Kodaikanal

Location: Tamil Nadu, India
Climate:
Summers: 29⁰ C (Maximum), 16⁰ C (Minimum)
Winters: 21⁰ C (Maximum), 9⁰ C (Minimum)
Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to Jan
Nearest Airport: Madurai (120 km) and Coimbatore (175 km)
Nearest Railhead: Kodai Road (80 km)
Must Visits: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Devil's Kitchen, Green Valley View etc.
Language Spoken: Tamil and English
STD Code: 04542

Kodaikanal is a gorgeous hill station located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Also referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal serves as an idyllic getaway destination; away from the hotchpotch and chaos of the cities. This hill station is spread over an area of about 22 square kilometers and elevated to a height of nearly 7000 feet above the sea level due to which its temperature are lower and easy on the soul as compared to the neighboring cities of Chennai, Madurai etc. Surrounded by thickly forested Palani Hills and immersed in the scenic beauty with many natural water bodies including wondrous waterfalls, green meadows and grasslands, and ginormous eucalyptus trees, the natural touch of Kodaikanal seems to have been unswayed that makes it a place absorbed in serenity. The best thing about it is that visitors do not have to travel long distances in order to experience each popular location, as the place provides astounding viewpoints that are incomparable to any other place in India. No wonder much of its local economy thrives on tourism and the hospitality industry.

Kodaikanal, which means "The Gift of the Forest" in Tamil, was established in the year 1845 by Americans Missionaries and British Bureaucrats who couldn't bear the scorching heat of the plains and became quite prone to epidemic tropical diseases and consequent deaths. Lt. B.S. Ward was the first European to visit Kodaikanal in the year 1821 whose headquarter was based in Vellagavi Village. However, visible evidences through artifacts suggest that in 14th century it was inhabited by the Paliyans and the Pulyans who fled from the plains to escape the tyrannous reign of Tipu Sultan. There are even archeological evidences that point to human habitation in the BC era. Also, there are reliable sources of Greek and Roman times which have mentioned a similar tribal distribution that is in the present times. Kodaikanal is also known for its unique flower Kurunji that blooms only once in 10-12 years; it last bloomed in 2004 and is expected to bloom again in 2016-2018. With historical references to popular deity Murugan, this blossoming symbolizes the purity and celebration in shared love.

Kodaikanal is well linked through roadways to neighboring cities. The nearest railway station and airport is Kodai Road and Madurai airport respectively, which are well connected to all major cities of India. Kodaikanal is haven for people who enjoy being submerged in the nature and losing themselves in the tranquility. Tourists' attractions include Kodai Lake that offers rowboats and peddle boats to the tourists, Bryant Park that boasts of 325 species of trees and 740 varieties of roses; Coaker's Walk that offers a panoramic view of the plains; Dolphin's Nose that is a flat rock projecting breathtaking chasm of 6600 meters; and many more attractions such as Pillar Rocks, Guna Caves, Pine Forests, Museum of Natural History etc. Tourists can also indulge themselves with shopping at the cheese factory for variety of cheeses, low on budget homemade chocolates, locally made herbal oils, and for variety of spices.

Best Time To Visit Kodaikanal
Wish to take a break from the heat, haze and humdrum of big city? Grab your backpacks and head out for the quaint hill station of Kodaikanal and lose yourself in the laps of nature altogether. Said to be every trekker's and nature lovers'

History Of Kodaikanal
A popular tourist spot in southern India, Kodaikanal is also referred to as 'Princess of Hills'. The history of Kodaikanal is centered on the growth and development activity undertaken by the British in the region. Right from 1821 to 1953,

How To Reach Kodaikanal
There is nothing more exhilarating than exploring an unknown place and Kodaikanal definitely is one place to explore. Kodaikanal, which means 'gift of the forests', is the perfect summer retreat that boasts of enchanting scenic

Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, with its mystic beauty and charisma, beckons nature lovers from all around the world. This 'Princess of Hill Stations', standing elegantly on the southern tip of Palani hills, is renowned for its Kurinji flowers, which is the major attraction of this place.

Shopping In Kodaikanal
The very mention of Kodaikanal is good enough to stir an image of beautiful Kurinji flowers, misty clouds and of course, delicious homemade chocolates in our minds. No travel is complete without picking souvenirs, which aren't just