Kodaikanal Tour Information
Kodaikanal unspoilt by modern civilization is a charming hill station, situated amidst the sylvan grandeur of the Southern crest of the upper Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. Kodai is 120km from Madurai. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enchanting waterfalls and beautiful lake, Kodaikanal will mesmerise any visitor, having more sunshine than other hill resorts in India. Kodai is noted for hill plantain fruits and plums. The pride of Kodaikanal is the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years. It blossoms next in 2004.
Kodaikanal Tourism
The Lake
A magnificent star-shaped lake glitters like a jewel amidst the emerald green slopes. The Boat Club her has several pleasure and racing boats.
Bryant Park
This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake, noted for flowers, hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. The annual horticultural show is held here in every may.
Solar Physical Observatory
This Observatory founded in 1898, is situated at the top most point in Kodai. It houses a small museum which is open from 10.00am to 12 noon only on Fridays.
Coaker’s walk
About a kilometre from the lake, Coaker’s walk runs along a steep slope on the Southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains below.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Muruga. From this point one can see the beautiful views of the northern plains including the Palani hills and the Southern plains including the Vaigai Dam. It is 3.2km from the lake.
Telescope House
To enable the visitors to have panoramic view of the valley and the nearby town, two telescope houses have been put up at Kodai one near Kurinji Andavar Temple and the other at Coaker’s walk. Open daily.
Green Valley view
Green Valley View is about 5.5km from the lake and very near to golf club. It commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam.
The Pillar Rocks
Three boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 metres (400 feet) providing a beautiful view. It is 7.4k.m from the lake.
Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola falls is about 1.6km from the lake, this can be reached through a picturesque rugged hill path. An ideal picnic spot.
Shenbaganur Museum
The flora and fauna museum maintained by the Sacred Heart College a theological seminary founded in 1895 is a must for every visitor. It is devoted to the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best Orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species is also located here. It is about 5.6km from the lake.
Kodaikanal Trip
Silver cascade
This is located on the Ghat road leading to Madurai and is about 8 km from Kodaikanal.
Dolphin’s Nose
This is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a look at the breath taking view of the yawning chasm below. It is about 8km from thelake.
The Perumal Peak
Perumal Peak is 2,400m high and 11.3km from Kodaikanal. This peak is a day’s trip by walk and offers an excellent opportunity for trekking. The climb begins from a point known as Natural Saddle.
Berijam Lake
The Lake which supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town. It is 21 km from Kodaikanal. Berijam Lake is 40km from Kodaikanal. It is fine picnic spot offering beautiful scenery.
Kukkal Cave
Kukkal Cave is a favourite camping site ideal for trekking. It is 40km from Kodaikanal. It is believed that cavemen are living there.
Kodaikanal Festivals
Summer festival
Celebrated in may every year. It is a major attraction for the tourists. Boat race and flower show are also held on the occasion.