Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal – The princess of hill stations

Kodaikanal is a hill station in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest". Kodaikanal has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.

Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. Much of the local economy is based on the hospitality industry serving tourism.

Kodaikanal is one of the very popular, honeymoon and holiday destination hill station in South India. This hill station stands 7200 feet above sea level and situated in upper Palani hills of the Western Ghats near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal is also popularly known as the princes of Hill Stations.

The cool and misty weather, the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and the wooded forest of Kodaikanal and its surroundings will mesmerize any visitor throughout the year. Walk through the wooded forests, row in the lake, bath in one of the splashing waterfalls, go for horse riding and cycling around the lake or simply admire the views.

One sensation of Kodaikanal is the Kurinji Plants which bear flowers called Kurinji flowers. They flower only once in 12 Years. In the valleys there are dense patches of broad - leaved, evergreen rain forests called Sholas. Unlike rain forests in the plains, the trees here do not reach majestic heights because of the high altitued and constant, heavy wind. These moss and lichen laden forests are prime watershed. They absorb water during the monsoon and release it judiciously all year round.

Kodaikanal is the only Hill Station in India developed by the Americans.  In 1834, the Collector of Madurai climbed up from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at Kodaikanal. By the second half of the 19th century, churches and other colonial structures started popping up in and around Kodaikanal. Examples of some beautiful structures are the Union Church built in 1895, and a large number of private bungalows.

In 1863, Sir Vere Hendry Levinge, the Collector of Madurai, created the 60 acres Kodai Lake by damming three streams flowing through. He stocked the lake with fish. He also brought the first boat from Tuticorin. A boat club was formed in Kodaikanal in 1890. Since May 1929, the club has permitted tourists to join the club as temporary members and avail of boating facilities.

Missionaries established church properties. Many of the ruling princes built summer holiday-homes. Clubs, school and hotels came up. Civic amenities were introduced. Kodaikanal developed slowly, but steadily. They also established the famous Kodaikanal International School.

The extension of the railway line from Chennai to Tirunelveli (598 kilometres) made Kodaikanal really popular. A station was built at Ammainayakkanur - 80 kilometres from Kodaikanal. (This was later renamed Kodai Road.) The first steam engine arrived in 1875 and made the journey to Kodaikanal far easier. Though construction of the road was completed in 1914, it was opened to the public only two years later - in 1916. And suddenly, Kodaikanal was thrown open to the general public and tourists started flocking the area in large numbers.

Route to Kodaikanal

Appproximate distance from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal – 170 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Cochin to Kodaikanal – 300 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Munar to Kodaikanal – 160 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Valparai to Kodaikanal – 180 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Ooty to Kodaikanal – 251 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Theni to Kodaikanal – 95 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Bangalore to Kodaikanal – 463 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Nagercoil to Kodaikanal –  340 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Chennai to Kodaikanal – 516 kilometers

Appproximate distance from Hyderabad to Kodaikanal –  1100 kilometers

Nearest airports

Madurai (135 kilometres)

Coimbatore (170 kilometres)

Trichy (200 kilometres)

Nearest railway stations

Palani Railway Station (64 kilometres)

Kodai Road Station (80 kilometres)

Dindigul Railway Junction (100 kilometres)

Wildlife

Even though some species like the panther, giant malabar squirrels, civet cats are getting extinct, Kodai still has a store of Fauna which is too good. We can see the flying squirrels which can spread out like square frying pans and gliding from one tree to another. They seem to be active on bright moonlit nights, using their high pitched, calls to communicate with their kind.

Some other animals are Porcupines, Wild Boar, Bison and other creatures. The Berijam lake is an area where you can find the forests with many of these animals. Near the Berijam lake there are chances of hearing the eerie, ascending call of the Nilgiri langur, a black monkey endemic to the Western Ghats. Heavily hunted for their supposedly medicianl meat, these primates have become thoroughly man-shy and will not allow a close approach. Their calls often elicit an immediate response from the giant Malabar squirrel's loud chuckle. Mannavannur is also a place where to see these fauna.

