Kodaikanal
City Information
Kodaikanal, also known as
Kodai is located on the south crest
of Palani hills in the state of Tamil
Nadu. A well known feature and the one
that attracts a lot of tourists is the
blooming of the famous kurinji flower,
which blooms once in12 years. Kodaikanal
is blessed dark deep forests, waterfalls
and rocky outcrops. Kodaikkanal is 120
Kms from the bustling city of Maudrai
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.
Kodai's most enchanting sights include
the star shaped lake, spread over an
area of 24 hectares where fishing allowed
and boating facilities are available;
one of the world's oldest Solar Observatories
that was built in 1899; and the Orchidorium
at the Sacred Heart College where about
300 species of orchids can be seen.
There are also a number of picturesque
walks like Coaker's Walk and Priest's
Walk. Kodai's best view points are Pillar
Rocks, and Green Valley View. Bear Shola
Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and
Glen Falls are popular with picnickers
while the Perumal Peak is a favourite
with trekkers. The Kurinji Andavar temple
3.2 kms away is dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
Main
Sightseeing of Kodaikanal
Kodai Club, The
club gives the impression of stepping
back into the colonial India . The
lounge with its period fireplace,
the piano, the Leigh Hunt prints,
the library stocked with books by
Evelyn Waugh, Anthony Trollope, and
the bar with stuffed heads of bison,
tigers, deer-horns, and a picture
of the Laughing Cavalier by Franz
Hals, the restaurant with old English
plates, a glowing hearth-fire, and
landscape prints, are all British
legacies.
Boat Club, in 1910,
a new boathouse was constructed, but
only from May 1929, few tourists were
permitted to avail boat ride as temporary
members. Later on they were extended
to the public and tourists in 1932.
Boats like T.T.D.C, Kodai boats, Carlton
boats are available for hire.
Kodaikanal Lake
is a magnificent man-made lake, which
spreads out in a star shape over sixty
acres is a main attraction as it is
set among the greenery. The boat club
here offers several pleasure and racing
trips.
Coaker's Walk derives
the name from Lt. Coaker, who prepared
the map of Kodai and it is about a
kilometre from the lake, which runs
along a steep slope on the southern
side of the Kodai. Some of the best
views of the plains can be seen from
here.
Kurinji Andavar Temple, the
presiding deity of the temple is Lord
Murugan and is about 3.2-km from the
lake. In Tamil literature "Kurinji"
means "Hilly Region" and
"Andavar" means God. From
this temple, one can get a view of
the northern plains and Palani Hills.
Shenbaganur Museum
is located about 5-Km from the lake.
The Sacred Heart College maintains
this museum. One of the best orchidoriums
in the country with more than 300
species of orchids and wide-ranging
collection of birds are found here.
Bryant Park situated
on the eastern side of the lake, is
noted for flowers, hybrids and rafts.
Varieties of flowers can be seen in
a glasshouse. The annual horticultural
show is held here in May.
Go to Top
Excursions
from Kodaikanal
Dolphin's Nose, located
about eight kms 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 kms 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 kms from Kodaikanal. It is
a popular picnic spot with a beautiful
view.
Kukal Cave, 40 kms
from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping
site for trekkers. Reportedly, descendants
of the Paliyans still live here.
How
to reach Kodaikanal ?
By Air : The nearest
airport is Madurai.
By Rail : The nearest
railway station is Kodai Road.
By Road : Regular buses
from Madurai, Palani, Coimbatore, Dindigul
and Trichy.
