): Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Puja timings depend on your city's panchang, so check a local calendar for the exact muhurat.
October in Kodaikanal
October is the start of the cool, misty half of the year. Mornings are cold and often wrapped in fog, evenings are colder still, and the town is calmer than it is in the April to June rush. Pack a warm layer for after dark.
A short break that fits the festival
The Lovedale sits at the entrance of Kodaikanal, about 2 km from the lake, so the sightseeing starts a few minutes after you do. Keep the festival day itself close to town: Coaker's Walk for the valley, Bryant Park for an hour among the flowers, then the lake for a boat ride or a snack by the water.
Ask before you set out
Over the festival, local shops and kitchens keep their own hours, and entry charges and timings shift with the season. Message us the day before and we'll tell you what's open.
Evenings are the part people remember: board games when it rains, and a bonfire in the courtyard when the weather allows it. Breakfast is included and cooked fresh, so the morning needs no planning. If you're coming as a family, it's worth seeing how the family stay is put together first.
