Some people waste their time to search for peaceful places with beautiful nature, while others are born in Hill Station. People from Tamil Nadu would say something like this only. When you walk between nature, hills present on one side, the other side Kodai Lake and the sunrise to add melody to your music with clouds gently grazing your face. This is the feeling when you visit Kodaikanal Hill Station, the majestic view of this Hill Station will heal your pain forever.
Kodaikanal Hill Station is situated in the Dindigul district present in the Indian State of TamilNadu. This is the most popular Hill Station located in the southern part of India. Due to its mesmerizing beauty and alluring environment, Kodaikanal Hill station is known as Princess of Hill Stations. This place is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, scenic lake views, gigantic pine trees and its valley views. Because of these points, Kodaikanal Hill Station has emerged as a romantic destination for couples all over India.
History Associated with Kodaikanal Hill Station
Kodaikanal is located in Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. The word Kodaikanal is the fusion of two words Kodai and Kanal. Kodai represents “Summer,” and Kanal means “to see” which summarises ‘the place to see summer,’ other than that there are few more meanings given in history like ‘the forest of the creepers’ or ‘end of the forest.’ It is believed that Palaiyaar tribes are the first residents of Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal is located in Palani Hills. American Missionary Organization in 1845 established modern Kodaikanal, one of the Britisher escaped from prickly summer of Chennai to this Hill Station. Around the 20th century, the people of India realize the importance of this beautiful Hill Station and started migrating to this place.
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Places To Visit In Kodaikanal Hill Station
The total geographical area of Kodaikanal has stretched around 21.41 square km and sits above the southern edge of the Palani hills and it is elevated 6,998 ft above sea level.
Let’s discuss the famous destinations of this hill station.
1. Kodaikanal Lake: This is a humanmade lake constructed in the century by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, at that time he was the collector Madurai. When you view this lake from other valleys, this lake looks like a star-shaped water body which is the most lustrous and centre of attraction for many travellers. This place is open for boating also.
2. Green Valley View: This valley is famous for its spellbinding view of the hills and Vaigai Dam. The Sylvan garden present around Vaigai dam is also known as ‘little Brindavan.’ You can also view and purchase the subtle aromatic oils and spices.
3. Silent Valley: This is the most eye-poping and scener viewpoint of this Hil Station. This valley is covered with white clouds and mist all around.
4. Pillar Rocks: The Pillar Rocks of Kodaikanal are situated around 8 km from the lake. These rocks are constructed with three large granite boulders placed vertically. They are around 400 ft in heights. It will give you a downhill view of the mountain and the right place for picnics.
5. Devil’s Kitchen: The space present between the Pillar Rocks and Green Valley is known as Devil’s Kitchen. This is the most dangerous deep fall.
6. Lutheran Church: The Lutheran Church is established in the year 1932, which is located in Laxshmipuram. A large number of tourists from all religion visit this beautifully structured Church.
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7. Coaker’s Walk: This is the walk constructed on the mountain which is stretched in an area of 1 km by Lf Coaker in the year 1872. It is a paved pedestrian path which gives a panoramic view of a tourist.
8. Bear Shola Fall: This Falls near Kodaikanal is an excellent picnic spot earlier, many bears used to drink water from this fall, hence the name Bear Shola Falls.
9. Silver Cascade Falls: This fall is located around 8 km from the Kodaikanal Hill Station and known for its high and outstanding flow of water which looks like silver in colour. It is a pleasure to watch the pure crystalline water flowing down from a 180 ft tall ridge.
10. Bryant Park: It is the most famous Botanical garden in Kodaikanal Hill Station. This park is known for its flora and fauna, rafts and hybrid. You can visit this park, probably in May.
11. Thalaiyar Fall: This fall is also known as Rat tail fall located on the slopes of Palani Hills. It is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu with a height of 297m, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world.
12. Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal which is situated in the upper Palani Hills. Berijam Lake was formed as the result of the construction of a dam with sluice outlets and is part of a micro-watershed development project.
13. Kurinji Temple: This temple belongs to the 20th century. This Hindu temple was dedicated to Lord Murugan and constructed in the year 1936. This temple consists of Kurinji flowers which bloom once in 12 years coats the whole area with purple flowers. According to authorities, it had already bloomed last year, which is 2018. Now you have to wait till 2030.
14. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: Established in the year 1899. It is a part of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and was earlier known as Solar Physics Observatory.
15. Pine Forest: This is the most famous and best place for travellers who love nature’s photography the most. Most preserved heritage of this hill station.
There are many other places in Kodaikanal Hill Station like Kukkal caves, Guna Caves, Moir Point, Upper lake view, Salette church, Kartikeya Temple, Dolphin’s Nose, Fairy’s fall and Pamber Fall which can also be visited.
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Modes of Reaching Kodaikanal Hill Station
You can want to visit Kodaikanal Hill Station throughout the year. But it is believed that in Summer, March to May is the favorable months and during winters you can visit in the months from November to February. Reaching Kodaikanal is not a big problem for you lets see the modes.
By Airways:
Madurai is situated around 120Km from the Kodaikanal which is the closest from this Hill Station. Other than Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy airports are also closer to it. You can have regular flights of Spices, IndiGo, Air India and Jet Airways are available from nearby cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai. Travelers can hire a taxi or cab for further journey.
By Railways:
The Kodai Road Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kodaikanal around 95km away and it is connected to various cities like Madurai and Trichy.
By Roadways:
Kodaikanal is connected by road with several essential cities like Banglore, Trichy, Chennai, Ooty, Coimbatore and Madurai. Madurai is 140km from Kodaikanal and you will reach in less than 4 hrs via NH – 49. You can have either private buses or state government buses to reach Kodaikanal according to your budget.
Hotels Present At Kodaikanal Hill Station
There are many budget hotels present in nearby areas. You can either find out online or from the tour guide regarding hotels and restaurants. Some of the medium range of hotels are described below for your convenience.
| Hotel Name | Distance from Kodaikanal | Starting Price(INR)* |
|---|---|---|
| Lilly’s Valley Resort | 1.3 km | 2,945 |
| Altius Nest | 0.8 km | 2,124 |
| Le Poshe By Sparsa | 1.1 km | 4,500 – 5,600 |
| Hotel Kodaikanal International | 1.1 km | 3,100 – 4,300 |
| Hotel Jai | 0.8 km | 1,800 – 2,300 |
Prices may vary from hotel to hotel and online applications we have given you the approximate range of budget for your convenience.
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At last, by concluding, we can say that “Wherever you go, go with all your hearts and enjoy nature at its best.”?
