Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, popularly known as Kodai, is situated among the Palani Hills at 2133m from sea level. With its enchanting landscape, it is a trekker's delight and nature lover's paradise.

Kodaikanal is the only hill station setup by Americans in India. Later the British joined them. American missionaries established a school around 1845 for the education of European children. Today this Kodaikanal International School is one of the most prestigious private schools in India.

Shembaganur Museum: The flora and Fauna Museum is devoted to the archeological remains and flora and fauna of the hills. The museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College and has one of the best orchid collections in the country. The museum is six km from Kodai.

Silver Cascade: Located 8km from Kodai on the Kodai- Madurai Ghat road, this waterfall falls from a height of 180 feet. The fall is formed by the overflow of water from Kodai Lake. One can take a bath here if the water temperature is to one's liking.

Kurinji Andavar Temple: Three km from the lake stands Kurinji Andavar Temple, a small shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya. You may stumble upon some kurinji shrubs those blossomed and defied the 12-year time schedule. From the temple one can have a great view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Coaker's Walk: The Walk is on the steep southern face of the Kodai ridge. It has a telescope house and an observatory. The view of the plains from Coaker's Walk is breath taking.

Kodai Lake: The star attraction of Kodaikanal is the star shaped Kodai Lake that is beautifully landscaped. Boats can be hired from the Kodaikanal Boat and Rowing Club. The tourist department also has rowboats and pedal boats. Sir Vere Hentry Levinge who was the collector of Madurai created the lake in 1863 and settled in Kodai after retirement.

Pillar Rock: Situated 7km from Kodai is the Pillar Rock, three boulders standing vertically to a height of 120m. The Pillar rock is full of caves and chasms, a delight for the adventure seeker.

Palani: Palani's Malaikovil (hill temple) is the most famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. One has to climb 650 steps to access the inner sanctum of the temple. During January, for the Taipusam, over 200,000 devotees gather at Palani. Palani is 64km from Kodai and 57km from Dindigul.

Kodai provides various facilities of recreation for the enthusiast. Golf Club has one of the best courses in Kodai. For those who like a bike-ride, bicycles can be hired around the lake. Pony riding is a regular event and ponies can also be hired around the lake. The rates vary from Rs. 20 for a quarter round of the lake to Rs. 100 for an hour. Those who are interested in angling please contact the Inspector of Fisheries, Kodai.

One-day sight seeing tours are operated daily by the following Travel Car operators. 16 places are covered in one day. (9.30 AM to 4.00 PM)

Vijay Tours and Travels, Anna Salai, Tel: 41137.
A.V.L Travels, Anna Salai, Tel: 41025.
Kurunji Tours & Travels Hill Top Towers Tel: 40008.
Sugam Travels, PT. Road (Seven Road) Tel: 41378.
Akbar Travels, Anna Salai Tel: 41189.
King Travels, Wood Wille Road, Tel: 41057.
MP Travels, Fern Hill Road, Tel: 40780.
Lords of Lords Travels, G.D.S Complex, Tel: 41274.
Paradise Inn Tours & Travels, Laws Ghat Road, Tel: 41075.
Siraj Tours and Travels, 7/22, Anna Salai. Tel: 40414.
Sharma Transport, Hotel Sivapriya, Tel: 41226.
Praveen Travels, Hotel Sivapriya, Tel: 41226.
Glen Travels, PT. Road, Tel: 41185.
Sri Venkateswara Tours and Travel, 9, Maratha Shopping Complex, Tel: 42092. Travel Inn, 7 Road Junction. Tel: 40880.
Taj Tours and Travels, Anna Salai, Tel: 42002.

Airline Bookings can be arranged with the following travel agents.