kodaikanal in tourism place

Kodaikanal called 'The Princess of Hill Stations ", is located right in the folds of the green Palani hills in Western Ghats at an altitude of approximately 2133 m. The beautiful hill station that covers an area of 21.45 sq.km. lies 120 km away from Madurai, in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu.

Kodai hills were occupied by the primitive tribes Paliyans and Pulyans in the 14th century and later by the villagers of Palani foot, fleeing from the plains to escape the oppressive regime. Europeans began to explore the place after Lt. BS Ward, who visited kodai hills in 1821 presented a report on the beauty and climate

the place. Developed in the 18th century, the hill station was gradually introduced by the American Madura Mission and British missionaries who built homes, churches, schools, and introduced and planted new trees to make kodai what it is today. Several dignitaries who have visited the place also contributed to the all around improvement in place. Now kodai is surrounded by thickly wooded slopes, waterfalls and a beautiful manmade lake in the center around which the city lies. The hill town is renowned for its international educational reputation. The Kodaikkanal Observatory, overcoming the hill is one of the main and only of its kind institutions in India for the study of meteorology, solar physics and related subjects.

Kodaikanal has a refreshing climate where the temperature does not vary much from summer to winter. Fruits as plums and plantains grow entirely on the wooded slopes from a wide variety of flowers, including the famous Kurinji flower that blooms once in twelve years. Kodaikanal is a relaxing place with lots of beauty for those who want to get away from the heat and fog of the dusty plains in the summer months, and for those seeking adventure, with its many walks ranging from 8 km to 27 km hiking trails in the forest. Contact the District Forest Office (DFO) (Phone: 91 - 04542 -240287) near Hotel

Tamil Nadu, for Star Trek and details necessary permits. Beri-Jam (23 km), a beautiful reservoir in the middle dense forests is a nice hike.

Lakeview: A major attraction for tourists of Kodaikanal is the man kodai lake which is at a distance of 3 km from bus stand. This star-shaped lake, shining like a jewel amidst the emerald green wooded slopes, was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levings (1885), who was Collector of Madurai retired and settled in kodai. Using his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams into a lake by building a strong base. He brought both from Tuticorin and arranged boat rides in the lake and stocked the lake with fish. He introduced several foreign trees and vegetables such as Pine and pear shapes, and planned and executed several approach roads to Kodaikanal. The 60 hectare lake is surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 km in length, which takes about 45min to go. At sea you can indulge in activities like boating and fishing. The boat club provides both for rent. Luxury both are also available. Now tourists enjoy walking, sailing, riding and bicycles in and around the lake. Fishing can also be obtaining permits from the Inspector of Fisheries. Pony Rides for children and adults around the lake is part of kodai Holiday. Boat Club (Ph: 04542-241315) and Levings memorial overlooking the water.

Brynt Park: This Park is situated in the heart of the city, 0.3 km from bus stand. The park was originally planned, and the formation of a forest officer in Madurai, Mr. HD Bryant in 1908 and named after him. The beautifully maintained park stretches over an area of 20.5 hectares and is famous for flowers, hybrids and grafts. From his old days, there is an artificial pool. There are 325 species of trees and shrubs. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters over fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. A flower show is conducted annually in May, as part of Summer Festival. There is a Eucalyptus tree aged 150 years and a 'Bodhi' tree, which increases the importance of the park. Ornamental Plants grown in a nursery for sale. A large section devoted to nearly 740 varieties of roses.

In year 1872, Lt. Coaker cut a path along the ridge of a steep slope on the southeast side of kodai, which recommends a magnificent view over the plains below. Just 1/2km away from the city, this hill-edge path way was named after him, as Coakers Walk. The 1 km bankruptcy around Mt. Nebo starts near van Allen hospital and joins the main road above St. Peter's Church provides a wide-angled stunning views over the plains. It gives some of the best views of the Plains. On a cloudless, clear day can have interesting sights, such as nose dolphins in the south valley Pambar River in Southeast, birds eye view of Periyakulam and even city Madurai. A special mention

must be made of a phenomenon called 'Brachem Specter' in Coakers time occurs very rarely, you can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo when the sun is behind him with cloud & fog in front. An initial fee of Rs.5 / - is collected per here.

Kurinji Andavar Temple: The Temple is located about 3.2 kilometers from the lake is dedicated to Lord Murugan. In Tamil literature "Kurinji" means "Hilly Region" and "Andavar" means God. From this temple, one can get an overview of the northern plains and Palani Hills. The purple blue kurinji flowers blooming once in 12 years carpets hillsides around the temple.

Bear Shola Falls: So named because it once attracted bears, it is a popular picnic spot, about 1.6 km from the lake and 2 km from bus stand. Bear Shola Falls can be reached through a picturesque rugged hill path. There are many other falls in kodai, the most important among them is the silver cascade.

Pillar Rock: Situated 7 km from kodai is Pillar Rock, three granite formations over 120 meters tall, stand shoulder to shoulder, giving a beautiful view. It has a mini garden with beautiful flowers. Pillar rock is full of caves and ravines, a delight for the adventure seeker. There are over 100 dolmens and other similar remains that have been found in Palani hills, all datable to around the 2nd century AD.

Flora and Fauna Museum: Flora and Fauna Museum around 5.6 kilometers from the lake, maintained by the Sacred Heart College in Shembaganur. A Theological Seminary was founded in 1895. It is dedicated to the archaeological finds and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best Orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species are also located here. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the museum. An extensive collection of birds, classified into land birds, water birds, wooden birds and large high flying birds such as Black Eagle, Bengal Vulture, Honey Buzzard, Crested Hawk-Eagle.

Silver Cascade: The waterfall is located at Ghat road leading to Madurai and is about 8Kms from Kodaikanal. The effluent from kodai lake coming down here as 180 feet high falls. If the temperature of the water is suitable, tourists can take bath in the falls.

Summer Festival: A festival held every year in May, where the boat races, flower and fruit shows are specially designed to add to the splendor. Cultural programs are also executed during the festival.