Kodaikanal - Gift of the Forest

Kodaikanal :
Princess of the Palani hills, Kodaikanal is the finest hill station located above the 7200 ft above the Western Ghats of Indian subcontinent. Elaborated and exquisite scenery of thickly wooded slopes, tumbling waterfalls, and cool calming environs make Kodaikanal a summer retreat.

Climate :
Summer: 30°C (Max) - 16 °C (Min)
Winter: 22 °C (Max) - 6 °C (Min)
Rainy Season: June to October, 1500 millimeters
Best time to visit : October to March

Main Attractions : Palani, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location :
Geographic: Located in the beautiful Nilgiris is the hill station of Kodaikanal.
Famous for : Blooming of Blue Purple Kurinji flower once in 12 years only in this part of the world. Also known as Queen of Hill stations.

How to Reach Kodaikanal :
By Air : The nearest air connectivity is through Madurai.
By Road : : Madurai - three hours, Tiruchirapalli - five hours .
By Railways :Nearest train connectivity is through Kodai Road Railway Station.

Attractions :
Kodaikanal has several scenic attractions enjoyed by its visitors throughout the passage.
The star shaped Kodaikanal Lake is an artificial one, built in 1863 is recognized as most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction here.
Bryant Park is a botanical garden built in 1908 homing 325 species of shrubs and other exotic plants. When in season, the park portrays a rainbow spectrum of stunning flowers during the peak season.
A paved pedestrian path, Coaker's Walk running along the edges of steep slope offers a stunning panoramic view of the plains.
Green valley view offers an excellent panorama of the plains. Located at 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above the sea level, from Green Valley View, one can oversee a Dam built over Vaigai River. A huge bouquet of such attractions constitutes a truly delightful Kodaikanal city tour.

Some of prime tourist places in Kodaikanal are -

Palani :
Palani is home to one of the most sacred shrines of the God Subrahmanyam, as worshipped in the Hindu cult of Koumaram. The Dhandayudhapani Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, and regarded one of his Arupadai Veedu (Six Battle Camps), is situated here. The temple situated atop the Sivagiri is small but attracts a flood of devotees from all over the country. The architecture of the temple appears to be of the Pandya School. The Garbagriham is surmounted by Gold Gopuram, most admirably worked. Steps are hewn into the rock, besides a wide path meant for the ascent of elephants, up the hill. In addition, a funicular railway with three tracks and a rope way have been provided more recently for the comfort of the pilgrims.

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary :
This reserve is a great place to spot some of India's most luxuriant animal species including: Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Dhole (Asiatic wild dog), Nilgiri tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, the Brown Mongoose, Gaur, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Nilgiri langur, Rusty-spotted cat, Sambar Deer, Sloth bear, Smooth-coated Otter, Golden jackal, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Spotted deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Common langur, Bonnet macaque, Asian Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Striped-necked Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Grey Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Pangolin, Indian porcupine and Three-striped Palm Squirrel. The park also has over 250 species of richly plumed avians.

Cities near Kodaikanal :