Kodaikanal Travel Guide

The Princess of Indian Hill Stations

Tugged in granite cliffs, lush green forest valleys, meandering lakes, gusty waterfalls and green hills Kodaikanal is a small hill town in Tamil Nadu. Perched at 7,200 feet above mean sea level, this place is located on the palini hills, the most picturesque in the entire Western Ghats range. The entire town centers around this star shaped man-made lake, Kodaikanal Lake. The evergreen forest that boarders this lake multiplies its beauty bountifully.

Kodaikanal is called the "Princess of Hill stations" and has always been a retreat and famous tourist destination. Kodaikanal had Palaiyar tribal people as its early inhabitants and there is mention of this place in Tamil Sangam. Later the modern version of this city was established by British and aAmerican Christian missionaries sometime around 1845. This place was a retreat and no less than a refuge from the soaring heat of the plains.

Settled around the beautiful star-shaped lake, Kodai rolls up and down hillsides with pockets of virgin forest, unique to this place and trees like myrtle, rhododendron, mahogany and magnolia. Kodaikanal brings forward a perfect mix of natural abundance, spring like weather and rich heritage & culture for the tourists. The meticulously manicured green slopes, rolling hills, gushing waterfalls and pristine lakes together create a perfect environment for a relaxing getaway. The prime sightseeing points here are Berijam Lake, Chettiar Park, Coakers Walk, Bryant park, Kodai Lake, Echo Point, Kurinjiandavar Temple, Green Valley View or Suicide Point, Pillar Rocks cliff, Silent Valley View point, Cap's Fly, Devil's Kitchen cave, Guna Caves, Pine Forest, Shanthi Valley, Silver Cascade waterfall, Old Suicide Point for a breathtaking view, Bear Shola falls and the recently made Wax Museum.

None the less, Kodaikanal is a place to take a break from the hectic city life, and relax in wilderness. This hill town in Tamil Nadu is perfect to lay back and connect with nature.