Deers like the barking deer, Sambar, Mouse deer are present here and there in the bushes and forests. The once in a while visitor is the Great Elephant, which comes from the plains. Several herds seem to stay up here year round now, probably victims of dire habitat alteration.

In the early 1900s there were panthers roaming near the lake. They were bold enough to catch cattle right out of the sheds. There are sightings of tigers in the Palanis, but people often confuse with panther and hyenas. In fact in Tamil name for hyena is donkey- tiger. Other rare remnants of these hills are the sloth bear and the brilliantly spotted leopard cat. Scattered groups of Nilgiri Thar still roam the high slopes and steep escarpments; but the increasing conversion of grassland to plantations may well drive them away from the Palanis altogether.

This place, Kodaikanal is a sure visit for a bird-lover or bird watcher. You will have to go to the Sholas since the birds are not so fond of pine, eucalyptus and wattle. Bombay Shola, right in the heart of town, can yield results and sometimes there is action even on the towering trees.

Among the common birds of gardens and wooded areas is the jolly little Red-Whiskered BulBul has a less prominent and red cheeks. The Red-Vented BulBul has a less prominent crest. Black BulBuls have a red beak which makes identifying them easy. Its calles are not so musical. There is another garden resident is the Slaty-Headed Sacimitrar Babbler. It is more heard than seen. Another common one is the ,Palani Laughing Thrush has a melodious whistling call up and down the scale, which has earned it the name of Whistling Schoolboy. Yet another ground lover is the blackbird, the male is glossy black with yellow bill, the female brown with a white-spotted breast. Pied bush chats, Jungle Mynahs, Spotted Doves and Crow Peasants live and nest in Kodaikanal's gardens. The Common Mynah is absent.

Around and In the sholas, there are colourful birds. There are Flycatchers - Grey - Headed, black and orange and the verditer. There are scarlet minivet and loud kutroo are really cool to see. Fowls are present in the sholas and on the way to Berijam. The Red Spur Fowl is also found. The lake is inhabited with Moorhens, Common Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Pond Heron, Large Pied Wagtail, Nilgiri Pipit, Painted snipe and a few others do inhabit the lake.

You can spot the Cresent Serpant Eagle, a dark brown raptor with a black and white crest and yellow unfeathered legs. The pariah kite is altogether is more clumsy bird, its forked tail makes it easy to distinguish it form other birds of prey. They are occaionally seen around the bazaar, picking up unprotected food. Pale rumped swallows are common, and their mud nests are sometimes found on the walls of houses. There is this edible-nest swiftlet, which makes glutionous nests form saliva. These are collected in large scale in the Eats, where they are eaten as soup.

The visiting birds in the winter are the common Rosefinch, the Blue Chat and several leaf warblers which come in hordes and are impossible to identify without help of a guide. One of the easily identifyalbe ones is Blyth's Reed Warbler, which goes around alone. Plants grown here

Plants grown here

Kodaikanal is blesed with a variety of flora. One of the oldest mountain range, the Western Ghats' offshoot, the Palani hills, in which Kodaikanal is situated, is comprised of two distinct geographical zones, the Upper Palanis which is at an elevation of 1520 - 2250 metres bordering the state of Kerala and the Lower Palanis which is at an elevation of 1000 - 1500 metres. The lower Palanis has Coffee, Banana, Orange, Avocada, Pineapple and Cardamom. The Upper Palani has terraced potato and garlic farms and pear, plum and peach orchards.

Tourist attractions

Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand.

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite walk for the locals and tourists alike.

Bryant Park

Just east of the lake and 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is a 1857 Eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi tree which adds a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer, to coincide with the peak season. Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all year.

Coaker's Walk (1900)

Coaker's Walk, 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church, providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal and it is open all year.

