Located 120 Km/75 mile away from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station at an altitude   of about 2133 m on the southern tip of upper Palani hills in Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats. A well known feature and the one that attracts a lot of tourists is the blooming of the famous kurinji flower, which blooms once in12 years.  

PLACES OF INTEREST 

Kodai's  most enchanting sights include the star shaped lake, spread over an area of 24 hectares where you can take up fishing and boating. A short walk from the lake and you can enjoy a magnificent display put by nature at Bryant's park.One of the world's oldest solar observatories is situated in Kodai, built in 1899 and from  Kodai's two telescope houses to catch a glimpse of the heavens. Coaker's walk, running along a steep slope, offers a panoramic view of the plain. Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.

Silver Cascade (8 Km/ 5 mile) and Kumbakkarai (65 Km/ 41 mile) are waterfalls situated in some of most wooded parts of the hill station. Berijam Lake, situated (21 Km/  13 mile ) from the township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin's Nose ( 8 Km/ 5 mile), a projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below. Climb 2400 meter high Perumal Peak. And you'll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in around Kodaikkanal. Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Km/3.5 mile) at the Sacred Heart College where about 300 species of orchids bloom and it is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor.

Kukkal caves (40 Km/25 mile) and Dolmen's Circle (22 Km/14 mile) are famous pre-historic, archaeological sites. Kodaikkanal too offers the visitor two historic temples. The Kurinji Andavar Temple (3.2 Km/2 mile) is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani Hills. Palani (64 Km/41 mile) is of course, a famous pilgrimage centre and is mythologically believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.  Other than these two, the Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, Two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal and the sacred Heart Church, Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St. Mary's Church, Lassalette, St. Joseph's church, Luthern mission church, Lake end offer, the devout a relaxed genteel place to pray.

Treeking Routes:

Kodaikanal-Dolphin's Nose-Vallagavi-Kumbakkarai( 8 Km/5 mile) - It takes 5 to 6 hours. The return trip would be very rough and the hiking need strong physique.

Kodai-Thopi thokki parai-Periyar Periyakulam: Roughly  a 5 hours & 19 Km/12 mile trek includes steep rise and one can have a glimpse of Guar. Coffee plantations are in abundance.

Kodai-Vilpatty-Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope-Palani: A 6 hours trek of 16 km/10 mile distance, takes you to Vilpatty village and from there, a zig-zag steep path runs along the river Palar. Elephants may cross. Be alert.

Kukkal-Kudiraiyar Dam: A difficult 13 km/8 mile long trek route takes 5 hours for a trained trekker. Water falls, sholas and deciduous forests will arouse interest. Better take a guide.

Pallangi-Poruthalur Dam: A 5 hour trek covering 14 Kms/9 mile runs through sholas, teak forests and plantations. It is advisable to have a guide.

Information

Location	Located 120 Km away from Madurai
Distance	Kodai Road (80 km), Madurai (120 km)
STD Code	04542
Language	Tamil, Hindi & English
Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit	Summer Max. 19.8 C and Min. 11.3 C. Winter 17.3 C and Min. 8.3 C.  April to June and September to October. But can be visited throughout the year.
Entertainment	Trekking, Lakes, Dams, Fishing & Boating
How to Reach	Air: The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. It is well connected to other airports. Rail: The nearest railway station is Kodai Railway Station, which is 80 km away. Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.

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