image
image
image
image

Kodaikanal Overview

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

Located in the Dindigul district of Tamilnadu, Kodaikanal, also known as Kodai, is a picturesque hill station that should not be missed on a South India tour. It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Dindigul, 117 km from Madurai, 162 km from Munnar, 169 km from Coimbatore, 253 km from Ooty, 272 km from Kochi, 469 km from Bangalore, and 528 km from Chennai.

Often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodai is a popular destination for honeymoon trips, especially during the summer season. It is located at an altitude of approximately 7000 feet (2133 m) on the southern tip of the upper Palani hills. The hill station boasts numerous scenic natural attractions that are enjoyed by visitors, making it a favored romantic getaway. Coaker’s Walk, Silver Cascade, and Kodai Lake are among the must-visit places included in Kodai tour packages.

The earliest inhabitants of Kodaikanal were the Palaiyar tribal people. In 1845, American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats established modern Kodaikanal as a refuge from the oppressive heat and tropical diseases of the plains. Throughout the 20th century, this enchanting hill station gained popularity among nature enthusiasts, attracting elite Indians to relocate here. Kodaikanal can be conveniently visited in conjunction with Madurai tour packages.

Kodaikanal is a destination that is not extensively commercialized like Ooty, offering a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Prominent places to visit in Kodaikanal include Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks, and more. The hills offer beautiful views all around, especially from the Coaker’s Walk. The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai airport, located about 134 km away, which has regular flight connectivity with cities like Chennai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. Kodai Road, approximately 79 km away, is the nearest train station that has good train connectivity with Chennai, Tiruchendur, Nagercoil, Delhi, Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Dindigul, Trichy, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Howrah, Hyderabad, Villupuram, Mysore, Tirunelveli, Palani, Palakkad, Tuticorin, and Mumbai. Direct bus connectivity is available from Madurai, Coimbatore, Palani, Dindigul, Ooty, and other cities. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October to June, although the weather remains a bit chilly during December and January. As a hill station, Kodaikanal attracts a significant number of tourists during summer when the picturesque hill station looks the most colorful. However, those who wish to go trekking should plan their trip to Kodaikanal between October and February.

The most optimal tourist destinations to explore in and around Kodaikanal.

KODAIKANAL LAKE : If you are going in winter, go boating in the evening, as it’s an amazing experience to boat through fog settling on the lake. The lake is very near the bus stand. This is a star shaped lake and walking around it during the night is one of the best walking experience you can have in your life. Be cautious that there are lot of dogs around this lake and some places are extremely dark. Walk between 6 and 7 pm, then head back to your room.

BERIJAM LAKE : perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai. This is a plastic free zone and it is beautiful and serene. The lake lies within a reserved forest region. You need to get permission to visit this lake. Permissions need to be obtained on the morning of the intended day of visit from the forest office. Usually the person who arranges the vehicle will arrange the permit. Moreover, in peak season, a limited number of vehicles are allowed in per day. Since this lake is used for providing drinking water no water sports activity is permitted. The route to Berijam lake is more scenic than the lake itself..

CHETTIYAR PARK : a beautiful park with many coloured flowers and greenery. An area of reclining back at peace with nature. It is a pretty place for clicking pictures; and also have swings for kids.

BRYANT PARK : A must see. Its main entrance is on the road surrounding the lake and is a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the boat club. Nicely maintained and a huge park. Their flower shows during summer are very famous.

GREEN VALLEY VIEW / SUICIDE POINT : has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicide. * Pillar Rocks – huge steep cliffs. Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an English adventure enthusiast.

GUNA CAVE : a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very steep and risky to get in. The public may not be allowed to enter this cave nowadays, though it’s a very good place to take pics. But if you are not a professional spelunker, a trip to this cave may be your last. Getting back will be problem as it’s very dark and there could be about a 90% chance of suffering a free fall.

SILVER CASCADE : it’s a nice waterfall on the road side from kodai road to kodai kanal, just before 4-5 kms from kodai kanal. The cold water flows and it’s really super to bathe in the cold water and travel in between the eucalyptus trees. If you are going to kodai kanal by private vehicle on the way, you can visit the place. Buy fresh carrots and some exotic veggies around here.
PINE FOREST : It’s on the way to the guna cave. A great view of long, pine trees. You can go a little deep into the forest and be surrounded with numerous pine trees one after the other. Opportunities for some interesting photo shoots available! You can also buy fresh carrots and plum and local fruits from there.
BOAT CLUB : In 1910, a new boat house was constructed. From May 1929, few tourists were only permitted to avail boat ride as temporary members.Then boat service was extended to the public and tourists in 1932. The tourists can avail boat services in the lake. T.T.D.C boats, Kodai boats, Carlton boats are available on hire for hours. Annual boat pageant is held in May every year as a part of Summer Festival Celebrations..
KURUNJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE : is at a distance of 3 Kms from the lake. This is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flower which carpets the hill side and blooms once in 12 Years. ” Kurinji ” means ” Hilly Region ” in Tamil literature. ” Andavar ” means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hills here. From this temple, one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.
PILLAR ROCKS : Pillar Rocks, located at a distance of 8 km from the lake tower, is one of the famous tourist attractions. At this attraction, tourists can see three granite boulders that are standing vertically shoulder to shoulder. Measuring a height of around 400 ft from the ground, these pillars are known for offering bird’s eye view of the surrounding beautiful vistas. The chambers that are between the two pillars are also known as Devil’s Kitchen.
DOLPHIN’S NOSE :To reach Dolphins nose at a distance of 8 kms from the bus stand, one has to follow the route specified here.There is an old road after crossing Pambar Bridge near levinge stream. A rough curve rounds the hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over an awful chesm of 6600 feet deep. This is Dolphins nose. On the way, beautiful views of plains and steepy rocky eascarpeints called rolling hills can be seen. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through the rugged bridle path.