This charming hill station is in Tamil Nadu, India. It lies on a plateau above the Upper Palani Hills at 6,998ft amidst sylvan beauty. These hills are on the western side of south India.

Places Worth Visiting

Kodaikanal Lake

This lake was developed in the center of Kodaikanal by the British. It is an important tourist attraction. Here, you will find a boat club, boathouse and boat service. Tourists hire rowing boats and peddling boats to see the scenic lake. Boat Pageant and Flower Shows are held here in the summer. This lake is shaped like a star and enveloped by lush green hills. The climate here is salubrious. The outflow from the lake forms a waterfall known as the silver cascade. The lake has aqua fauna of many types. Bicycles and horses can be hired here for short periods. The tourists and locals alike walk around the periphery of this beautiful lake.

Coaker’s Walk

This is a paved walk of 1km from the bus stand. It runs along steep slopes on the southern side of Kodaikanal. As you walk on this road, you get a panoramic view of the plains. When the sky is clear, you can view even the city of Madurai. Halfway through your walk, you find an observatory.

Bryan Park

This park lies at the east end of the lake. It is 1,600ft from the bus stand. There is a well-cared for botanical garden. The park has a number of different species of trees, cacti, shrubs with pretty roses. There is an old time Bodhi tree and a Eucalyptus tree having religious significance. During the peak season in summer horticulture exhibits and flower shows are held at the park.

Shembaganur Museum of Natural History

This museum is affiliated to the Loyola College in Chennai. Its exhibits are of the ancient Palaiyar tribes. There are some extraordinary collections of animals, birds and insect species. The museum has a live collection of exotic orchids. From the bus stand, it is about 6km. The museum was founded in 1895.

Dolphin’s Nose

This is a flat rock projection over an outstanding spellbound chasm 6,600ft deep. A steep, rocky trail begins soon after Pambar Bridge. It is a quiet and undisturbed area. All along the trail, you will find orange juice vendors. They quench your thirst as you walk along. The views are simply breathtaking. The tourists can reach the Pambar Falls by a short paved way. Dolphin’s nose is 8km from the bus stand.

Silver Cascade

This cascade is on the winding Low Ghat Road. It is at an altitude of 5,900ft. The waterfall is about 180ft. It is a popular tourist attraction. Here, you will find a few souvenir and fruit vendors. Monkeys are seen doing their pranks. This cascade is 8km from Kodaikanal.

Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple

The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easwaram that is Lord Murugan. Here, you will see a Kurinji plant whose flower blossoms only once every 12 years. This temple was built by a European lady who had converted to Hinduism.

Berijam Lake

This mesmerizing, calm lake is around 20km from Kodaikanal. The lake water is supplied to the surrounding villages. Boating is hence not allowed here. This lake is situated in the forest area. Prior Forest Department permission is required to enter this area. The lake is open to public from 9.30am to 3pm. A few animals are spotted in this area. The other attractions around the lake are Fire Tower, Silent Valley and Medicine Forest. Some species of inedible mushrooms grow around the lake.

If time permits, you can also visit Green Valley, Bear Shola Falls, Pine Forest, Kodaikanal Observatory, Guna Caves, Pillar Rocks, etc.

The locals make attractive items and display them in an eye-catching way. This attracts the tourists to their shops or stalls. They sell woolen material, flowers, toys, medicinal herbs and oils. They also run eateries and restaurants with hot snacks, meals, etc. Do taste the Kodai cheese, chocolates, jams, muffins, etc. They are mouth-watering and tasty. You can shop for handicrafts also. Be street smart, bargain and choose the best souvenirs and things you want.

A good number of all grades of hotels are available in Kodaikanal and so also cottages and resorts to make your stay pleasant and comfortable in Kodaikanal.

To reach Kodaikanal, take a train from Chennai to Kodai Road. Madurai and Coimbatore airports are the closest to Kodaikanal. Regular bus services are available from a number of places in south India.