ABOUT KODAIKANAL

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Kodaikanal is the most beautiful and popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. 
It is located in the famous Palani Hills in Western Ghats and is known as
the Princess of hill stations. Kodaikanal is situated about 7,200 feet 
above the sea level. 
Kodaikanal is the most sought after honeymoon destination in South India 
because of its scenic beauty and it has the attribute to leave any nature
Lover mesmerized by its charms. 
The word Kodaikanal means gift of the forest in local language. 
The dense forest with many varieties of trees, the huge rocks in 
the wilderness and the enchanting waterfalls, makes it a real gift 
for the tourists visiting this place. Kodaikanal is famous for 
eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, plums and pears. Kodaikanal is
famous for the kurinji - flowers, which blossoms only once in 
twelve years. Woolen clothing is available at cheaper rates in the 
Tibetan refugee bazaar. 
It is one of the refreshing summer retreats in 
this part of the country.Set at an altitude of 
2100 meters above sea level,Kodaikanal soothes 
the visitor with the cool climes. 
The surrounding forests provide great trekking 
opportunities and some awesome scenic views. 
There is also the beautiful Kodai Lake famous 
for its natural beauty.The not so adventurous 
can enjoy strolling around this place and spend
a quite and relaxing vacation. A boat ride in 
this lake can also be a very good idea. 
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is during the 
time between the months of April and June.During 
this season the weather is cool and pleasant. 
Temperature varies between a comfortable 20 degrees 
and 10 degrees.You can also plan a trip to Kodaikanal
during August and September when the surroundings are
green and lively.The time between October and March 
are extremely chilly. The beauty of Kodaikanal is 
completely different during this time of the year.


Berijam Lake : 

perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai. 
This is a plastic free zone and it is beautiful and serene. 
The lake lies within a reserved forest region. You need to 
get permission to visit this lake. Permissions need to be 
obtained on the morning of the intended day of visit from 
the forest office. Usually the person who arranges the vehicle 
will arrange the permit. Moreover, in peak season, a limited 
number of vehicles are allowed in per day.

Chettiar Park: 

a bautiful park with many coloured flowers and greenery. An area
of reclining back at peace with nature. It is a pretty place for 
clicking pictures; and also have swings for kids.

Coakers Walk: 

If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the
place would be before 2PM. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds 
(only in winter)beneath you form an ocean,reach the place between 3PM 
and 6PM. Try and catch the sunrise here or in the nearby Greenlands 
Hostel. A marvel. Also try out the telescope near the main gate. This 
place is very near the bus stand.


Bryant park : 

A must see. Its main entrance is on the road surrounding the lake and 
is a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the boat club. Nicely maintained 
and a huge park. Their flower shows during summer are very famous.

Kodai Lake: 
If you are going in winter, go boating in the evening, as it's an amazing 
experience to boat through fog settling on the lake. The lake is very near 
the bus stand. This is a star shaped lake and walking around it during the 
night is one of the best walking experience you can have in your life. Be 
cautious that there are lot of dogs around this lake and some places are 
extremely dark. Walk between 6 and 7 pm, then head back to your room.

Kurinjiandavar Temple : 
about 4 km from the lake is a temple whose presiding God is Lord Muruga. 
The flowers inside the temple bloom once in 12 years. One can get a view 
of the Palani Hills and the Kodaikanal Town from this temple. During the 
winter, the view of Kodai city and Palani from the two ends of the temple 
is blocked. However, in summer, the visibility is good and hence the 
experience,Flowers of the Kurinji plant that bloom once every twelve years

Suicide Point: 

has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good 
attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent
people from being lured to commit suicide. 

Pillar Rocks :

huge steep cliffs. Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted 
by an English adventure enthusiast.
Silent Valley View

Devil's Kitchen : 

a cave known more to the locals, First being "Green Valley View" 
and "Pillar Rocks" and then finally "Guna Cave". Watch out for the 
deep hidden ravines. What would appear like mere dark gutters are actually 
a deep fall. Many unsuspecting people have fallen prey to the "devil's trap".


Guna Caves :

a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very steep and risky to 
get in. The public may not be allowed to enter this cave nowadays, though it's 
a very good place to take pics. But if you are not a professional spelunker, a 
trip to this cave may be your last. Getting back will be problem as it's very 
dark and there could be about a 90% chance of suffering a free fall.

Pine Forest : 

It's on the way to the guna cave. A great view of long, pine trees. You can go a 
little deep into the forest and be surrounded with numerous pine trees one after 
the other. Opportunities for some interesting photo shoots available! You can also 
buy fresh carrots and plum and local fruits from there.

Shanthi Valley - another pine forest nice place.

Top Tourist Places in KODAIKANAL recommended by travellers

1. Kodaikanal Lake

2. Kurinji Andavar Temple

3. Berijam Lake

4. Pillar Rocks

5. Dolmen Circle

6. Bryant Park

7. Perumal Peak

8. Shembaganur Museum

9. Chettiar Park

10. 80 Mile Round

11. Kukkal Caves

12. Bear Shola Falls

13. Subrahmanya Temple (Kartikeya Temple)

14. Christ the King Church