Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal referred to as 'The Princess of Hill Stations', is situated amidst the folds of the verdant Palani hills in the Western Ghats at an altitude of about 2133 m. The beautiful hill station covering an area of 21.45 sq.km. is located 120 Km away from Madurai, in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. 

Kodai hills was occupied by the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in the 14th century and later by the villagers of Palani foothills who fled from the plains to escape the oppressive rule. The Europeans started exploring the place after Lt. B.S. Ward, who visited Kodai hills in 1821, submitted a report about the beauty and the climate of

the place. Developed in the 18th century, the hill station was gradually established by American Madura Mission and British Missionaries who built dwellings, churches, schools and introduced and planted new trees to make Kodai what it is today. Several dignitaries who visited the place also contributed to the all around improvement  of the place. Now Kodai is surrounded by thickly wooded slopes, waterfalls and a beautiful man made lake in the centre around which the town is located. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute.  The Kodaikkanal Observatory, surmounting the hill is one of the most important and the only one of its kind institutions in India for the study of meteorology, solar physics and allied subjects.

Kodaikanal has a bracing climate where temperature do not vary much from summer to winter. Fruits like plums and plantains grow abundantly on the wooded slopes apart from a wide variety of flowers, among which is the famous Kurinji flower which blooms once in twelve years.  Kodaikanal is a relaxing place with ample beauty  for those who want to get away from the heat and haze of the dusty plains during the summer months and for those seeking adventure with its numerous treks ranging from 8km to 27km hikes in forest paths. Contact District Forest office (DFO) (Phone:  91- 04542 -240287) near Hotel Tamil Nadu, for trek details and necessary permissions. Beri- Jam (23 km), a beautiful reservoir amid dense forests is a lovely trek. 

Lake View : One of the main attraction for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the man made Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3km from the bus stand.  This star-shaped lake glittering like a jewel amidst the emerald Green wooded slope, was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge(1885), who was the Collector of Madurai, retired and settled in Kodai. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams into a lake by constructing a strong bund. He brought boats from Tuticorin and arranged boat rides in the lake and stocked the lake with fish. He introduced several foreign trees and fruits such as Pine forms and Pears; and planned and executed several approach roads to Kodaikanal. This 60 hectare lake is surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 km length which takes about 45min to walk. At the lake you may indulge in activities like boating and angling.  The boat club provides boats for hire. Luxury boats are also available. Now tourists indulge in walking, sailing, riding horses and cycles in and around the lake. Fishing also can be done obtaining permits from Inspector of Fisheries. Ponyrides by children and adults around the lake are part of Kodai Holiday. The boat club  (Ph: 04542-241315) and the Levinge memorial overlook the  water.

Brynt Park : This Park is situated in the heart of the town, 0.3 km from bus stand. The park was originally planned and formed by a forest officer of Madurai, Mr. H.D. Bryant in 1908 and named after him. The beautifully maintained park extends over an area of 20.5 acres and is noted for flowers, hybrids and grafts. From its olden days there is an artificial pool.  There are 325 species of trees and shrubs. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters over fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. A Flower show is conducted every year during May, as a part of Summer Festival. There is an Eucalyptus tree aged 150 years and a 'Bodhi' tree which adds to the significance of the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. A big section is allotted for nearly 740 varieties of roses.