Kodaikanal Tourist Places
Top Kodaikanal Tourist Places – A Soothing Hill Station
Kodaikanal, also known as Kodai, is a mesmerizing hill station perfect to get a vacation location. Situated around the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills, Kodai is situated in the Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu state. It’s situated at a height of about 2,133-m and spreads over an area of 21.45-sq-km. A preferred tourist vacation spot, having lots of healthy splendors for example waterfalls, a pleasant lake, and several beautiful mountain viewpoints. The places can also be known for hill-plantation of fruits and plums recognized for their freshness and taste. Kodaikanal can also be famous for educational institutions of worldwide repute. From Kodai, Mount Perumal, an extinct volcano, may also be viewed.
Attractions at Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, the hill station is an attraction by itself, topped up by several critical sights. Some of the main attractions here are the Kodaikanal Lake, a magnificent man-made lake, which spreads out in a very star form of more than sixty acres. It really is the main attraction as it’s set among the lush greenery. An added attraction could be the boat club, providing quite a few pleasures and racing vacation trips. The Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21 km from Kodaikanal is an essential attraction right here. Getting a star-like shape, it is spread over an area of 24 hectares and is known for its pure water. There’s also a park here called Bryant Park situated around the eastern side of the lake and is well-known for flowers, hybrids, and rafts.
Another important attraction right here is the Shenbaganur Museum, situated about 5 km through the lake. This museum has far more than 300 species of orchids and a wide collection of birds. Another exotic attraction, the Coaker’s Walk, is a high-edged pathway. It derives its name from Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodai. It really is situated about a kilometer from the lake, operating along a steep slope around the southern aspect of the Kodai. A famous temple in this area, the Kurinji Andavar Temple has Lord Murugan as the presiding deity. It is situated about 3.2 km from your lake. From this temple, one can get a watch on the northern plains and Palani Hills.
Excursions Packages from Kodaikanal
Excursions are intended to energize you and this number of excursion spots in and around Kodaikanal do. Among probably the most well-known would be the Dolphin’s Nose, situated about 8 km in the Kodaikanal lake. It’s a flat protruding rock, providing breathtaking views in the valley. Then, there’s the Perumal Peak, situated about 11 km from Kodaikanal, which can be another popular vacation spot. It really is deemed a trekker’s delight plus the trek starts through the Neutral Saddle. One of your popular picnic holiday vacation spots, Periyakulam city is situated around 21 km from Kodaikanal. Yet another essential destination for a superb holiday could be the Kukal Cave, situated about 40 km from Kodaikanal. It really is a favorite camping website for trekkers and it is said the descendants from the Paliyans nonetheless live here.
Kodaikanal Travel
Kodaikanal offers many adventure possibilities to vacationers on their holiday trip inside the city. 1 of those possibilities could be the Golf Club, located 5 km from Kodaikanal Lake. Boating and Angling amenities are offered with the Kodaikanal Lake. There are many wonderful trek routes obtainable in and about Kodaikanal. The Kodaikanal inside the Palani Hills is perfect for small-time trekking. You are able to take short treks and hikes to tourist spots nearby. Overnight treks are also achievable here exactly where one can spend an evening at a regional village.
There’s also a Boat Club right here, designed in the 12 months of 1910. It was opened in May perhaps 1929 for a few vacationers who had permits. Later on, it was opened totally to the public in 1932. Boats like T.T.D.C, Kodai boats, and Carlton boats are obtainable for hire.
Shopping At Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is not a famous buying destination but one can absolutely look forward to obtaining artifacts and present goods. The well-known locations to shop in Kodaikanal would be the Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Shops, Travancore Crafts Operate, Authorities Gross sales Emporium, Kurinji Mini Supermarket, Spencer and Corporation.
Fairs and Festivals at Kodaikanal
Summertime festivals are celebrated at hill stations of Tamil Nadu including Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud. These summertime festivals entail several Cultural programs, journey sports, boat races, and flower and fruit exhibits, including charm for the festival.
Some of the popular fairs and festivals celebrated in Kodaikanal are:
- Kodaikanal Flower Show: This festival is held in the month of May and showcases a variety of flowers and plants from the region.
- Kodaikanal Food Festival: Held in the month of June, this festival celebrates the local cuisine of the region and is a foodie’s delight.
