Kodaikanal
lies pretty in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. The terrific tranquility of
the hill resort is simply put awesome. The summer retreat of Kodaikanal
literally means 'gift of the forest'. Though it is the whooping number of
peach orchards that will not fail to catch your eye.
Links
Sky link : The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from
Kodaikanal).
Rail link : The nearest railway stations are the Kodai
Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
Terrestrial link : Kodaikanal is connected by road with
Chennai (520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km),
Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available
from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli,
Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season.
Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. There are no
auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal.
Explore the territory of beauty
The best way to spend time here is to walk leisurely around the place
appreciating the beauty. Otherwise, there are facilities for boating,
cycling, pony riding, angling, and playing golf. One can spend his/her time
at the evenings in the clubs or search for the books in the nearby market.
The region around Kodaikanal abounds in natural beauty and splendor and an
excursion should be at the top of one's itinerary. Important sites to
explore in Kodaikanal are Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal School, Lutheran
Church and King Church, Colonial structure, Bryant's Park, Coaker's Walk,
Green Valley View, Kodai Club, and Golf Links.
Silver Cascade : (8 Km/ 5 mile) and Kumbakkarai (65 Km/
41 mile) are waterfalls situated in some of most wooded parts of the hill
station.
Berijam Lake : situated (21 Km/ 13 mile ) from the
township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious
in its clean waters.
Dolphin's Nose : ( 8 Km/ 5 mile), a projecting rock
provides a view of the deep chasm below. Climb 2400 meter high Perumal Peak.
And you'll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in around
Kodaikanal.
Shenbaganur Museum : (5.6 Km/3.5 mile) at the Sacred
Heart College where about 300 species of orchids bloom and it is easily one
of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor.
Kukkal Caves : (40 Km/25 mile) and Dolmen's Circle (22
Km/14 mile) are famous pre-historic, archaeological sites. Kodaikkanal too
offers the visitor two historic temples.
Kodai's most enchanting sights include the star shaped lake, spread over an
area of 24 hectares where you can take up fishing and boating. A short walk
from the lake and you can enjoy a magnificent display put by nature at
Bryant's park. One of the world's oldest solar observatories is situated in
Kodai, built in 1899 and from Kodai's two telescope houses to catch a
glimpse of the heavens.
Coaker's walk, running along a steep slope, offers a panoramic view of the
plain. Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the
Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours
of cool relaxation.
Climate The temperatures in summer range from a maximum of 20°C
to a minimum of 11°C, and in winter from 17°C to 8°C. Annual
rainfall in the region is around 165 cms.
