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Kodaikanal is 120 km from the bustling city of Madaurai and atleast tens and thousands of km from the mundane activity. That is perhaps, why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and enthralled. The wooded slopes of Kodaikanal are filled with surprises. Kurinji, a plant special to that region, turns the slopes in to a sea of purple, once in twelve years. The Kodai lake in star shape dominates this sleepy hill station.
General information
Altitude: 2,133 meters
Best Season: April to June and September to October
Temperature:
Summer- Max 19.3, Min 11.3; Winter- Max 17.3, Min 8.3
STD Code:
04542
How to get there
Air
Nearest airport Madurai (120 Km from Kodaikanal) is directly connected with Madras, which in turn, is connected with all of the important places in India.
Rail
The nearest railway station Kodaikanal Road (80 Km) is directly connected by rail with Madras, which in turn, is connected with all of the important places in India.
Road
Connected by road with Madras- 520 Km, Ooty- 264 Km, Trichy- 197 Km, Coimbatore- 175 Km, Kumili- 160 Km, Madurai- 120 Km, Kodai Road- 80 Km, Palani- 64 Km, Munnar- 90 Km, Periyar- 160 Km.
In and around
Kodaikanal Lake
This 24 hectare lake, is a focal point of Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge, who was the collector of Madurai, retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish
Coaker's Walk
This hill-edge pathway identified by Er. Coaker, in 1872. Coaker walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the plains.
Astrophysical Observatory
Its elevation is 2343 m. It was founded in 1989. This observatory is the top most point in Kodai.
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurunji flowers, which carpet at hillsides blooms once in twelve years. Also Kurunji means hill region in Tamil literature.
Shenbaganur Museum
This museum is maintained by the Sacredheart College - a theological seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to the archaeological remains and flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more then 300 species of orchards is also housed here.
Kukkal Caves The caves show traces of earliest known inhabitants of the region - The leaf clothed "Paliyns".
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