Travel Guide - Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, the charismatic hill station boasts of verdant hills, sylvan beauty, natural trails in the woods and the unique Kurunji flowers that blossoms once in 12 years. The credit of discovering this nature’s marvel goes to the British. Enjoy the serene countryside of the town which is popular for its trekking routs, mystical charm, soothing lakes and scattered colonial monuments. The hill station is located in Tamil Nadu and is well connected to all the major and small destinations of the country via rail and road. Kodaikanal is a beautiful holiday destination which still reverberates the undiluted charm of the bygone eras.

When To Go

Kodaikanal enjoys subtropical climate and the best time to visit is from September to May.

• Winters (November to January) are very cool with maximum temperature is about 30°C and minimum touches about 8°C. During January, ice formations are seen in night and temperature can drop down to freezing level. This period is good for sightseeing and outdoor trips.
• Summers (March to May)has the average temperature ranges between 20°C to 34°C . During summer, adventure activities trekking is enjoyable in Kodaikanal.
• Monsoons (June to September) has average rainfalls in Kodaikanal. Monsoon season is ideal for rain lovers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

The peak season for enjoying sightseeing and other tourist activities are the times between April to June and from September to October. June to August is good time for enjoying the greenery and the scenic beauty of the place. Winter months can be a quite cold but can have enjoyable sighting and all other tourist activities.

History

Kodaikanal’s history goes back to the pre historic times. The Dolems home, from the Chera Dynasty, made of great stome slabs found in the city, speaks of the city’s pre historic connection. The first inhabitants of Kodaikanal were Palaiyar, who were tribal and flourished before the current era i.e. BCE.

Sangam Literature, belonging to the early Christian era also includes some details about the city. The Pulyans ruled here during the 14th century. The fear of invasion of Tipu Sultan forced the people of Palani Foot hills to leave the village and settle in the Kodi hills.

The first British identity to set foot on the land of Kodiakanal was Lt. B.S. Ward in the year 1821. For them, Kodaikanal became the safe haven for the scorching summers of other parts of Tamil Nadu. Some of the renowned British personalities to have visited this scenic town were - C R Cotton Judge who was a sub collector and Dr. Weight. Dr.Fane, who got two houses constructed here.

Koidakanal got its first church in 1860 and further a lot many developments were taken place in event of the visits of the prominent leaders like Governors of Madras Sir Charles Travelyon and Lord Napier during 1860 and 1871. The first train service was started in 1875 when the route from Chennai to Madurai and Tuticorin was extended.

Travel within city

Travelling within Kodaikanal is very easy, as the town is very small and every part of the town can be easily accessed through walk. There are buses available from travelling from the foothills to the hill station. The hill station region is very well planned out and all regions lie close by.

Bus

You can also opt for bus travel from the Kodaikanal foothills to the main hill station area. Bus fares in Kodaikanal will range around Rs 10 to 20, depending on the class of travel (luxury or semi deluxe).

Cycle

Cycles are also available in Kodaikanal for rent, and these are much preferred by tourists and locals alike. You can rent out a cycle or a bike for a day in order to travel around Kodaikanal and charges for renting a bike will be around Rs 300 to 350. This is the generally preferred mode of travel.

On Foot

While travelling within Kodaikanal, you can walk to all the destinations easily. This is one of the advantages of spending your vacation in Kodaikanal. Almost all the major attractions, including Guna Caves, the Kodaikanal Lake and the central street where all shops are present can be easily reached through walk.

Kodaikanal is a safe haven for all tourists, and you can walk around during night time without any qualms whatsoever.

Attractions

Bear Shola Falls

    mustsee Bear Shola Falls, at a distance of 1.6 kms from Kodaikanal, is an ideal picnic spot. Earlier, many ears used to drink water from this fall, hence the name Bear Shola Falls. Best visited during the rainy season, these falls can be interestingly reached by undertaking a small walk through rugged and challenging terrains.

Devil's Kitchen

    mustsee Devil’s Kitchen, lying between the Green Valley View and Pillar rocks, is a deep incision that appears like a small gutter, but is actually a dangerously deep fall. Tourists are advised to be cautious while sighting this spot. A wonderful place for adventure enthusiast, these dark and deep chambers are the home of the bats and due to its mystical appearance, tourists are hesitant to go near it.

