Princess of Hill Stations "Kodaikanal"

The charming Hill station Kodaikanal of India has always arrested me and my concentration by its sylvan beauty and nature's wonder. Whatever be the place or how luxurious be the spot nothing can compete with the power and sduction of nature. From all the places seen so far this place has always locked my attention towards it and i cant stop admiring the place. I would always wish to go to this lovely paradise atleast once in a year with my loved one.

So lets take a small tour of this land through my post.... :)



Where is Kodai?

Kodaikanal is one of the most beautiful, serene and picturesque hill stations in south India, located on the southern ridge of the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Kodai is 120 km north-west of Madurai; 510 km away from Chennai, 262 km from Coimbatore and 615 km from Bangalore. Situated at an altitude of 6,854 ft above sea level, Kodaikanal is a very quite and charming hill resort. Also known as Kodai, it's famous for its lovely starfish-shaped lake, undulating wooded hill slopes and enchanting waterfalls and the place is a hot favorite with holidayers and honeymooners. Kodai becomes a small paradise when the bluish purple Neel Kurinji (Strobilanthus Kunthanus) flowers on the slopes, giving the hills a unique blue-purple sheen.

Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were no roads—people had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes, clubs were opened, school and hotels were built, and civic amenities were introduced.
Kodaikanal Hills is an idyllic getaway for regular tourists, trekker and honeymooners. Blessed with nature's breath-taking beauty, the star-shaped lake dominates this sleepy hill-station.




History of  Kodai

There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.

The first European to visit Kodaikanal was Lt. B.S. Ward a surveyor in the year 1821. His Head Quarters was Vellagavi village. There were many American missions in South Tamil Nadu. The foreigners could not bear the oppressive heat in Tamilnadu and they faced sickness from epidemic diseases and consequential deaths. They wanted neat and healthy natural surroundings near Madurai to rest and improve their health. They were happy to find from the report of Lt. B.S. Ward about the hills with wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai & Periyakulam. Many English and American missionary people visited Kodaikanal through various routes. Notable among them are J C Wroughton -Sub Collector, C R Cotton Judge and Dr. Weight. Dr.Fane built two houses in 1845 in the lake road. More houses were built by British Govt.


The American Missionaries moved in and built a lot of dwellings in the southern side which is still there and now called 'Sunny Side' and 'Shelton' . In the year 1860, the first church was built jointly by the Bishop. American Madurai Mission built the union church in 1895. From year 1860, there was all round improvement due to the visit of several dignitaries. Roman Catholics came, purchased a bungalow for Jesuit fathers, as rest house which is now called La Providence in upper shoal road. Governors of Madras Sir Charles Travelyon and Lord Napier visited in the years 1860 and 1871. One major JM Partridge of the army introduced Eucalyptus and wattle trees in the year 1867. Bier Leverage, collector of Madurai lived in Pamhar house after his retirement. Only through his tireless efforts and initiative the man-made Kodaikanal lake, the foremost attraction of the tourists was formed. He arranged boat rides in the lake. He planned and executed several approach roads to Kodaikanal. He introduced several foreign trees and vegetables such as Pine Forms and Pears. In the year 1872 Lt. Coaker cut a path along the ridge of steep south eastern side which commends a magnificant view of the plains below. The path was named after him as Coaker's Walk


Specialities of Kodai



With its spectacular rocks, tranquil woods, lovely lake and intoxicating air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists from all over.The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Kodaikanal lies pretty in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. The summer retreat of Kodaikanal literally means ‘gift of the forest’. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute.It is the only hill resort developed by Americans in India.

Events For Tourists

You can enjoy customary boat-ride or a horse-ride to negotiate and explore this exotic hill resort. There are ample opportunities available for Trekkers. You have an option of about 17 routes of varying lengths, as outlined in a pamphlet available at the District Forest Office. Kodaikanal also has a lovely golf course, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing golf, in beautiful scenic surroundings.

