KODAIKANAL - A Beautiful Hill Resort

With its temperate, climate and an average of 12 hours sun every day, Kodaikkanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. The splendor of the summer day is never so gorgeous as in Kodaikkanal. It is a lovely hill resort on the Palani hills in the Dindigul district of TamilNadu. With its rocks, woods and woodland ways, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikkanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists. The Kodaikkanal Observatory, surmounting the hill is one of the most important and the only one of its kind institutions in India for the study of meteorology, solar physics and allied subjects.

TREKKING ROUTES IN Kodaikkanal

TREKKING ROUTES IN Kodaikkanal 1. Periyakulam – Adukkam- Kodaikkanal (Toughest ) Start from the Bus Stand of Periyakulam; follow the road to take a diversion the right to follow the Adukkam road. You will be seeing mango groves before entering the Reserved forest. Continue trekking along the path which is of very gentle slope. On your right roaring river Chezhunghu flows down. Cross the river-silk cotton trees and coffee plantations welcome you. Climb up through a mixed deciduous forest by following a zia-zag path, fairly steep, Reach Adukkam village – cross it climb up to the ridge - very steep - toughest. On your right is palamalai Estate. Follow the earthen road. Grass land, Savannah forest, you will be seeing. Reach Batlagundu – Kodaikkanal Road. Get into a bus. Alight at Kodaikkanal. Trekking distance : 18 Km. Bus 14Km Trekking time : About 7 hours 2. Periyakulam – Kumbakarai – Shenbaganur – Kodaikkanal (fairly difficult) As said in route (1) trek through karattur village and follow periyakulam – kumbakarai road to reach kumbakarai falls on Pambar river. Take a bath . Spend some time. Come back on the same path a little and follow the zia-zig bridle path leading to Shenbaganur. This is the old coolies Ghat Road which was used when the bus route was not formed and slope is 1/5 to 1/10. Mile stones on the path, will direct you. Trek through deciduous forest – later you see Cardamom cultivation under semi – evergreen and ever green forest Continue trekking, You see vertical cliffs, Hear the sound of rippling river Pambar. How many variety of birds you could see ? Reach shenbgagnur- see the museum of Sacred Arts College – Follow concrete path viewing UKATTHE NAGAR and MOTHER THERASA UNIVERSITY. Reach Bus stand through munjikal. Trekking Distance : 27 Kms Trekking Time : 7 Hours. 3. Kumbakarai- Vellagavi- Kodaikkanal This is the main path, the villages of Vellagavi follow. From Kumbakarai falls, trek along the West by following the path, Join the earthern road along the river Vannathi odai. Deciduous forests, You will be seeing. Look for sign boards remembering you the "KURINCHI PATTU", an old Tamil literature, written about 2000 years ago; some of the flowers out of 99 mentioned in the literature have been named. Earthern road ends and follow foot path. The terrain is gentle till you cross the river. Then fairly steep. On your right. You can hear the noise of rolling waters of Vellagaviar. Cross the most deciduous forest- coffee plantations – Reach Vellagavai village, the oldest village even before Kodaikkanal was formed. You find paved streets. Have a view from Muruga Temple. Follow the bridle path through Cardamom plantations to Kodaikkanal. Wild boar you can see. Pockets of Sholas, Extensive meadows, Savannahs occur. Reach DOLPHINS NOSE, a rock perch – spend few minutes – trek – meadows can see – Pear plantations – hear the thundering noice of Pambar. Follow the road to pambar bridge and then to church; Have an aerial view over the plains and the route you have trekked. Follow the road through T.V. Tower, Coaker’s walk to Bus stand. Trekking Distance : 8 Kms Trekking Time : 5 Hours. 