Call it Kodai or Kodaikanal, the
becharming hill station has a setting amidst the forested Pali Hills. Nature
lovers and trekking enthisiasts can be seen here in good numbers. Besides
being a famous hill station, Kodaikanal is also world renowned for its
educational institutions. The history of this part of Tamil Nadu is also as
fascinating as the sights. Kodaikanal has found its mentions in the Tamil
Sangam literature. It was inhabited by the indigenous tribes of Paliyans and
Pulyans that resided close to the Palani Hills. Ans their descendants can be
observed even today in the villages that are dispersed over here. Kodaikanal
(7,375 ft) began its journey as a hill station in the year 1845 with the
establishment of two bungalows - Sunny Side and Shelton. The first
vacationers to this hill station were six American families and later
British settlements followed suit.
Climate
Kodaikanal enjoys a salubrious climate all throughout the year. March to
May are the summer months. During this period, the temperature ranges from a
maximum of 20 degrees Centigrade to a minimum of 11 degrees Centigrade.
Between December and February, which is winter time, the maximum and minimum
temperatures recorded are 17 degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade respectively.
Cuisine
The toothsome delicacies, ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian, could
prove to be an enriching experience for all. Traditional South Indian
cuisines add much to your culinary experience. South Indian delicacies are
not very spicy and so are mild on the stomach. Besides, there are a number
of hotels, resorts and restaurants where you can satisfy your appetite for
Continental, Chinese and other popular cuisines from across the world.
Sightseeing
The natural paradise of Kodaikanal has a lot to offers to its visitors. Boasting
a picturesque location and stunning sights, the hill station is replete with
beautiful lakes, sprawling parks and cascading waterfalls. The
Berijam
Lake is one of the much talked about attractions in Kodaikanal. The lake
lies at a distance of 21 km from Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Here, you can feast your
eyes on gorgeous sylvan sights and beautiful landscape. Yet another worth visiting
sight at Kodai is the
Bryant Park. The wonderful park is known
for a huge variety of flowers, hybrids and rafts. The Horticultural Show that's
organised here in the month of May is a huge draw for tourists from all over
the country and the world. The outstanding man-made
Kodaikanal
Lake is also a big attraction for visitors. Located at a distance of 3.2
km from the Kodai Lake, the
Kurinji Andavar Temple is flocked
to by a good number of tourists and devotees. The temple stands in dedication
to Lord Murugan, the presiding deity of the region. A visit to the
Shenbaganur
Museum can prove to be an enriching experience for all. The museum is positioned
at a distance of 5 km from the Kodai Lake. Other famous tourist attractions
at Kodaikanal include
Pillar Rocks, Boat Club, Coaker's Walk,
Telescope House, Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Falls etc. To make your trip
to Kodaikanal an experince of a lifespan, remember to explore the whole treasure
trove that lies here. Trekking is also one of the tourist lures here.
Getting There
The closest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai that lies at a distance of 120
km from here. Kodai Road Station (64 km) and Palani (80 km) are the nearest
railheads. Road routes are also well established. By road, Kodaikanal
remains linked with places like Chennai (520km), Ooty (264km), Trichy
(197km), Coimbatore (175km), Kumili (160km) and Madurai (120km). Taxis and
luxury buses are the local modes of transport here.
