Kodaikanal Hill Station

Kodaikanal Hill Station is situated 120 kms away from Madurai, at an altitude of 2100 meters amidst beautiful Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats in Tamilnadu. Another important hill station is Ooty. Both these hill stations are important hill stations of South India.

The hill station Kodaikanal was initially created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. Today not only the elite Indians, but tourists from all over the world, enter Kodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty.

The charm of Kodaikanal Tamilnadu lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. The town is surrounded by rocky hills, waterfalls and wooded slopes on all sides.

Houses in Kodaikanal Hill Station

The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, the long stretches of forests, beautiful spots and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a most rewarding experience. Kodaikanal India is one of the very few unaltered and unadulterated destinations of southern India.

Watching the Sunrise at the Astrophysical Observatory is a very pleasant experience.

Kodaikanal tourism - The tourists who visit the hill town of Kodaikanal have opportunities to engage in a number of activities to enliven their vacation in Kodaikanal. The spellbound beauty of the hill station can be cherished best by taking a stroll through the streets of Kodaikanal. The other activities include trekking, hiking, adventure sports etc.

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Important Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Hill Station

The Kodai Lake This lake was created in 1863 by Sir vere Hendry Levinge (1819-1885).He was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. This star shaped lake, covering an area of 60 acres, is the most visited tourist destination in the Kodaikanal Hill Station. Boating facilities are available.

Berijam Lake is 19 kms from Kodaikanal Lake, and provides a panoramic landscape view. Surrounded by the lush green pine population, the Berijam Lake with its serene beauty has attracted many artists, nature lovers and tourists. Boating in the Berijam Lake is an unique experience. Sailing around the crystalline water, watching the bluish green hills, will be a unique experience.The water of the lake is the home to numerous known and unknown species of fish, making it a anglers heaven. The way to Berijam Lake is an excellent trekking route.

Bryant's Park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. The park was conceived and landscaped by Glenn Bryant, a British Army officer. This beautiful park of Kodaikanal Hill Station is adorned with flowers, both hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters fine varieties of flowers is here. The Flower Show conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festivals is an excellent sight.

Pillar Rocks are located about 7 kilometers from the city. These are actually three rocks that magnificently jut into the sky to a height of about 400 feet. The place is the best to view the sunset and the glittering Kodaikanal Hill Station at night.

Dolphin's Nose is at a distance of 8 km from the main city of Kodaikanal, placed at an altitude of 6600 feet, surrounded by lush green forests and exotic mountain ranges . This is yet another great tourist attraction here. The tourists usually prefer to trek the uphill region of the Dolphin’s nose and experience the bliss of Mother Nature. The Dolphin’s nose provides the visitors with an excellent opportunity to spend sometime in the midst of nature, exploring and enjoying the vast reserve of forests, as an adventurous experience.

Pine Forests - It is a beautiful experience of visiting the Pine forests.

Shenbaganur Museum houses a vast reserve of the relics of antique pieces of art and craft of the region. It houses one of the best Orchidariams in the country. The Shenbaganur museum is of utmost interest for those who want to know about the rich traditional culture of South India. This museum also provides the visitors with a wonderful opportunity to explore the habits of the endangered species.

Astrophysical Observatory stands on the highest point of the city of Kodaikanal. It houses a small museum that has models explaining the complex scientific phenomenon in simple ways.

The Kurinji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga, is situated 3 kms from the lake.

This temple is associated with the kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years, is also a great attraction of Kodaikanal Hill Station.

About a kilometre from the lake, Coaker's Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai, offering some of the best views of Palani Hills.

Telescope House at Coakers Walk enables the visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns.

Thalaiyar Falls, also known as the Rat-Tail Falls, is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, with 975 feet hight.

The Golf Club is 5 kms from the lake.

There are many Water Falls in Kodaikanal. The best among them are Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls.

Maravannur village and lake - If you have time to spend it is worth visiting the Maravannur village and lake which is about 35 kms from the city. The scenery on the way is astounding.

More about Kodai

For Shopping - Colorful dried flowers that do not wither or fade for year long. Pesticide free juicy carrots and beetroots in bright colours. Home made Chocolates are available everywhere in Kodaikanal.

Where to stay in Kodaikanal

There are some reasonably good homestays are in Kodaikanal. Those who would like to get a good family atmosphere and assistance can opt for one. We stayed in Maruthi Villa near the Kodai lake (1km) from where we had good view of the lake.

Good hotels are also there.

Reaching Kodaikanal

By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 kms away.

By Rail: Kodaikanal has a railway station, 80 kms away.

By Road: Kodaikanal is well connected to the nearby towns and cities by regular bus service.

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