Nature at her most beautiful. Where the ochre earth sayly covers herself in emerald silk-That is studded with gems of sheer, glittering water. The mist is her shawl, covering her with mystique and magic. And amidst all this is you, nature's own creation. The place is Kodaikknal, secludely situated 2100 meters above sea level, in the beautiful palani Hills.

Kodaikkanal is 120 Kms from the bustling city of Maudrai and at least tens and thousands of Kilometers from the mundane. Perhaps why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled.

The wooded slopes of kodaikkanal are filled with surprises. Kurinji a plant special to that region, turns the slopes into a sea of purple- once in 12 years!

Kodaikanal lies at the latitude 10deg7' N to 10deg20' N and longitude 77deg16' E to 77deg45' E on the southern tip of upper palani hills in the western ghats at an altitude of 2133m. The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji' that last bloom in 1992, is the nature's gift to Kodaikkannal. The slopes of the hill will be covered by the purple carpet during it's season. Step out of your room and right onto a star shaped sheet of glittering water. Yes, the kodai lake dominates this sleepy hill station. But wait a minute, the lake is actually man-made Go on, take that boats and paddles away. A short walk from the lake (yes, walking is the best way to reach any place interesting in tiny Kodai) and you can enjoy a magnificent display put by nature at Bryant's perk.

Those with stars in their eyes, can catch a glimpse of the heavens (literally speaking) at the Solar Observatory and from Kodai's two telescope houses.

Population: Approx. 60,461

Language(s): Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English

Climate: Summer, Max. 19.8° C, Min. 11.3°C   Winter , Max. 17.3° C, Min. 8.3° C

Best times to visit:April to June and September to October. But can visited throughout the Year.

Places of Interest

Heaven (esotically speaking)
Heaven (esotically speaking) can be glimpsed in some of the enchanting picnic spots that dot Kodai. Coaker's walk, running along a steep slope, offers a panaromic view of the plain. Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.

But don't stop there. Go on. Go a little away from the township of Kodai and some of the most beautiful scenery will hit your senses. Silver Cascade (8kms) and Kumbakkarai (65 Kms) are waterfalls situated in some of the most wooded parts of the hill station.

Berijam lake
Situated 21 kms from the township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin's Nose (8 Kms), a projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below. Then go on get higher upon life. Climb the2400 meter high Perumal Peak. And you'll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.

Cavemen in Kodai No
Cavemen in Kodai No, you won't meet any today, but their habitat at Kukkal Caves (40 Kms) and Dolmen's circle (22 Kms) are famous pre-historic, archaeological sites. For, those with orchids on their mind can visit the Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Kms.). It is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor, more than 300 species of orchids.

Shenbaganur Musem (5.6 Kms. )
Shenbaganur Musem (5.6 Kms. ) is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitors, more than 300 species of orchids.

The Kurinji Andavar Temple ( 3.2 Kms )
The Kurinji Andavar Temple ( 3.2 Kms ) is dedicated to lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful views of the northern plains and the Palaini Hills.

Palani (64 Kms)
Palani (64 Kms) is of course, a famous pilgrimage centre and is mythologically believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Other than these two, the Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, Two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St.Mary's Church, Lassalette, St.Joseph's Church, Luthern mission Church, Lake end offer, the devout a relaxed and genteel place to pray.

Excursion

Dolphin's Nose
Located about eight km from the lake, is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below.

The Perumal Peak
About 11 km from Kodaikanal, is a trekker's delight. Climbers begin their ascent from the Neutral Saddle.

Berijam Lake
Berijam Lake supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town, and is 21 km from Kodaikanal (beyond the Pillar Rocks). It is a popular picnic spot with a beautiful view.

Kukal Cave
Kukal Cave, 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping site for trekkers. Reportedly, descendants of the Paliyans still live here.

How to get there

By Road

Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns. Nax Travels would help you in arranging for A/C or non-A/C four-wheel vehicles with chauffeur. Our drivers are intelligent, proficient in English and well aware of happenings around them.

By Air

The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. It is well connected to other airports, especially Chennai.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Kodai Road Railway Station, which is 80 km away.