Kodai Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Tourist places Tamil Nadu India

     Kodaikanal (also spelled Kodai) is a town and a taluka division in Dindigul district in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” and is a popular tourist destination.  It is known as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ because of its natural beauty. Much of the local economy is Hospitality industry based on national and international tourism.  This city was established by American missionaries around 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.  Kodaikanal Hill Stations located at an altitude of 2133 mts.  (7000 feet). It is located above the upper Palani Hills. It lies between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys. The hills form the eastward spur of the Western Ghats on the South India. The climate of this place is endowed throughout the year. The temperature of this place does not have very big change. This place is traveled by large number of tourist throughout the year frequently. It is about 409km from Chennai, 109km from Dindigul.

About Kodaikanal City in Tamil Nadu State

The Kodaikanal road offers a breath-taking view of coffee plantations and dense forests to this beautiful resort. The word Kodaikanal is a combination of two words Kodai and Kanal. Kodai means summer, Kanal means watching in Tamil. The word means a great place to visit in summer.

Kodaikanal Town earliest residents were Palaiyar tribal People. Tamil Sangam literature has the specific reference of the city and Palani Hills.

It's population is about 36,501 with a ratio of 1,004 females for every 1,000 males. It is much above the national average of 929. According to the census of 2011. Children under the age of 6 were 3,893.  It constitutes 1,945 males and 1,948 females.

It's Economy mainly depends of tourism.  Nearly 3.2 million tourists are visiting Kodaikkanal Hill station in every year. The infrastructure of the town changes into every year during the peak tourist season. To regulate the traffic major roads are converted into one-way lanes. For the protection of local business and tourist special police guards are brought. During the high peak season the hotels are fully booked. Large number of hotels are available for booking in offseason. After the development of Madurai, Palani and Coimbatore cities Kodai Hill station has become a busiest tourist place all around the year.

Chairman : Thiru. P. Chelladurai

Visit Kodaikanal Hill Station in Tamil Nadu South India

Kodaikanal Hill Station is well known for its rich flora. The dominant varieties of trees are cypress, eucalyptus and acacia. Large number of Pear trees are here. The fruits of the trees are in high quality. Variety of flowering trees, rhododendron and magnolia are here. The major attraction of Bryant part is large dahlias.  This park is situated close to the Lake. 

It is about 60 km from Dindigul and 120 km from Madurai.  Of all the three major hill stations of Tamil Nadu Ooty, Kodaikkanal and Yercaud it is definitely the most beautiful and unlike Ooty does not warrant heavy woolen clothes during winter.  It is located on the western crest of the Palani hills amidst thickly wooded slopes, precipitous rocky outcrops, waterfalls, fragrant and colorful flowers with astonishing viewpoints that is incomparable to any place in India.  Unlike Ooty where you have to travel long distances to see the places of tourist interest,  here you can visit all the places within walking distance.  This is nice place not only to escape the heat of the tropical summer and a perennial place of relaxation.  The word Kodai mean's cool resting place in summer.

      The collector of Madurai Vere Leving constructed several roads and dug the lake.  The climate is quite ideal for blossoms to bloom and the Pambar stream provides excellent water.  One of the world’s oldest solar observatories (1899) is also located here.

 The best time to visit in Kodaikkanal is April-May and second season is from December to January.

Fruits in Kodai Town

It has several fruit growing including custard apples, pears, peaches, avocados, guavas, plums, passion fruits, tree tomatoes and several types of berries and etc.  Plums and pears are its speciality.

Foods in Kodai India

It is famous for homemade chocolates. South India, North Indian, Western, Tibetan, Chinese food also available. Dishes like idly, dosa, vadai, noodles, cheese, brown bread, muffins, and peanut butter. Home made Cheese is also famous Dishes here.

Kodaikanal Honeymoon

Kodaikanl is a romantic hill station for the newly-weds Honeymoon Couples. Boating is exciting in lake. Pony ride is available on hire. We can take cycle ride around the Lake. The best honeymoon packages are available. It is the best place to visit in honeymoon couple.

