Kodaikanal

The place is Kodaikanal, secludedly situated 2100 meters above sea level, in the beautiful Palani Hills. Kodaikanal is 120 Kms from the bustling city of Madurai and at least tens and thousands of Kilometers from the mundane. Perhaps why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled.

Sky link : The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).

Rail link : The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).

Terrestrial link : Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km), Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal

Arriving in Kodai town, one is enticed 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.

The name Kodaikanal means the "gift of the forest". Situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, among the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the unexplored destinations of southern India. With its intoxicating air, breathtaking scenery and serenity that you can hardly find in any other hill station, Kodaikanal is an ideal summer resort for the travel buffs of the southern plains.

The Lake - is a star shaped lake spread over an area of 24 hectares and has been wonderfully landscaped. Boating facilities are available and the 4km long promenade skirting it is very popular.

Flora & Fauna Museum : located at the Sacred Heart College is a 6km hike from the town centre, but definitely worth a visit. The Orchidarium here has about 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants.


Astrophysical Observatory : built in 1889, this laboratory stands on the highest point in the area. The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics. It also houses a small museum.

Bryant Park : is a botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It was landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.

Kurinji Andavar Temple : is a small temple located 3km northeast of the Lake and is dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Water Falls : there are numerous waterfalls in the area such as Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls, which are popular picnic spots.

Coaker's Walk : is a one kilometer walk from the lake that offers good views. It derives its name from Lt. Coaker, who had prepared the map of Kodaikanal. There is a Telescope House here from where visitors can have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby township.

Pillar Rocks : located about 7km from the lake, there are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400ft. the views from here are spectacular.

Accommodation

Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. The TTDC run Hotel Tamil Nadu on Fern Hill Road is one example where comfortable accommodation is provided to tourists.