Kodaikanal - Princess of Hill stations

Kodaikanal Hill

Kodaikanal (also known as kodai) is a city and a Taluk division of Dindigul district. 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.

Discovery of Kodaikanal

Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows “Sunnyside” and “Shelton”. Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. The 20th century saw elite Indians enteri Kodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty and to harness its natural wealth for development.

Stages of development

In 1875, the Indian railways extended its line from Chennai to Tirunelveli and a station was created at Ammaianayakkanur and this was later renamed Kodai Road, to provide a gateway to Kodaikanal. Tourists started their journey at Ammaianayakkanur Railway station upto Krishnamma Nayak Thope. This trek was undertaken to Kodaikanal, 18 kms distance away using horses and palanquins, with coolies for assistance.

Today, the charm of Kodaikanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, the long stretches of forests, beautiful spots and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The climb to the various jutting rocks at Kodai is rewarding. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a must for every visitor to this hill resort.

General Information

Area	21.45sq.Kms
Population	32,931(2001 Census)
Altitude	2133 Mts. above sea level
Climate	Max. Min. Summer : 19.8ºC 11.3ºC Winter : 17.3ºC 8.3ºC
Rainfall	165 cm (average) Heavy rain occurs during Oct-Dec
Clothing	Light Wollens in the evening during summer and heavy wollens during winter.
Languages spoken	Tamil and English
Season	April to June and September to October but can be visited throughout the year
STD	04542

Places of Interest

Kodailanal Lake View

The Lake The 24-hectare lake skirted by a 5 km long black tar road, is the focal point in Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir vere Hendry Levinge (1819-1885).He 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 boathouse was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourist as well in 1932.

Bryant Park: This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for its flowers, both 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 conducted every year during May, as part of the Summer Festivals, should be seen by everyone.

Solar Physical ObservatoryIt is situated 3.2 kms. from the lake. This observatory was founded in 1989, and it is located at an elevation of 2343 mtrs. 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.

Coakers Walk: Er.Coaker identified this hill-edged pathway in 1872. About a kilometre 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.

Kurinji Andavar Temple  situated 3 kms from the lake is a famous shrine dedicated to lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Kurinji means the hill region in Tamil literature and andavar means god. Therefore Lord Muruga is referred to as the God of the Hill here. From this temple one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Telescope House at Coakers 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.
pillarock

Green valley View : It is located a little over 5 kms from kodaikanal lake and close to the golf club from here,you can get a magnificent view of the vaigai dam below.

The Pillar Rocks :There are a set of 3 rocks which stand 122 metres high.It is located 7 kms from Kodai lake.

Moier Point provides a lovely view of the valley. It is just 3 kms from the Pillar rocks Berijam Lake road.

Silent Valley View Just a little away from the Pillar Rocks and the Berijam Lake Road, is Silent Valley View, which provides a breathtaking view of Silent Valley. Children are advised to walk carefully.

Berijam Lake View This place provides a panoramic landscape view of Berijam Lake. This viewpoint is 19 kms from Kodaikanal Lake.

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.

Shenbaganur Museum The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. It is a Theological Seminary founded in 1895 and devoted to preserving certain archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. It houses one of the best Orchidariams in the country.

It has over 300 species of exotic orchids are housed here. It is about 5.6 kms the lake. Father Ugarthe, a Spaniard contributed his many private collections to the museum.

Entrance fee is Rs 2/- per head.Visiting hours - 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Silver Cascade It is 8 kms from Kodai lake. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as a 180 foot high waterfalls. churchThose interested can have a bath here.

La Saleth Church Kodaikanal,the hill country is no exception to this and she too hosts our lady of la saleth shrine possessing the traditional heritage of 150 years and it is one of the two shrines dedicated to our lady of La saleth in the whole world,one in french and the other in kodaikanal. it is near to Coaker's walk.

Dolmen Circle Located at a distance of 18 kms from the lake, pre-historic remains can be seen here. Original burial urns that were unearthed in this region during archaeological excavations and models of dolmens can be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum.

Thalaiyar Falls Also known as the Rat-Tail Falls, this is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. It is 975 foot high. It can be seen while climbing the Ghat Road to Kodaikkanal from Kodai road. It is not possible to visit this spectacular waterfall, as there is no approach route to this site.

Kukkal Caves For those looking for an adventurous holiday, this is an excellent campsite. It is 40 kms from Kodaikanal. The caves here show traces of the earliest known inhabitants of the region - the leaf-clothed 'paliyans.'

Palani This is one of the six abodes of lord Subramanya and this is a famous pilgrim centre of the south. It is just 64 kms from Kodaikanal. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dhandayuthapani. Direct and frequent buses are available from Kodaikanal to Palani.

Travel

Air	Airport at Madurai (121 kms) and Coimbatore (135 Kms).
Rail	Kodai Road railway Station (80 kms) and palani railway station (64 kms)
Road	Kodaikanal is connected by road with all-important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikkanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dinidigul, Thiruchirapalli, Kumili, Erode,Bangalore,Coimbatore,Chennai,Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli.
Local Transport	Taxis and Vans are available. Limited city buses are available.

Recreation Activities

Cycling: Cycles for children, men and women are available on hire to ride around the lake. A cycle for an hour costs for Adults Rs 30/- ,for Children Rs 20/-.

Pony Ride - Pony ride is available on hire.

Boating - Boating Facility is available in the lake.

Boating
2 Seater Pedal Boat	Rs.40 (for half an Hour)
4 Seater Pedal Boat	Rs.70 (for half an Hour)
Row Boat	Rs.110 (for half an Hour) (90+20)- Rs 20/- for boat man
Horse Hire hour	Rs.100

Angling- Permitted. Please contact Inspector of Fisheries at Kodaikanal.

Golf Club-The Golf Club is 5 kms from the lake. It has a fine Golf Course.

Kodai Trekking

Trekking - Kodai offers several scenic trekking spots, including one which is to walk along the stream which goes to dolphin nose. Kodai tourist office has a trekking guide which is available for free there, which lists all the possible trekking routes and difficulty levels. The tourist office advises people to take guides and offers to provide them, although this is not necessary. An easy trek is the Perumalmalai trek which is the tallest mountain that area.

Tourist Info

Festivals

Summer  - Celebrated in May Every year. Boat Pageant and Flower Show are also held during the summer festival. It is a major attraction for tourists.

Salette Matha Festival - August 15th is the Salette Matha Festival.

Mariamman festival - In May Mariamman festival is celebrated for one week.

Season

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.