Kodaikanal Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

The star-shaped Kodai Lake is the centre of attraction in Kodaikanal. Built in 1863, the artificial lake is encircled by a 5-km path which is popular for walking. The Boat Club organises sailing and boat racing on the lake. Next to the lake is Bryant Park known for its rare collection of flowers and hybrids. The park hosts horticultural shows every year in May. Coaker's Walk is just a kilometre away from the lake with excellent views of the surrounding valley.

Kodai is also home to the country's only Solar Physical Laboratory with a small museum. Pillar Rocks rise up to 400 ft from the ground and offer sweeping views of the hill station. Kurinji Andavar Temple is 3 Km northeast of the lake and takes its name from the Kurinji flowers which blossom once in every 12 years in the region. Shenbaganur Museum is famous for its collection of more than 300 exotic species of orchids. Water falls in the vicinity are Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls.

Other Activities:

The best way to experience Kodaikanal is either on foot or by cycling. The untouched forests offer great trekking trails and hiking opportunities. Most of Kodai's eateries serve multi-cuisine food, from Tibetan to Chinese, and South Indian. Corsack craft shop and the state emporium are the places to shop for souvenirs.

Tourism Info:

Municipal Bus Stand Rest House

Kodaikanal - 624 101

Tel: 04542-241675

Kodaikanal, or Kodai as it's better known, is a quiet hill station at an altitude of 2,195 m, on the southern ridge of the Palani hills in Tamil Nadu. It is popular amongst the locals as well as other tourists and has earned the nickname of Princess of Hill Stations. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forest'. The hilly retreat was established by American missionaries around 1845 in order to escape from the high temperatures of the plains. There are also some boarding schools of international repute here.