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

கொடைக்கானல் preview

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.

EXCURSION LOCATIONS

1. DINDIGUL 100 K M
2. DOLMEN CIRCLE 18 K M
3. THALAIYAR FALLS 975 Feet Height
4. KUKKAL CAVES 40 K M
5. PALANI 64 K M

LODGES & PHONE NUMBERS (Kodaikkannal - 04542)
Carlton hotel	240056 To 240071
Hotel Tamil Nadu	241336
Kodai International	240767
Saliha International	241295, 241368
Hotel Astoria	240524, 240525
Kodai resort	240632, 240633
Hotel Jayaraj	240178, 240179
Sterling Resort Lake view	240313
Hotel Hill Top Towers	240413
Hotel Gurupriya	241136
Yagappa Lodge (Heritage)	241235
Hotel Jaya	241062
THE ABOVE LODGES ARE NOT THE LIMIT. LISTED SOME FOR INFORMATION. DETAILS AND FEATURES MAY BE RECEIVED FROM THE CONCERN. THIS WEB-SITE DOES NOT HOLD ANY RESPONSIBILITY ON THE SERVICES RENDERED BY THESE.

AIR Airport Madurai ( 135 KMs ) and Coimbatore (170 KMs).

RAILWAY STATION Kodai Road, Station (80 KMs), Palani Railway Station (64 KMs) and Dindigul Railway Junction (100 KMs).

ROAD Kodaikkanal is connected by Road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikkanal to Madurai (120 KMs), Palani (60 KMs), Kodai Road (80 KMs), Theni (75 KMs), Dindigul (100 KMs), Thiruchirappalli (200 KMs), Bangalore (475 KMs) and Coimbatore (170 KMs).

LOCAL TRANSPORT Taxis and vans are available. Limited City Buses are available.

TOURISM OFFICE ADDRESS

Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office,

Township Rest house ,

Old Bus Stand, Building Upstairs,

Anna Salai, Kodaikkanal.

Dindigul District, Tamilnadu, INDIA.

Phone : 91-4542 -241675.

More about Kodaikkanal in :

www.travelmasti.com/domestic/tamilnadu/kodaikkanal.htm
www.mapsofindia.com/maps/kodaikkanal/
travel.indiamart.com/places/cities/kodaikkanal/
www.indiaserver.com/Tamil_Nadu/ Localities/Kodaikkanal/
www.indiatravelite.com/hillstations/kodaikkanal.htm

SHORT STORY OF KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill station in India. Located in the upper Palani Hills and an altitude of about 2,133-m high. Kodai is most popular among tourists for the many site seeing spots and all are situated in nearby locations. Kodai can be reached by road very easily and accessible by surrounding cities like Madurai, Trichy, Dindigul, Palani and Coimbatore by Road.

Short History of Kodaikanal:

There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.

The first European to visit Kodaikanal was Lt. B.S. Ward a surveyor in the year 1821. His Head Quarters was Vellagavi village. There were many American missions in South Tamil Nadu. The foreigners could not bear the oppressive heat in Tamilnadu and they faced sickness from epidemic diseases and consequential deaths. They wanted neat and healthy natural surroundings near Madurai to rest and improve their health. They were happy to find from the report of Lt. B.S. Ward about the hills with wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai & Periyakulam. Many English and American missionary people visited Kodaikanal through various routes. Notable among them are J C Wroughton -Sub Collector, C R Cotton Judge and Dr. Weight. Dr.Fane built two houses in 1845 in the lake road. More houses were built by British Govt. The American Missionaries moved in and built a lot of dwellings in the southern side which is still there and now called 'Sunny Side' and 'Shelton' . In the year 1860, the first church was built jointly by the Bishop. American Madurai Mission built the union church in 1895. From year 1860, there was all round improvement due to the visit of several dignitaries. Roman Catholics came, purchased a bungalow for Jesuit fathers, as rest house which is now called La Providence in upper shoal road. Governors of Madras Sir Charles Travelyon and Lord Napier visited in the years 1860 and 1871. One major JM Partridge of the army introduced Eucalyptus and wattle trees in the year 1867. Bier Leverage, collector of Madurai lived in Pamhar house after his retirement. Only through his tireless efforts and initiative the man-made Kodaikanal lake, the foremost attraction of the tourists was formed. He arranged boat rides in the lake. He planned and executed several approach roads to Kodaikanal. He introduced several foreign trees and vegetables such as Pine Forms and Pears. In the year 1872 Lt. Coaker cut a path along the ridge of steep south eastern side which commends a magnificant view of the plains below. The path was named after him as Coaker's Walk

Places to Visit:

Kodai Lake:
One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident's even used to swim in the lake.