Bear Shola Falls

3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the bus-stand, is a tall waterfall in a Reserve forest. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-path.

Green valley view

Green Valley View, (formerly called Suicide Point) 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) from the bus-stand and near the golf course, has an excellent panoramic view of the plains and a sheer drop of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) overlooking the Vaigai Dam to the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with rows of shops to tempt tourists.

Pine forests

In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.

Shembaganur Museum of Natural History

It is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public (except Tuesdays) for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic orchid species. The museum is affiliated with Loyola College in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the ancient Palaiyar tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand on Observatory Road, at 2,343 metres (7,687 ft) is the highest location near Kodai. The first observations were commenced here in 1901. Former Director John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river. This Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility has a comprehensive Astronomical Science museum with organized public tours, access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing. It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.

Silver Cascade Waterfall

It is formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake

Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock pillars which stand 122 metres (400 ft) high. Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized. There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint.

Guna caves

It was made popular by the Tamil movie Guna, previously called Devil’s Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there. These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the cave system from afar. In the late 1970s the inside of the caves was well photographed.

Silver Cascade

It 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), is a 55-metre (180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake. The water quality is reportedly poor and not good enough for bathing. This impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall below the bridge which crosses the stream here.

Dolphin's Nose

Dolphin's Nose, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. It is an undisturbed area 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop. Beautiful views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short paved walkway leads from the road here to Pambar falls (which is also locally addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in 1985).

Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple

It is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the bus-stand, is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easwaran, who is in fact Lord Murugan. This temple was built in 1936 by a European lady, who on coming to Celon, converted to Hinduism.She changed her name to Leelavathi and married Mr.Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani by Mrs Devi Prasad Bhaskaran(also known as Padmini, niece and adopted daughter of Mr S Natesan Pillai, son in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband Dr R. Bhaskaran.

Berijam Lake

A calm serene lake surrounded by mesmerizing nature at a distance of around 20 km from Kodaikanal. Boating is prohibited as the lake is a source of water for villages. Forest department permission is required and limited number of vehicles are allowed to enter forest area where the lake is situated. Entry is restricted into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bison, deers, panthers and snakes are often spotted in this area. Fire tower, Silent Valley, Medicine Forest, and Lake View are other attractions around the lake. Psilocybin mushrooms which produce hallucinogenic effects when consumed, and other poisonous mushrooms grow around Berijam. Medicine forest has a certain species of trees whose fragrance is believed to be having hallucinogenic effects.

Dams @ Kodaikanal

Hydroelectric Power stations @ Kodaikanal

Hotels for stay

Resorts/Hotels	Hotel Level
The Carlton	4 Star
Hotel Kodai International	3 Star
Sabari Resorts	3 Star
Yagappa Heritage Resort	Resorts
Raahat Inn	Resorts
Apple Valley	Luxury
Royal Hotels	Luxury
S.V. International	Luxury
Goldan Parks Inn	Luxury
Hotel Grand Palace	Luxury
Kodai Resort Hotel	Luxury
R. R. Residency	Luxury
Summer Migrations	Luxury
JC Residency	Luxury
Hotel Gurupriya	Luxury
Kodai Gate Resort	Home Stay
Ganesh Guest House	Home Stay
AKR Guest House	Home Stay
Hotel RockFort	Economy
Hotel Spring Valley	Economy
Hotel Ruby International Kasim Hotel ( P ) LTD	Economy

