Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the Palani Hills at an altitude of 2,133 meters above sea level. The name Kodaikanal means "The Gift of the Forest" in Tamil. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Kodaikanal is surrounded by lush green forests and is dotted with several lakes. The most famous lake is the Kodai Lake, which is a popular spot for boat rides and fishing. Other attractions include the Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Pillar Rocks, Pambar Falls, and the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The town also has several churches, temples, and other religious sites.
Kodaikanal is a great place to visit for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. It provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and is a perfect place to spend time with family and friends. With its natural beauty and abundance of activities, Kodaikanal is an ideal destination for a memorable holiday.
Ideal For:
Kodaikanal is ideal for a variety of activities, such as trekking, bird watching, camping, and boating. It is also a great place to explore the local culture and history. Tourists can visit the famous Kurinji Andavar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan and has been around since the 19th century. Other attractions include Bryant Park, a botanical garden with an impressive variety of plants and shrubs, and the Pillar Rocks, a set of three large stone columns that offer stunning views of the valley.
Kodaikanal is also perfect for those wishing to enjoy a peaceful getaway. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery, Kodaikanal is the ideal destination for a romantic holiday or a relaxing break. Visitors can stay in one of the many luxurious hotels and resorts, as well as in budget-friendly homestays.
In short, Kodaikanal is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and luxurious holiday in the lap of nature. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a beautiful place to stay, Kodaikanal is the perfect destination.
How to reach
If you are looking to visit Kodaikanal, there are several ways to reach this beautiful hill station.
By Air: The closest airport to Kodaikanal is the Madurai Airport, located at a distance of 120 km from the hill station. Madurai Airport is well-connected to major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, with regular flights operating from these cities. Once you reach Madurai, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is the Kodai Road Railway Station, located at a distance of 80 km from the hill station. Kodai Road Railway Station is well-connected to major cities of India like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Once you reach Kodai Road, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal.
By Road: Kodaikanal is well-connected to major cities of Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai via a good network of roads. You can easily hire a taxi or take a bus from these cities to reach Kodaikanal. The journey may take anywhere between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the traffic and the route taken.
Climate and best time to visit:
Kodaikanal is surrounded by lush green forests and has many tourist attractions, including the popular Silver Cascade Falls. The climate of Kodaikanal is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C during the summer and 5°C to 15°C during the winter. The summer months of April and May are warm and humid, while the winter months of December and January are cold and dry.
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is during the months of October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the days are sunny. During this time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C, making it a perfect time for sightseeing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The sunsets and sunrises in Kodaikanal are particularly beautiful during this time of year.
In the summer months of April and May, Kodaikanal experiences warm and humid weather. The afternoons tend to be hot and humid, and the evenings are cool and pleasant. This is a good time to visit the area if you don’t mind the heat.
Ideal Duration:
The ideal duration to stay in Kodaikanal would depend on your travel plans and interests. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, then 3 to 4 nights is enough to explore the beauty of this place. You can start your stay by visiting the popular tourist spots such as Kurinji Temple, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park and Kodaikanal Lake. After that, you can spend some time exploring the nearby attractions such as Periyakulam, Palani and Kumbakarai Falls.
If you are looking for an extended holiday, then 5 to 7 nights is perfect to explore the beauty of Kodaikanal. You can begin your trip by visiting the popular attractions and then head to some of the nearby places, such as Yelagiri, Yercaud, and Meghamalai. You can also plan a day trip to nearby wildlife sanctuaries such as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Places to Stay:
When it comes to accommodation in Kodaikanal, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, budget hotel, or homestay, Kodaikanal has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kodaikanal:
