Kodaikanal Hill Station Tour

Kodaikanal is a popular hill station located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 2,133 meters (7,000 feet) above sea level.

The name Kodaikanal means “the gift of the forest” in the local language, and the town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including forests, waterfalls, and lakes. One of the main attractions of Kodaikanal is the Kodaikanal Lake, which is a man-made lake built in 1863. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, and horse riding around the lake.

Other popular attractions in Kodaikanal include the Coaker’s Walk, which is a scenic walking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and the Bryant Park, which is a botanical garden with a wide variety of flowers and trees. The town is also known for its homemade chocolates, which are a popular souvenir for visitors.

Kodaikanal has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It is a popular destination for tourists seeking to escape the heat and humidity of the surrounding plains.

Overall, Kodaikanal is a beautiful and peaceful hill station that offers a range of outdoor activities and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.

How to reach

Kodaikanal is well-connected by road, rail, and air to major cities in South India. Here are some of the ways to reach Kodaikanal:

1. By Road: Kodaikanal is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and nearby states. Regular buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, and other cities. You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach Kodaikanal.
2. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road, which is located about 80 km away. Trains from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore stop at this station. From Kodai Road, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kodaikanal.
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, which is located about 120 km away. Flights from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai operate to Madurai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal.

Once you reach Kodaikanal, you can use local transport such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws to get around the town and nearby attractions.

Nearby Attraction in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Lake

At a distance of 3 km from the town bus stand lies the exquisite Kodaikanal Lake. The place proves to be an idyllic picnic spot and attracts a huge number of travelers and visitors from every corner of the world. The environs here are sure to give you some very prized moments of your life.

Kodai Hill

The Kodai Hill, reaching up to a height of 8000 feet is no less attraction for sightseers and picnickers. The hill has an interesting Solar physical observatory built atop it. The observatory was established in the year 1898.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

The Kurinji Andavar Temple stands at a distance of 3 km from the Kodaikanal Lake. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is said to be associated with the Krunji flowers that grow on the hillside. What is interesting about the flower is the fact that it blooms once in 12 years and its honey is said to possess magical properties.

Shenbaganur Museum

Another attractive feature of the town is its Shenbaganur Museum. The museum exhibits a fascinating collection of relics and artifacts related to the Palians who once lived in these hills. It is a must-visit site.

Berijam Lake

At a distance of 21 km from Kodaikanal lies one of the most beautiful lakes in South India. The star-shaped lake is spread over an area of 24 hectares and is famous for its pure water.

What are the adventures in store?

One can go on short treks along the Palani Hills, which offer some splendid sights of the region to spellbind its visitors. There are a number of local viewpoints around. And if someone makes up his mind to go boating the Kodaikanal Lake lies here. It’s a wonderful experience drifting along the lake in such intoxicating environments.

Which are the nearby hotels?

Kodai Resort Hotel is a 2-star offering room service, laundry, travel counter, multi-cuisine restaurant, convention hall, doctor on call, car parking, children’s park, indoor/ outdoor games, Internet, safe deposit, telephone, fax, etc. Hotel Kodai International (125 km from Madurai Airport) is very popular among tourists. It has 62 aesthetically decorated rooms providing all the basic amenities to cater to the varied needs of both business and leisure travelers.

What is the best time to visit?

Though Kodaikanal enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, the ideal time to pay a visit to this wonderful hill station is between the months of April and June and between September and October.

Things to do

Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station that offers a range of outdoor activities and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Kodaikanal:

1. Boating at Kodaikanal Lake: Kodaikanal Lake is a man-made lake built in 1863, and is one of the main attractions of the town. Visitors can enjoy boating in the lake, which is surrounded by beautiful scenery and lush greenery.
2. Trekking: Kodaikanal is surrounded by forests, hills, and valleys, making it a great place for trekking. The most popular trekking trails include the Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, and the Perumal Peak. These treks offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers.
3. Coaker’s Walk: Coaker’s Walk is a scenic walking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The walkway is about 1 kilometer long and is situated on the slopes of a hill. You can also visit the Telescope House, which is located on the trail and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
4. Visit the Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is a scenic lake located about 20 km from Kodaikanal. It is situated in a beautiful forest reserve and is known for its clear waters and serene surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful boat ride or a picnic by the lake.
5. Visit Bryant Park: Bryant Park is a beautiful botanical garden located in the heart of Kodaikanal. It features a wide variety of flowers and trees, including roses, dahlias, and magnolias. You can also enjoy a stroll in the park or relax on the lawns.
6. Try local food and shop for souvenirs: Kodaikanal is known for its homemade chocolates, which are a popular souvenir for visitors. You can also try local dishes such as idlis, dosas, and vadas, as well as other South Indian delicacies. The town also has several markets where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local produce.

Overall, Kodaikanal offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, making it a great destination for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.