Restaurants

Restaurants	Address	Contact Number
Woodys Restaurant	No 4/17 Woodlands Resorts, Near Kodaikanal Fire Station, Convent Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-241111
Club Astoria Non Veg Restaurant	Near Spencer Lake Junction, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-244088
Tava Restaurant	Kodaikanal, P T Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-241153
Albaiq Restaurant	Inside Raahat Inn Hotel, Laws Ghat Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-243360
Hotel Garden Manor	Kodaikanal, Lake Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-240461
Kovai Annapoorna Veg Restaurant	C/O Goldan Parks Inn, 7 Road Junction, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-246181
Sornam Restaurant	Opp To Ttdc, Fernhill Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-240213
Cafe Inn Restaurant	Inside Kodai Cliff Club, Naidupuram, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-2321211
Royal Tibet Restaurant	J S Heritage Complex, Near Seven Road, P T Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-241586
Punjab Restaurant	No 7/234-5, P T Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-241169
Silver Oak Restaurant	C/O The Carlton Hotel, Near Big Lake, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-240056
Akshaya Restaurant	Hotel S V International, Convent Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-244182
Al Ameen Restaurant	No 7/200, Inside Strawberry Park Hotel, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-242340
Abbas Restaurant	Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-240572
Kavibala Cafe	No 11/49, Inside Bala Hotel, Woodwill Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-241214
Peacock Restaurant	Silver Castle Resort, Prakasapuram Near Kodaikanal Chirstian College, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-246321
Sivaruchi Restaurant	No 45, Inside Sivapriya Hotel, Convent Road, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-241226
Sun Restaurant	Pethuparai Via, Ganeshpuram Perumal Malai, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-230399
A1 Sun View Restaurant	No 28 2 A A1 Sun View Hotel, Anandhagiri 6th Street, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-242677
Mass Restaurant	Inside Jayaraj Annexe Hotel, Bazaar Road Anna Salai, Kodaikanal	+(91)-4542-240178

Travel

Hospitals

Name	Type	Address
KMHS Hospital	Hospital	Kodaikanal GPO, Kodaikanal
Pasam Hospital	Hospital	PT Road, Kodaikanal
Government Hospital	Hospital	Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
Van Allen Hospital	Hospital	Kodaikanal GPO, Kodaikanal
Arun Ananth Clinic	Clinic	Kodaikanal GPO, Kodaikanal
CSI Rehabilitation Centre	Rehabilitation Centre	Woodwill Road, Kodaikanal

Banks and ATM

Bank Name	Address
Bank Of India	SGJ Thangadurai Bldg., 210 ABC - 16 Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
Canara Bank	CLS Book Shopping Bldg 10 - 116, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
ICICI Bank	S.G.J. Thangadurai Hall NO.210, ABC - 16, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
Indian Bank	Anna salai, Kodaikanal
Union Bank Of India	1st Floor, Municipal Shopping Complex, Old Bus Stand, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
IDBI Bank	DOOR NO. (210 - C - 1) - 16/75 Hotel Anjay Building, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
HDFC Bank	50 - 22 / 21, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
Central Bank Of India	Main Road, P.O. Perumalmalai, Kodaikanal
Central Bank Of India	17/328, Lawsghat Road, Kodaikanal

Post office

Police station

Fire station

Companies @ Kodaikanal

Schools and colleges

Schools

Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram

Brindavan Public School

Kodaikanal International School

Kodaikanal Public School

St. John's Girls Higher Secondary School

St. Joseph's Public School

St.Peter's Matriculation Higher Secondary School

St. Xavier's High School

Zion Matriculation High School

Sankara Vidhyalaya.

Colleges

Kodai International Business School (KIBS)

Kodaikanal Christian College

Sacred Heart College

Mother Theresa’s University

Kodaikanal Institute of Technology

Research centres

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is doing good work in Kodaikanal for the development of Flora especially Medicinal Flora. Cultivation of medicianl plants like Digitalis, Pyrethrum, Bellandona, Dioscrea and Mentha can revolutionise the economy of the rural people who are agriculturists. There is a research centre by CIMPO near Berijam for this. Work during the past ten years at HRs, Kodaikanal, has enabled the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University to identify certain varieties of Digitalis, Pyrethrum, Bellandona, Dioscrea, Mentha etc., which gave higher yields.

Kodaikanal news

Weather

The temperatures are cool throughout the year due to the high elevation of the city.