{ India Tours } -- { South
India Travel Guide } -- { Kodaikanal }
Kodaikanal
Brief
One of the best hill stations in India, Kodaikanal or Kodai is a very beautiful
place in the western ghats. Wrapped in mists, covering her with mystique
and magic and the ochre earth covered in emerald silk studded with gems
of sheer glittering water; Kodai is sure to leave you enchanted and enthralled.
Surrounded by lush green forest and dotted with numerous walks where one
can have a pleasant morning stroll, the wooded hills, pleasant walks, picturesque
waterfalls and a magnificent lake where you can spend the evening watching
the sun go beyond the hills, add to the attraction of the place. An ideal
place for trekking, Kurinji, a plant special to Kodai region, turns the
slopes into a sea of purple once in 12 years!
History
In 1845, Kodaikanal was exploited as a hill station, in the Palani Hills, at 5375 ft. British Lieutenant Ward, first surveyed the Palani Hills in 1821. The first people lived in the hills were dolmen builders, who have left here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated. Created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India, in the 20th century an Indian elite visited Kodai and purchased property and utilised the facilities of British and Americans and thus later Kodaikanal became a mixture of different plural societies.
Culture
The first people who lived in the hills were Dolmen builders, who have left behind, several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated. In the Palani Hills, tribes are of two kinds - the Paliyans and the Puliyans. While Paliyans are segmentary tribes, Pulyans were settled as agriculturists and followed Tamil Culture. Originally created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India, in the 20th century an Indian elite visited Kodai and purchased property and utilised the facilities of British and Americans and thuslater Kodaikanal became a mixture of different plural societies.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Kodai is cold in winter and wonderfully cool and pleasant in summer. Kodaikanal
is 120 kms from the bustling cityof Madurai and is secludedly situated
at 2133 metres above sea level, in the beautiful Palan Hills.How to Reach
Rail, road and air connect Kodaikanal. Although it does not have an airport of its own, the nearest airport is at Madurai (121 Km) and Coimbatore (135 kms) connecting to cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Tiruchirappalli that have connecting flights to destinations across the nation. By rail, Kodai Road Railway Station (80 kms) and Palani Railway Station are the nearest railheads and is well connected to other railway junctions of South India. There are good motorable roads connecting Kodaikanal with other parts of the state as well as other places in India. Regular bus services from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Tiruchirappally, Bangalore and Coimbatore are available.
Tourist Places
Coakers Walk
This hill-edge path way was identified by E.R. Coaker, in 1872. About a km from the lake, Coakers walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains.
Green Valley View
It is about 5.5 kms from the lake and very near to Golf Club. It commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai dam. As the Valley is very deep and dangerous, this place was once known as Suicide point.
The Pillar Rocks
Three boulders stand shoulder to shoulder, vertically measuring to a
height of about 122 meters, providing a beautiful view. It is 7.4 kms
from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers.Fairy Falls
A delightful picnic spot, which is 5 kms from the Kodai lake. Nature has created an artistic bathing base.
Silver Cascade
It is 8 kms from the lake. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here, as a 180 feet high falls. If the water temperature suitable, tourists can take a bath.
Palani
The temple of Lord Muruga is located on the Palani Hills. 64 kms. from Kodaikanal and a famous pilgrim centre of the south and one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Muruga, the presiding deity is Dandayuthapani. The idol is made of medicinal herbs, it is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and one of the major Pilgrim centres is South India next only to Thirupathi. An electrically operated winch takes the pilgrims to the top. 105 kms. from Coimbatore, direct frequent buses are available from Kodaikanal and Coimbatore.
Others
DOLMEN CIRCLE - 18 kms from the lake. Pre-historic remains can be seen there. Original burial urns, unearthed in this region and models of dolmens may be seen in Shenbaganur museum. point.
KURINJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE - This temple situated 3 kms from the lake, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji flowers, which carpet the hillsides, blooming once in 12 years.
MOER POINT - A lovely view of the valley can be seen, which is 3 kms, from the Pillar Rock-Berijam lake road.
SHENBAGANUR MUSEUM - The sacred Heart College-a Theological Seminary
founded in 1895 maintains this museum. It is devoted to archaeological
remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums
in the country, it houses more than 300 species of orchids. SILENT VALLEY VIEW - Away from the Pillar Rock-Berijam Lake a road, this silent Valley exists and gives a thrilling valley view. Children may be allowed to see only with precautionary defense steps.
SOLAR PHYSICAL OBSERVATORY - It is situated 32 kms from the Lake. Founded in 1989, its elevation is 2343 meters. This observatory is the top most point in Kodai.
THALAIYAR FALLS - Also known as Rat-Tail Fallsfalls, which is one of the highest falls in the world. (975 feet high). It can be seen while climbing from the Ghat road to Kodaikanal by road. Nobody can go to the falls site, as on approach route is here..
Get Answers from our Experienced Travel Consultants now
