G.B. International ::- Kodaikanal
| Dharamshala | Dalhousie | Shimla | Manali | Munnar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yercaud | Ooty | Nainital | Darjeeling | Kodaikanal |
| Chamba | Khajjiar | Mussoorie | Other States | Tourist Cities |
Located 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of 2,133 m on the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western Ghats. Kodaikanal promises to be an ideal getaway for those craving for an invigorating yet soothing holiday, away from the grind of the city.
Kodai has thickly wooded slopes, well laid out walking paths through picturesque locations, tumultuous waterfalls and steep rock outcrops. Just a few minutes walk in any direction from the heart of Kodai town brings the tourist to spectacular scenery which mesmerizes. Apart from being a much sought after tourist resort, Kodai is also famous for its educational institutions which are globally renowned.
Places of Interest
The LakeThis 24-hectare lake skirted by a 5 km long road is a focal point of Kodai. It was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge (1819-1885), the collector of Madurai who retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed a bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He also brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and in 1910 a new boathouse was constructed. Since May 1929, tourists have been permitted to avail of boating facilities as temporary members.
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 8 km from the lake.
Bryant Park
This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for flowers, hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glasshouse which shelters over fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. Flower show conducted every May, as a part of Summer Festival is a major attraction.
The Perumal PeakThis 2,440 m high peak is about 11.3 km from Kodaikanal and offers an excellent opportunity for trekking. The climb begins from a point known as Neutral Saddle (Perumal Mallai Village).
Moer Point
A lovely view of the valley below can be seen from here. It is 3 km from Pillar Rock en route to Berijam lake road.
Fairy Falls
A delightful picnic spot 5 km from the lake, it has a naturally created artistic bathing basin.
Green Valley View
It is about 5.5 km from the lake and very near to Golf club. It commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam. As the valley is very deep and dangerous, this place was once called "Suicide Point".
Excursions
Kukkal Caves (40 km)A beautiful campsite ideal for trekking. The caves shows traces of earliest known inhabitants of the region - the leaf clothed Paliyans.
Palani (62 km)
The temple at Palani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Dedicated to Sri Dandayuthapani, the temple is built atop a 140m high hill and can be reached either using the steps or the electrically operated winch. During the festivals of Panguni Utthiram (March-April) and Adi Krithikai (July-August), Kavadi dancers flock to the temple in hundreds, often in a state of trance. Direct frequent buses are available from Kodaikanal.
Kurinji Andavar Temple (3 km)
A famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flowers, which carpet the hillsides and blooms once in 12 years. Kurinji also means hill region in Tamil literature and Andavar means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hill here. From this temple one can see a view of Palani and Vaigai dams.
The Pillar Rocks (7 km)
Three boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 meters. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.
Berijam Lake (21 km)
Periyakulam town gets drinking water from this lake which is a fine picnic spot.
Getting There
By AirNearest Airport is at Madurai 121 km from Kodaikanal.
By Train
Nearest rail head to catch fast trains is Kodai Road on the Chennai-Madurai broad gauge line, 80 km from Kodaikanal.
By Road
Kodaikanal is connected by road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindugul, Triruchchirappalli, Kumuli, Erode, Bangalore and Coimbatore. Taxis and vans are available for local transport.