Extensively
visited by tourists and yet very serene, the beauty of virgin nature could
be best witnessed in the breathtakingly beautiful hill station of
Kodaikanal. Situated 2133 m above the sea level in Tamil Nadu, the
magnificent hill station was developed by American missionaries in 1845. On
arrival, the tourist is greeted by orchards of pear trees with extended
branches.
Accommodation and Connectivity
The airport nearest to Kodaikanal is Madurai at a distance of 120 kms.There
are frequent flights to most other Indian towns and cities. The nearest
railhead is Kodai Road Railway Station at a distance of 80 kms from the
place. Kodaikanal is connected by road with most of Tamil Nadu and nearby
states. Being a popular hill station, bus services to Kodaikanal from other
parts of the state are timely and very convenient.
Kodaikanal offers very good accommodation facilities for tourists of all
class groups. Apart from star category private hotels, TTDC also runs a few
good category hotels. Many lodges, guest houses and the Circuit house of
Kodaikanal also cater to the needs of tourists. However, it would be wise to
avail advance booking benefits during the peak season.
Tourist Attractions
Kodai Lake
The tree-fringed Kodai lake enthralls all who come to Kodai. The lush green
tress on both sides of the lake gives the impression that they are jealously
guarding the lake by forming a natural fence. There is also a Boat Club and
public ferry services.
Kodai Club
The
Kodai Club is a masterpiece of colonial India. It has a well stocked library
of classical English literature. Heads of tiger and bison adorn the walls of
the club. The restaurant at the club serves many delicacies of the British
period.
Kodaikanal School
The Kodaikanal school with its sprawling campus, well manicured lawns and
tall tress also attract the tourists to the place. Over 30 nationalities are
represented in the school community of students and staff.
The Churches of Kodaikanal
The Lutheran Church of Kodaikanal is a building of Gothic stones. It has a
few modern paintings portraying scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Near
the Lutheran church is the famous Christ the King Church, a granite
structure with stained glass windows.
Bryant's Park
OTo the east of Kodai lake is Bryant's Park. Very beautiful pine and
eucalyptus trees could be seen here. One of the eucalyptus trees, 250 feet
high and 10 feet wide is over 150 years old. The gardens of the park are
very well laid out and delicately maintained. Many varieties of orchids have
been kept in the Orchid House.
Green Valley View
Providing a bird's eye view of the abundance of scenic beauty of Kodaikanal
is the Green Valley View point. Located at a distance of 1000 feet
overlooking the Vaigai Dam, this place is enveloped by a thick layer of
clouds most of the time.
Pillar Rocks
There are three vertical pillars that stand side by side and measure 112 m.
On most occasions, the rocks are surrounded by mist and leave one guessing
whether they are real or a creation of one's imagination..
Shenbaganur Museum
The
Shenbaganur Museum has an impressive collection of stuffed-birds and the
butterflies. The Sacred Heart College has one of the best orchidariums in
the country with more than 300 species of orchids.
Excursion Delights
Dolphin's Nose
It is a flat projecting rock located at a distance of 8 kms from
Kodaikanal. A breathtaking view of the scenery below is available.
The Perumal PeakIt is a place frequented by adventure
lovers. Trekkers climb the mountains from this point.
Berijam Lake
Berijam is a popular picnic spot that provides a serene ambience.
Kukal Cave
Located at a distance of 40 kms from Kodaikanal, it is another place for
trekking. Perched among tall mountains, beautiful lakes, virgin forests and
colonial legacy laced buildings, Kodaikanal is an experience one would
cherish for the rest of their lives.
