Known as the “Princess of Hill Stations”, Kodaikanal is one of the most popular Hill stations in Tamil naidu. This small hill station is situated on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai above 7200 feet above sea level. “Kodi” in local language means forests, the dense forests and the diversity in trees, huge rocks and magnificent waterfalls make Kodaikanal one of the most charming Hill stations of the south. One of the most beautiful lakes in south India, Berijam lake is located in Kodaikanal. Gifted with tick forests, Kodaikanal is famus for its kurinji flowers, which blossoms only once in 12 years. This small hill station is also famous for its eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates and juicy plums and pears. As Kodaikanal was found by an American there are many beautiful chapels and churches which are worth a visit. Some of the internationally renowned educational institutions like Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal Christian College and Mother Theresa University are situated on Kodaikanal. The two most visited places in Kodaikanal by tourists are Suicide Point and Pillar Rock. Other places to visit are Silver Falls, Kodai Television Tower, Gunna Caves, Kodaikanal Solar Obervatory, Bear Shola Falls, Bryant Park, Caokers Walk. Devil’s Kitchen, Dolpin’s Nore, Kodi lake and Green Valley View. Tousits who are adventure lovers can also go trekking, cycling or horse riding in the forests. Perumal Peak situated over 2,440 meter sea-level is a great place enjoy hiking. This charming hill station is becoming one hot destination for honeymooners, looking for some time in lap of nature and isolation.
Route:
By Air: Kodaikanal can be reached via Madurai airport which is nearest airport at a distance of 120 km from the city. From Madurai there are regular buses and private cars to reach Kodaikanal.
By Train: Palani Station is the nearest Railway station to Kodaikanal and is about 64 kms away from the city. Regular trains are available from Chennai and Coimbatore for Palani. There are taxi and bus outside the Palani station for Kodaikanal.
By Road: There are many direct buses from Kodai Road station to Kodaikanal. It takes about 3 hours to reach this beautiful hill station.
Nearest Railway Station – Palani Railway Station
Nearest Bus Station – Kodaikanal bus stand at Woodville Road
Nearest Airport – Madurai airport is the nearest airport to Kodaikanal
ATM locations: You will find lots of ATMs in Anna Salai. HDFC Bank ATM Seven Road junction, The Bank of India ATM at S.G.J Thangadurai Building, The Canara Bank ATM at CLS book shop complex, Anna Salai are some of the ATMs here. You will find The Central Bank of India and The Indian Bank ATM at Anna Salai too. The Union Bank of India ATM situated on the 1st Floor of Municipal Shopping Complex opposite the Old Bus Stand, Anna Salai.
Famous Places around the area: There are lots of attractive places in Kodai Kanal. Kodai Lake, Berijam Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Pillar Rocks, Silver Cascade Waterfalls, Flora & Fauna Museum, telescope Houses, Solar observatory – are some of the popular outing in this charming hill station.
Best time to visit: September to May.
Climate: Summers 20°C to 34°C, Winter 8°C to 28°C
Population: 114,999 (2011 census)
Local Famous Foods: You will find Indian, Continental and Chinese foods here at Kodaikanal. It offers traditional South Indian cuisines and Tibetan influenced foods. Fresh vegetable salads, sev puri and some unique snacks like banana chips are very popular snacks here. Do try ‘noodle soups’ and ‘momos’.
Local restaurants: You will find lots of quality restaurants at PT road in Kodaikanal which offers delicious food. Royal Tibet and Brother Tibet at PT Rd offer yummy Tibetan cuisine. ‘Tava’ at PT road provides excellent North Indian cuisine, Hilltop Inn at 150 Club Road are famous for its multi-cuisine dishes, Patel Restaurant at Anna Salai delivers authentic Gujarati cuisine while Astoria Veg Reasturant near Bus Stand provides wide range of vegetarian dishes. Kovai Annapoorna at Anna Salai, near 7 Road Junction is popular for its traditional South Indian cuisine. Try to visit Eco Nut at Anna Salai, it has awesome range of locally produced organic health food.
Emergency numbers:
Telephone number for Police Emergency: (04542)241800
Telephone number for Police Station: (04542)240262
Nearest Hospitals:
Kodaikanal Government Hospital – Anna Salai Post Office Road,Near ICICI Bank, Phone: (04542) 241292
KMHS Hospital – 27-3, Kodaikanal GPO, Kodaikanal, Near Albqui Hotel, Phone: (04542)241379/241679
Kodaikanal Pasam Hospital – Mappillai Muduliar Street, PT Road, Near Zion School, Phone: (04542) 240668, (04542) 240778
Van Allen Hospital – 11/22-A, Kodaikanal GPO, Near CSI Church, Phone: (04542) 241254, (04542) 243476
Telephone number for 24 Hour Chemist shops: Apollo Medical Center – 04542-23231380
Budget Hotels:
Snooze Inn
Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
Ph: (04542)240837
Tariff: 900 onwards
Hotel Gurupriya
17/328-3, Laws Ghat Road, Kodaikanal
Ph: 04542 241 136
Tariff: 1200 onwards
Hotel Jc Grand
Woodville Road,Opp Bus stand, Kodaikanal
Ph: 094 42 152719
Tariff: 900 onwards
Pine Borough Inn
Rifle Range Road, Naidupuram, Kodaikanal
Ph: 04542-241434, 9488241435
Tariff: 2000 onwards
Hotel Mount View
Laws Ghat Road, Kodaikanal
Ph: (04542)241978/241988
Tariff: 1500 onwards
Tags: Kodaikanal