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.Kodaikanal promises to be an ideal getaway, for those craving for an invigorating yet soothing holiday, away from the madness of the city.

Kodai's Township

Driving into Kodaikanal from Palani is a dramatic experience, reminiscent in parts of the drive up the Ghat road from Kallar to Ooty. It is a relief to leave the hot, dusty plains behind and drive up into the cool hills. The vegetation changes gradually from palm-fringed paddy fields to wild brush with flaming blossoms to plantations interspersed with stately silver oaks. The view of the Amaravathi Dam, a shimmering sapphire sheet of water is an unforgettable sight. Driving higher, banana trees give way to tall eucalyptus trees, and the whole countryside is dotted with wildflowers in jeweled colors, magenta and purple predominating. There is a marked nip in the air, as one reaches for one’s cardigan, or shawl. At a bend in the road, the shimmer and roar of the Silver Cascade waterfall welcome the tourist.




Arriving in Kodai town, one is greeted by orchards of pear trees with their graceful branches silhouetted in artistic curves against the evening sky like stark Zen etchings. Buildings with gabled roof dot the skyline. Broken fragments of light from the setting sun are caught and kindled in the wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue, lights start twinkling all over the hillside, and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming messages of goodwill to each other.

Attractions

Kodaikanal is known for its 16-Sigths-Tour. The major tourists attractions of Kodaikanal include the

Kodai Lake, Berijam Lake,Dolphin Nose,  kukal cave, Boat club, Shenbaganur Museum, Fairy Falls, Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park, Kodai Astrophysical Observatory, Perumal peak, Bear Shola Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, Pambar Falls,  Kurinji Andavar Temple, Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View and Silver Cascade.

Berijam Lake



Berijam Lake is protected by Forest laws and the immensely beautiful forest. Tourists need special permission from the forest office in Kodaikanal to go there. It is better to be an early bird to get the permission, as the forest office closes by 11:30 am. Tourists are allowed to stay in Berijam till the evening. This viewpoint is 19 KMs from Kodaikkanal Lake.

Dolphin's Nose




Located about 8 km from the Berijam Lake is the Dolphin's Nose, a flat projecting rock from where one can take a breathtaking view of the widening gorge below.

Boat Club



In 1910, a new boat house was constructed. From May 1929, few tourists were only permitted to avail boat ride as temporary members.Then boat service was extended to the public and tourists in 1932. The tourists can avail boat services in the lake. T.T.D.C boats, Kodai boats, Carlton boats are available on hire for hours. Annual boat pageant is  held in May every year as a part of Summer

Bryant Park



Bryant Park is worth a visiting, and will add on to your relaxation if you take an interest in botany. It is a botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for flowers, hybrids and grafts. Cut flowers are exported from here. A glass house which shelters over fine varieties of flowers can be seen here. Flower show conducted every year during May, as a part of Summer Festival is to be seen by one and all.





A British forest officer by the name Bryant was the one who landscaped this park in the year 1980 and hence it is named after him. This is the place where the annual vegetable and flower show is held during the month of May and is the most visited place by many during the summer months. A glasshouse in the park contains wide varieties of flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants.

Fairy Falls



A delightful picnic spot just 5 km Kodai Lake. There is a beautiful waterfall here.

Shenbaganur Museum



The Shenbaganur Museum has an impressive collection of stuffed-birds and the butterflies. The Flora and Fauna Museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College. A Theological Seminary was founded in 1895. It is devoted to the archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best Orchidoriums in the country with more than 300 species is also located here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum. A wide ranging collection of birds classified into ground birds, water birds, tree birds and large high flying birds such as Black Eagle, Bengal Vulture, Honey Buzzard, Crested.

Coaker's Walk

This hill-edge path way was identified by Er.Coaker in 1872. About a Kilometer from the lake, Coakers Walk runs along a steep slope on the southern side of Kodai. It offers some of the best views of the Plains. Entry fee is collected per head here.