Green Valley View (Suicide Point)

    mustsee Green Valley View, also known as the Suicide Point, is a scenic spot in Kodaikanal, known for the misty forests and panoramic walks undertaken by the tourists to reach the spot. This point was earlier known as the suicide point, owing to the large number of suicides committed; the place was renamed as Green Valley View. Proffering bird’s eye view of the Vaigai Dam and nearby valleys is nonpareil. Tourists are advised not to go beyond the fence as it can be dangerous. Beware of your eatables as there are plenty of monkeys. An array of shops selling hand made chocolates, junk ornaments and evergreen flowers can be found on the way to the point.

Pillar Rocks

    mustsee

Pillars Rocks in Kodaikanal are located around 8 kms from the lake and serve as an ideal family picnic spot. Comprising of well manicured mini garden, the name of the attractions imply three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. An important attraction is the Devil’s kitchen, which is the space between the two rocks. The entrance fee is Rs 2 per head and the Potato and onion Bhaji served outside the garden is highly recommended.

Berijam Lake

    popular Koadikanal, an important hill station in Tamil Nadu offers various picnic spots including the panoramic Berijam Lake. Located 21 kms away from the city bus stand, the lake is ideal for those who are seeking a place for fun filled family picnic. The lake is a major source of water for the people of Periakalam town and proffers great natural ambiance. The lake sprawls on an area of 24 hectares and invites tourists from all over the country.

Bryant Park

    popular Bryant Park, a popular botanical garden in Kodaikanal, is popular for its fauna, rafts and hybrids. The best time to visit is during the annual horticulture show that is held here during the month of May. The glass house is an important attraction as well. Named after the forest officer of Madurai, Mr.H.D.Bryant, it is scenically situated on the eastern side of the lake. The park is open from 7am till 7pm and the entrance fee is Rs.5 per person.

Coakers Walk

    popular

Coaker’s walk, is one of the prime attraction of Kodaikanal. It is a pathway that has been carved out of steep mountains, and walking here allows one to enjoy some of the best views of the city. This walk is highly recommended for all the tourists who want to enjoy the view of Kodaikanal from the bird’s eye view. Plan a night walk and see the entire city brightened with lights is surely a unique experience. Do not miss visiting the Brochen Spectra, a point where the sun is at the back and the shadow of a person falls on the cloud, giving it a halo kind of effect.

Dolphin's Nose

    popular Dolphin’s Nose in Kodaikanal is a natural marvel that highlights a flat rock projected over a cavernous height of 6600 feet. Located almost 8 kms from the main city center, this point offers breath taking views of the surrounding. The point is a popular location among forest explorers and trekkers alike. The 3 kms long trek undertaken to reach the point proffers some of the best views of the forests and clouds. There are small eateries around selling tea, coffee and snacks.

Kodai Lake

    popular

Kodai Lake, the heart of Kodaikanal, is a star shaped man made lake that is sprawling on an area of 60 acres. Boating, horse riding, cycling and angling are a few of the adventure activities tourists can indulge near the lake. Created in the year 1863, the lake was the idea of Sir Vere Hentry Levinge. Boating can be enjoyed here at the rate of Rs 20 to Rs 40 for a pedal boat and Rs 125 for a shikara. Watching the sunset from here is an unforgettable experience.

This deep blue lake is a popular attraction in Kodaikanal and the best time to visit is during the month of May, when the annual Summer Festival is held here with great pomp and show. Timings: Boating - 9.00 am to 5.30 pm  Charges: Boating - Rs 50 for 30 minutes  

Kurinji Temple

    popular Kurunji Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugu, is conveniently located ata distcane fo 3 kms from the lake. Offering delightful views of small villages, Palani Hills and Northern plains, and the best among them is that of the carrots plantation on the terraced slopes. The temple is also associated with the Kurunji Flower which blooms once in 12 years carpeting the whole area with purple flowers. Next, it will bloom in the year 2018. The temple complex also includes a park and a small shrub garden area.

Silent Valley View

    popular

Silent Valley View, located very close to the Pillar rock garden in Kodaikanal. The point is noted of offering some of the most stunning views of the Silent Valley. Tourists are advised the undulating path carefully. The best time to visit the valley point early mornings or late afternoons, as during this time the scenic beauty of the place is at its maximum.

Silver Cascade Falls

    popular

Just 8 kms from Kodaikanal town, is the scenic Silver Cascade Falls, known for its ethereal flow of silvery waters. The tourists will be delighted to see the pure crystalline water flowing down from a 180 ft tall cliff. One can reach the waterfall en route to Kodaikanal and there is a park located close to it. Visit the Silver Cascade Falls during the monsoons when the water floods the waterfall giving it a humongous flow.