The lake is situated at 10 deg 14' n latitude and 77 deg 28' longitude at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and it looks magnificent with star shaped glittering water, in the midst of evergreen lush slopes. The hills receive the rainfall during North-East Monsoon months of October, November and December. The lake is spread over 60 acres and surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 kms length, the maximum depth in 1962 was 11.5m but it is now about 9m due to siltation. The average depth is 3.0m. The boat club provides boats for hire. There are luxury boats als

KODAIKANAL

                                                                  
 kodaikanal
Coordinates: 10.23, 77.48
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area
• Elevation 21.45 km² (8 sq mi)
• 2,133 m (6,998 ft)
District(s) Dindigul
Population
• Density
• Sex ratio 32,931 (2001)
• 1,535 /km² (3,976 /sq mi)
• M 51% F 49%
Deputy Commissioner Tmt. R.Vasuki, I.A.S.
Codes
• Pincode
• Telephone
• Vehicle
• 624601
• +240 - 242
• TN 57
Website:
www.dindigul.tn.nic.in/aboutdgl.htm
e-mail: collrdgl@tn.nic.in

           Coordinates: 10.23, 77.48
Kodaikanal (also known as Kodai) is a city and a Taluk division of Dindigul district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, India.

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.Contents [hide]
1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Infrastructure
4 Places of Interest
5 Educational Institutions
6 References
7 External links


Geography
Kodaikanal topography

Kodaikanal stands in a 2,195 m (7,202 ft) high basin at the southern edge of the central part of the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. Kodaikanal is at the top of a steep 2,000 m escarpment which is dramatically visible from Pillar Rocks. It is located between latitude 10°7' N - 10°20' N and longitude 77°16' E - 77°45' E. It has a beautiful lake and numerous scenic mountain views of the plains below. There are several waterfalls in the area, which are popular attractions. To the north east is Perumal Malai (Mount Perumal), a hill which resembles an extinct volcano.
Kodaikanal, the fog in the mountains.

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. [1]

The average rainfall is 1650 mm, mostly during the North East retreating monsoon from June to September.[2]. The best times for traveling there are from April to June and from September to October.[3]
                                             

Infrastructure
Kodaikanal farming estates

The nearest airports are Madurai (135 km), Trichy (200km) and Coimbatore (170 km). The nearest Railway stations are Palani Railway Station (64 km) north, Kodai Road Station (80 km) south east and Dindigul Railway Junction (100 km) east. The 2 - 3 hours drive to Kodai by bus or taxi via the Ghat roads is a fantastic experience. Travelers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills.[5] There is a 28 km shortcut from Periyakulam to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai under construction. Bicycle rentals, taxis, vans and limited city buses are available. Rickshaws are not available.

There are at least 50 hotels of all classes and over 30 South and North Indian, Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian, Continental, Western and Chinese restaurants, not counting many bazaar shops and tea stalls. There are eight banks: Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Kodaikanal Urban Bank, State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. The two medical facilities are The Van Allen and Government Hospitals. Places of worship for Hindus, Moslems and Christians include the Kurinji Andavar, Mariamman, Vinayagar and Murugan Temples; Ellis Villa and Munjikal Mosques; and the Sacred Heart, Munjikal, St. Francis Xavier, Gorapur, St. Mary's, La Salette, St. Joseph's, Lutheran Mission and Lake End Churches.

