Kodaikanal

Located in the Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal was a favorite hill station of the British administrators and missionaries who wished to escape the stifling summers of the South Indian cities, especially nearby Madurai. The air is scented with the smell of pine and eucalyptus forests. The artificial lake in the heart of the town was created by damming the lower marshy parts of the town.

Tourist Attractions in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Lake, 3 kilometers from the town bus stand, is ideal for boating. The banks are good for picnics, though swimming is not an option owing to the pollution.
The Croaker's Walk, built by Lt. Croaker in 1872, is a narrow mountain road running around the southern slopes surrounding Kodaikanal.
The Kunji Andavar Temple, north of Kodaikanal, is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It lies 3 kilometers away from the Kodai Lake. Lord Murugan is thought to be associated to the Kurinji flowers that grow on the hillside. They bloom once in 12 years and their honey is supposed to have miraculous properties.
The Solar Physical Observatory, built in 1898, is perched atop the highest point in Kodaikanal- the 8,000 feet high Kodai Hill.
St.Peter's Church, dating back to 1884, has an old stained glass window.
Dolphin's Point is a flat rock leaning over a 7,000 feet ravine. It can be reached by trekking across the Levinge Stream.
The Pillar Rocks, 7 kilometers away from the Kodai Lake, are three granite rocks over 100 meters high. The view of the Kodaikanal town from this vantage point is remarkable.

Nearby Attractions

Berijam lake, 15 kilometers away, is a serene, clear lake with a nearby Forest Lodge and restaurant. Palani , 3 hours drive from Kodaikanal, is a center of pilgrimage for devotees who trek large distances to get a glimpse of Lord Murugan's shrine.
The Indira Gandhi National Park near Pollachi town is a well-protected sanctuary that has langurs, macaques, guars, tigers, pythons, and wild boar, apart from birds like hornbills, bulbuls and orioles.

How to reach Kodaikanal

Madurai lies 135 kilometers away, while Coimbatore and Trichy are located 170 and 195 kilometers away respectively.

Madurai is the nearest airport.

Buses are run from Madurai, Palani, Trichy, Bangalore and Coimbatore, apart from many smaller towns located close to Kodaikanal.

Kodai road Station is the nearest railway station and is 80 kilometers away from Kodaikanal.

To find out more about these hill stations, please click on the links below: