Kodaikanal Hill Station - India

Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes,mighty rocks,enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake,Kodaikanal is a charming hill station. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower',which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste.

Attractions:

Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is one of the beautiful picnic spots in Kodai,located 21-km away from the bus stand. This lake supplies drinking water to Periakalam town. The scenery around here is delightful.

Bryant Park: Bryant Park situated on the eastern side of the lake,is noted for flowers,hybrids and rafts. Varieties of flowers can be seen in a glasshouse. The annual horticultural show is held here in May.

Shenbaganur Museum: Shenbaganur Museum is located about 5-Km from the lake. The Sacred Heart College maintains this museum. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species of orchids and wide-ranging collection of birds are found here.

Coaker's Walk: Coaker's Walk derives the name from Lt. Coaker,who prepared the map of Kodai and it is about a kilometre from the lake,which runs along a steep slope on the southern side of the Kodai. Some of the best views of the plains can be seen from here.

Kodaikanal Lake: Kodaikanal Lake is a magnificent man-made lake,which spreads out in a star shape over sixty acres is a main attraction as it is set among the greenery. The boat club here offers several pleasure and racing trips.

Pillar Rocks:Within the city limits one can see three boulders standing shoulder - to - shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 metres providing a panoramic view.

Travel Information:

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).
• By Rail: The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
• By Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km),Ooty (264-km),Trichy (197-km),Coimbatore (175-km),Kumili (160-km),and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai,Palani,Kodaikanal Road,Theni,Dindigul,Tiruchirapalli,Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.