Subrahmanya Temple (Kartikeya Temple)

    popular At a distance of 65 kms from Kodaikanal lies the holy Subramanya temple, also known as Kartikeya Temple. Dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the temple is located at a height of 135 meters and the pilgrim needs to undertake a 659 step climb to reach the temple. Best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Pangani Uttaram and Tai Pusam.

Trekking

    popular Kodaikanal is a paradise for trekking lovers as it offers different trekking routes for the professional trekker to the novice trekker as well. Trekking routes with varying difficulty levels are there and a tourist can select the route according to the fitness, time factor and one's trekking ability.

One of the toughest routes is from Periyakulam – Adukkam- Kodaikanal which has a trekking distance of about 18 kms which can be covered within 7 hours.

For the trekkers who prefer easy walk, the route from Kodaikanal to Berijam will be the suitable one and the trekker will be able to enjoy the green valleys and the mountain ranges surrounding Kodaikanal.

80 Mile Round

   This an exciting trekking route suited for people looking fo a 3-4 day indulgence. The route to be followed is Berijen Lake-Vandaraw-Poondi-Kavunji-Kukkal-Poombaral Village. Tourists are advised to travel in the company of a local guide, as the route can be confusing.

Majestic views of the valleys and villages can be enjoyed while on this trek. Tourists should take prior permission for staying in the jungle resorts. Since ony tea shops are available on the route, tourists are advised to carry food items.

Chettiyar Park

   Chettiyar Park is one of the popular attractions in Kodaikanal, locates at a distance of 3.5 km from the city bust stand. The park can be found on the way to the Kurunji temple and is known for its calm and tranquil ambiance.

Dolmen Circle

   Dolmen Circle is a popular anthropological site in Kodaikanal famous for providing deep insight in to the lives of the pre historic men. The major attractions to be found here are copper and brass ornaments and various other artifacts that have been excavated from the area.

Flora & Fauna Museum

   The flora and fauna museum is a very educative tourist location in Kodaikanal and is popularly known as Shenbaganur Museum. This museum preserves fossils as well as wide varieties of the flora and fauna of this hilly region and has an orchidarium that has a collection of about 300 species of indigenous as well as exotic orchids.

This museum is maintained by Sacred Heart College which is a Theological Seminary that was formed in the year 1895. It is about a distance of 5 km from the lake. Timings: Daily, 10 am to 11:30 am and 3 pm to 5 pm  Charges: Re 1 per person  

Kodaikanal Golf Club

   Kodaikanal Golf Club is a private membership club that boasts of 18 hole, par 71 golf course. Located around 6km from the city centre, the golf course is very close to the Suicide point and pillar rocks viewpoint.

The golf course has a wide range of facilities for recreation. Though it is private membership club, but tourists can enjoy playing golf by becoming temporary members and need to have a handicap or take lessons before playing here.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

   Established in the year 1899, the Kodaikanal Observatory is a part of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and was earlier known as Solar Physics Observatory. The main draws of the observatory are, 20 cm refractor - used for cometary and occultation observations, Astronomy Museum – displaying various pictorial along with a live solar image and Fraunhofer spectrum and a library – known for its vast collections on astronomic literature, Solar and Solar Terrestrial Physics.

Lutheran Church

   Located close to the Kodai School, the Lutheran Church is a beautiful church built in the Gothic style of architecture. The main attraction of the church is the stained glass windows and modern painting that depict the life of Jesus.

Moir Point

   A scenic spot offering striking views, Moer Point is located near the Berijam Lake road and proffers spectacular views of the deep valleys, hills and villages. The point has some historical significance as well.

Moer point was called as ‘Fort Mile Road’ till the year 1929, and came to known by its present name after the cutting of the first grass by Sir Thomas Moir.

Pambar Falls

   Pambar Falls also known as ‘Grand Cascade’ is a upcoming tourist spot in Kodaikanal. Located just 4 km from the bus stand, the falls formed by the overflowing for the town reservoir. Boasting of a glorious view, the waterfall goes through deep cut rocks, increasing the beauty.

A pond where tourists can enjoy bathing and a few varieties of flora and birds that can be sighted here are the major attraction. The spot can be reaches via a steep track located behind Pambar house.

Perumal Peak

   Located around 11 km from the city centre, Perumal Peak is a popular trekking route in Kodaikanal and is suitable for all beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Upon reaching the hill, tourists will be greeted with magnificent views of the

This 11 km trekking stretch takes almost 4 hours to complete including both the ways and for the ones who cannot trek can also hire taxis and buses to reach the spot.

