Kodaikanal Tourism | Kodaikanal Travel Guide | Kodaikanal Travel Destinations

General Info

Area : 21.45 sq.km
Population : 32,931
Altitude : 2,133 Metres above sea level
Rainfall : 165cms ( Average )
Climate : Max - 19.80 Deg C , Min - 17.30 Deg C
Std Code : 04542

Location

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India.It is a charming hillstation,stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu.With its rocks,woods,lovely lake and bracing air,Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.The unique flowering plant "Kurunji" (Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004 is nature's gift to Kodaikanal.Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Palani hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India,which mesmerized any visitor and is frequented all through the year.The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam Lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.

Sightseeing Places In And Around Kodaikanal

Kodai Lake
One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai Lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident's even used to swim in the lake.

The lake is situated at 10 deg 14' n latitude and 77 deg 28' longitude at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and it looks magnificent with star shaped glittering water, in the midst of evergreen lush slopes. The hills receive the.

rainfall during North-East Monsoon months of October, November and December. The lake is spread over 60 acres and surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 Kms length, the maximum depth in 1962 was 11.5m but it is now about 9m due to situation. The average depth is 3.0m. The boat club provides boats for hire. There are luxury boats also.

Bryant Park
The practical utility of this park is, in every May a horticultural show is conducted by the department of Horticulture. On that occasion enormous vegetables and flowers from neighbouring villages compete for the prizes, which draws big crowd. They exhibit flowers, vegetables, fruits and other products. It serves as a practical centre for education on Ornamental Horticulture and as a demonstration centre. The various methods of training, pruning, budding, grafting, potting seed collection etc, are taught to the students of Horticulture as well as to the visitors.

Chettiar Park
Chettiar Park, managed by the township, is on the way to the Kurunji Temple. It is 3.2 Kms from the Bus Stand. Unlike other areas this park is very quite, and those who love calm time passing can prefer this park.

Solar Physical Observatory
This oldest world famous institution was built in 1898. It is nearly 6 Kms from the bus stand and situated at the highest point in Kodai hills at 7700 ft. It has a well equipped productive laboratory doing quality research work.

Shenbaganur Museum
This museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College – Theological Seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids is also housed here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe contributed his major collections to the Museum. Working hours – 10 A.M to 11.30 A.M and 3P.M to 5P.M.

Coaker's Walk
It is a narrow pedestrian path, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, a one kilometer mountain road which runs along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai road which is 1/2km away from Kodai.

Pillar Rocks
Three granite boulders each vertically measuring a height of 400 feet stand shoulder to shoulder. It is located 8 Kms from the lake tower over the panoramic view. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers.

Kurunji Andavar Temple
This temple situated 3 kms from the lake, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. In Tamil literature Kurunji means 'hill region' and Andavar means 'God'. Hence Lord Murugan is referred as 'God of hill'. This temple is associated with the Kurunji flowers, which carpets at hill sides and blooms once in 12 years.

Silver Cascade
It is 8 kms from Kodai Lake. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as a 180 feet high waterfall. Those interested can have a bath here.

Silent Valley View
Just a little away from the Pillar Rock - Berijam Lake Road,is Silent Valley View which provides a breathtaking view.

Pambar Falls
"Grand Cascade" is another name for this magnificent falls.It can be reached by a steep,precipitous path behind Pambar house.Racing down Pambar Raivine is Zig-Zagging leving stream that cascades over a series of rock formations.It is 4kms away from Kodaikanal.

Golf Club
Situated on the road to the Pillar Rocks,the Kodai Golf Club boasts of a well-laid 18-hole course fit for competitions at national level.Often the golfers teeing in the early morning accost herds of wild animals.The club is exclusively for its members.Non-members and holiday golfers,who want to play,have to pay a special subscription.The tourists on the road can have a glimpse of the whole range

Bear Shola Falls
An ideal picnic spot 1.6kms from bus stand and within 2kms off the lake,where once bears came to drink water.Hence the name of the falls became Bear Shola falls.The approach is rugged hill path.The falls are at the best in rainy season

Festivals

Summer Festival
May - June the summer festival might find you in the exquisite Kodaikkanal - where boat races,flower,trekking and fruit shows are specially organised.

Mother Salette Festival
One of the ancient churches "Mother Salette" church,Every year on the 14th and 15th August,a unique carnival takes place at this church.

How To Reach There
Nearest Airport is Madurai 135 Kms, Coimbatore 170Kms and Trichy 195 Kms.Many Passenger trains pass through Kodaikanal road. Kodai road Station is nearly 80 Kms.Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindugal, Tiruchirappalli, Kumily, Bangalore and Coimbatore.