Kodaikanal Tourism Information

Kodaikanal Tourism Information is noted for its sunny and equable climate and for its enchanting beauty.  It stands amidst great sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills at a height of 2133m above sea level.  Its luscious greenery, wooded slopes, lakes and enchanting waterfalls form a visual treat to the visitor.  Fruits like plums and plantains grow abundantly apart from a wide variety of flowers.  The pride of this city is Kurunji, a rare flower which blooms once in twelve years making the hill slopes a blaze of purple.  The place has been developed as a health resort.  With its many lakes and rocky escarpments, it is suited for a quiet rest as well as for vigorous relaxation.  The best season to visit this place is from April to June and December to January during this period it is very cool and chill.

Set up as a European sanatorium in 1845 by the American Madura Mission, This hill station's main hub is an artificial lake, created in 1863.  Boat clubs, walking paths, churches, parks and a golf course soon followed and in 1901 an American boarding school for the children of missionaries was started.The British set up Fort Hamilton, a military outpost at Beri Jam, a marsh 21 km from away and built a road to Top Station in 1925.  Fearing a possible Japanese invasion of South India in 1942, the British hastily repaved the 81km stretches an escape route from the hills to the harbor at Cochin.  With a maximum elevation of 2,481m/8,140ft, the Kodaikonal-Munnar Road was among the highest motorable roads in India South of the Himalayas until closed to traffic in 1990.  The historic 3-day trek requires written permits and is one of 17 scenic walks that showcase the area's natural splendor thick shoal rainforests enveloped in mist, the smell of eucalyptus and pine and the fabled kurinji that flowers every 12 years.

Kodaikanal Sightseeing Places in English

The Starfish-shaped Lake forms the nucleus of this compact town.  Surrounded by eateries and cars selling hot bajjis and tea, the lake's 5km perimeter is ideal for walks (45min), cycling or horse rides.  Boats are available at the TTDC Boat House and Rowing Club and anglers can cast a line for carp and trout with prior permission from the Inspector of Fisheries. Kodai kanal is about 64km south of Palani and 60km from Batalagundu and 20k from Kodai Road railway station.

East of the lake is the bust Seven Road junction, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, curio shops and stores advertising home-made chocolates, marsh mallows, incense and aromatic oils.

Southeast of the lake is Bryant Park laid in 1908 by H.D.Bryant, a forest officer from Madurai.  The 8.3ha/20.5 acre botanical garden is a storehouse of 325 species of trees, with a separate section for 740 rose varieties and ornamental plants on sale at the nursery.

Just across the road, beyond St Peter's Church (Church of South India), is he legendary Coaker's Walk (open 7am to 7pm), cut into the hill's southeastern ridge by Lt Coaker in 1872.  Hemmed in between Villa Retreat and Greenland's Youth Hostel, the 1km paved path offer scenic views. Dolphin's Nose, Pambar River and Madurai can be seen more clearly through the telescope in the small observatory.

For more long distance viewing, drop by at the Observatory, perched atop the town's highest point north of the lake on Observatory Road.  Started in 1898, it is one of the oldest observatories in the world and India's only Solar Physical Laboratory.  One of the oldest extant telescopes in the world and rare solar photographs are also on showcase.  The exclusive precincts are open to visitors only on Friday between 10am to 12.30pm and 7-9pm.

North of Observatory Road, 1.6km from the lake is Bear Shola Falls, a watering hole for bears in the past.  Convent Road heads north of Lake to Kurinji Andavar Temple 3km away, with spectacular views of the Palani Hills and Vaigai Dam.  Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Lord of the Hills, the temple slopes are carpeted with Kurinji, whose purple-blue flowers blossom every 12 years(Watch out for 2016).

From Bryant Park, the road splits into St Mary's Road, which ends in Pambarpuram at St Salette, the oldest church.  The right of the fork Club Road merges into Upper Shola Road.  Upper Lak Road offers a panoramic view of the lake while Fairy Falls Road leads to the wispy waterfall near the Horticultural Research Station.  The Upper Shola Road meanders south-west of the  lake to Green Valley View (Suicide Point) and  a clutch of shops. These are the very important places in Kodaikanal Sightseeing.

Hiking and Trekking

Kodai kanal Visitors enjoy a long hiking and trekking.  It is a wonderful 3 to 4 days trek. It has an available delightful path.  The usual trek follows south escarpment from the Berijem lake to the Kerala border Vandaraw and back through Poondi, Kavunji,Kukkal are Poombarai village. The big mannavanur sheep farm wile crossed. We have to hire a local guide to avoid missing of routes. The view of the cliff is breath taking. We can see several mountain streams in the panoramic view can be seen.  Previous Permission should be obtained from district forest office to stay in rest houses food should be brought while trekking since only tea shops are available at villages in between.

Kodaikanal Tourist Places List

The location of this Kodai hill station is about 2133m. Large number of tourist visits this place all around the year. Important places like Bryant Park, Pillar Rock, Lake, Solar Observatory, Telescope Houses at Coaker's Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Perumal Peak, Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Falls, Berijam Lake, Museum, Orchidorium at Sacred heart College and Shenbaganur. Trekking routs are available in a good manner. These are the List of important places to visit in Kodaikkanal, Tamil Nadu, India.

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikkanal Lake provides a beautiful view. The star shaped Lake spread over an area of 24 hectares and is rimmed by a 5km long road, is the focal point of Kodei. It is the main attraction of this hill station. It was created in 1863, by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge (1885), the Collector of Madurai. Sir Vere Hentry Levinge settled here after retirement. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. Fishing and boating are main sport here. The boat service was opened to the public and tourists. It is provided by Kodai kanal Boat club and Rowing Club. It is a nice emperience to stroll around this beautiful landscaped lake. An annual boat race is held in May during the Summer Festival.

 It is a major tourist destination for all. Wherever honeymoon couples and tourists enjoy boating. Children also enjoy bicycle racing and horse riding. Jogging is a common practice for fitness enthusiasts. 1890 Boat club Association started. Fishing is allowed in the lake with proper permission. It is an important places to visit.

Boat Club

The boathouse was built in the year 1910. Since the 1920s, very few tourists have been allowed to take boat rides. Since 1932, ferry services have been provided to the public and tourists. Today, T.T.D.C Boats, Kodai Boat Club and Carlton provide boating facilities here.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is on the eastern side of the Lake. It is near the Coaker’s Walk. This place is about 1km from the bus stand. It is a beautiful park planned and built by the forest officer of Madurai H. D Bryant in 1908.  This park is about 20.5 acres of botanical garden. It is famous for its flowers, hybrids and grafts.  Cut flowers are exported from here. Fine varieties of flowers can be seen here from the glass house.  We can see 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactus. There are 1857 Eucalyptus trees and a Bodhi tree. Bryant Park has 740 varieties of roses are also available here. There are 90 different varieties of cacti and succulents are available here. This park attracts lot of tourist for its flower show and vegetable show in the summer season. The flower show is conducted every year during May, as a part of the summer festival. Bryant Park in one of the important places to visit in Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu.

Chettiar Park

Chettiar Pak is tucked away in the north eastern corner of the town. Beautiful and well maintained park. It is on the way to Kurinji Andavar temple.  This park is a charming place to stop by. Chettiar Park in one of the important picnic spot in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.

Kodai Water falls

There are numerous waterfalls with picnickers and Tourists. Fairy Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls and Bear Shola Falls are the main falls that serve as good picnic spots.  Bear Shola Falls is about 1.5 km from the lake and can be reached by a picturesque ragged path.  Silver cascade is on the Laws ghat road via 6.8km from Kodaikkanal city. The other falls are also within walking distance from the Lake. They are beautiful and charming as their names indicate.

Silver Cascade Falls

Silver Cascade is about 8km from the Lake. The over flow of the Lake came down here as a 180 feet high waterfalls. The people who are interested can have a bath here but Government has not allow to bath. Siler Cascade Falls is one of the important places to visit in Kodaikkanal Tamil Nadu.

