INTRODUCTION
ORIENTATION
Kodiakanal is situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.The town of Kodaikanal sits on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the upper Palni Hills at 6,998 ft, between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys.HISTORY
Around the 14th century Kodaikanal was inhabited by the tribal people namely Paliyans and Pulyans.Later the people from the vicinity, Palani came to this area because of the oppressive rule in the plains. However the full establishment of the hill station took place only after the 18th century after the visit of an European Lt. B.S. Ward, in 1821.Lt. B.S. Ward explored the whole place and studied deeply and then submitted a report about the beauty and the climate of the place. After this Kodiakanal was slowly getting 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.FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
SUMMER FESTIVAL
The Summer Festival is more of cultural events taking place like adventure sports, boat races, flower and fruit shows. The main highlight of this summer festival which falls in the month of May are the boat races and flower shows.MOTHER SALETTE FESTIVAL
The Mother Salette Festival is held on August 15th at the Mother Salette Church. This festival attracts a congregation of people from all over South India.WINTER FESTIVAL
The Winter Festival which falls in the month of December has number of cultural events taking place for which participants come from different place.PLACES OF INTERESTS
KODAI LAKE
BOAT CLUB
The Boat club was constructed in the year 1910 which was initially allowed to be used only for the members. But later from 1932 the public was also allowed to avail boat rides. Boats like T.T.D.C, Kodai boats, Carlton boats are available for hire. Pony and horserides are available both for children and adults around the lake.SOLAR OBSERVATORY
The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics.
The place where this solar observatory is situated is the highest point of the town.
It is situated at a distance of about 3 km away form Kodai lake.
PILLAR ROCKS
The description of this place is that there are three granite boulders standing vertically shoulder to shoulder to about 400 feet high from the ground level.
The shady woods that are in the vicinity of these huge boulders are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.
BRYANT PARK
It is situated on the eastern side of the lake.
The park is full of green with flowers, hybrids and rafts.
COAKER'S WALK
Some of the best views of the plains can be seen from here. A special mention must be made of a phenomenon called 'Brachem Spectre' in the Coakers walk which occurs very rarely- one can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo, when sun is behind him with cloud & mist in front.
SILVER CASCADE
This cascade has water falling from a height of about 180 feet high.
The water to this falls comes from the Kodai lake when it overflows.
BEAR SHOLA FALLS
The Bear Shola Falls at a distance of about 1.6 Kms from the lake got its name so because it once attracted bears. This place can be reached through a picturesque rugged hill path.KURINJI ANDAVAR TEMPLE
According to Tamil literature Kurinji Andavar means God of Hilly region and the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan.Kurinji Andavar Temple is situated at a distance of about 3.2-km from the lake. On a clear day the visitors can get a view of the northern plains and Palani Hills from here. The other attraction of this temple is the kurinji flowers that blossom once in 12 years around the temple.FLORA AND FAUNA MUSEUM
Flora and Fauna Museum is situated in Shembaganur at distance of about5.6 Kms from the lake and is under the maintenance of the Sacred Heart College. This museum has archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best Orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species is also located here. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum.SUICIDE POINT
Tourists coming to this place should never miss this spot and there are also plenty of monkeys seen in this area will be an added attraction for the children as well as the adults coming here.
It is advisable to visit this place when there is light.
SILENT VALLEY
It is situated at a little distance from the Pillar Rock and is seen on the Berijam lake road and the breathtaking view of this valley will be soothing to the eyes.
The panoramic view of this place will make the tourists to spend a lot of time watching the scenic beauty.
BERIJAM LAKE
Berijam Lake is known for the bison spotted here. This place though a little away from the town at a distance of about 23km, is worth visiting. Apart from Bison there are also chances of sighting a bison, leopard and other chirping birds. The lake also entertains the people by boat rides giving refreshing thoughts for them. But however this place is not open to the public without prior permission from the District Forest Officer.SHOPPING
One can shop for artifacts, exquisite embroidery works and gift items in Kodaikanal.The other items in the shopping list includes home made chocolates, Kodai Cheese and fresh vegetables especially in Anna Salai.Eco-nut in Pt- Road has good whole foods, brown bread, Jams, Peanut, Butter, Cheese, Muffins which will be very tasty. The main shopping area in Kodaikanal includes Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Travancore Crafts Work, Government Sales Emporium, Kurinji Mini Supermarket, Spencer and Company and Kashmir Handicrafts center. The Potters shed on PT road is a very interesting shop. The road leading south to the lake is sometime lined with stalls run by Tibetans selling warm clothing, Shawls and other fabrics - good, cheap stuff to keep you warm on chilly nights.
ACCOMMODATION
1.Belair Cottage
43/9 Club Road, Kotagiri - 643 217, The Nilgris, Tamilnadu. Phone : +91 04266 272888
2.Misty Heights
3.HOPE PARK HOTELS AND RESORTS
4.Blue Star Hotel
5.Nahar Retreat and Wellness Spa 6.Peak View Cottage
7. Pyrenees Resort India Pvt Ltd, Adathorai Estate, Nihung post,
8. Heenlystay Familly's retreat,
9. Green Nest Eco-Resort, |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore (105 km). It is connected to Chennai, Bangalore and Cochin.