MADURAI: Vattakanal, a popular spot in Kodaikanal, is the go-to locality to stay for many Israeli visitors to the hill destination. Many homestays used to be brimming with tourists, however, the Israel-Gaza War has made an indirect impact on Vattakanal in 2025.
A Robin, a tourist guide in Kodaikanal, said only a handful of Israeli tourists visited Kodaikanal this year, and many foreigners prefer Vattakanal because of its calm and serene atmosphere.
Vattakanal offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and the infamous Dolphin's Nose tourist spot. It is also close to trekking routes and only 3 km away. About 40 per cent of those who visit Vattakanal are tourists from Israel.
"Serving as the gateway to Kodaikanal Town, Vattakanal saw the Britons setting up their settlements with just six buildings in 1837. This invited German settlements and the Swedes. Eventually, this paved the way for Israeli tourists," said SA Menon, a Vattakanal resident.
The second season for Kodaikanal begins at the end of December and ends in March. Foreign tourists begin their visit from November. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the inflow of foreign tourists has taken a hit. Now, the unstable condition in Israel caused by the war has further reduced the numbers, as many get drafted into the army, and most visitors come here through government-sponsored tourism, Robin said.
Menon said the scenic location attracts about 400 to 500 Israelis in the second season. "Since they feel at home in Vattakanal, holidaymaking is their pastime," he said.
Serving as the gateway to Kodaikanal Town, Vattakanal saw the Britons setting up their settlements with just six buildings in 1837.
On the Israelis, he said the nature-loving tourists preferred homestays with sought-after kitchens and fireplaces, which exist largely at Vattakanal, rather than at hotels or resorts. They spend their leisure mostly sitting close to waterfalls and enjoying nature with music, Menon said.
S Jerome, a cab operator, said as of now, the Israeli footfall is not to the expected level, but tourism stakeholders are confident that they will come up from January 2026.