India /Tamil Nadu /Dindigul /Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, the charismatic hill station boasts of verdant hills, sylvan beauty, natural trails in the woods and the unique Kurunji flowers that blossoms once in 12 years. The credit of discovering this nature’s marvel goes to the British. Enjoy the serene countryside of the town which is popular for its trekking routs, mystical charm, soothing lakes and scattered colonial monuments. The hill station is located in Tamil Nadu and is well connected to all the major and small destinations of the country via rail and road. Kodaikanal is a beautiful holiday destination which still reverberates the undiluted charm of the bygone eras. Summer festivals with many cultural programs, flower shows and fruit shows, boat races, and adventure sports are very attractive and many tourists visit here during this festival season. Kodaikanal has a subtropical climate. Kodaikanal has average rainfall during monsoons (June to September). Best time to visit here is all through the year, especially during summers and winters. Avoid monsoon.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 624601

STD Code: 0240-0242

Info Website: tamilnadutourism.org

Best Time to Visit:  Sept – May

HistoryEdit

Kodaikanal’s history goes back to the pre historic times. The Dolems home, from the Chera Dynasty, made of great stome slabs found in the city, speaks of the city’s pre historic connection. The first inhabitants of Kodaikanal were Palaiyar, who were tribal and flourished before the current era i.e. BCE.Sangam Literature, belonging to the early Christian era also includes some details about the city. The fear of invasion of Tipu Sultan forced the people of Palani Foot hills to leave the village and settle in the Kodi hills. For them, Kodaikanal became the safe haven for the scorching summers of other parts of Tamil Nadu. Some of the renowned British personalities to have visited this scenic town were – C R Cotton Judge who was a sub collector and Dr. Weight. Dr.Fane, who got two houses constructed here. Koidakanal got its first church in 1860 and further a lot many developments were taken place in event of the visits of the prominent leaders like Governors of Madras Sir Charles Travelyon and Lord Napier during 1860 and 1871. The first train service was started in 1875 when the route from Chennai to Madurai and Tuticorin was extended.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai airport which is at a distance of 120 km from the city. Madurai is air connected to Chennai and Coimbatore. Coimbatore is the nearest major airport which is connected to many cities in India and the world.

By Train : The nearest Railway station is Kodai road, which is about 80 km away from Kodaikanal. Coimbatore junction is the major rail head which is well connected to cities like Delhi (Kerala Exp), Kolkata (Guwahati Exp), Chennai (Duronto Exp) and Bangalore (Bangalore Exp) along with various other small and big cities across the country.

By BUS : Tourist bus services are plenty to reach Kodaikanal from Madurai (Rs 400), Coimbatore (Rs 500), Bangalore (Rs 600), Trichy (Rs 450) and Chennai (Rs 550). Tourist service providers offer many deluxe, A/C luxurious buses to Kodaikanal at a rate of nearly Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km.

By Taxi : Taxis are available for local transportation. Pandayan Roadways Corporation arranges sightseeing trips on demand.

By Other : There are no auto rickshaws, Cycles are also available in Kodaikanal for rent, and these are much preferred by tourists and locals alike. You can rent out a cycle or a bike for a day in order to travel around Kodaikanal and charges for renting a bike will be around Rs 300 to 350. This is the generally preferred mode of travel.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

Hotel Spring Valley ; Near Zion Matriculation School, Kodaikanal, TN 624101 ‎ ; Ph – 04542 240 983 ; Facilities – Room service, attached bath with H/C running water, dressing closet, telephone, parking fcillity.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Gurupriya ; No. 17/328-3, Laws Ghat Road, Near Zion Matriculation School, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101 ‎ ; Ph – 04542 241 136 ; Facilities – TV, telephone, attached bath with H/C running water, travel desk, restaurant, 24houres room service, parking facillity, laundry.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

J’S Heritage ; Chettar Park Road, Kodaikanal, 624101 ‎ ; Ph – 04542 241 323 ; Facilities – Conference facillities, TV, health Club, sightseing on request doctor-on-call, billiards, shuttle court, indoor games, library, in-house resturant and bar, all major credit cards accepted.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Kodai Resort Hotel ; Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal, TN 624101 ‎ ; Ph – 04542 240 632 ; Facilities – Attached bath with H/C running water, telephone, TV, channel music, heaters in all rooms, health club, gymnasium, steam sauna, jacuzzi, discotheque, beauty parlour, secretarial services, fax currency exchange, 24hours room service, gift shop, book stall, travel desk, baby-sitting, doctor-on-call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Tibetan Brothers ;  Poet Tyagaraja Rd, Kodaikanal, TN ; M –  04542 244 638 ; Food Serve :  Tibetan, Chinese

• Tava ;  Poet Tyagaraja Rd,Kodaikanal, TN ; M –  04542 241 153 ; Food Serve :  North Indian, Snacks.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Boating ; Kodai Lake ; Cost – Rs 50 for 30 minutes ; Visiting Time –  9.00 am ; Closed Time :  5.30 pm

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

The Oasis ; Hotel Kodai International, 17/328, Laws Ghat Road, Kodaikanal- 624101 ; Ph/M: (04542) 245190, (04542) 245191 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : N.A

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Natyanjali Festival ; Kodaikanal ; Ph/M: Natyanjali Festival is one of the popular celebrations of Kodaikanal. Celebrated in the month of February or March, this festival is dedicated to the Lord of dance, Natraj who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Hence, the celebrations are marked with dance performances from different parts of the country. It is celebrated locally and the festivities can be spotted in different parts of the town. Also, this is the only festival where the tourist through different sources can take part in the festivities. You have the moves, then this festival is for you. ; Cost:  February or March ; Food Serve : N.A

Safety / WarningEdit

N.A

HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

Day 1 :
7:12 am – Kodaikanal ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
12:30 pm- Berijam Lake ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
2:30 pm – Kodaikanal Solar Observatory ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:30 pm – Kodaikanal Golf Club;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 2 :
8:30 am – Palni Hills;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
11:30 am – Kodaikanal Lake ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
2:30 pm – Coaker’s Walk ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:30 pm – Kurinji Andavar Temple;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 3 :
7:12 am – Pillar Rocks ;Approx. time spent : 45 hrs
1:00 pm – Organic Farmer’s Market;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
3:00 pm – Bryant Park ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
5:30 pm – Dolmen Circle ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

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