Pine Forest

   The Pine forests in Kodaikanal are one of the preserved treasures of Kodaikanal that can be seen while on the way to Mannavanur. It is an impressive spot where tourists can enjoy camping, however prior permission is required by the local authorities.

Shembaganur Museum of Natural History

   Located very close to Kodaikanal Lake, the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History is a theological museum created in the year 1895 and is maintained by Sacred Heart College. The museum is famous for its wide collection of numerous specimens of butterflies, moths, snakes and mammals. A haven for anthropologists, the museum is also fames for its orchards which houses more than 300 species of tress and flowers.

Telescope House

   Telescope house in Kodaikanal has been constructed to provide wondrous views to the tourists, which otherwise would not have been possible. Located on the northern tilt of the Coaker’s walk, the point offers views of the Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river in addition to the various villages and valleys.

Thalaiyar Falls

   Thalaiyar falls, also known as Rat Tail’s fall is located in the Palani Hills and is known for being the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu and the 3rd highest in India and 276th highest in the world.

Since no roads are available trekking is the sole means to reach the top of this waterfall. On a clear day, the fall is visible from the Dum Dum Rock view point on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat road. The fall also enjoys religious significance.

Excursions

Palani Hills

Palani Hills is part of the oldest mountain range that can be found in India. This mountain range dates back to the prehistoric Pre-Cambrian period and is made up of such rock types as gneisses, charnockites, and schists. Located in the southern portion of India, the Palani Hills portion of the mountain range is named well since it is a terrain that is more hilly than actually mountainous. It is found on the eastern portion of the Western Ghats. The green plant life of the town is utterly breathtaking and pristine. This area is home to a variety of nomadic Paliyan tribes. They tend to make their homes in caves that are in the area. They tend to exist on the edge of the population. Many of these tribes have started to live in modern ways, but others still hold on to their traditional ways. Tourists find it enlightening to meet up with members of these tribes. This area caters to the tourists who are interested in seeing an ecologically friendly landscape. One group of people that love to visit this region is birdwatchers. A wide variety of birds can be seen interspersed throughout the vegetation in the area. Such birds as night herons, golden-backed woodpeckers, and egrets are only a few of the birds that are commonly seen in the area. Hikers, trekkers, and campers also are drawn to the area. A truly exotic natural experience awaits those that choose to visit Palani Hills.

Bison Wells

    popular Bison Wells can is an area that is best known for its tremendous amount of wildlife, as well as for its beautiful vegetation. Wildlife commonly seen in the area include bison, birds, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and deer. Bison Wells got its name from the many bison that come to the natural wells to drink.

This location is known as a great home base in India for those people that are interested in exploring the region. Naturalists, hikers, trekkers, and birdwatchers are all drawn to The Palani Hills, and Bison Wells is a fabulous place for such tourists to stay while they are in the area.

Itineraries

1nt Bandipur, 2nt Ooty, 2nt Kodaikanal
Day 2:	Arrive at Ooty / SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Arrive at Ooty / Sightseeing (0 min)
Day 3:	Kodaikanal SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Coonoor Sightseeing (20km) (0 min), Arrive at Kodaikanal / Sightseeing (0 min), Kodaikanal Sightseeing (0 min)
1nt Bandipur, 2nt Ooty, 2nt Kodaikanal cab from Bangalore
Day 2:	Arrive at Ooty / SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Arrive at Ooty / Sightseeing (0 min)
Day 3:	Kodaikanal SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Coonoor Sightseeing (20km) (0 min), Arrive at Kodaikanal / Sightseeing (0 min), Kodaikanal Sightseeing (0 min)
1nt Bandipur, 2nt Ooty, 2nt Kodaikanal cab from Bangalore
Day 2:	Arrive at Ooty / SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Arrive at Ooty / Sightseeing (0 min)
Day 3:	Kodaikanal SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Coonoor Sightseeing (20km) (0 min), Arrive at Kodaikanal / Sightseeing (0 min), Kodaikanal Sightseeing (0 min)
1nt Bandipur, 2nt Ooty, 2nt Kodaikanal cab from Mysore
Day 2:	Arrive at Ooty / SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Arrive at Ooty / Sightseeing (0 min)
Day 3:	Kodaikanal SightseeingStart: 10:00 AM, Coonoor Sightseeing (20km) (0 min), Arrive at Kodaikanal / Sightseeing (0 min), Kodaikanal Sightseeing (0 min)

Distances

Kanyakumari 285 km 5h, 50m Kochi 300 km 8h Trivandrum 342 km 8h Bangalore 405 km 8h, 30m Chennai 505 km 9h, 40m

Palani Hills 57 km 1h, 20m

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