4. Palani- Vilankombai R.F. – Ganguvar odai (Toughest) Vilpatti – Kodaikkanal From Palani, take a bus leading to Kodaikkanal and get down at the foot hills. Take along the earthern road on your right. You reach a pipeline, Passing through the R.F go along with pipe line, reach the bridle path with mile stones, leading to Kodaikkanal. Down below is palar- Porundalur Deciduous forest you will crossing, in a zig - zag path, which is along with the river palar (kallar) and very steep. Bampo brakes you have to cross, be careful. Reach Ganguvar odai Forest Bungalow. View the raising landscape on East, South and West climb up through vegetable gardens to Vilpatti, cross it. Trek to over come a short distance through forest to reach Glen falls. Spend some time. walk along the road viewing Presentation Convent, one of the oldest school in Kodaikkanal, Lake and reach the bus stand. Trekking Distance :16Km Trekking Time : 6 ½ Hours 5. Kodaikkanal – Berijam (Easy walk ) From bus stand go along the lake, Bryant park, Bombay shoal to suicide point. Have a view over the green valley below; follow the route to pillar rock point. Have a view of the precipitious mountain ranges; continue trekking along the road; at the 10th K.M. have a look of Moir point. Continue trekking. Look for old forest bungalow " Green hut ". It will be renovated soon At 13th KM. You find the wattle powar with little sun light falling on the ground. Moving ahead you will find the yellow blossom the "Citisus" broom. Nearby the fire watch tower has been erected. Climb up and have an aeriel view over the Berijam lake and water catchment basin of many river. Proceed further, you reach "Mathikettan Shola" a name given, as if one who entered into shola may loose his way back. Observe the natures gift-variety species, rare and threatening; watch for Gaur, Come out to Berijam lake sluce point, where water is drawn for Periyakulam Town. Follow road to reach Berijam. Forest Rest House is available for shelter. Trekking Distance : 23 Km. Trekking Time: 5 Hours. 6. Berijam to Marianshola (Easy Walk ) Start from Forest Rest House go to sluce point of the lake and follow the old bridle path that leads to Marianshola. You find shoals alternating with grasslands, vertical cliffs, are common . If you are lucky enough you can see lbex and Barking Deer also; wild boar and Gaur will be common . At Marianshola old forest bungalow is available for shelter. Trekking Distance : 12 Kms Trekking Time : 4 Hours. 7. Marianshola to Vandaravu ( Fairly Difficult) Continue in the old Bridle path, Same meadows, Pockets of shoals. You can see the Bodi varai, a vertical cliff and Bodinaickanur Town, down below. Ibex peak, Ibex cliff are formed by Forest Department; reach the Kodaikkanal – munar Ghat road the highest motorable road South of Himalayas – Altitude is 8229’ – Turn towards Kodaikkanal and trek for about 2 K.M. You see a forest road leading to kilavarai; within a k.m. Forest labor lines are available for shelter. Beware of Panther. Trekking Distance : 14 Kms Trekking Time : 4 Hours. 8. Vandaravu to Kilavarai, Kavunji (Easy walk) In the same Forest Road you can proceed further. Higher Jevel meadows, naturally occurring pine forests you can see. On your left it is Kerala; Gaur, wild cat wild boar Panthar will be common. Trek along the inter state border which follow water shed line. After about 6 K.M. the road turns right going down towards kilavarai. Road ends at the Forest boundary; march through patta lands to reach Kilavarai Village. Trek another 6 K.m along the road to Kavunji and get a bus to Kodaikkanal. Trekking Distance : 17 Kms Trekking Time : 4 Hours. 9.Marianshola - Pulavachiar - Kilavarai - Kavunji (Easy Walk ) From Marianshola through one approach road join Berijam – Munar road. Follow the road to Pulvachiar. At about 40th Km from Kodaikkanal, a forest road leads to kilavarai. Shoals,grasslands, Eucalyptus wattle plantations / are alternating. Be careful about Gaur Vellaiyan, a waterfalls of 52’ height is a picnic spot. Follow the road to Kilavarai enjoy the higher attitude meadows. How many Trout fish could you catch ? Trekking Distance : 20 Kms Trekking Time : 5 Hours.

