Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in Tamilnadu. This picturesque hill station is located in the famous Palani Hills between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys in Western Ghats. The bewildering natural beauty of the hill station makes it a most sought after honeymoon destinations in entire south India. Perched at a height of 2133 m above sea level this popular lakeside resort town is a nature lover’s paradise.
Kodaikanal in Tamil means "The Gift of the Forest". It is also referred to as the Princess of Hills. Kodaikanal is also well known for the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years in December and carpets the entire hill. The dense forests of Kodaikanal are home for variety of plants and tress like gigantic Eucalyptus trees, cypress and acacia. Blessed with spectacular landscapes, mist shrouded hills, majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, luxuriant fruit orchards, serene lakes, lush green forests enriched in flora and fauna the splendid natural beauty of this place attracts thousands of tourists from far and wide.
This charming place is a perfect holiday destination and has number of activities in which the tourists can indulge in like the nature walks, cycling, horse riding, boating, hiking, trekking and rock-climbing. Kodaikanal also has a golf course situated at a height of 6,000 feet and this 18- hole par- 66 course is spread over a 100 plus acres. The hill town is also renowned for its educational institutions of international repute like Mother Theresa University, Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal Christian College etc. The other specialities of Kodaikanal include eucalyptus oil, plums, homemade chocolates and pears.
The temperature here varies between 11C to 20C from March to May in summer season. During winters temperature ranges between 17C to 8C. Even though Kodaikanal experiences a pleasant weather throughout the year the best time to visit is April to June and September to October.
Top Tourist Places in Kodaikanal (Tamilnadu)
Kodaikanal has several places of tourist’s interest.
The Lake
Kodai Lake is a beautiful star shaped lake. This beautifully landscaped lake is spread across 24-hectare and is a major attraction in Kodaikanal. The lake is skirted by 5 Kms long, black tar road. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge who was the collector of Madurai.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a botanical garden and located on the eastern side of Kodai Lake. The place is named after a British Army Officer, Glenn Bryant. The place is known for its wide collection of flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants. There is a glass house inside the park which is a must visit.
Coaker's Walk
One of the biggest attractions of a Kodaikanal tour is the breath taking views from the Coaker's Walk. Located on the southern slopes of Kodaikanal this hill edged pathway was identified by Lt.Coaker in 1872. This place has a Telescope House from where one can see the spell binding view of the valley.
Green Valley View
It is located a little over 5 kms from Kodaikanal Lake. This place offers a panoramic view of the valleys, plains and the Vaigai dam. The place was formerly known as Suicide Point because of the fact that the valley is dense and dangerous and more than 5000 feet deep.
Pillar Rocks
It is about 7.4 Kms from the lake. There are a set of 3 rocks which stand 122 metres high. It also has a mini garden.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
This temple is 3 kms from the lake. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga or locally the Hill God. This temple is associated with the Kuriniji flowers which covers the hill sides when it blooms once in twelve years. One can enjoy a spectacular view of the Palani hills from the temple.
The Solar Physical Observatory
It is situated 3.2 kms. from the lake and is the highest point in Kodai. This observatory was founded in 1989 and has a well-equipped laboratory involved in quality research work.
Shenbaganur Museum
This museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College. Shenbaganur Museum is located at a distance of 5 km from Kodaikanal Lake. This museum is mainly for the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. This museum also houses an orchidarium, which has a collection of around 300 species of exotic and unique orchids.
Bear Shola Falls
This place is at a distance of about 2km from the lake .The Bear Shola falls is called so, because in earlier days bears used to come and drink water from this fall. This is an ideal picnic spot and the best time to visit the falls is during rainy season when the falls are at the best.
Silver Cascade
It is 8 Kms from the lake. Here the excess water from Kodai Lake falls down in the form of a 180- feet high waterfall.
Berijam Lake
This is another big beautiful lake and is 21 Kms from the Kodaikanal Lake. This place is good picnic spot. Boating is prohibited in this lake.
Apart from these places there are many other places of tourist’s interest in the vicinity Lutheran Church, Dolphins Nose, Pambar Falls etc.
How to reach Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is well connected by air, rail and road. The nearest airports are Madurai which is at a distance of 135 kilometres, Coimbatore at a distance of 170 kilometres and Trichy which is 200 kilometres away. The nearest railway stations are Kodaikanal Road station which is 80 km away and Palani Railway Station which is 64 kilometres away. Kodaikanal is connected by road with all important cities and towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Trichy Chennai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul etc.
Accommodation
Accommodation options are plenty in Kodaikanal. If budget is not your constraint then there are many luxury hotels here. Apart from this there are many deluxe, mid-range as well as economy hotels to choose from.