We Welcome you to Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal is one of the most beautiful, serene and picturesque hill stations in south India.
The Tamil word Kodaikanal means ‘Gift of the Forest’ aptly describes this quaint, little, hill station. No other name could describe this place better!
Nestling deep amidst thick forests, Kodaikanal is a unique hill station where you would love to walk through the wooded forests. Perhaps stand under one of the splashing waterfalls. Row a boat in the lake. Try horse riding. Or simply admire the endless varieties of flora and fauna.
Kurinji Flower - That last bloomed in 2006. Next Bloom is expected in 2018.
The Kurinji Flower is in full bloom around December once in 12 years, and it bathes the valley in a beautiful sea of blue. Its because of this the hills are known as Nilgiris (Nil means Blue and Giri means Hill). It was last in full bloom in 2006; its next bloom is expected in 2018. Kodaikanal off course is situated in the Palani Hills.
Kodaikanal is the trekker’s dream comes true. You can go off on your own exploration; walk through eucalyptus and blue gum forests; or join organized longer treks through a travel agent. You can do some fishing (but obtain a permit first), boating, horse riding and cycling.
Kodaikanal literally blooms up during the summer festival celebrations in May. Except during the monsoons, from October to December, when the monsoons really pour, the weather is fairly uniform throughout the year. A colorful annual boat pageant is also held.
Water Falls
History
There are Prehistoric megalith creations – dolmens which are large stone constructions – dating from well before written history, earthen pots and other artifacts which have been found here prove that the earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the Paliyans and Pulyans tribes. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans can be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. A few descendents of the Paliyans tribe can also be seen near Kukkal Caves.
However, the earliest modern day settlers of Kodaikanal were the 14th century migrants from the foothills of Palani who escaped to Kodaikanal from the invasions of Tippu Sultan.
Lieutenant B. S. Ward, a British surveyor, was the first European to visit Kodaikanal in 1821. He was looking for a clean and healthy place around Madurai, which would provide relief to the missionaries and other foreigners, living and working in south Tamil Nadu, from the summer heat and the occasional epidemics.
In 1834, the Collector of Madurai climbed up from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at Kodaikanal. By the second half of the 19th century, churches and other colonial structures started popping up in and around Kodaikanal. Examples of some beautiful structures are the Union Church built in 1895; La Providence Church for Anglicans built in 1860; and a large number of private bungalows.
In 1863, Sir Vere Hendry Levinge (1819-1885), who was then the Collector of Madurai, created the 60 acres Kodai Lake by damming three streams flowing through. He stocked the lake with fish. He also brought the first boat from Tuticorin. After his retirement, he settled down in Kodaikanal.
A boat club was formed in Kodaikanal in 1890. A new boathouse was constructed in 1910. Since May 1929, the club has permitted tourists to join the club as temporary members and avail of boating facilities.
Missionaries established church properties. Many of the ruling princes built summer holiday-homes. Clubs, school and hotels came up. Civic amenities were introduced. Kodaikanal developed slowly, but steadily.
Kodaikanal is the only hill station in India developed by the Americans. They also established the famous Kodaikanal International School.
Bryant Park
A must see. Its main entrance is on the road surrounding the lake and is a 10 minute walk from the entrance to the boat club. The beautiful Bryant Park, stretching across 20.5 acres of undulating greenery is situated in the heart of the town. It was planned and given shape in 1908 by Mr. H.D. Bryant, a forest officer of Madurai.
Bryant Park
The Park is situated on the eastern side of the lake, well within walking distance. It has a collection of over 300 species of plants. The Park contains a 150 years old Eucalyptus tree and a historic Bodhi tree. A portion of the Park contains 740 varieties of roses.
The glasshouse in the Park displays exotic indoor plants and some very good plant arrangements. There is a large lake with water lilies and other aquatic plants.
Bryant Park
The Park also has the rare Kurinji plant which flowers once every 12 years. The Kurinji last bloomed in 2006.The Park authorities also sell ornamental plants at reasonable prices.
Coaker’s Walk (1 kilometer)
Coaker's Walk
In 1872, Lt. Coaker cut a 1 kilometer long path along the ridge of a steep slope around Mt. Nebo on the southeastern side of Kodaikanal. The narrow, winding path offers some of the best views of the plains. There is a telescope house on Coaker’s Walk from where you can see distant vistas.
On a clear, cloudless day, you can see the Dolphin’s nose in the south, Pambar river valley in the southeast, Periyakulam and even the city of Madurai.
Dolphin's Nose
If you are lucky, you could witness the rare phenomenon called `Brachem Spectre’. When the sun is behind you and the cloud and mist in front, you could see your shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo.
If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the place would be before 2PM. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds (only in winter) beneath you form an ocean, reach the place between 3PM and 6PM. Try and catch the sunrise here or in the nearby Greenland Hostel. A marvel! Also try out the telescope near the main gate.
The Pillar Rocks (7 kilometres)
Huge steep cliffs which look like “Pillayar” (Lord Ganesh in local language Tamil). Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an English adventure enthusiast.
Pillar Rocks
The three pillar-like rock boulders about 122 meters high stand next to each other.
It is amazing how one minute you clearly see the three pillars. Then within minutes, the mist and the clouds swirl up and cover the pillars. The pillar rocks become invisible!
Usually, early morning is the safest time to ensure visibility.
Pine Forests
The pine tree is not a native of India. It was introduced from Britain. This man-made pine forest, the floor covered with a soft, plush, natural carpet of pine needles, with pinecones lying all around, is an ideal place for picnic.
Pine Forest
Silver Cascade Falls (8 kilometres)
Silver Cascade Falls, Kodaikanal
The overflow of Kodai Lake has created one of the most popular spots of Kodaikanal – the 54 meters high Silver Cascade falls. This fall is located on the Ghat road on the way from Madurai to Kodaikanal just 8 kilometres before Kodaikanal. You will see it as you enter and leave Kodaikanal. This is also a favorite bathing spot for tourists.