On a cloudless, clear day one can have interesting sights, such as.... Dolphin's nose in south, valley of the pambar river in South East, birds eye view of Periyakulam and even city of Madurai. One must be aware of a attractive happening called 'Brachem Spectre' . A very lucky person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo, when sun is behind and cloud and mist is in his front.



A telescopic view house is there at Coaker's walk that will provide a panoramic view of the valley, plains and the nearby towns and should not be missed by the tourists visiting the place. The ideal time to visit this place is before 2:30 pm in the afternoon as mist will start to set in over the valleys by late afternoons.

Lake View

A magnificent star-shaped lake glitters like a  jewel  amidst the Emerald Green wooded slopes. This 24 hectare lake is skirted by 5 Kms long. Black tapped road is a focal point of Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge (1885), who was the Collector of Madurai, retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and the members sailed in the boat.




The lake is situated at 10 deg 14' n latitude and 77 deg 28' longitude at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and it looks magnificent with star shaped glittering water, in the midst of evergreen lush slopes. The hills receive the rainfall during North-East Monsoon months of October, November and December. The lake is spread over 60 acres and surrounded by fine tarred road of 5 kms length, the maximum depth in 1962 was 11.5m but it is now about 9m due to siltation. The average depth is 3.0m.

Perumal Peak



About 11 km from Kodaikanal, the Perumal Peak is a trekker's delight. Climbers begin their ascent from the Neutral Saddle.

Pillar Rock




Three Boulders stand shoulder to shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 meters (400 feet), providing a beautiful view. It is 8 Kms from the lake. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers. In the shadows of the pillars are shady woods that invite picnickers. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil's kitchen.

Kurunji Temple




Kurinji Andavar Temple is at a distance of 3 Kms from the lake. This is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple  is associated with the Kurinji flower which carpets the hill side and blooms once in 12 Years.  " Kurinji " means " Hilly Region " in Tamil literature. " Andavar " means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hills here. From this temple, one can have a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Silver Cascade



This is Located on the Ghat road leading to Madurai and is about  8Kms from Kodaikanal. The overflow of Kodai Lake comes down here as 180 feet high falls. If the temperature of water suits, tourists can take bath.

Kurunji Flowers



Kodaikanal is rich in Flora and Fauna. It has a unique plant. The Kurinji, which blossoms once in 12 years, makes the hill slopes a "Blaze of Purple".

Bear Shola Falls

About 1.6 Kms from the lake, where once bears came to drink water. Hence the name of the falls became Bear Shola falls. Bear Shola Falls can be reached through a picturesque rugged hill path. The falls are at the best in rainy season. This is an ideal picnic spot

Pambar Falls

Grand cascade’ is another name for this magnificent falls. It cans he reached by a steep. precipitous path behind Pambar house. Racing down Pambar Raivine is Zig zagging living stream that cascades over a series of rock formation. It is 4km away kodaikanal.

Thalaiyar Falls
This is also called as Rat tail falls. The widest falls, ranging from 13th kilometer on the ghat road to Kodai. It is one of the highest flats in India, with their 975 ft sheer drop.



Kukal Cave

40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favourite camping site for trekkers. Reportedly, descendants of the Paliyans still live here.

Kodai Astrophysical Observatory



It is situated 32 Km from the lake. This Observatory was founded in 1989. Located at on elevation of 2343 meters, this observatory is the highest point in Kodai. Visitors can observe the stars and the planets.

Reaching Kodai
Air: The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. It is well connected to other airports.
Train: The nearest railway station is Kodai Railway Station, which is 80 km away.
Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns. Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.



Accomodations
Kodaikanal offers good accomodation in Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Clifton, Carlton Hotel, Shanmuga Vilas, Lodge Paradise, Hotel Jayraj, Jaya Lodge, Kodai Lodge and Sterling Guest House are some of the available means of accomodation.
Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor.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.


Sources:
www.indiatravelroute.com
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www.hill-stations-india.com
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www.southindiatourshub.com
www.indiantraveldestinations.com
www.hill-station.etctours.net
www.mustseeindia.com
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