Kodaikanal - Princess of Hill Stations

Fondly called as the 'Princess of Hill Stations', Kodaikanal is regarded as one of the most sought after hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Located just 114 km away from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a big name in the list of most frequented tourist destinations in Dindigul district. Kodaikanal is all about perpetual woodlands, tranquil lakes, mesmerizing falls, misty mountains combined with the most cheering weather conditions. An integral part of the Dindigul district, Kodaikanal is rightfully a coveted tourist destination that receives visitors from all over the globe.


With a whopping elevation of 6,998 ft above sea level, Kodaikanal exhibits sheer splendor of nature, posing among the incredible Western Ghats mountain range. The hill station is the home of heaven-sent Kurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana) that blooms once in 12 years. A popular weekend getaway for people from bordering districts, a honeymooner’s paradise and a summer retreat - the multifaceted Kodaikanal is one among the important must-see tourist destinations of South India. Let's get to know more about this awe-inspiring hill station.

Most Popular Places of Interest in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal appears to be presented with all kinds of picturesque attractions that include splendid hills, stupefying waterfalls, placid lake, astounding groves and exuberant plant life which simply brands it as a romantic destination. The hill station is the home of a plethora of tourist spots and they are:

Kodaikanal Lake

A landmark of this hill station, Kodaikanal Lake is basically a man-made water body. A uniquely designed star-shaped lake that sprawls over 60 acres is one among the important leaks of the hill station. The 5 kilometers footpath set up surrounding this serene lake is a preferred walking path for localites and tourists visiting Kodaikanal.


Besides, dinghies and paddle boats can be hired from the renowned Kodaikanal Boat Club for a jolly cruising. Imagine pedaling your boat through mist smothering the lake, it is truly a never before boat ride to experience!

Tidbits:

Location: Near Kodaikanal Bus stand
Timings for Boat Ride: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (all days of the week)
Note: Boats can be hired only for 30 minute cruises
Fare: Rs. 40 (2-seater pedal boat), Rs. 70 per head (4-seater pedal boat), Rs. 110 per head (row boat)

Bryant Park

Located very near to the Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park is a well maintained botanical garden that spreads over 20.5 acres. The park is the proud home of over 325 species of trees, low woody perennial plants, 740 varieties of roses and various succulent plants of the family Cactaceae.

Flower shows and horticultural exhibitions organized by the park during peak seasons attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe.

Tidbits:

Location: 500 meters from Kodaikanal Bus Stand
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 per head
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (all days of the week)

Dolphin's Nose

A plane rock jutting over a jaw-dropping 6,600 feet deep opening! The adventurous bouldered trail that connects this breathtaking location starts right after the Pambar Bridge.

While trekking to the Dolphin's nose, visitors can relish delightful snacks in the roadside joints. A casual view from the Dolphin's Nose is likely to stun the visitors for a good few minutes. There are no words to explain the stunning bird's eye view the spot offers!

Tidbits:

Location: 8 km from Kodaikanal Bus stand
Best for: Adventure seekers, Trekkers, Nature buffs
Note: Heart patients - Please be advised

Coaker's Walk

A well maintained footpath stretch constructed adjoining the deep inclines on the southerly side of the hill station. The course is marked with numerous turns and bends, rolling around Mount Nebo sets out before the Van Allen hospital and links the main road alongside the famous St.Peter's Church, offering a sensational bird's eye view of the region.

On a day of moderate weather, visitors can enjoy the stunning view as far as Dolphin's Nose to the south, Periyakulam and even Madurai city and the Pambar River's valley in the southeast direction. Eyeshot through the observatory telescope set up near the main gate is a nothing short of a fascinating experience.

Tidbits:

Location: 500 meters from Kodaikanal Bus Stand
Best for: Photo lovers, Nature buffs, Adventure seekers
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per head, Rs. 20 per head for telescope house
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (all days of the week)

Silver Cascade

A terrific waterfall naturally took shape from the natural spring of Kodaikanal Lake.

Located at altitude 1,800 meters above sea level, this 180 ft marvelous waterfall is a must-see attraction of Kodaikanal. Several roadside fruit stalls and a few souvenir stalls are available here.

Tidbits:

Location: 8 km from Kodaikanal Lake
Entry Fee: None
Timings: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (all days of the week)
Note: Beware of monkeys!

Green Valley View

Formerly called as Suicide Point, Green Valley View features a 5000 ft steep drop.

The steps heading up to the point is equipped with numerous stores to attract visitors and the valley offers a stupefying bird's eye view of the plains.

Tidbits:

Location: 5.5 km from Kodaikanal Bus Stand
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (all days of the week)

Other Important Places to Visit in Kodaikanal:

• Devil's Kitchen
• Shembaganur Museum of Natural History
• Kurinjiandavar Temple
• Guna Caves
• Pillar Rocks
• Bear Shola Falls
• Wax Museum
• Old Suicide Point
• Shanthi Valley
• Pine Forest
• Chettiar Park
• Berijam Lake

Things to Do in Kodaikanal

As much as the places of interest, Kodaikanal also offers a long list of interesting things to do options to the visitors. Some of the most popular things to do options in Kodaikanal include

• Trekking - The hill station offers several trekking spots. Some of them are Perumalmalai trek, Trekking to Dolphin's Nose and so on. The tourist office has a trekking guide that is sure to come handy for the adventure seekers

• Boating at Kodaikanal Lake

• Cycling - Cycles for hire (hourly basis) are available around the Kodaikanal Lake. Cycle while watching the clouds gently settling onto the water is a must-try option

• Horse Riding - Rent a horse (with trainer) near the boat club and go for a jolly ride around the lake

• Balloon Shooting - Try your hand with balloon shooting near Green Valley View

• Shopping - Never forget to fill your bags with fresh Eucalyptus oil, assorted Spices and Herbs, Homemade Chocolates, Plums, Handicrafts and many other specialty products of Kodaikanal

Quick Facts and Travel Information:

Telephone Code: 04542
Languages: Tamil and English
Suitable Clothing: Summer - Light woolens, Winter - Heavy woolens

Avg. Summer Temperature: 19.8 °C
Avg. Winter Temperature: 8.3 °C
Avg. Rainfall: 165 cm (October to December - heavy rainfall period)

Peak Season: April to June
Low Season: February to March, July to September
Second Season: October to January

Nearest Bus Stand: Kodaikanal Bus Stand (Woodville Road)
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IATA: IXM, ICAO: VOMD) - 120 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (station code: KQN) - 100 km

Distance Chart:

Madurai to Kodaikanal: 115.2 km
Dindigul to Kodaikanal: 95 km
Trichy to Kodaikanal: 198.2 km
Coimbatore to Kodaikanal: 172.2 km
Chennai to Kodaikanal: 515.9 km

Popular Restaurants:

Astoria Veg Restaurant - South Indian Cuisine
RJ Inn - North Indian Cuisine
Tibetan Brothers - Tibetan and Chinese Cuisine
Pine & Petals - Multicuisine
Cloud Street - Continental Cuisine
Eden Paradise Restaurant - Kerala Cuisine
Rasoi - Gujarati and Punjabi Cuisine

Popular Hotels:

The Carlton Hotel - Luxury
Kodai Retreat - Budget
Fairway Inn - Luxury
Elephant Valley Hotel - Mid-range
Cranberry Residency - Budget
Hotel Bala International - Budget
Villa Retreat - Mid-range

Important Contact Details:

Tourist Office (Govt. of Tamil Nadu):
Township Bus Stand Rest House Complex (Next Bus Stand),
Kodaikanal, Dindigul District
Phone Number: +(91)-4542-241675