Kodaikanal Hill station - Tamil Nadu - India

Kodaikanal Hill station - Tamil Nadu - India


Kodaikanal Travel Guide

Nestling amidst the folds of the verdant Pali Hills, is the idyllic retreat of Kodaikanal, popularly known as Kodai. Apart from being a much sought after tourist resort, Kodai is also famous for its educational institutions, which are globally renown.

The resort is, virtually, a heaven for trekkers and avid nature lovers. Amongst its other natural attractions is a star - shaped lake, set in a dreamy locale. The Boat Club offers umpteen pleasure and racing trips. The splendid Bryant Park, famous for its rare collection of flowers, graftings and hybrids, is the venue of great horticultural shows, held every year in May. Another major attraction of this area, is the country's only Solar Physical Laboratory, founded in 1898.

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.

Climate : The temperatures in summer range from a maximum of 20°C to a minimum of 11°C, and in winter from 17°C to 8°C. Annual rainfall in the region is around 165 cms.

Places to See in Kodaikanal

Heaven (esotically speaking) can be glimpsed in some of the enchanting picnic spots that dot Kodai. Coaker's walk, running along a steep slope, offers a panaromic view of the plain. Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.

But don't stop there. Go on. Go a little away from the township of Kodai and some of the most beautiful scenery will hit your senses. Silver Cascade (8kms) and Kumbakkarai (65 Kms) are waterfalls situated in some of the most wooded parts of the hill station.


Berijam lake, situated 21 kms from the township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin's Nose (8 Kms), a projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below. Then go on get higher upon life. Climb the2400 meter high Perumal Peak. And you'll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.

Cavemen in Kodai No, you won't meet any today, but their habitat at Kukkal Caves (40 Kms) and Dolmen's circle (22 Kms) are famous pre-historic, archaeological sites. For, those with orchids on their mind can visit the Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Kms.). It is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor, more than 300 species of orchids.

Shenbaganur Musem (5.6 Kms. ) is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitors, more than 300 species of orchids.

The Kurinji Andavar Temple ( 3.2 Kms ) is dedicated to lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful views of the northern plains and the Palaini Hills.



Places to Worship :

Fact is, almost every place in India has Places of worship- both ancient and beautiful. Kodaikkanal too offers the visitors two historic temples.

The Kurinji Andavar Temple (3.2 Kms) is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani Hills.

Palani (64 Kms) is of course, a famous pilgrimage centre and is mythologically believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Other then these two, the Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, Two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St.Mary's Church, Lassalette, St.Joseph's Church, Luthern mission Church, Lake end offer, the devout a relaxed and genteel place to pray.

So come to Kodaikkanal. And be a part of the vibrant elements at play.

How To Get There
The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. The nearest railhead is Kodai Road Railway Station, 80 km away. Kodaikanal is linked by road to all major towns. Taxis are available for hire.