Rang7 Guides
Rang7 members have created & contributed 308 Destinations, 77 Festivals, 47 Monuments, 39 National Parks and 58 Other Guides. Go ahead and Explore now!
Kodaikanal
[ 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.
[ 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
[ Edit ] Bear Shola
Bear Shola falls located 2km from the Kodai lake is best visited during the rainy season or immediately after the rainy season. The road to the falls is rugged and hilly. It is believed that a bear used to come and drink water from here and so the falls came to be named Bear Shola. The falls are very popular among tourists.
[ Edit ] Berijam Lake
A pristine and serene lake, Berijam Lake is situated 23 km from Kodaikanal. The lake is the source of drinking water to Periakulam town. Berijam however cannot be visited without prior permission from the District Forest Officer, as the premises are not open to tourists.
[ Edit ] Bryant Park
Bryant Park on the eastern side of Kodai Lake is a beautiful landscaped botanical park which holds an annual flower show in May. The park is named after a British forest officer, Bryant who undertook the landscaping of the park. The park green house has several varieties of fern, flowers and plants.
[ Edit ] Coaker's Walk
Coaker’s walk is named after Lt. Coaker who designed the map of Kodaikanal. The 1 kilometre long trails was constructed by Lt Coaker in 1872. Coaker’s walk is a trail running along the hillside on the southern part of Kodai and ends at the Church of St Peter. The trail offers great views of the surrounding plains and on a clear day it is also possible to spot the temple town of Madurai from here. There is a small telescope house nearby from where a panoramic view of the surroundings and nearby towns can be got. It is best to explore Coakers trails in the mornings and until mid afternoon.
[ Edit ] Devil's Kitchen
Situated between Pillars Rocks and Green Valley view, Devil’s Kitchen is a deep hidden ravine. From a distance it looks like small dark gutters however in reality it is very deep ravines and is also very dangerous. The place is not commonly known among tourists but is very popular among locals. There have been accidents in the past at this spot so it wise to not underestimate the dangers of the deceptive ravine.
[ Edit ] Golf Links
The majestic Golf Links exudes a colonial legacy. Spread across 114 acre, the place is well maintained and is bordered by thick woods.
[ Edit ] Green Valley View (Suicide Point)
Green Valley view was formerly called suicide point. Located near the golf course, Green valley view offers great views of the plains. Over the years, this point has become highly commercialized and is always filled with tourists.
[ Edit ] Guna Caves
The Guna caves are protected caves. The caves used to be a big tourist attraction. However authorities decided to close the caves for tourists due to the large number of accidents at the location. The entry to the caves is very steep and was the cause of the accidents. The caves also featured in a Tamil movie by the name of Guna.
[ Edit ] Kodai Lake
One of the most popular tourist spots at Kodaikanal is star shaped Kodai Lake. Kodai lake is an artificial lake and is spread over an area 60 acres of lush greenery around it. It is possible to go boating, cycling or horse riding at the lake.
[ Edit ] Kurinjiandavar Temple
Located 4 km from the Kodai Lake, Kurinjiandavar temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. From the temple it is possible to see Palani Hills. The temple is famous for the Kurinji flower inside the temple premises. The flower only blooms once every 12years. Every year in the month of May, the temple holds a summer festival which is much awaited by the locals of the region.
[ Edit ] Lutheran Church
Located close to Kodaikanal School, Lutheran Church is known for its Gothic stone architecture, stained glass windows and paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
[ Edit ] Palani Temple (Subramanya Temple)
Also known as Karthikeya temple, this temple is located 65 km from Kodaikanal. Dedicated to Dandayudhapani Swami,, the temple is located at an altitude of 1500 ft. 659 steps have to be climbed to reach up or a winch facility is also available. Some of the popular festivals celebrated at the temple are Tai Pusam in January and Panguni Uttaram in April.
[ Edit ] Pillar Rocks
The main attraction at Pillar Rocks are the 3 vertically standing granite boulders measuring 400 ft. The boulders are also seen from the Telescope house at Coakers Walk.
[ Edit ] Shenbaganur Museum (Flora and Fauna Museum)
This museum is a haven for orchid lovers. The museum is maintained by Sacred Heart College, 5km from the Kodai Lake. It is said that the museum houses more than 300 species of orchids. Other than orchids the museum also preserves fossils, and has a wide variety of other flora and fauna.
- Open daily from 10am to 11:30 am and later from 3pm to 5 pm
- Entrance fees: Rs 1
[ Edit ] Silver Cascade
Located 8 km from Kodaikanal, Silver Cascade waterfall is the overflow from the Kodai Lake. Falling from a height of 180 feet, the Silver Cascade falls is located on the Madurai - Kodaikanal road. The water of the falls is considered to contain various minerals in it.
[ Edit ] Things To Do
The best way to experience Kodaikanal is either on foot or by cycling. Hire a cycle and experience the hill station. However be aware that being a hilly terrain it is sometime difficult and exhausting to cycle in some parts.
Go boating at the Kodai Lake.
There are several trekking opportunities available at Kodaikanal. The tourist office has a list of trekking trails and can also provide trained guides if needed.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Madurai, 120 km away is the nearest airport to Kodaikanal.
[ Edit ] Rail
The major railway stations near Kodaikanal are in Madurai and Coimbatore. Palani and Kodai are smaller railway stations that are near Kodaikanal.
[ Edit ] Road
Kodaikanal is well connected by road to all major destinations in South India.
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Hiring tourist taxies is the best way to getting around in Kodaikanal.
[ Edit ] Other Information
[ Edit ] Shopping
Handicraft items, woolen clothes, dry flowers, vegetables and fruits are the main highlight of the region. You can also find homemade chocolates and aroma oils here.
[ Edit ] Food
[ARCHIVES ]
