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Kodaikanal
The captivating Kodaikanal lake and the blanket of clouds tucking the hill station to sleep at night, makes Kodaikanal tourism an inviting holiday destination. Referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal sits regally at the crown of the Palani Hills. Tourists flock to the hill station for a breath of fresh air to escape the merciless heat shining down upon them in the summer season.
| Kodaikanal Tourism: A Quick View of the state | |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Official Language | Tamil, Bagada and English |
| Dial Code | 04542 |
| Population | 36,501 |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | GMT +5:30 (IST) |
| Area | 21.45 square kilometers |
One of Kodaikanal’s famous places is the man-made, star shaped Kodaikanal lake enclosed by the north-western Palani hills. It is located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The summer season invites activities such as boat pageants and flower shows. Fairy Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Glen Falls are some of the waterfalls that must be visited by every nature lover out there. Bear Shola falls is located just around three kilometers away from Kodaikanal lake. The rays coming from the sun make the streaming water sparkle against the backdrop of lush green forests.
This hill station offers travelers scrumptious food. Full of creamy treats, Anna Salai road is one of the many places to visit in Kodaikanal if you are a dessert junkie. With cinnamon rolls, fresh home baked cakes and breads; this road offers the best bakery products. Not long after you bite your way into a cinnamon roll will you be immediately distracted by the aroma of hot and piping momos finding its way to you from Royal Tibet. Do not miss out on the egg noodles and chilli chicken when you visit. You will find tropical fruits in abundance; do not forget to get a taste of Mangosteen, a local sweet and sour tropical fruit.
As you loiter around this beautifully serenaded hill station, without a care in the world, do not forget to buy yourself some souvenirs to remember the Princess of Hill Stations. To further explore Kodaikanal, walk up to the heart of this hill station’s township. The Seventh Road’s junction is where you will find markets, shops and people flocking around. The Kiki Book Shop at Down Poet Thyagaraja Road will provide you with Kodai based goods such as cookies, cakes, gifts and greeting cards. You could also find some freshly made marmalade to take back home.
Perumal Peak is an absolute delight for the trekker in you. At an elevation of 8005 ft, this peak gives you a glimpse of the majestic Nilgiri Hills. It will take around four hours to complete the entire trek. The Dolmen Circle is an anthropological site frequented by history-lovers, appealing to the minds of the curious. It has historically been known as the hidden refuge of ancient men and their possessions going back as far as 5000 BC. You must visit to find out more.
Kodaikanal lies at the zenith of the Palani Hills at a distance of 120 kilometers from Madurai. The town is comfortably nestled amidst rugged hills, lush meadows and tree-covered slopes. The strategic location of the hill station attracts many tourists annually. Kodaikanal has a railway station not more than 95 kilometers away from the town, making the travelling rather hassle-free.
Click here to view Kodaikanal on Google Map
The pleasant climate of the hill station makes tourism in Kodaikanal possible throughout the year. October to March brings with it some chilly winds and cool days. Temperatures range from 20 C to 30 C during the winter season. So, if you are a fan of chilly nights and pleasant mornings, winter is the season for you. However, if you want to wake up to misty mornings, lush green forests and the sound of raindrops hitting the windowpane, save your trip for the monsoon season.
By Road - Kodaikanal is linked to all the major cities. Madurai is 120 kilometers away from the hill station, while Trichy is 198 kilometers and Chennai lies 460 kilometers away. You will have both private luxury and government state buses to choose from, in these cities.
By Rail - Kodai Road is around 95 kilometres away from the hill station. It also links Kodaikanal to other cities such as Madurai and Trichy. You will find taxis, outside the station, available at your disposal.
By Air - The closest airport to Kodaikanal is in Madurai, approximately 120 kms away. Bus and taxi services are easily available to reach the hill station.
The earliest references to Kodaikanal can be found between the pages of Tamil Sangam literature of the early Christian era. American and European missionaries established Kodaikanal to provide some refuge from the ruthless heat in the plains. People living in the plains soon realised its value and started to relocate themselves. Tourism soon became its bread and butter and continues to be so till today.
The first people to live in Kodaikanal were the Palaiyar (old ones) tribal people as per archaeological evidence. When you visit, you will find Megalithic dolmens, earthen pots and various artifacts that prove their existence.
Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is the best place to put your feet up, take a deep breath and unwind. To the people looking for some adventure and food, the hill station offers rocky hills to climb, waterfalls to gape at and some mouthwatering authentic dishes. To not miss out on anything, contact Thomas Cook who will help you get your hands on the best Kodaikanal tourism holiday packages.
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