Fondly called as the princess of hill stations, Kodaikanal is situated in the Palani hills in the Western Ghats at a height of 7,200 feet above the sea level; it is the most popular hill station of Tamil Nadu.
Blessed with immense scenic beauty, this place will leave you closer to nature and give you an experience you’ll love and cherish.
How to reach- Located at a distance of 120kms, Madurai Airport is the nearest airport to the place. Madurai airport isn’t a well-connected airport and has flights from Chennai and Coimbatore. Coimbatore however is a major airport well connected with various cities in India and across the globe. If you take a train, Kodai road is the nearest railway station which is around 80kms away from Kodaikanal. Coimbatore again is the major junction enjoying well connectivity with various states and cities.
Weather- winters stretch from November to January, it is cold and pleasant here with the maximum temperature touching 30 degree Celsius while the minimum it goes is 8 degree Celsius. This is considered the best time to visit and explore the place. In January snowflakes can be seen during night and temperature at times falls as low as the freezing point.
If you plan to trek here, summer is the time for you. The temperature from March to May ranges between 20 -30 degree Celsius.
If you love rains, it is suggested that you visit Kodaikanal between June to September, there is average rainfall here and it seems like rain enhances the natural beauty of this beautiful place.
Accommodation facilities- Being a popular tourist destination and tourism being a major source of income, Kodaikanal has a lot of budget, luxury and deluxe hotels available for its tourists. You wouldn’t generally find an AC room here; it being a cold destination however rooms with heaters and an amazing lake view, an attached bars and multi cuisine restaurants are available here.
Places to visit:
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory- If you’re a science person, you would love this place for its amazing aura and the lovely library rich in astronomical literature. The main attractions here are: 1. the 20cm refractor which is used to make cometary observations. 2. The Astronomy museum.
Bear Shola falls- One of the most popular picnics spots of Kodaikanal. This place mesmerizes you with its beauty. It is named so because earlier bears used to come to this place to drink water.
Berijam lake- 21kms away from the local bus stand, this place is a must visit for every tourist. It is beautiful and makes you feel happy from within when to listen to the humming and chirping of birds. Do not get surprised if you spot a leopard or a bison. It is not open to general public and can be visited only with the permission of the District Forest Officer.
Dolphin’s nose- located at a distance of 8kms from the bus stand, this place provides you a bird eye view of the villages nearby. The view from that height is spectacular!
Kodai lake- This is no doubt the most favorite picnic spots of the locals and tourists. It is an artificial lake and takes the shape of a star. There is greenery all around; it is thus a delight to the eyes. You could just sit by the lake or rent a boat and go boating. Cycles and horses are also available at rent here.
Devil’s kitchen- If you have a thing for adventure, this place has enough to interest you. It looks like dark gutters but is in fact a deep hidden ravine. Tourists are suggested to get in touch with the locals while visiting this place as they all completely aware of the geography of the area. If you’re a passionate photographer, your camera would love capturing this place.
You can also visit- Coakers walk, Bryant Park, Green Valley view, popularly known as the suicide point, Pillar rocks, Silent Valley View and Silver cascade falls.
Make sure you carry a pair of woolens along.
Happy travelling!