Bear Shola Falls

Bear Shola Falls is an ideal picnic spot in Kodaikkanal. It is about 1.6km from the bus stand and 2km from the lake. Once upon a time bear came there to drink water so this fall got the name Bear Shola falls. We can reach this falls by the hill path. To serve the growing population of Kodai a reservoir has been constructed. This waterfall can be reached through a beautiful rugged mountain pass. It is an excellent picnic spot. Rainy season is the best time to visit this falls.

Coaker’s Walk

Coaker's Walks is about half a km from the Lake.  It is named after Lieutenant Coker, the engineer who prepared the map of Kodai. Er. Coaker identified this steep slope pathway in 1872. It is a hill edged pathway runs along a steep slope on the southern side of the hill. The Pedestrian path is about 1km along the south side of the City.  It is a semi-circular beautiful path overlooking the plains. The view from here is simply captivating. The distant plains appear to be a dreamland. It provides an excellent view of the plain below. We can view dolphin's nose in the south valley of the river Pambar, Periyakulam town and the city of Madurai through the telescope on a clear and visible day (without mist). We can view the clouds running with shadows on clear sunny days. Coaker’s Walk is best picnic spot in Kodaikanal India. Entry fee is collected here.

Golf Club

Golf Club is situated on the road to the Pillar Rocks. The Kodai Golf Club boasts of a well-laid 18-hole course fit for competitions at national level.  Often the golfers teeing in the early morning accost herds of wild animals.  The Club is exclusively for its members.  Non-members and holidays golfers, who want to play, have to pay a special subscription.  It is about 143 acres. The tourists on the road have a glimpse of the whole range.

Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks is one of the important tourist places in Kodaikanal Tamilnadu. Deriving the name from the three boulders standing shoulder to shoulder vertically to a height of 122m(400 feet), providing a magnificent panoramic view, this place is a popular picnic spot in Kodai Town.  Pillar Rocks is 7.4 km from the lake. Over 100 dolmens and other megalithic remains dating back to the second century can also be found. A mini garden is also created here.

The Solar Observatory

 Solar Observatory is about 5.2km from Kodikanal Lake.  This is one of the oldest observatories in the world that came into being in 1899. It is situated at an altitude of 2347 meters. The solar observatory is being used to observe sunspots and their behavior.  Solar Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology are the main concerns.  It is about 850 ft higher than the lake and sea level is above 2343m. This observatory is the highest point in Kodai.

Generally visitors are not allowed to enter the observatory. But here they can visit a small museum which is open from 10 am to noon and 2 pm to 5 pm.

Dolphin's Nose

This flat protruding rock shaped like a dolphin's nose is about 5.6km from the lake. It overlooks a deep valley and provides a panoramic view.

Shenbaganur Museum

   Shenbaganur Museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College, a seminary founded in 1895.  The museum has the best orchidarium in the country and has over 300 species of orchids. The Spanish Father Ugarthe donated his major collection to the museum. Apart from the flower collection there are many stuffed birds and butterflies. Also worth visiting are the tools and burial mounds of Palaiyam, the ancient tribes of the hills.

 This museum devoted to the flora and fauna of the hills.  It is about 5.5km from Lake. It is dedicated to the preservation of some archeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills are preserved and exhibited here.  It is a must for ever visitor as it enlightens on subjects very interesting to hilly habitat. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets. Timings: 10 am – 11.30 am and 3pm to 5pm.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

The Kurinji Andavar temple is about 3km from the Lake. An ancient temple dedicataed to Lord Subramanaya as Muruga, which is a popular place of worship.    Kurunji is the name of a flower of the hills.  The word Kurinji also means “a hill region” in Tamil literature and Andavar means God. So Lord Muruga is referred as the “God of the hill” here. It is a small bush and blooms one in 12 years.  The flowers are a delicate mauve and during the flowering season the hill sides look completely mauve and look like a mauve-tinted fairy land.  Near the Prospect Point is the Kurinji Andavar temple.  The presiding deity is Lord Muruga just like Lord Dandayuthapani of Palani. 

The temple was built in 1936 when a European woman converted to Hinduism and renamed herself Leelavati Ramanathan. It contains a statue of Lord Muruga, seated on a peacock, and a statue of his brother Ganesha. The famous pilgrim centre Palani and Vaigai Dam gives us a panoramic view from here.

Kurinji Flower

Kurinji Flowers blossom once in every 12 years.  The last blossom was 2016. During that period Honey got from this place is supposed to be more sweet and good for health.

Kodaikanal Best Places to Visit

Orchid Museum

Known as Shembaganur Museum, it was founded by the Sacred Heart College, a Theological Seminary, in 1895.  This remarkable house is having more than 300 species of Orchids. This is a popular place for botanist and garden enthusiasts.

Telescopic Houses

There are two telescopic houses at this place; one is near Kurinji Andavar temple and another at Coaker's Park. The Telescope House occupies an ideal location along Coker's Walk, where one can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley and nearby villages through the telescope installed here. A nominal fee is charged for availing this facility.

Water Falls

There are several beautiful waterfalls around Kodaikonal which are worth visiting. Silver Cascade is situated on the ghat road at a distance of 8km. Bear Shola falls is very near and it is an ideal picnic. The Kembakkorai waterfalls is about 12km away.

Fairy falls

Fairy falls is a delightful picnic spot just 5km from the Lake.  There is a beautiful waterfalls here. This waterfall is a popular picnic spot and excursion site.

Beryjam Lake

Beryjam Lake is about 21km from City. This is a beautiful lake which is the chief source of drinking water for Periakulam town. The Bear Shola waterfall is a very popular picnic spot in Kodaikanal.

Perumal Peak

Perumal Peak is about 11km from the city. This is a 2440m high peak offering excellent opportunity for trekking, starting from Perumal Malai village, a point known as Neutral Saddle.

Kukkal Caves

Kukkal cave is at a distance of 40km travel by bus upto Poombarai and then give a walk. This is a historical place as it is said that it was once a habitat of ancient cavemen. The caves are of overhanging slabs of rock.  It is now favorite campsite for trekking. After walking through geranium plantations pine and wattle forest. The Kukkal forest rest house can be reached. This rock shelter is at an altitude of 1500m. We can see the traces of earliest settled tribes. Paliyans wear leaf clothing.  Manjam path Valley has lot of bison’s.

Dolman Circle

Dolman Circle is located near Parvatha Vihar and the Pannikadu village. It is about 17km from Kodai Lake. The dolmens are very fantastic stone slabs. Kodaikkanal is put on anthropology map mainly because of the presence of pre historic remains dating back to 5000BC. These are called dolmens and Kistavens. They are the dwelling and burial place of people stone age and Iron Age. The dolmens are fantastic stone of two very large erect stone slabs topped by a larger flat slab. These stones are very large erect and it is topped by a larger flat slab many of the dwellings were destroyed. We can see this in two places. They are the Perumal Peak and Shenbaganur Museum. Phone Number : 04542-241210.

Green Valley View

Green Valley View is about 5.5km from the Lake. It is very near the Golf club.  This point gives us a beautiful view of the Vaigai dam.  The valleys of Green are very deep, dense and dangerous. This place is also known as suicide point. Phone: 04542-240287.

Moer Point

Another great view point is Moer Point. It is located about 3 km from Pillar Rock-Perijam Lake Road.

Silent valley view

Silent Valley View is just a little away from the pillar rock, Berijam Lake road.  Silent valley view provides a breath taking view. Take care of the children here.

Shree Vardhaman Mahaveer Jain Temple

Shree Vardhaman Mahaveer jain temple is located opposite to the Kohinoor Bungalow at Chettiar Road, Kodaikkanal Phone: 04542-241164.

Silver Cascade

Silver cascade is about 8km from Lake. The over flow of water in Lake comes down in a height of 180 feet.

