Kodaikkanal Travel Guide

Kodaikanal is one of the most romantic hill stations in the south India , Kodaikanal is located at an altitude of about 2133 mts. on the southern tip of upper Palani hills in the western ghats. British administrators first surveyed these hills in 1821. Kodaikanal-better known as Kodi, about 120 kms from the bustling city of Madurai, is surrounded by wooded slopes, waterfalls and precipitous rocky outcrops. Nature at her most beautiful where the ochre earth say covers itself in emerald silk-that is studded with gems of sheer, glitters water. The mist is her shawl, covering her with mystique and magic. The most enchanting sight of Kodai is the star shaped lake spread over 24 hectares where one can go fishing and boating. Perumal peak is a favorite trekking haunt. The walk to the pillar rocks is especially beautiful. Another amazing attractions at Kodai are the simply exotic flowers growing wild and over 300 species of orchids at the Orchidarium in the Sacred Heart College. Most heart capturing of the blooms, is however the Kurinji which blooms only once in 12 years. The Kurinji Andavar temple (3.2 kms.away) is dedicated  to lord Subramanya  and offers a lovely views as well. Other attractions include the various waterfalls like the silver cascade, the fairly falls& Glen falls. Also present in Kodai is one of world’s oldest solar observatories dating back to 1899.

Today Kodai is a fast growing resort centre. The small artificial lake, created in 1910 by the building of a dam just below the international school, acts as a focus of the town.

Places of attraction

Astrophysical  Laboratory: Built in 1889 this laboratory stands on the highest point in the area 3 kms along Observatory Road uphill from Kodai’s lake. It houses a small museum open 10 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm Friday. The buildings housing the instruments are off limits.

Flora and Fauna Museum : Also worth a visit is the Flora and Fauna Museum at the Sacred Heart College a theological seminary founded in 1895 on Law’s Ghat Road at Shembaganur. It also has some archaeological remains.

Parks and Waterfalls: Near the start of Coaker’s walk is Bryant Park landscaped and stocked by the British officer after whom it is named. At Chettiar Park about 3 kms uphill from town and 1.5 kms past the Kurinji Andavar Temple there are numerous waterfalls-the main one Silver Cascade is on the road up to the Kodai. The views along the Coaker’s walk which has an observatory with telescope and from Pillar Rocks a 7mts. hike are great.

Kodaikanal Lake : It covers 24 ha in a star shape surrounded by wooded slopes. The lake of  Kodai has been wonderfully landscaped.