10. Berijam – Kavunji (Easy Walk )

Start at Berijam Forest Rest House, follow Mannavanur Road upto 2 Km. Then take the old bridle path. Meadow Wattle, Pine, Eucalyptus plantations are atternating. River Konalar with Trout fish and pine plantations on the banks will relieve your tired eyes.

Trekking Distance : 12 Kms Trekking Time : 3 Hours.

11. Perumalmalai – Perumalmalai Peak (Easy Walk)

From Kodaikkanal take a bus – alight at Perumalmalai Village. Follow the Perumalmalai Peak road. Enjoy the catchment area of Manjalar dam. After 5 Kms, You find shoal forests. Follow the road Rhododendran welcomes you with red blossom; See the efforts of Forest Department to expand shoal forests. Follow bridle path; reach the peak – Have the Panoramic view of lower, Palanis and upper Palanis. You are at 2234 Mts. Return in the same way.

Up and down Trekking Distance : 16 Km Trekking Time : 3 ½ Hours.

12. Kavunji – Kuukkal (Fairly difficult)

From Kavunji take a footpath leading to mannavanur. From there an old footpath leads to the sheep farm. Cross it and reach the Kodaikkanal road. Follow the road to Kukkal. Enroute, the meadows of sheep farm is pleasant. Near Kukkal you see the caves where ancient men were living. Deer is common.

Trekking Distance : 12 Kms Trekking Time : 4 Hours.

13. Kukkal to Poombarai (Fairly difficult)

Proceed towars Geranium farm by following the road. Then turn to follow a footpath to poombarai. Waterfalls of about 50‘ you can see. Forest Rest House is available for shelter.

Trekking Distance : 8 Kms Trekking Time : 2 Hours.

14. Poombarai to Kodaikkanal (Easy walk)

Just follow the road. You may have several short cuts, at road curves, to reduce the trekking distance. Gundar pine plantations will be pleasant to your tired eyes. See the tank bund that stores water for Kodaikkanal, near observatory. Follow the water course. Fairy falls in Pambar river will be enchanting you.

Trekking Distance : 14Kms Trekking Time : 3 Hours.

15.Kukkal to Kudiraiyar Dam (Very difficult)

From kukkal follow foot path leading to Pappampatti. After 3 Km. It crosses the kudiraiyar river and goes along the river. A fall of 90 meters will be refreshing you. The way is too steep. Elephants are common. Take a guide. You will see the sholas. Evergreen forests. Deciduous forests and reach Kudiriayar dam which is under construction.

Trekking Distance : 13 Kms Trekking Time : About 5 Hours.

16. pallangi – Porundalar Dam (Toughest)

Follow the footpath leading to Perumbarai through planting garden. The way will be steep. Continue to trek – Reach Talaimalai. Have a view Proceed further to reach the Dam water spread area. Elephants will be common. Take a guide.

Trekking Distance : 14 Kms Trekking Time : About 5 Hours.

17. ThoppiThukki Varai(Hats off Point)- Periyur Periyakulam – (Difficult)

Near Hats off Point at about 18th Km. From Kodaikkanal on Kodaikkanal – Berijam Road, a footpath leads to Periyur Village. From the starting point.You can have a breath taking view of the rolling mountains, catchment area of South parai reservoir. Follow the foot path Which is very steep. Beware of Gaurwhich is very common in the route. Vertical cliffs numerous. After 4 Km. trekking. You reach Periyur. a hamlet of Vellagavi village . Continue to trek through the coffee plantations deciduous forest. along stream to reach a metalled road . On your right, you can see the Southparai reservoir. Follow the road to Periyakulam.