Pambar Falls

Pambar falls is about 4km from Kodaikonal City.  "Grand cascade" is the another name for this Magnificent. We can reach by a steep, precipitous Path behind Pambar falls.  Racing down Pambar Ravine is Zig-Zagging stream that cascades over a series of rock formations.

Joye's forest Trek

Joey's house is about 45 minutes drive.  It lies inside the forest. We can Trek here through the jungle. Elephant and bison are seen here.  Mobile Number : 09842145220.

Berijam lake View

Berijam Lake view is about 19km from the Kodai Lake. This place provides the panoramic view of Berijam Lake. It is located just before one reaches the lake.

Tourist Information Center

The Tourist Information Centre located near the bus stand. Open from 10.00 am to 5.45pm on all days except holidays. Phone: 0454-2241675.

It can be reached by excellent roads.  Regular bus services are available from most of the cities in South India.  Taxis and autorickshaws can be hired for local sightseeing on the hills.

Places Around Kodaikanal

Palani

This major pilgrimage centre of the South is one of the six scared abodes sites of Subramanian. It is 64 km from the city and 57 km from Dindigul. The road from Kodaikanal to Palani is noted for its breath taking beauty.  The sacred Malaikovil or hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan or Subramanya is perched atop a 140m high hill and can be reached by a flight of 659 steps or an electrically operated winch.

The presiding deity is known as Sri Dandayuthapani, as the idol is made of medicinal herbs.  This unique idol is enshrined in the main sanctum.

During the festival of ‘Panguni Utthiram’ (May-April) and ‘Adi Krithikai’ (July – August) large number of Kavadi dancers assemble at the shrine.  Another most important occasion is Taipussam, which is held in January.  Large number of devotees assemble here during this time.

Dindigul

Dindigul is major road and rail junction of the region.  Dindigul is dotted with ancient shrines and is about 94km from Kodai.

Sri Kottai Mariamman Koil

The 200 years old temple at the hill top fort (Kottai) enshrines the mariamman idol, which is said to be installed by a soldier of Tipu Sultan. The temple is adorned with splendid sculptures depicting various incarnations of the goddess Mariamman.  There are also shrines of Vetri Vinayaka and Lord Muruga.

Sri Kaalakatheeswarar Temple

The ancient temple came into prominence during the period of Thirumalai. Naicker who renovated several temples in and around Madurai. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Kaalakatheeswarar and goddess Gnanambika.  The festival of Brahmasaram in the month of Chitrai is the main event celebrated here.

St.  Joseph Church

Britishers started the construction of the church in 1866 and was completed in 1872.  It is the head church of the Dindigul district.

Madurai

Over 2,600 years old, Madurai, the oldest city in the south on the banks of the Vaigai River, is often referred to as the "Athens of the East". It is considered the 'cradle' of Tamil culture and literature. This seat of learning encouraged the creation of epics and buildings. The last of the three Tamil Sangam (Academies) flourished here nearly 2000 years ago, meeting periodically to evaluate the literary works of eminent scholars. Located in the heart of the southern subcontinent, Madurai also emerged as a major economic center as it lay at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. The antiquity of this city is shrouded in mythological legends. It is mentioned in the epics Ramayana and Kautilya's 'Arthasastra'. The travelogues of Magesthenes (302BC), Pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140AD) also give an account of the city.

How to Reach Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu India

How to Reach By Air

The nearest airport is at Madurai (121km). Trichy airport is about 200km.

How to Reach By Rail

The nearest railheads are Kodai Road (80km), A railwa station on the Madurai-Trichy-Chennai rail route. Palani (66km) on the Coimbatore - Madurai - Rameswaram rail line is the other railhead. Buses are available from these Railway stations.

How to Reach By Road

It is well connected in all the main cities in Tamil Nadu. The names of the cities are Chennai 526 km, Madurai 115 km, Trichy 197km, Coimbatore(172 km), Bangalore (466 km), Ooty (252 km) etc. Locally taxies and mini buses are the mode of transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Which are the best hotels in Kodiakanla?
So many hotels are available here. They are in this link. Hotels List

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