Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill resorts in Tamil Nadu and is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. Kodaikanal is located at a distance of 120 kms from Madurai and is located admist the verdant Pali Hills. It is situated at an altitude of around 2133 m and covers an area of around 21.45 sq kms. One of the most unique feature that attracts visits to Kodaikanal is the flowering plant called Neelakurunji which blooms only once in 12 years and is considered to be nature's gift to Kodaikanal. The hills of Kodaikanal are considered to be the best for trekking. The other tourist attractions to the place are Kodaikanal Lake, Berijam Lake, Shenbaganur Museum, Coaker's Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade Waterfall and Dolphin's Nose.

Tourist Attractions

Kodai Lake

The Kodai Lane is an artificial star-shaped man made lake which is at a distance of 3 kms from the bus stand. It was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge who was the district collector of Madurai. He constructed a bund over several streams that flowed over a marshy land. It is now a tree-fringed lake with lush green vegetation on both sides. There is a Boat Club and public ferry services available in this lake.

The Churches of Kodaikanal

There are mainly two famous churches in Kodaikanal which are the Lutheran Church of Kodaikanal and the famous Christ the King Church. The Lutheran Church is a building of Gothic stones and has few modern paintings portraying scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. The Christ the King Church is located near to this church. It is constructed of granite and has stained glass windows.

Bryant's Park

Bryant's park lies to the east of Kodai lake. The park was originally planned by Mr. H.D. Bryant, a Forest Officer of Madurai. It is situated in the heart of Kodaikanal and is named after Mr. H.D. Bryant. The park extends over an area of 20.5 acres and is well known for flowers, hybrids and grafts. The main feature of the park is that there is a very old eucalyptus tree which is 250 feet high and 10 feet wide and is over 150 years old. There is also an orchid house which has many varieties of orchids in it.

Pillar Rocks

The unique feature of Pillar Rocks are that these are three vertical pillars that stand side by side. They measure around 112 ms. These rocks are on most occasions surrounded by layers of mist. The beautiful sight of this leaves you guessing whether they are real or a figment of your imagination.

Dolphin's Nose

The Dolphin's Nose is a flat projecting rock and is located at a distance of 8 kms from Kodaikanal. From the Dolphin's Nose you get to see a breathtaking view of the Kodaikanal valley below.

Kukal Cave

The Kukal Cave is situated at a distance of around 40 kms from Kodaikanal. The unique feature of this cave is that this is perched among tall mountains, beautiful lakes, virgin forests and colonial legacy laced buildings. This place usually serves as a camping site for trekkers.

Travel

Air:  The nearest airport is at Madurai located at a distance of 135 kms.

Rail:  The railway station at Kodaikanal is located at a distance of nearly 80 kms.

Road:  Kodaikanal is well connected by Road with all important towns. Bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore.