HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

It is one of the ndia's most beautiful hill stations located at an altitude of 2,133mts.The charm of Kodiakanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. Mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, long stretches of beautiful spots and flocks of sheep grazing on green pasture are a perennial source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The 'Princess of Hill Stations' is how sometimes Kodaikanal is referred. It also has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be established by Americans. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years.

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

The Kodai lake which covers an area of about 60 hectare is very famous among people for it has got a unique star shape and the lake is bordered by 5-km pathway which is popular for walking. The entire walk around this lake takes at least 45 minutes of walking. This artificial lake was built in the year 1863.

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 credit of this solar Observatory is that it is one of the three solar observatories in the world that were built more than 75 years ago.

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

This is one of the most visited tourist spot in Kodaikanal which is otherwise known as Devil's kitchen.

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 here where the annual horticultural show is held in the month of May.

It is situated on the eastern side of the lake.

The park is full of green with flowers, hybrids and rafts.

COAKER'S WALK

Coaker's Walk derives the name from Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodai and it is about a kilometre from the lake, which runs along a steep slope on the southern side of the Kodai.

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

Silver Cascade is situated at a distance of about 8-km from Kodaikanal.

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

This place is also known as Green Valley View from where one can get a beautiful view of the plains. The deep, dense and dangerous valley below this point is more than 5000 feet drop and to get a good view from this 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

The Silent Valley view is another important and attractive place that should not be missed by any nature enthusiast.

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 T2/ 401 A Fountainhead Kattabettu Kotagiri Tamil Nadu - 643217 India 042666 - 279353 3.HOPE PARK HOTELS AND RESORTS Hope park, Kotagiri The Nilgiris - 643 217 Tamilnadu, India. Tel : +91 4266 271229, 273629 4.Blue Star Hotel Top Lodge Near Police Station Kotagiri, The Nilgiris Dist. Tamil Nadu - 643217 India 5.Nahar Retreat and Wellness Spa Kota Hall Road (Near Mount Don Bosco) Kotagiri, The Nilgiris - 643 217. Phone : +91 4266 273300 / 274400 6.Peak View Cottage   1/25 – Nihung Post, Horsholai, Kotagiri – 643 217, The Nilgiris  Phone : 04266 - 272025  7. Pyrenees Resort India Pvt Ltd, Adathorai Estate, Nihung post, Kotagiri 643 217, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu  Phone -9944 305 397, 9047 589 252  8. Heenlystay Familly's retreat, 27/107-b , Donbosco road, Kotagiri 643 217, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu  Phone -9842272716   9. Green Nest Eco-Resort, KettiKambai, Gundada School Road, Kotagiri 643 217, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India  Phone -919894045111   Email : info@greennest.in

Travel Guide Resources: Embassy of India International Tourist Facilities Foreigners Regional Registration Office Foreigners Exchange Management Act Visas Baggage Rules Immigration Services in India Travel Information Airlines   Buses   Railways   Hotels   Eat Outs   Cabs International Airlines Offices      Airlines in Thiruvananthapuram      Airlines in Bangalore      Airlines in Kolkata      Airlines in Kochi      Airlines in Delhi      Airlines in Chennai      Airlines in Goa      Airlines in Pune      Airlines in Mumbai                                                 www.indianmirror.com

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport is Coimbatore (105 km). It is connected to Chennai, Bangalore and Cochin.

By Trains

The nearest railhead is Coonoor.

By Road

Kotagiri is well connected to other major places in Tamil Nadu by road. Regular bus services connect the hill resort to Ooty, Mettupalayam and Coonoor.