Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill stations in India.
Kodaikanal is a hill station on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills. Kodai is also a tourist attraction, and many of the locals make their living through tourist services. Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as "Princess of Hill stations." Tucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means ?gift of the forest? in Tamil. A more appropriate and evocative name could not have been imagined for this quaint, unspoilt little hill station, where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, and a serenity seldom found in other hill stations. Cradled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level. Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were no roads?people had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes, clubs were opened, school and hotels were built, and civic amenities were introduced.
History of KodaikanalIn 1845, Kodaikanal was started as hill station in the Palani hills at 7375 ft. The Palani Hills were first surveyed by British Lieutenant Ward in 1821.The first people lived in the hills were dolmen-boulders, who have left here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated. In the Palani hills Tribes are of two kinds, the Paliyans and Pulaiyans.Kukkal Caves, which in 20 kms. away from kodaikanal, show traces of Paliyan occupation. Paliyans are tribes. Next to Paliyans, Pulaiyans were settled as agriculturists at later stage. The survey report of 1821, reveals Pulaiyans were the aborigines of the Palani Hills and followed Tamil Culture.
British Lieutenant Ward had climbed up from the Kunnavan Village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal first in 1821 to survey the area. In 1834, Madurai collector climbed up from Devadanappatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur Dr.Wight visited Kodaikanal in 1836 and recorded his observations which were very useful to botanists later. In 1844, Mr.Fane, an Englishmen built godowns in kodaikanal and familiarized with hill area. In 1845, the first two bungalows "Sunny-side" and "Shelton" were built by American Mission people with the help of Englishmen Mr.Fane. Then, six American families came up and stayed first at Kodaikanal. Following this, British houses also appeared. In 1864, Colonel Halmilton recorded his opinion in his report that Berijam lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a Military Cantonment or Sanitarium. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. In the 20th century the Indian Elite visited Kodaikanal and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans. Thus Kodaikanal has a complex and varied culture.
Major Attractions
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.
Coaker’s Walk: Coakers walk is mountain bouleward, is near to where I live. Sunrise from this point is mind blowing. The formation of clouds and the color is different every morning. Have clicked many pictures of sunrise from this point.
You can expect more to come.
Bryant Park: As the name suggests, You have plenty to drink and make merry in this bar. A great place providing a choice of true-blue beverages - acoholic and nonalcoholic. Raise your spirits.
Green Valley View: Originally this was known as Suicide Point. It is about 5 km from the lake. From here, the Vaigai Dam below offers an enchanting view. There is also a Golf Club close by.
Pillar Rocks: Situated 7km from Kodai, three granite formations over 120 m high, stand shoulder to shoulder, providing a beautiful view. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers. The Pillar rock is full of caves and chasms, a delight for the adventure seeker. There are over 100 dolmens and other megalithic remains that has been discovered in the Palani hills, all datable to around the 2nd century AD. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil`s kitchen.
Kurinji Andavar Temple: 3.2 km from the lake. There are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400 feet.
Waterfalls: The waterfalls around Kodaikanal include Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls and Fairy Falls, the best of the lot. A swim at the foot of the Fairy Falls is refreshing.
Observatory: It is situated at the topmost point of Kodai (850 feet above the lake). The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics
Shenbaganur Museum: 5.5km from the lake. This flora and fauna museum, maintained by the Sacred Heart College, is worth a visit. The archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills are on show here. Also located here is one of the best orchidariums in the country.
Dolmen Circle: 18 kms from the lake.Pre-historic remains to be seen there. Original burial urns unearthed in this region and models of dolmens may be seen in Shenbaganur museum.
Thalaiyar Falls: Also known as Rat Tail falls which is one of the highest falls in the world.(.975 feet high) It can be seen while climbing from ghat road to Kodaikanal by road, Nobody can go to the falls site, as no approach is there.
Kukkal Caves: A camping site offering trekking facilities (20 kms).
Palani: It is 64 kms from kodaikanal, famous pilgrim center of the South and one of the six abodes of Lord, Dhandayuthabani. Direct frequent bus are available from Kodaikanal.Nearby AttractionsSilver Cascade (8 kms), Dolphins Nose (a rock at high point), Perumal Peak - which offers excellent trekking facilities (12 kms), Berijam Lake (21 kms) and Kukkal Cave - a camping site offering trekking facilities (20 kms).
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Madurai (120 KMs). The other nearest airports are Coimbatore 190Kms and Trichy 195 Kms.Train: Kodairoad is the nearest railway station at 80 kms. A number of passenger trains pass through kodairoad. Madurai 120 kms is the nearest major railway station.
Road: Kodaikanal is well connected with some important
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is between April to June & September to December. The temperature ranges between 12 and 20 degree Celsius in summer and between 8 and 18 degree Celsius in winter. towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore.
General Information
Area : 21.45 square Kms
PIN Code : 624101
Altitude : 2133 meters above the sea level
Rainfall : 165 cm
Language : Tamil and English
State : Tamilnadu
STD Code : 04542
