Kodaikanal, The Beautiful Hill Station in India

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal is the most famous hill station in India. It is located on upper palani hills in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Every year it attracts lacs of tourists from India and other parts of the world with its breathtaking natural sceneries, deep vallleys,mist dwelling mountain peaks, variety of wood species, charming waterfalls and cool weather.


It has a good elevation of 2,133 m above sea level and an area of over 21 sq.km.The best time to visit this hill station is April and May. Kurunji flowers are speciality of Kodaikanal which blooms once for 12 years. Kodaikanal was discovered by B.S.Ward, the British Lieutenan, in 1821. The hill station was further developed by J.C.Wroughten, then sub-collector of Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Some Interesting Places in Kodaikanal

There are indeed many attractive places in and around Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal Lake. Coakers Walk, Bryant Park, Upperlake View, Green Valley, Silver Cascade, Chettiar Park, Kurinji Andavar Temple and Berijam are some worthy places to visit here.

Kodaikanal Lake is the most beautiful lake which is located at the center of the hill station. It does have a star like shape and spreads over 60 acres with an average depth of 20 ft. In 1863, Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then collector of Madurai district formed this lake. A neatly constructed pedestrian path and tar road around the lake have made it so attractive and enjoyable. One can enjoy cycling and horse riding along the lake road.  There is also a boat house run Tamil Nadu tourism department from we can hire boats on hour basis.

Coakers Walk

Coakers Walk is the most attractive place and located very near to bus stand. From this place we can enjoy stunning beauty of deep valleys by just walking along 700 m long and 8 ft wide pedestrian path constructed on the edge of steep slopes. This was constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872 and named after by his name. At the opposite end of the path there is a telescope house from where we get closer views of various points of the hill station.

Bryant Park is the most beautiful park situated on the eastern side of Kodaikanal lake. Here we can see so many varieties of roses and other flowers. In the middle of the park there is also a glass house which boasts of countless variety of rare plants and flowers.

Green Valley is the most thrilling place and located at about 7 Km away from Kodaikanal. Here we can see a vertical drop of landscape that drops vertically upto 4500 ft. Here one can enjoy mesmerizing beauty of hills and deep valleys.

Berijam Lake is the most beautiful point of Kodaikanal which lies admist reserved forests. It's lying about 23 Km away from the hill station. A forest admission pass will be required to reach this place. The lake water will be very pure and one can enjoy ultimate beauty of nature at this place.

Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks is another beautiful place located at about 2 Km away from Green valley. Here, there are three vertical rocks in 100 m height, standing apart from each other.

Silver Cascade is the most beautiful attraction of Kodaikanal. One should see this before reaching the hill station. The total height of the cascade is 60 m and Kodaikanal lake is the source of it.

The most popular temple called Kurunji Andavar Temple is situated on the northern part of the hill station. Lord Muruga is the prime god here. We can also come across another beautiful park named Chettiar Park before reaching the temple. From the temple we can enjoy the beautiful natural sceneries.

Accommodations in Kodaikanal

We can see hundreds of luxurious and budget hotels in Kodaikanal. Hotel Kodai International, The Carlton Hotel, Hotel Mount View, Hotel Sivapriya, Hotel Bala, Kodai Resort Hotel, R.R.Residency, Hilltop Towers are some budget hotels.

Getting There

Kodaikanal is connected with the important cities of Tamil Nadu by well maintained road. Kodai Road, Madurai are the nearest railway stations. Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore are the nearest airports