Established social clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club Established 1985 under the jurisdiction of Lions Clubs International Dt. 324B., Kodaikanal Boat Club Established 1890 has nearly 650 permanent members. Kodaikanal golf Club (1895) has 18 holes, spread over 143 acres and The Indian Club (1915) on Poet Thyagarajar road.[6]

Places of Interest
View from Coaker's Walk near Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a romantic hill station for the newlyweds to go for a honeymoon. An artificial star shaped 45 ha. (60 acres) lake built in 1863 is located close to the centre of town. Next to the lake is Bryant Park, a botanic garden. Rowing boats and pedalos and riding horses can be hired. A five-kilometer path that skirts this lovely lake is a favourite walk.

The Shenbaganur Museum, founded in 1895, is open for the public to view their outstanding collection of more than 300 exotic orchid species and artifacts of the ancient Paliyans tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.[7] There are several popular hiking and trekking trails in the Palani Hills that originate in Kodaikanal.[8]
Kodaikanal lake

Kodaikanal is near the center of the proposed 736.87 km² Palani Hills National Park. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is at the highest location near Kodai. A former director John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view the complete surroundings of the hills which covers sothupparai dam, Vaigai Dam, periyakulam, Varaha river etc.

Green Valley View (previous name was changed for better appeal to tourists), Pillar Rocks, Silver Falls, Kodai Television tower and the Guna caves (made popular by the Tamil movie Guna) are popular places among the tourists. The Kurinji Andavar temple is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms only once every 12 years. The Plums, Berikke, Kodai milagaay, Red carrot are the most common natural edibles available. Cauliflower, cabbage, chillies and onions are cultivated on the outskirts of Kodaikanal.

There is an excellent bazaar where one can buy woollen clothing, flowers, vegetables, fruit, meats, handicrafts, hot snacks, children toys, medicinal herbs and oils. The cosmopolitan nature of Kodai is evident at the market place where it is not uncommon to see Scandinavian backpackers, retired French tourists and people from other parts of India enjoying fresh pastries served by Tibetan refugees.

Silver cascade, a beautiful water-falls situated en-route to Kodaikanal is a also major tourist attraction.It forms the first picturesque spot for tourists to Kodaikanal.Trekking is also organised by the Government agencies, which leads to many beautiful and undisturbed regions of Kodaikanal.






Kodaikanal
Tamil Nadu • India 
Educational Institutions




Kodaikanal is renowned for the Kodaikanal International School and the Kodaikanal Public School[1]. The other renowned schools are: St. Peters Matriculation Higher Secondary School(http://http://petersschoolkodai.com), Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram, Brindavan Public School, St. Joseph's Public School ,St. Xavier's High School and St. John's Girls Higher Secondary School. The two colleges are Kodaikanal Christian College and Sacred Heart College. Mother Theresa University is distinctive as India's only university devoted to exclusively women's issues.[9]

 
References

Kodaikanal Tourism Guide & Photos @ http://www.mytoursandphotos.com
^ DINDIGUL DISTRICT "KODAIKKANAL - A Beautiful Hill Resort", retrieved 4/12/2007"KODAIKKANAL - A Beautiful Hill Resort"
^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Kodaikanal
^ Kodaikanal.org, Kodaikanal climateKodaikanal climate
^ India census Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
^ Dindugal District Collectors Office, retrieved 4/12/2007About Dindugal District
^ Kodaikanal General Information, retrieved 4/12/2007Hotels/Restaurants, Banks, Hospitals, Schools, Temple, Recreation
^ NLC Ltd. (2004) "Important places -Kodaikanal" retrieved 4/12/2007"Important places -Kodaikanal"
^ DINDIGUL DISTRICT "DESCRIPTION OF TREKKING ROUTES IN Kodaikkanal", retrieved 4/12/2007"DESCRIPTION OF TREKKING ROUTES IN Kodaikkanal"
^ kodaikanal.com, Mother Theresa Women's University, retrieved Feb 25, 2007Mother Theresa Womens UniversityRecently a new engineering college has been established 22km below kodaikanal town providing a lot of opportunities for the students studying there.Kodaikanal institute of technology under anna university,provides exciting careers for the students under a wonderful environment.

 
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Kodaikanal

Wildvistas/Nationalparks/Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal.Mobi @ MobileKodaikanal Travel Information
Palani Hills Conservation Council
Princess of Hill stations