Trekking Distance : 18 Kms Trekking Time : About 5 Hours

Tourists are required to get permission from the forest Department to see the forest Areas. For further Details, Please contact : GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU,TOURIST OFFICE. ANNASALAI, KODAIKKANAL. PH; 04542- 241675 USEFUL ADDRESSES District Forest Officer, Kodaikkanal Division, Kodaikkanal . Phone : 04543-241287 The Forest Range Officer, Periyakulam Range, (Kodaikkanal Division) Periyakulam - 624501 The Assistant Conservator of Forests, Kodaikkanal Division Kodaikkanal. PH : 04543-241299 The Forest Range Officer, Kodaikkanal Range, Kodaikkanal – 624101

TREKKING ROUTES

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Area	21 . 45 Sq. Kms
Population	32,931 ( 2001Censes)
Altitude	2133 meters above sea level
Climate Summer Winter	Max 19.8 C 17.3 C	Minimum 11.3 C 8. 3 C
Rainfall	165 Cm (average) Heavy rain Season between October and December.
Clothing	Light woolens in the evening during Summer and heavy woolens during winter.
Language Spoken	Tamil and English.
S T D Code	0091-04542
BEST SEASON AND FLOWER SHOW
Season	April to June and September to October. But visited throughout the year.
Summer Festival	Summer Festival Celebrated in the month of May every year. Flower show also held during the Summer Festival.

IMPORTANT PLACES OF INTEREST

1. LAKE

A Beautiful View of the Lake

The 24 - hectare lake skirted by a 5km long block for road, is the focal point of Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge (1819 - 1885) who was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and members of the club set sail. In 1910 a new boat house was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourists as well in 1932.

2. BRYANT PARK This park is situate d on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for its flowers, hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. The Flower Show is conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festival, should be seen everyone.
3. SOLAR PHYSICAL OBSERVATORY It is situated 32 Kms from the lake. This Observatory was founded in 1989. Located at on elevation of 2343 metres, this observatory is the highest point in Kodai. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets. Check out visiting hours and make a prior appointment.
4. COAKER'S WALK The hill-edged pathway was identified by Er. Cooker in 1872. About a Kilo metre 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. Entry fee is Collected here.
5. THE PILLAR ROCKS Three boulders stand here, shoulder to shoulder, vertically measuring 122 meters , providing a majestic sight . Pillar Rocks is 7.4 KMs from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.
6. SILVER CASCADE It is 8 KMs Kodai lake. The overflow of Kodai lake comes down here as a 180 feet high waterfall. Those interested can have a bath here.
7. KURINJI POO (FLOWER) DETAILS It is flowering once in 12 years. Last flowered year - 1992. During that period the honey of this place is more and good for health.
8. KURINJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE The temple, situated 3 Kms from the lake, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flowers which blooms once in 12 years. Next Blooming year is 2006. Kurinji also means hill region in Tamil literature, and 'Andavar' means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred to as the God of the Hill here. From this temple one can have a pleasant view of Palani and Vaigai dam.

9. TELESCOPE HOUSE The Telescope house at Coaker's Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. A fee is collected to use the telescope .

10. GREEN VALLEY VIEW It is about 5 .5 Kms from the lake and very near the Golf Club. This point commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai dam. As the Valley here is very deep, dense and dangerous. This place was once known as "suicide point".

11. MOER POINT Moer Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 KMs from the Pillar Rock - Berijam Lake Road.

12. SILENT VALLEY VIEW Just a little away from the Pillar Rock - Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. Children are carefully.

13. BERIJAM LAKE VIEW This place provides a panoramic landscape view of Berijam Lake and is located just before one reaches the lake . This viewpoint is 19 KMs from Kodaikkanal Lake .

14. FAIRY FALLS A delightful picnic spot just 5 KMs away from the Kodaikkanal Lake. There is a wondrous waterfall here.

15 . CHETTIAR PARK Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the town , on the way to Kurinji Andavar Temple, the Chettiar Park is a charming place to stop by .

16. SHENBAGANUR MUSEUM The museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College - a Theological Seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills, One of the best Orchidarinams in the country, over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 KMs from the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard contributed his many private collections to the Museum. Entrance fee is Rs.1/- per head . Visiting hours - 10 am to 11.30 a.m and 3 pm. to 5 p.m.