Home :: South India Travel Destinations :: Kodaikanal India

» Location : 120 Km From Madurai, Tamil Nadu
» Popularly Known As : Kodai
» Famous Festival : Summer Festival
» Best Time To Visit : April To June And September To October

Kodaikkanal is one of India's most beautiful hill stations located at an altitude of 2133 mts ( 7,000 feet ) frequented by tourists in large numbers throughout the year. Kodaikkanal has a bracing climate where temperature do not vary much from summer to winter. Fruits like plums and plantains grow abundantly on the wooded slopes apart from a wide variety of flowers, among which is the famous Kurinji flower which blooms once in twelve years.

The Kodai lake in star shape dominates this sleepy hill station. Spread over an area of 24 hectares where fishing allowed and boating facilities are available; one of the world's oldest Solar Observatories that was built in 1899; and the Orchidorium at the Sacred Heart College where about 300 species of orchids can be seen. There are also a number of picturesque walks like Coaker's Walk and Priest's Walk. Kodai's best view points are Pillar Rocks, and Green Valley View. Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls are popular with picnickers while the Perumal Peak is a favourite with trekkers. The Kurinji Andavar temple 3.2 kms away is dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Prime Attractions of Kodaikanal
Shenbaganur Museum : This museum is located in Shenbaganur, a part of Kodai, 6 km from Kodaikanal.A wide ranging collection of birds classified into ground birds, water birds, tree birds and large high flying birds such as Black Eagle, Bengal Vulture, Honey Buzzard, Crested Hawk-Eagle.

Berijam Lake : 21 km from Kodai city. This lake is very important for Kodai city, and provides drinking water for Periyakulam town and near areas. It is also very good picnic spot.

Kodaikanal Lake : Kodaikanal Lake is a magnificent man-made lake, which spreads out in a star shape over sixty acres is a main attraction as it is set among the greenery. The boat club here offers several pleasure and racing trips.

Coaker's Walk : The views from Coaker's Walk which has an observatory with telescope and from Pillar Rocks, a seven-km hike (one way), are two of the most spectacular in southern India. Coaker's Walk is a pleasant walk in the evening with the plains brushed with the rosy glow of sunset.

Silver Cascade : On the Ghat Road to Madurai (8 km from Kodai) are situated the falls known as Silver Cascade. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as 180 feet high falls. It is worthwhile stopping by.

Pillar Rocks : One of Kodai's most popular natural attractions is Pillar Rocks, a series of granite cliffs rising about 120m(nearly 400 ft) above the hillside, 7km south of town. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.

Kurinji Andavar Temple : This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramaniya. From here one can enjoy a panoramic view of the northern plains, the Palani hills, the southern plain and Vaigai Dam. It is 4 km from Lake.

Bear Shola Falls : Closer to the north shore of the lake, Bear Shola Falls are at their strongest early in the year, just after the monsoon.This is an ideal picnic spot

The Summer Festival in Kodaikanal
May-June - Udhgamandalam, Kodaikkanal, Yercaud, Elagiri Hills
There are several beautiful Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer festivals, the hills are even better. Cultural programmes, adventure sports, boat races, flower shows and fruits shows add to the splendour.

Climate in Kodaikanal
The climate of Kodaikanal is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to October.

How to Get There
By Air
The nearest airport is Madurai.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kodaikkanal Road on the Chennai-Madurai broad guage line.

By Road
Kodaikkanal is well connected by road and there are frequent buses from Chennai, Madurai, Palani, Coimbatore, Dindugal and Tiruchi.

Tourist Office in Kodaikanal
» Government of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office Municipal Bus Stand Rest House Complex (Near Bus Stand), Kodaikanal -624101

General Information about Kodaikanal
» Area: 21.45-sq-km.
» Population: 2,7461 (1991 Census)
» Altitude: 2,133 metres
» Temperature Range (deg C)
- Summer - Max 19.8ºC, Min 11.3 ºC
- Winter- Max17.3ºC, Min8.3ºC
» Clothing: Light woollen in the evening during summer and heavy woollen during winter.
» Rainfall: 165 cms (average). Heavy rains occur during October-December.
» Languages Spoken Tamil and English
» STD Code: 04542