Kodaikanal

Kodaikkanal

Kodai or Kodaikanal is on the southern crest of the Palani hills, about 120 km from Madurai, at an altitude of 2100 mt. It is surrounded Kodaikanal Hill Station, Kodaikanal travelded by wooded slopes, waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops.

Kodaikanal (also known as Kodai) is a city and a Taluk division of Dindigul district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were no roads—people had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes, clubs were opened, school and hotels were built, and civic amenities were introduced.

Kodaikanal Hills is an idyllic getaway for regular tourists, trekker and honeymooners. Blessed with nature's breath-taking beauty, the star-shaped lake dominates this sleepy hill-station.

Tourist attractions of Kodaikanal

The Town of Kodaikanal:

Kodaikkanal Lake

Driving into Kodaikanal from Palani is a dramatic experience, reminiscent in parts of the drive up the Ghat road from Kallar to Ooty. It is a relief to leave the hot, dusty plains behind and drive up into the cool hills. The vegetation changes gradually from palm-fringed paddy fields to wild brush with flaming blossoms to plantations interspersed with stately silver oaks. The view of the Amaravathi Dam, a shimmering sapphire sheet of water is an unforgettable sight. Driving higher, banana trees give way to tall eucalyptus trees, and the whole countryside is dotted with wildflowers in jeweled colors, magenta and purple predominating. There is a marked nip in the air, as one reaches for one’s cardigan, or shawl. At a bend in the road, the shimmer and roar of the Silver Cascade waterfall welcome the tourist.

Arriving in Kodai town, one is greeted by orchards of pear trees with their graceful branches silhouetted in artistic curves against the evening sky like stark Zen etchings. Buildings with gabled roof dot the skyline. Broken fragments of light from the setting sun are caught and kindled in the wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue, lights start twinkling all over the hillside, and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming messages of goodwill to each other.

Places to Visit in Kodaikanal :

Kodaikkanal

The Coaker's Walk offers some fantastic views of the surrounding plains. Another superb vantage point, is the Kurinji Andavar temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, which provides a panoramic view of the lofty hills, that embrace Kodaikanal. Some of the popular picnic spots in the resort, are the Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks, and Bear Shola Falls. Nature seems to have blessed Kodai in all her magnanimity, a fact evident from the immense profusion of exotic flora and fauna of the area. The amazing orchid collection at the Shenbaganur Museum, has granted Kodai international fame. Kodai is also blessed with the rare bloom of the highly elusive Kurinji flower, that makes a dramatic appearance, once in 12 years.The Kurinji last bloomed in 1992. The resort is also home to various species of birds, thus rendering it a bird - watcher's delight.

Kodaikanal promises to be an ideal getaway, for those craving for an invigorating yet soothing holiday, away from the madness of the city.

Dolphin’s Nose: located about eight km from the lake, is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below.

The Perumal Peak: about 11 km from Kodaikanal, is a trekker's delight. Climbers begin their ascent from the Neutral Saddle.

Berijam Lake: supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town, and is 21 km from Kodaikanal (beyond the Pillar Rocks). It is a popular picnic spot with a beautiful view.

Kukal Cave: 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping site for trekkers. Reportedly, descendants of the Paliyans still live here.

Air:The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. It is well connected to other airports.

Train:The nearest railway station is Kodai Railway Station, which is 80 km away.

Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.

Kodaikanal offers good accomodation in Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Clifton, Carlton Hotel, Shanmuga Vilas, Lodge Paradise, Hotel Jayraj, Jaya Lodge, Kodai Lodge and Sterling Guest House are some of the available means of accomodation.

There are at least 50 hotels catering to all categories of tourists and over 30 south & north Indian, continental, western and Chinese restaurants, not including the many small eateries and tea stalls.

Established clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club (estd. 1985) under the jurisdiction of Lions Clubs International (dt. 324B), Kodaikanal Boat Club (estd. 1890) has nearly 650 permanent members. Kodaikanal Golf Club (estd. 1895) has 18 holes, spread over 143 acres and The Indian Club (estd. 1915) on Poet Thyagarajar road.

Kodaikanal also has societies like Kodaikanal People Development Group (KOPDEG) which have been extremely successful in providing employment for marginalized women and finding a market for their products. The Made-in-India tagged products from Kopedeg are unique to Kodaikanal and are targeted at foreign tourists who regularly buy them as souvenirs. Of late, many such organizations have mushroomed, promoting local trade and encouraging the rural villages in the town's periphery to participate in its growth fueled by tourism. The local council is also active in preserving Kodaikanal's environment. Plastic bags are banned and almost all shops and even roadside vendors heed the rule and use recycled paper bags in fear of a social reprisal. Local hotels have also participated in creating environmental awareness by placing garbage cans all across the town, with their prominent donated by signs acting as silent salesmen.