About Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. People have enjoyed visiting Kodaikanal for many years. This hills station is known for its nice weather, beautiful nature, and a colorful culture. Kodaikanal is a great place to go if you want to see the best of South India.
History of Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station located in the Palani Hills. A long time ago, the Palaiyar tribal people lived there. Later on, American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats came to Kodaikanal in 1845. They wanted a place to escape from the heat and diseases of the plains. Over time, some rich Indians also moved to Kodaikanal. The name Kodaikanal is derived from two Tamil words, “Kodai” which means gift and “Kanal” which means valley. The city was initially developed by the British as a hill station and later became a popular tourist destination.
However, pollution has affected tourism in Kodaikanal. There was a factory owned by Hindustan Unilever that caused mercury pollution. This pollution is very bad for the environment and the people who live there. The factory is closed now, but no proper clean-up has been done yet.
Top Attractions in Kodaikanal
Kodai Lake
The Kodaikanal Lake is one of the top attractions in the city and is a must-visit for every traveller. The lake is situated at the heart of the city and is surrounded by lush greenery and hills. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, and horse riding around the lake. The lake also has a scenic walking path that offers amazing views of the surroundings.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a beautifully landscaped park that is located near the Kodaikanal Lake. The park is home to a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees that are native to the region. Visitors can walk through the park and enjoy looking at the beautiful and bright colors of the flowers. They can also sit down and feel calm and peaceful in the quiet surroundings.
Coaker’s Walk
Coaker’s Walk is a scenic walking path that is situated at an altitude of 2,343 meters above sea level. The path offers full views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and waterfalls. The path is named after Lt. Coaker, who discovered the walking path in the 19th century.
Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola Falls is a pretty waterfall near Kodaikanal. There are many trees and plants around the waterfall, making it very green and beautiful. People like to go there for picnics. The waterfall got its name because bears used to come there to drink water.
Pillar Rocks
The Pillar Rocks are a set of three giant rock pillars that are located in the Kodaikanal hills. The rocks offer amazing views of the surrounding valleys and are a popular spot for trekking and hiking.
Things to Do in Kodaikanal
Trekking and Hiking
Kodaikanal is a great place for people who like to go on long walks and hikes. There are many different trails to choose from, and they are all different levels of hard. Some trails that people really like to go on are Coaker’s Walk, Dolphin’s Nose, and Perumal Peak.
Boating
One fun thing to do when visiting Kodaikanal is to go boating on the Kodaikanal Lake. You can choose to ride in a pedal boat, a rowboat, or a motorboat. It’s very calm and peaceful on the lake, and you can see the beautiful hills around you while you ride.
Cycling
Riding a bicycle is another fun thing you can do when you visit Kodaikanal. There are many beautiful paths you can ride on, like the ones around Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, and Bryant Park. You can rent a bicycle from a shop in the city and ride around at your own speed.
Yoga and Meditation
Kodaikanal is a very calm and peaceful place, with lots of beautiful nature around. That’s why it’s a great spot for doing yoga and meditation. There are many places where you can take classes to learn yoga and meditation while enjoying the natural beauty of the city.
Shopping
Kodaikanal is a great place to buy handmade chocolates, homemade cheese, and other beautiful handicrafts. Tourists can visit the local markets to go shopping and buy souvenirs to take home. The Coaker’s Walk Handicrafts Emporium and the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan are two popular places to shop for handicrafts.
Experience the Culture of Kodaikanal
Besides its natural beauty, Kodaikanal also has a rich and diverse culture that visitors can experience. Here are some cultural activities that you should not miss:
Shenbaganur Museum of Natural History
Shenbaganur Museum has many things to see that teach us about the animals and plants in the area, and there are also many beautiful butterflies to look at.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
This observatory is one of the oldest in India and has a variety of astronomical instruments.
Kodaikanal International School
This well-known boarding school has been educating students from around the world for over a hundred years.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
The Kurinji Andavar Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It becomes even more beautiful when the kurinji flowers bloom, which only happens once every 12 years.
How to reach Kodaikanal
When planning a trip to Kodaikanal, it’s important to consider transportation options. The city is not easily accessible by air, but there are several nearby airports that can be used as a point of entry. Train and bus services are also available, providing options for travelers from different parts of India.
Air Transportation
When traveling to Kodaikanal by air, the nearest airports are Madurai International Airport, Coimbatore International Airport, Tiruchirapalli International Airport, and Tuticorin Airport. All of these airports are located within a distance of 262 kilometers (163 miles) from Kodaikanal.
Madurai International Airport is the closest airport to Kodaikanal, located 115 kilometers (71 miles) away. Coimbatore International Airport is 170 kilometers (110 miles) away, Tiruchirapalli International Airport is 197 kilometers (122 miles) away, and Tuticorin Airport is 262 kilometers (163 miles) away.
Train Transportation
Kodaikanal is well connected by train, with several railway stations located within a distance of 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the city. The nearest railway stations to Kodaikanal are Palani Station, Kodaikanal Road Station, Oddanchatram Railway Station, Dindigul Junction, and Madurai Junction.
Palani Station is located 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of Kodaikanal, while Kodaikanal Road Station is 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the city. Oddanchatram Railway Station is 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of Kodaikanal, Dindigul Junction is 100 kilometers (62 miles) east, and Madurai Junction is nearly 114 kilometers (71 miles) east.
Bus Transportation
Kodaikanal can be reached by bus from various parts of India. Buses are frequently available from Madurai Aarappalayam bus stand, as well as from Palani, Oddanchatram, Kodairoad, and Dindigul. There are two main bus routes to reach Kodaikanal – Palani and Batlagundu.
The drive to Kodaikanal via the steep and winding Ghat roads from Palani, Oddanchatram, or Batlagundu is a memorable experience. Travelers can stop at turnouts on the road and view the Palani hills. There is also a 49-kilometer (30 mile) shortcut road from Periyakulam to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai and Adukkam.
FAQs
What is the distance between Kodaikanal and Madurai?
The distance between Kodaikanal and Madurai is approximately 120 km and takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach by road.
What is the famous food of Kodaikanal?
Kodaikanal is known for its homemade chocolates, cheese, and various South Indian delicacies such as idlis, dosas, and vadas.
Are there any adventure activities in Kodaikanal?
Yes, Kodaikanal offers a wide range of adventure activities such as trekking, camping, rock climbing, rappelling, and paragliding.
Is Kodai a safe destination for solo travelers?
Yes, Kodaikanal is a safe destination for solo travelers. However, it is advisable to take necessary precautions and be cautious while traveling alone.
Conclusion
Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station that offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you are looking to escape the city’s hustle-bustle or seeking some outdoor adventure, Kodaikanal has something to offer to everyone. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights and tips to help you plan your visit to Kodaikanal and make the most of your trip. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to explore the enchanting beauty of Kodaikanal – the Princess of Hill Stations.
Best Resorts in Kodaikanal near Bus Stand
