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Travel to Kodaikanal

If you travel to the southern tip of the upper Palani hills in the Western Ghats you will find you're in the beautiful hill resort of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal was developed as a hill resort by British and European settlers in India. The pleasant weather and verdant scenery of this hill station reminded European travellers of their home countries and they chose to settle down in this pleasant hill resort.

Located 120 km from Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a green hill station at an altitude of 2,133 m. The hill resort of Kodaikanal is known for its forested green hillsides, walking paths, picturesque waterfalls and rocky outcrops. Its pleasant climate, fruit orchards, abundant bird life, and rare orchids make travelling to Kodaikanal a nature lover's delight. The rare Kurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years, is also to be found in Kodaikanal. It was last seen in bloom in 1992.

Travel Attractions in Kodaikanal:

The Lake

This 24-hectare lake surrounded by a 5 km long road is the centre of Kodaikanal. It was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge (1819-1885), the collector of Madurai who retired and settled in Kodai. Boating on the lake is a popular travel attraction, as are pony rides around the lake.

Shenbaganur Museum: This museum was founded in 1895 and displays archaeological remains and local plant and animal specimens. One of the biggest orchidariums in the country, with more than 300 species of orchids is also to be seen here.

Solar Physical Observatory: Founded in 1989 at the highest point in Kodai, at an altitude of 2343 m, this observatory is popular with travellers who can observe the stars and planets using the telescopes here.

Telescope House: The telescope house at Coaker's walk, offers panoramic views of the green hills slopes and valley.

Silver Cascade: The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as a waterfall. This is a favourite bathing spot for travellers.

Dolphin's Nose: Travellers can look at the view of the Yawning Chasm below, while standing on the flat surface of this projecting rock. It is about 8 km from the lake.

Bryant Park: Situated on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake, this park with its glasshouse and annual flower show in May, as a part of Summer Festival is a major travel attraction.

The Perumal Peak: This 2,440 m high peak is about 11.3 km from Kodaikanal and offers an excellent opportunity for trekking. The climb begins from a point known as Neutral Saddle (Perumal Mallai Village).

Fairy Falls: A beautiful picnic spot located 5 km from the lake; it has a naturally created bathing basin.

Kukkal Caves: These beautiful and historic caves show traces of the leaf-clad Paliyans, the earliest known inhabitants of these hills.

Dolmen Circle: Situated 18 km from the lake, it contains pre-historic remains, original burial urns and models of dolmens. These have been unearthed and are on display in the Shenbaganur museum.