Places to See in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal Lake
The main attraction of the hill station is undoubtedly, the star shaped artificial lake, situated in the heart of the city. Renowned as Kodaikanal Lake, it covers an area of about 60 acres and is the pulsating center of the town. Being surrounded by a wide footpath along its edges, the lake is the hub of all leisure activities in the town. The activities popular at the lake site are horse riding, boating, strolls etc.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake. It is essentially a botanical garden, which was planned and landscaped by a British Army Officer, Mr. Bryant. This gave the park its name. Being a producer of diverse flower species like roses and lilies, it is a significant center of horticulture activity. Every year, a horticulture show is organized here in the month of May, which attracts many visitors. The show exhibits varied flowers, fruits, vegetables and even provides education regarding the same.
Flora Museum
Flora Museum is located at the Sacred Heart College in Kodaikanal. It is a must visit spot for the tourists, especially nature lovers. The 'Orchidarium' here provides an opportunity to witness a collection of more than 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants that have been meticulously collected in and around Nilgiris.
Astrophysical Observatory
The Astrophysical Observatory is located at the highest point of Kodaikanal. It is primarily a research center in meterology and solar physics. Built in 1889, the observatory allows the tourists to witness the planetary movements of celestial bodies. It even houses a museum, which exhibits models illustrating complex scientific phenomena.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kurinji Andavar Temple is located at a distance of 3 km from the lake. The small shrine has been built essentially in the Pallava style and is dedicated to Lord Muruga. In Tamil, 'Kurinji' means hill region while 'Andavar' means God. Thus, Lord Muruga is referred as the God of Hill here. Besides, it is also famous for Kuranjini flower, which blossoms once in twelve years.
Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks are located around 7 km from the center of the town. These are basically three stones, which uniquely jut into the sky up to a height of 400m. Holding a mini garden, it proves to be an ideal location for witnessing gleaming sunsets and poignant night view of the city.
Coaker's Walk
Coaker's Walk is a steep pedestrian path, which was constructed by Lt. Coaker. It runs parallel to the lake for about one and a half kilometer. It is the best place for witnessing the breathtaking views of the valley.
Dolphin's Nose
It is situated at a distance of 8 m from Kodaikanal's bus stand. It is flat rock which projects over an unfathomable gorge. This is known as the Dolphin's Nose. One can enjoy impressive views of plains, steep, rocky cliffs known as Rolling Hills.
Kodaikanal is one of the most peaceful and beautiful hill stations of Tamilnadu. Located 120 Km/75 mile away from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a hill station at an altitude of about 2133 meter, which is equal to 7,200 feet, above sea level on the southern tip of upper Palani / Palni hills in Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats of picturesque Nilgiri Hills. Kodaikanal is also referred to as “Princess of Hill Stations”. There are many high waterfalls and ubiquitous gardens and flower beds in bloom. The hillside is covered by the meadows and the grassland, the valley is covered up by huge eucalyptus trees and Shola forest. The places to see are Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s walk, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar rocks, Silver cascade, dolphin’s nose and Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple.
The Hills where Kodaikanal is situated are called Nilgiri Hills. Nilgiri, Nil means “Blue” and giri means “mountain”, literally means “blue mountains”. The valley is covered with blue color flowers known as Kurinji flowers (strobilanthes kunthianus) that bloom once in twelve years. The bright purple-blue bell-shaped flower is an atypical kind of flower, which grows mainly in Kodaikanal and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). The Kurinji flowers grow at an altitude of 6000 to 7000 ft on bushy shrubs of 8 – 10 feet high in the hill slopes of the Western Ghats. The last full bloom was in 2006 and the next full bloom is expected in 2018.
Sources : Styleof Indians.blogspot.com, indiamarks.com, i-theni.blogspot.com
General Information: Altitude : 2,133 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max 19.3, Min 11.3; winter- Max 17.3, Min 8.3.
Best Season: April to June and September to October.
STD Code: 04542.
Kodaikanal is a city in Dindigul district of the state Tamil Nadu, India. Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as “Princess of Hills”, and is a popular tourist destination. Many refer this city as the honeymooner’s paradise. Despite being in southern India, the temperature is much cooler than the other cities in the same region. The city has a long history of being a famous tourist spot and a well known tourist destination. The city was established in 1845, it was then set up as a refuge in order to avoid the heat and tropical diseases of plains. The state’s economy is majorly based on the tourism industry of the state. Being a famous tourist destination precautionary measures are taken by the government in order to manage and regulate hazardless daily activities in the city. In this process many roads are converted into one way during the peak seasons. Special police force is appointed in order to look over the tourist safety and local businesses.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max 19.3, Min 11.3; winter- Max 17.3, Min 8.3.
Best Season: April to June and September to October.
STD Code: 04542.
Kodaikanal is a city in Dindigul district of the state Tamil Nadu, India. Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as “Princess of Hills”, and is a popular tourist destination. Many refer this city as the honeymooner’s paradise. Despite being in southern India, the temperature is much cooler than the other cities in the same region. The city has a long history of being a famous tourist spot and a well known tourist destination. The city was established in 1845, it was then set up as a refuge in order to avoid the heat and tropical diseases of plains. The state’s economy is majorly based on the tourism industry of the state. Being a famous tourist destination precautionary measures are taken by the government in order to manage and regulate hazardless daily activities in the city. In this process many roads are converted into one way during the peak seasons. Special police force is appointed in order to look over the tourist safety and local businesses.
The picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal is often referred as the 'Princess of Hill Stations' in India. Kodaikanal offers some great tourist attractions which appeal to the interest of one and all. There are some waterfalls and lakes that are worth visiting in and around the town. These places serve as perfect picnic spots, providing the right setting for relaxing. The high rising mountains, surrounding Kodaikanal, offer haunting images of clouds settling upon them, with lush expanse of flora around. The foggy weather, the cool breeze and the lingering locales, leave you asking for more.
Kodaikanal Lake
The main attraction of the hill station is undoubtedly, the star shaped artificial lake, situated in the heart of the city. Renowned as Kodaikanal Lake, it covers an area of about 60 acres and is the pulsating center of the town. Being surrounded by a wide footpath along its edges, the lake is the hub of all leisure activities in the town. The activities popular at the lake site are horse riding, boating, strolls etc.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located on the eastern side of Kodaikanal Lake. It is essentially a botanical garden, which was planned and landscaped by a British Army Officer, Mr. Bryant. This gave the park its name. Being a producer of diverse flower species like roses and lilies, it is a significant center of horticulture activity. Every year, a horticulture show is organized here in the month of May, which attracts many visitors. The show exhibits varied flowers, fruits, vegetables and even provides education regarding the same.
Flora Museum
Flora Museum is located at the Sacred Heart College in Kodaikanal. It is a must visit spot for the tourists, especially nature lovers. The 'Orchidarium' here provides an opportunity to witness a collection of more than 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants that have been meticulously collected in and around Nilgiris.
Astrophysical Observatory
The Astrophysical Observatory is located at the highest point of Kodaikanal. It is primarily a research center in meterology and solar physics. Built in 1889, the observatory allows the tourists to witness the planetary movements of celestial bodies. It even houses a museum, which exhibits models illustrating complex scientific phenomena.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kurinji Andavar Temple is located at a distance of 3 km from the lake. The small shrine has been built essentially in the Pallava style and is dedicated to Lord Muruga. In Tamil, 'Kurinji' means hill region while 'Andavar' means God. Thus, Lord Muruga is referred as the God of Hill here. Besides, it is also famous for Kuranjini flower, which blossoms once in twelve years.
Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks are located around 7 km from the center of the town. These are basically three stones, which uniquely jut into the sky up to a height of 400m. Holding a mini garden, it proves to be an ideal location for witnessing gleaming sunsets and poignant night view of the city.
Coaker's Walk
Coaker's Walk is a steep pedestrian path, which was constructed by Lt. Coaker. It runs parallel to the lake for about one and a half kilometer. It is the best place for witnessing the breathtaking views of the valley.
Dolphin's Nose
It is situated at a distance of 8 m from Kodaikanal's bus stand. It is flat rock which projects over an unfathomable gorge. This is known as the Dolphin's Nose. One can enjoy impressive views of plains, steep, rocky cliffs known as Rolling Hills.
- The Lake : The star-shaped lake of Kodaikanal is one of the major attractions of this hill station. Situated at the heart of the main town area, it is also a favorite evening spot for the locals as well. Here you can also try out some boating courtesy the Boat Club that is located here. Moreover, small horse rides can also make a good pastime in the early evenings.
- Flora & Fauna Museum : Located at the Sacred Heart College is a 6km hike from the town centre, but definitely worth a visit. The Orchidarium here has about 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants.
- Kurinji Andavar Temple : Temple located 3km northeast of the Lake and is dedicated to Lord Muruga.
- Pillar Rocks : Located about 7km from the lake, there are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400ft. the views from here are spectacular.
- Solar observatory : Situated at a distance of 3.2 kilometers from the Kodaikanal lake, it is one of the only three solar observatories in the world that is more than 75 years old. Built at an elevation of 2343 meters, the Solar Observatory was built at the highest point of the town. You can have a look into the solar system by booking your tickets for the scheduled shows.
- Bryant Park : Botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It was landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.
- Water Falls : There are numerous waterfalls in the area such as Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls, which are popular picnic spots.
- Coaker walk : Ideal place for picturesque walk. Situated at a distance of about 1 km from the Kodai lake is the Coaker Walk. It has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers. The walk offers you a fantastic view of the plains and the distant hills.
- Perumal Peak : A good adventurous Trekking point in Kodaikanal. Situated at an altitude of 2,440 meters it lies at a distance of about 11.3 kilometers from the Kodaikanal town area. The peak offers excellent opportunity for trekking for the adventurous tourists.
- Viewpoint : Kodaikanal has some of the best view points from where you can have a thrilling view of the entire Kodai valley. The hill station’s best view points are Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View point and the Dolphin’s Nose. You must not miss a visit to these places as they are known for their natural marvel and beauty. You could also find some of the locally made products here to take along as the memorabilia of your visit.
Kodaikanal Location Map
The Hills where Kodaikanal is situated are called Nilgiri Hills. Nilgiri, Nil means “Blue” and giri means “mountain”, literally means “blue mountains”. The valley is covered with blue color flowers known as Kurinji flowers (strobilanthes kunthianus) that bloom once in twelve years. The bright purple-blue bell-shaped flower is an atypical kind of flower, which grows mainly in Kodaikanal and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). The Kurinji flowers grow at an altitude of 6000 to 7000 ft on bushy shrubs of 8 – 10 feet high in the hill slopes of the Western Ghats. The last full bloom was in 2006 and the next full bloom is expected in 2018.
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