Kodaikanal is indeed the Princess of Hill Stations, straddling on the shoulders of the 2000 Meter high slopes of the Palani ranges and holding on her laps the serene 60-acre expanse of the Kodaikananl Lake. Tourists from all over the world, including eco-tourists, adventure lovers, nature students, casual visitors, etc., come here to enjoy the perennially salubrious climate and the enchanting scenery that linger on for years in their memory and beckon them to come again for a refreshing recharge and rejuvenation.
The Lake and the 5 KM road circumventing it offer plenty of opportunity for water sports and other water related pastimes including trekking, horse riding and biking around the Lake, besides swimming, fishing, boating, etc. The Lake also keeps the temperature cozily warm in the cold months and refreshingly cool in the warmer months. Top
Berijam Lake
This Lake is placid expanses of crystal clear water teeming with fresh water fish and reflecting the verdant slopes around it. It is 21 KM from Kodaikanal Lake and there are an Ecological Education Centre and a Medicinal Plants Interpretation Centre here. Top
Bombay Shola
With hundreds of rare species of insects and birds, this natural forest enclave is a piece of heaven for the nature lovers. It is close to the Lake and crisscrossed by several trekking paths. Top
Dolphin's Nose
lso known as Guna’s Caves, these are strange-looking rock formations, which can be reached by a short walk through pine forests diverting from the road from Pillar Rocks to Berijam Lake. Top
Green Valley View
This viewpoint was formerly called the ‘Suicide Point’ and offers breathtaking view of a deep green valley below from where vertical rocky crags rise up. It is 5.5 KM from the Lake. Top
Kurinji Andavar Temple
It is a beautiful temple, just 3 KM from the Lake, with enchanting views of the Palani Hills and the Vaigai Dam.
This is another view point offering exhilarating views of green valleys below and undulating mountains in the distance. It is near the starting point of the Berijam lake road and a memorial pillar reminds us of the inauguration of the work on the Forty Mile Road by Sir Thomas Moir in 1929. Top
Pillar Rocks
Rising vertically from the deep valley below to a height of 122 meters, these three awe-inspiring rock formations are a popular tourist attraction 7.5 KM from the Lake.
This is the Museum of Natural History of Koadaikanal and houses all relics of archeological, historical, zoological, botanical and anthropological importance connected with the area. It is situated 5.6 KM from the Lake and two large relief maps showing the natural formations and later developments of the Palani Hills attract a lot of visitors. Top
Silent Valley View
Also known as Cap’s Valley view, the Silent Valley View is just off the Berijam Lake road. The misty green valley below and the undulating mountains in the distance make calendar-perfect views on any day Top
Telescope House
At the north end of the Coaker’s walk is a Telescope House with a powerful telescope giving clear views of distant towns and valleys during clear days. Top
Waterfalls in the vicinity
There are several water falls near Kodaikanal Lake. The major perennial falls are:
BearSholaFalls, from where there is a concreted trek path into the deeper forest, is just 1.6 KM from the Lake. FairyFalls, the source of the Pambar river which cascades down to join with the Vaigai River lower down, is 5 KM from the Lake. Silver Cascade, the 180 feet high overflow of the Kodaikanal Lake, is at a distance of 8 KM from the Lake. Thalaiyar Falls, also known as the ‘Rat Tail Falls’, is the highest falls in the area (300 Metres high) and is 15 KM from the Lake.
We have listed below some high-end eating places where you will get all sorts food items at your desire, including Continental, Chinese, etc., besides Indian delicacies and local dishes. Apart from those listed below, if you are satisfied with cheap Indian food, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, there are any number of way-side restaurants, fast-food shops and mobile eateries in Kodaikanal.
The Golf Club of Kodaikanal has a golf course good enough to host national level competitions. The Kodaikanal Boat Club conducts training classes in aquatic sports and hosts national level competitions. Both these clubs issue guest permits or temporary membership cards to non-members. There are several other clubs functioning in the area and helping tourists enjoy the facilities available.
Kodaikanal offers opportunities unlimited for recreation. For nature lovers and eco-tourists, there are hundreds of paths for short treks through pristine wilderness. For the more adventurous, there are 15 long trek routes ranging from 8 KM to 27 KM in length. There are rocky crags and cliffs fit for mountaineering with several very steep and vertical rock formations. Kodaikanal Lake and Berijam Lake are large expanses of water that offer ample opportunities for aquatic sports and pastimes, like boating, fishing, swimming, diving, etc. The 5 KM long road circumventing the Kodaikanal Lake is great for walking, biking, horse-riding, etc.
As the climate is temperate and salubrious throughout the year, there are no tourist seasons in Kodaikanal. The temperature fluctuates between 8 and 20 degrees with no sweltering summer days and no biting-cold winter winds. The vast expanse of the Lake and the verdant hills around keep the temperature just within the refreshingly cool range. Even the passing short foggy interludes and misty mornings are enjoyably refreshing.
he nearest air port is at Madurai, at a
156 KM distance and the nearest international airport is at Thiruchirappalli (Trichi) at a distance of 190 KM. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road (70 KM) near Dindigul and four-wheeler taxis are available at the station. Dindigul (100 KM)and Theni (50KM)are the nearest cities and Kodaikanal is well connected by road to these two cities.
