Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and is a
popular tourist destination. Much of the local economy is Hospitality industry based
on national and international tourism. Kodaikanal was established by American
missionaries around 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical
diseases of the plains.
Kodaikanal is one of Tamil Nadu's finest hill stations. It is situated 7,200 feet above
sea level, amongst the picturesque Nilgiri Hills.
The Kurinji Flower is in full bloom around December once in 12 years, and it bathes
the vallery in a beautiful sea of blue. Its because of this the hills are known as
Nilgiris ('Nil' means Blue and 'Giri' means Hill). Its currently in full bloom this
year(2006); its next bloom is expected in 2018.
Due to its high altitude, Kodaikanal has a temperate subtropical climate. Surface
temperature varies from moderate to quite cool. During the summer average
temperature is 11 - 20°C (52 - 68°F) and during the winter it is 8 - 17°C(46 - 63°F). In
January, night temperatures sometimes drop to freezing, and thin ice is seen on the
lake edges.
The average rainfall is 1650 mm, mostly during the North East retreating monsoon
from June to September.. The best times for traveling there are from April to June
and from September to October.
PLACE TO VISIT
Berijam Lake - perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai
Coakers Walk - If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the
place would be before 14:00hrs. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds (only in
winter) beneath you form an ocean, reach the place between 15:00hrs and 18:00hrs
Kodai Lake - If you are going in Winter, do the boating in the evening, as its an
amazing experience to boat through fogs settling on the lake.
Kurinji Temple - During the winter, the view of Kodai city and Palani from the
two ends of the temple is blocked. However, in summer, the visibility is good and
hence the experience too.
Green Valley View/Suicide Point - has a more than 5000 ft steep drop
from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green
Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicides.
Pillar Rocks - huge steep cliffs which look like "Pillayar" (Lord Ganesh in local
language Tamil). Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an
English adventure enthusiast.
Devil's Kitchen - a cave known more to the locals, in between "Green Valley
View" and "Pillar Rocks". Watch out for the deep hidden ravines. What would appear
like mere dark gutters are actually a deep fall. Many unsuspecting people have fallen
prey to the "devil's trap". So,watch your step
Guna Caves - a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very
steep and risky to get in. Think public are not allowed to enter this cave nowadays. A
very good place to take pics..
HOW TO REACH
By plane - The closest airports to Kodaikanal are Madurai 120 kms and Coimbatore 175 kms.
By train - Nearest railhead is Kodaikanal road. Kodairoad Station is nearly 80 kms.
By bus - Reach Kodai Road, Dindigul, Madurai or Palani and then take a bus to
Kodaikanal.You can get frequent buses form Dindigul and Madurai.It takes almost 3
hrs to go up the mountains.
By car - Reach Kodai Road,Dindigul or Madurai and then take a cab to
Kodaikanal. Ask the resort to arrange for the pick-up. The drive from Kodai road
takes approximately 2 hrs while the drive from Madurai takes approximately 3 1/2 hours and from Dindigul takes about 2 hrs
