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Kodaikanal India
Kodaikanal, 2135 metres (7000 feet) above sea level is a lovely hill resort which lies amidst the sylvan grandeur of the Palani Hills in the dindigul district. The nearest railhead is Kodaikanal Road on Southern Railways. From Kodaikanal Road, one has to travel 80 km (50 miles) by road to reach Kodaikanal. Two-thirds of this motor journey up the hill through the ghats is an exciting experience with the vista and scenery changing at every bend and curve on the mountain road. After a while in the South Indian plains, a retreat to the cool heights of Kodaikanal (also known as Kodai), perched on top of the Palain rage around 120 km northwest of Madurai, is more than welcome. It was discovered and developed in 1840’s by the clergy’s American missionaries, who were affected by malaria and cholera and sought refuge in the cool confines of Kodai. Kodai also came to be known as the ‘Swaziland of the East’, due to its immense natural beauty. It is endowed with bracing climate throughout the year and the temperatures here do not very too much from summer to winter. The hill resort is also noted for its plantains and plums. The eucalyptus oil produced here is very popular for its medicinal value. Coffee plantations are found, a variety of trees and flowering plants greets the eye and fragrance of eucalyptus and roses fills the air. The most stricking attraction of Kodaikanal is the famous lake surrounded by a 5 km (3 miles) road. It was planned by Sir Vere Levenge and formed by banking up a small stream. A walk along the promenade skirting the lake, is an exhilarating experience and boating on the lake is a popular pastime for visitors. Kodaikanal has a rich floral wealth. ‘Kurinji’ a unique purplish blue flower blossoms here once in 12 years and large number of tourists flocks to kodai during this time to witness this amazing natural spectacle. The gentle sloping woods around Kodai with cascading waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops are considered to be a ‘paradise’ for picnickers and trekkers.
The Kodaikanal International School was established here by the American missionaries for the European children. Today, it is considered to be one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Delicious homemade chocolates are yet another specialty of Kodai and one should certainly taste them.
The cool and tranquil environment of this lovely little paradise relaxes and rejuvenates and is indeed a perfect option for a peaceful vacation. Best season is from April to June.
Kodaikanal Arrival and information
Buses pull in at the bus stand in the centre of town. Unless you’re coming from as far as Chennai or Tiruchirapalli, the bus is much more convenient than the train: the nearest railhead, Kodaikanal road – also connected to Dindigul (30 min), where u may need to change bus if coming from Kerala, and Madurai (50min) is three hours away by bus. There are two roads to kodaikanal the lesser-used route from Palani is by far the more spectacular approach, and during the monsoon is the only one open.
Tickets for onward rail journeys from Kodaikanal Road can be booked at the Southern Railway office, down a lane beside the Anjay hotel (Monday to Saturday 8 am – Noon & 2.30 to 5 pm, Sunday 8 am to Noon) King Tours and travels on Woodwille Road can reserve seats on trains, buses and planes across South India. The TTDC tourist office (Mon – Fri 10 am to 5.45 pm)
Boat Club
A new boat house was built here in 1910, and from 1929, onwards only few tourists were allowed boating. Since 1932, boat services were given to public and tourists. Today, T.T.D.C boats, Kodai boats, Carlton boats provide boating facilities here. Annual boat pageant is held in May during the Summer Festival.
Coaker’s Walk
The scenic hill-edge path way lies towards the southern side of the town about one kilometer from the Kodai Lake. It is named after Lt. Coaker, an engineer who prepared the map of Kodai and is said to have identified this pathway in 1872. The path runs along a steep, emerald green wooded slope near the Kodai Lake and affords breath-taking views of the plains below. Entry fee is collected over here.
Blooming Kurinji
Kodaikanal, the land of pristine beauty is full of exotic flora and fauna. The most important and unique plant species found here is Kurinji, which blooms only once in 12 years. The blooming Kurinji flowers literally engulf Kodaikanal in a violet hue and every other color is subdued in front of this “Blaze of Purple”. Kodai is a sight to behold during this time and visitors come here especially to witness this miracle. The last blossom of Kurinji was in year 2004. It is said that the honey produced during the blossoming of this amazing flower is sweeter, tastier and very good for health. This rare phenomenon is certainly a not to be missed sight.
Pillar Rock
The excellent view point is about 7.4 km. From the Kodai lake and is one of the most popular attractions of Kodai. There are 3 granite formations over here measuring 400 feet (122 metres) in height one can also see over 100 dolmens and other megalithic remains dating back to second century. A mini garden has also been developed here.
Dolphin’s Nose
This flat protruding rocky outcrop resembling a Dolphin’s Nose is about 8 km from the lake. It overlooks a deep gorge and provides a panoramic view.
Telescopes
This facility is available for tourists to see Madurai and Palani from Kodaikanal Hill on payment of 50p each.
Golf Club
The well-laid out 18 hole Kodai Golf Course lies on the road to the Pillar Rocks. It provides excellent facilities to the golfers and a game in the early hours of day amidst scenic surrounding is an unforgettable experience. The Club is exclusively for its members, but non-members and tourists are allowed to play here at a special subscription price.
Kurunji Andavar Temple
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan From its point one can see the beautiful views of the northern plains including the Palain hills and the Southern plains including the Vaigaidam. It is 3 km from the lake. This small but famous temple is named after the unique ‘Kurinji’ flower. . In Tamil literature Kurinji means hill region and Andavar stands for God. Thus the temple name also refers Lord Muruga as the ‘God of Hill’. The shrine was built in 1936, by a European lady who adopted Hinduism and re-christened herself as Leelavati Ramanathan. It enshrines statue of Lord Muruga, seated on his peacock and an idol of his brother Lord Ganesha.