Location : In the
south Indian State of Tamilnadu, on the high ranges of the western ghats.
Tourist Attractions : Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal Trekking,
Dolphin's Nose, The Perumal Peak, Kukal Cave.
Best Buys : Local handicrafts
Best Hangouts : Dolphin's Nose, Berijam Lake, the Perumal Peak.
Best Activity : Stroll around.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Madurai, Trichy,
Coimbatore.
When to Visit : September to May
About Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most frequented hill resorts in India. Standing
amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near
Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a charming and luring hill station.
With its spectacular rocks, tranquil woods, lovely lake and intoxicating
air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists from all over.
Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the
most popular serene hill stations in India,
which
mesmerises every visitor.
Situated at an altitude of about 2,133 m from sea level and covering an
area of 21.45 sq km, Kodaikanal is a hill town renowned for its educational
institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are
known for their freshness and taste.
Major Tourist Attractions of Kodaikanal
Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21 km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu
is one most beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 ha,
the lake is star shaped and is known for its clean and clear water. Berijam
Lake supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town. It is a popular picnic
spot with a beautiful view.
Kodaikanal Trekking
Move towards Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You
can take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local
viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a
night at a local village.
Dolphin's Nose
Located about 8 km from the Berijam Lake is the Dolphin's Nose, a flat
projecting rock from where one can take a breathtaking view of the widening
gorge below.
The Perumal Peak
About 11 km from Kodaikanal, the Perumal Peak is a trekker's delight.
Climbers begin their ascent from the Neutral Saddle.
Kukal Cave
Kukal Cave, 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping site for
trekkers. Reportedly, descendants of the Paliyans still live here.
Getting There
Air
: The Airport to Madurai is 135 kms, Coimbatore 170Kms and Trichy 195
Kms.
Rail : Many Passenger trains pass through Kodaikanal road. Kodairoad
Station is nearly 80 kms.
Road : Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns.
Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai
Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore.
Accommodation
Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. The
TTDC-run Hotel Tamilnadu on Fern Hill Road and Carlton Hotel, near the Lake
Road, are two top-end hotels. Hotel Clifton, Hotel Garden Manor, Yagappa
International Tourist Lodge, Kohinoor Circuit House, etc., are some other
hotels where comfortable accommodation is provided to tourists.