- Kodaikanal Boat Race: This festival is held in the month of August and features boat races on the Kodaikanal Lake.
- Kodaikanal Christmas Festival: Held in the month of December, this festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and features carol singing, church services, and other festive activities.
- Kodaikanal New Year Celebration: This festival is celebrated on the first day of January and is a time for new beginnings, resolutions, and hope for the coming year.
These are some of the popular fairs and festivals that take place in Kodaikanal and are a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
Kodaikanal Tourist Places for Sightseeing
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station located in the eastward hills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Comprised largely of meadows and grasslands with a thick forest cover containing evergreen trees such as eucalyptus, cypress, and acacia, Kodaikanal is also known as ‘The Gift of the Forests’. It is home to the rare Kurunji flower that blooms just once in 12 years. As the climate is usually cool throughout the year with temperatures not going beyond 20 degrees in summer, people flock to Kodaikanal tourist places to escape from the hot and humid climate of the lower areas.
Kodai Lake
Also called the Kodaikanal Lake, this star-shaped lake is home to various birds and the 5-kilometer long path that is near the shores of the lake is one of the favorite places where tourists come for a casual walk and enjoy the beauty of nature. Tourists can avail pedal boats and rowboats along with horses and bicycles.
Berijam Lake
This pristine bed of calm and pure clean waters surrounded by hills and forests is one of the top Kodaikanal tourist places sited in the upper Palani Hills. The Berijam Lake is located at the old site of Fort Hamilton in Pillar Rock Road.
Coakers Walk
Constructed in 1872, by Lt Coaker, it is a pedestrian walk, one kilometer long built on the steep slope of mountains. The Telescope house is a must-watch for nature lovers. People also ride bicycles. The best time to visit the Quakers walk is after 2.00 p.m.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kurinji Temple or the Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, the God of Hills. It is much known for the summer festival celebrated in May every year. Tourists visiting this temple also enjoy the beautiful view of Palani hills and Vaigai dam.
Bryant Park
It is named after Glenn Bryant, a British Army Officer who conceived and landscaped this botanical garden. Tourists generally visit this place in summer to enjoy the flower and vegetable show that is organized every year in May. The glasshouse in the garden allures
Dolphin’s Nose
It is a well-known trekking spot and is considered one of the best Kodaikanal tourist places. In the shape of the nose of a Dolphin, this massive rock projects breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Tourists can also access the amazing Liril Falls or Pambar here.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Located at 2,343 meters above sea level, the Solar Observatory not only provides breathtaking views but also offers various scientific attractions to its visitors
Silver Cascade Falls and Vattakanal Falls
The beautiful Silver Cascade waterfalls on the Madurai-Kodai road are over 180 ft high and a must-see place to visit in Kodaikanal. Vattakanal Falls can be approached by trekking through a small, beautiful forest. The rainy season is the best time to see these falls. They are certainly a treat for the eyes.
Pine Forest
Well maintained by forest officials, the Pine Forest attracts photographers and directors of South Indian films with its diverse flora and tall, slender pine trees.
Added to these tourist places in Kodaikanal are Kukkal Caves which show traces of the ancient ‘Palaiyar’ tribes and Perumal Peak, one of the highest peaks of the Perumalai mountains.
How to reach Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a popular hill station located in Tamil Nadu, India, and can be reached by various modes of transportation:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai, which is located about 120 km away from Kodaikanal. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kodaikanal.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Palani, which is located about 64 km away from Kodaikanal. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kodaikanal.
- By Bus: Kodaikanal is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states by road. There are frequent bus services available from cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.
- By Car: Kodaikanal can also be reached by private car or taxi. The drive from cities such as Chennai and Bangalore takes about 8 to 10 hours.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey to Kodaikanal is scenic and provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
In the summer months (April to June), temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making it a great time to escape the heat of the plains. The monsoon season (July to September) is characterized by heavy rainfall, but the region is still beautiful and lush with greenery.
In the winter months (December to February), temperatures can drop to as low as 5°C, making it a great time to enjoy the chilly weather and take part in winter sports such as skiing and sledding. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
Overall, Kodaikanal can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on individual preferences and the type of activities one plan to undertake.
