Kodaikanal Overview

About The Place

Kodaikanal heavily consists of untouched jungles, steep hills, swift streams, vast valleys and deep waterfalls. As a result, travellers are never tired of the beautiful scenery that Kodaikanal has to offer. Kodaikanal is one of the top tourist spots in the Southern India tourism, and the place is nicknamed as the 'Princess of Hills." The city is roughly 7000 feet above the sea level and is located near Palani Hill's crest. The visitors often get confused about the places to visit in Kodaikanal, and are unable to decide due to ample tempting options. In both the sides of the city, two valleys, the Gundar and the Parappar, act as a barrier to the town. In Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is also a top honeymoon spot.

The name of the city Kodaikanal was given to indicate the beautiful place as a 'gift of the forest.' The British missionaries used this place as the summer capital, and by the middle of the 19th century, developed the city. With time, more and more visitors were captivated by the beauty of Kodaikanal, and the place slowly became a famous tourist spot. At present, Kodaikanal is one of the top tourist destinations in the whole of India. The city is essentially a hill station, and the natural scenery of the clouds playing with the mountains is just breathtaking. As for Kodaikanal places to visit nature lovers have ample options to choose from.

There are numerous Kodaikanal tourist places to visit. From the caves to the holy hills, from the lakes to the prayer spots, there are many options. Berijam Lake is one of the recommended places to visit in Kodaikanal. Berijam Lake provides a calm view of the water over wild natural scenery. The main Kodai Lake, however, is probably the most visited place in the city. Boating experience over the main Kodai Lake is recommended to all. Trekking places include Dolphin Rock, Pillar Rocks, and go as far as Kumabkarai. For religious sites, the Kurinji Andavar Temple is one of the best choices. Swimming at Fairy Falls and vacationing at the Bryant Park are some other significant options. As for family time, the hill station provides an outstanding view.

The temperature range of Kodaikanal in summer generally rises to 37 degrees Celsius. Temperature can go as low as 9 degrees Celsius in the winters.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KODAIKANAL

The top places to visit in Kodaikanal are given below-

1. Kodaikanal Lake

The Kodaikanal Lake is probably the most visited place of not only the city but also of the state Tamil Nadu. This is an artificial lake and is shaped like a star. It is located nearly 2285 meters above sea level. Sir Vere Henry Levinge was the constructor of the main Kodai Lake in the year 1863. He was the contemporary collector of Mumbai, who spent his retired life in Kodaikanal, and decided to build this lake. At present, tourists can do boating and fishing here.

2. Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is surrounded by forests and is considered as one of the top places to see in Kodaikanal. However, visitors will need to get a permit from the forest department before this place can be visited. Usually, it takes one day to get the permit. No boating is allowed on the Berijam Lake as it is a source of drinking water. Tourists can move among the surroundings of the lake to get an unmatched experience.

3. Kurinji Andavar Temple

The Kurinji Andavar temple is also one of the top tourist destinations of Kodaikanal. The location of the temple is somewhat offbeat, and the view it provides over the back with the glimpse of the Palani Hills is just breathtaking. The temple also provides a majestic view of the Vaigai Dam in the background. The temple name comes from the Kurinji flowers, which are known to bloom once every twelve years.

4. Bryant Park

Located very close to the Kodai Lake, Bryant Park is a famous botanical garden that hosts over 325 different species of flowers, cactuses, shrubs, and trees. When the flowers are blooming, the place looks like a rainbow. An old Eucalyptus tree, which is nearly 160 years old, is another attraction of this park.

5. Coaker's Walk

One of the top Kodaikanal places to visit is the Coaker's Walk. This place was built in 1872, by Lt. Coaker. It is a walking plaza meant for visiting and walking in the city. The Coaker's Walk is a must-visit place if you want to experience the lush green valley that spreads in all directions. People often go here for the morning, afternoon, or evening walk.

6. Pillar Rocks

The Pillar Rocks are also a top sightseeing spot in Kodaikanal, and the natural vistas scenery is fantastic to watch. The name of the place mainly came from three rocks, which seem nearly vertical, and rises to a height of around 400 feet. With the mist and fog, the tip of the pillars provides a heavenly view.

7. Fairy Falls

The Fairy falls one of the top Kodaikanal tourist places and is located in the Pambarpuram area. The natural beauty of this fall is breathtaking, and it is a delight to see the water cascade down the mountain top at high speed. Fairy Falls is one of the major tourist attractions of Kodaikanal as it is a famous spot for swimming. With everything the Fairy Falls provide, from serenity to natural beauty, this place is worth a visit in Kodaikanal.

What is Kodaikanal famous for?

Kodaikanal is mainly famous for the Kodaikanal Lake, and the beautiful natural scenery, it provides with mountains, lakes and forests.

Which is the best time to visit Kodaikanal?

Kodaikanal is a hill station. So, the best time to visit is in summer, preferably from March, to the start of June. The weather remains the most pleasant during this time.

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake is a star-shaped artificial lake. It was constructed in 1863 and is now the main attraction of Kodaikanal.

Best time to visit Kodaikanal

The summer ending and the beginning of the monsoon, preferably from March to the early June days is the ideal time to visit Kodaikanal.