[ Edit ] Overview

Kodaikanal, meaning “gift of the forest” is a beautiful hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. Located in the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats Kodaikanal has been known as Princess of hill stations. At an altitude of 7200 ft Kodaikanal, a popular honeymoon destination, is rich with deep green valleys, waterfalls and trekking trails.

Kodaikanal, or Kodai, as it used to be commonly known was discovered by American missionaries in 1845. It was then used as a place of safety from the dreaded malaria. This picturesque town is spread around the man made Kodai Lake. Kodaikanal is also known for some of the best residential schools in the country.

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[ Edit ] History

Historically, the Kodaikanal area was inhabited by various prehistoric tribes and proof of this is said to be visible with various artifacts - primarily dolmens homes made of of large stone slabs. Starting in the 14th century, various tribes including the Paliyans and Pulyans and villagers from the Palani Hills area started to colonise the Kodaikanal area as they escaped from various oppressive rulers including Tippu Sultan.

The first European visitors to Kodaikanal came in the 1820s. The first surveyor of the region was Lt. B.S. Ward who had his headquarters in Vellagavi village. Subsequently KodaiKanal, with its wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai, became a popular hill station for British living in South India who sought to escape from the oppressive summer heat of Tamilnadu.  American missionaries also began to frequent Kodaikanal and established numerous churches in the region.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Tamil Nadu, India

[ Edit ] Location

The hill station of Kodaikanal, 2133 m from Palani Hills is a derivative of the Western Ghats Mountain range.

Driving distances from:

• Ooty:  260 kms
• Madurai:  120 kms
• Coimbatore: 180 kms
• Chennai:  510 kms
• Bangalore:  485 kms

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

The best months to visit Kodaikanal are between April to June and again from September through October.  However, this is a year round destination.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

Municipal Bus Stand Rest House
Kodaikanal - 624 101

Tel: 04542-241675

[ Edit ] STD Code

04542

Sightseeing

Bear Shola

Berijam Lake

Bryant Park

Coaker's Walk

Devil's Kitchen

Golf Links

Green Valley View (Suicide Point)

Guna Caves

Kodai Lake

Kurinjiandavar Temple

Lutheran Church

Palani Temple (Subramanya Temple)

Pillar Rocks

Shenbaganur Museum (Flora and Fauna Museum)

Silver Cascade

Things To Do

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 26	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

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