Kodaikanal Travel Guide - Kodaikanal Travel                             

 

History Of This Beautiful Hill Resort - Visit Kodaikanal
In 1845, Kodaikanal was started as hill station in the Palani hills at 7375 ft. The Palani Hills were first surveyed by British Lieutenant Ward in 1821.The first people lived in the hills were dolmen-boulders, who have left here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated. In the Palani hills Tribes are of two kinds, the Paliyans and Pulaiyans.Kukkal Caves, which in 20 kms. away from kodaikanal, show traces of Paliyan occupation. Paliyans are tribes. Next to Paliyans, Pulaiyans were settled as agriculturists at later stage. The survey report of 1821, reveals Pulaiyans were the aborigines of the Palani Hills and followed Tamil Culture.

British Lieutenant Ward had climbed up from the Kunnavan Village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal first in 1821 to survey the area. In 1834, Madurai collector climbed up from Devadanappatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur Dr.Wight visited Kodaikanal in 1836 and recorded his observations which were very useful to botanists later. In 1844, Mr.Fane, an Englishmen built godowns in kodaikanal and familiarized with hill area. In 1845, the first two bungalows "Sunny-side" and "Shelton" were built by American Mission people with the help of Englishmen Mr.Fane. Then, six American families came up and stayed first at Kodaikanal. Following this, British houses also appeared. In 1864, Colonel Halmilton recorded his opinion in his report that Berijam lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a Military Cantonment or Sanitarium. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. In the 20th century the Indian Elite visited Kodaikanal and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans. Thus Kodaikanal has a complex and varied culture.

Access History
 In 1875, Indian Railway extended its line from Madras to be Tirunelveli and a station was created at Ammainayakkanur (Kodai Road later) which facilitated the tourist to visit Kodaikanal. As a first phase of travel, tourist started from Ammainayakkanur Railway Station of Krishnamma Nayak Thope, a trek journey started to Kodaikanal (18 kms.distance only) with conveyances of horses, and Palanquins with sufficient coolies on hire. In 1854, a bridle path was formed from Krishnamma Nayak Thope for 10 miles at a cost of Rs.4500/-. In 1878, Rs.43000 was spent to extend the hill path, for ten more miles. Rs.3,20,000 was then spent to complete the path upto Kodaikanal.)

How to Get There

• Air
  Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport.
• Rail
  Nearest Railway Stations are Madurai (MDU) – 120 kms and Kodaikanal Road (KQN) - 80km.
• Road
  Regular bus services from Kodaikkanal to Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, Palani. Theni, Dindigul, & Erode.
• Local Transport
  Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except tourist cabs. Town buses are also available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by the private operators and the Government Tourism Development Corporation.

Major Attractions of Kodaikanal Tourism
The Nilgiris, the most popular hill resort of the south has a number of tourist of attractions, which chiefly include the Heaven (esotically speaking) can be glimpsed in some of the enchanting picnic spots that dot Kodai. Coaker's walk, running along a steep slope, offers a panaromic view of the plain. Green Valley View on the other hand provides a beautiful view of the Vaigai Dam. Bear Shola Falls a pretty little cataract, offers endless hours of cool relaxation.

But don't stop there. Go on. Go a little away from the township of Kodaikanal tourism and some of the most beautiful scenery will hit your senses. Silver Cascade (8kms) and Kumbakkarai (65 Kms) are waterfalls situated in some of the most wooded parts of the hill station.

• Berijam lake
  Berijam lake, situated 21 kms from the township, lies in a beautiful valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters. Dolphin's Nose (8 Kms), a projecting rock provides a view of the deep chasm below. Then go on get higher upon life. Climb the2400 meter high Perumal Peak. And you'll be rewarded with one of the most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.
  
  Cavemen in Kodai No, you won't meet any today, but their habitat at Kukkal Caves (40 Kms) and Dolmen's circle (22 Kms) are famous pre-historic, archaeological sites. For, those with orchids on their mind can visit the Shenbaganur Museum (5.6 Kms.). It is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitor, more than 300 species of orchids..
• Shenbaganur Musem
  Shenbaganur Musem (5.6 Kms. ) is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country offering the visitors, more than 300 species of orchids
  The Kurinji Andavar Temple ( 3.2 Kms ) is dedicated to lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful views of the northern plains and the Palaini Hills.

Kodaikanal Travel Guide

• Nestling amidst the folds of the verdant Pali Hills, is the idyllic retreat of Kodaikanal, popularly known as Kodai. Apart from being a much sought after tourist resort, Kodai is also famous for its educational institutions, which are globally renown.
• The resort is, virtually, a heaven for trekkers and avid nature lovers. Amongst its other natural attractions is a star - shaped lake, set in a dreamy locale. The Boat Club offers umpteen pleasure and racing trips. The splendid Bryant Park, famous for its rare collection of flowers, graftings and hybrids, is the venue of great horticultural shows, held every year in May. Another major attraction of this area, is the country's only Solar Physical Laboratory, founded in 1898.
• The Coaker's Walk offers some fantastic views of the surrounding plains. Another superb vantage point, is the Kurinji Andavar temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, which provides a panoramic view of the lofty hills, that embrace Kodaikanal. Some of the popular picnic spots in the resort, are the Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks, and Bear Shola Falls. Nature seems to have blessed Kodai in all her magnanimity, a fact evident from the immense profusion of exotic flora and fauna of the area. The amazing orchid collection at the Shenbaganur Museum, has granted Kodai international fame. Kodai is also blessed with the rare bloom of the highly elusive Kurinji flower, that makes a dramatic appearance, once in 12 years. The Kurinji last bloomed in 1992. The resort is also home to various species of birds, thus rendering it a bird - watcher's delight.
• Visit Kodaikanal promises to be an ideal getaway, for those craving for an invigorating yet soothing holiday, away from the madness of the city

Best Time To Visit Kodaikanal
April - June and December. The temperature ranges between 12 and 20 degree Celsius in summer and between 8 and 18 degree Celsius in winter. 

Places to Worship

• Fact is, almost every place in India has Places of worship- both ancient and beautiful. Kodaikkanal too offers the visitors two historic temples.
  
  The Kurinji Andavar Temple (3.2 Kms) is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It also offers the worshipper a beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani Hills.
  
  Palani (64 Kms) is of course, a famous pilgrimage centre and is mythologically believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
  
  Other then these two, the Mariamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple, Murugan Temple, Two mosques at Ellis Villa and Munjikal, Francis Xavier Church, Gorapur, St.Mary's Church, Lassalette, St.Joseph's Church, Luthern mission Church, Lake end offer, the devout a relaxed and genteel place to pray.
  
  So come to Kodaikkanal. And be a part of the vibrant elements at play.

Places to stay in Kodaikanal  
Accommodation is available at the luxurious and economy class hotels, lodges, and resorts in Kodaikanal. Both Indian and Western style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable, especially during the summer months.

Festivals of Kodaikanal Tourism

• Summer Festivals
  Summer festival programmes in the month of May includes Flower Show , Dog Show and Boat Shows.

Shopping in Kodaikanal Travel Guide
Just about anything available in the cities can be had at Kodaikanal with the added attraction of leisurely shopping. Exclusive hill products including  tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries, plant nurseries are easily available in the town. Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of the best places for shopping fruits and general groceries.