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Kodaikanal

''Kodaikanal is a town located in the Dindigul district of the state of Tamil Nadu in India.It is an hill station also known as the Princess of hill stations as it attracts more visitors during the summer season. These hills are a spur from the Western Ghats mountain ranges located through the western part of the peninsular India.
Kodaikanal means Gift of the forests in the local language Tamil. Meadows and grasslands are found all over with Eucalyptus trees and shola forests flourishing in the valleys. ''

The charm of the hill station lies in the densely wooded green forests and the gigantic trees, creeks and slopes, bowers and rocks attract the visitors again and again. There are trails to climb to the jutting rocks at the Kodaikanal is also rewarding to the trekkers. There is an arduous climb of about 400 feet which is a must for every mountaineer / trekker.

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. Kodaikanal lies pretty in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. The summer retreat of Kodaikanal literally means ‘gift of the forest’.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The temperature in summer range from a maximum of 20°C to a minimum of 11°C, and in winter from 17°C to 8°C. This hill station has a pleasant climate throughout the year, therefore can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit is June and September to October.

PLACES AROUND KODAIKANAL

Kurinji Andavar Temple - Lord Muruga is the presiding deity of the temple, who is believed to be the God of hills. Devotees and tourists are bestowed with the views of Vaigai dam and Palani hills. Summer festival in the month of May is also one of the reasons tourists flock to the temple.

Kodai Lake - boating allowed, most of the distances around is measured with respect to it.

Bear Shola Falls - Just 2 Km from the Kodai Lake, the place is a real beauty, especially during the monsoons when the fall gets strengthened with the rains.

Bryant Park - Named after the British officer who is credited with the conception of the idea of its creation- Glenn Bryant, the botanical park is only a short distance away from the Kodai Lake visited mainly in summers. It is full of the flower, ornamental plants and ferns.

Pillar Rocks - The straight rocks of granite appear like pillars and thus being referred to as Pillar Rocks. The place is great for a panoramic view at the height of 400 m.

Shenbaganur Museum - If relics of art and crafts are a much appreciated ‘something’ of life, this museum which is a part of Sacred Heart College of Kodaikanal has to be visited. Rare birds, flowers add to the list of reasons to visit it. For the latter reason only, it is also referred by the name ‘Flora and Fauna Museum’.

Madurai - This city is only 40 Km from Kodaikanal and people often see it before. Known to be located on the banks of River Vaigai, it is revered as temple town for the presence of Meenakshi Sundareswara temple.

CLIMATE

Monsoons are quite prominent in this location but elevation remains the main reason for Kodaikanal to maintain a cooling temperature through the various seasons. March to May the temperature fall between 10°C to 20°C which is also the highest of the year. Winters (during months of November to February) experience mercury moving between 8°C to 16°C but never exceeding that. Monsoons are elaborate, signs of which is visible in the sky.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: Air way can take to Madurai which is 120 Km which is nearest to Kodaikanal. Other airports are Coimbatore and Trichi some 170 and 195 Km respectively.

Rail: Kodaikanal Road railway station is the nearest railway station and connected with many others making it easy to reach Kodaikanal.

Road: Most of the important towns are connected to this tourist important place Like Madurai, Theni, Bangalore, Chennai, etc.