Kodaikanal is referred as the Princess of the Hill Stations and is an extremely beautiful place for an ideal vacation get- away. The scenic natural beauty and the vast farmer’s estates are a delight to the eyes. Since the place has a sub tropical climate, many tourists visit this place from all over. It attracts natives as well as international tourists. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
Best For:
Kodaikanal is best known for its scenic natural beauty. For many years, it has had many visitors spell bound by its sheer natural beauty comprising of hills, mountains and terrains, valleys, green fields and farm houses.
The weather ist ypically sub tropical. In winter the temperature drops to 5°C and in summer it rises to 12°C. The place receives heavy rainfall. The best time to visit is any time between May and November.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
A flight to Coimbatore [170 kms] and a southward drive through NH 209 through Pallachi and Palani is a good way to reach Kodaikanal.
Domestic Flights
The airports are located at Madurai [135 kms], Chennai [520 kms] and Coimbatore [170Kms]. One can hire a cab or take a bus to Kodaikanal.
Road Travel
Kodaikanal is well connected by road to major places like Coimbatore, Trichy, Periyar, Mysore, and Madurai.The drive from Kodai road takes approximately 2 hrs while the drive from Madurai takes approximately 3 1/2 hours and from Dindigul takes about 2 hrs.
Train Travel
A lot of passenger and long distance trains pass through Kodairoad station that is the nearest one to get to Kodaikanal. The Kodairoad Station is nearly 80 kms away.
Kurinji Andavar Temple: [3 kms.] This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.
Bear Shola Falls: [2 kms] This is an ideal picnic spot. This is the place where long ago, only bears used to come to drink water. The falls can be explored in the monsoons.
Pambar Falls: [4 kms] It is also known as the "Grand cascade" because of the maginificent flowing of the stream across Pambar Raivine that cascades over a series of rock formations.
The Dolphin Nose: [8 kms] There is a sort of a rough curve that rounds the hillside which leads to a point where a flat rock projects over a deep ridge. The shape of that fall resembles a Dolphins nose.
Vembadi Peak: This peak measures about 2466m. From atop, one can have a magnificent view over Berijam lake, Vandaravu range, Mannovanur sheep farm, Poombarai valley and near about over all Kerala.
The Palani hills: These hills are located at the eastern offside of the Western ghats, and cover up to an area of 2400 Sq. Kms.
Shenbanagur museum: This museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College – Theological Seminary that was founded in 1895. It is devoted to archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the region. It is a delight for the nature lovers.
There are a lot of local eateries and joints, restaurants and canteens of lodges where one can enjoy a complete South Indian meal. The filter coffee is a delight and cannot be missed. Most of the lodges have their native South Indian filtered coffee.
Where To Stay:
There are a lot of three star hotels, guest houses, lodging and boarding houses. Carlton Hotel, Alamo Cantina ans Hilltop Towers are some of teh higher end hotels in Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal is perfect for nature walks and trekking. The beautiful wooded valleys and good view points makes it popular with trekkers. Croaker's Walk and Pillar Rocks offers breathtaking views. You will need a guide if you want to hike though the forest pockets including Bombay Shola and Pambar Shola.
