KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal, popularly known as “The Princess of the Hill Stations” is a very famous hill station of Southern India in Dindigal district. It is 7200 feet above sea level and situated in upper Palani hills of the Western Ghats near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The name “Kodaikanal” means “The gift of the forest” in the Tamil language, the major attraction to this place is its cool and misty weather. Other attractions being the rolling hills and the wooded forest, its surroundings will mesmerize any visitor throughout the year. Walk through the wooded forests, row in the lake, and bath in one of the splashing waterfalls, go for horse riding and cycling around the lake or simply admire the views. The unique Kurinji flower blooms once every 12 years. 

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. 

• Summer (April to June):

       While the weather is still pleasant, it can get warmer, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. 

• Monsoon (July to September):

This period sees heavy rainfall, which can make sightseeing and outdoor activities challenging. However, the monsoon season also brings lush greenery and a romantic atmosphere. But sightseeing and outdoor sports may be cumbersome. Heavy rainfall might cause landslips and floods in forest streams. Monsoon is off season for a trip to Kodaikanal, but the region looks most enticing for the romantics at heart.

• Winter (October to March):

This is the peak tourist season, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 17°C, making it ideal for exploring the hill station. The coldest month in Kodaikanal is typically January, with temperatures potentially dipping to freezing levels, especially at night. January and February are known for being among the coldest months in Kodaikanal. While daytime temperatures remain comfortable for exploring, mornings and nights can be quite chilly, often dipping below 10°C. 

Sight seeing places

• Kodaikanal Lake: The star-shaped lake is a major attraction, offering boating, cycling, and horse riding opportunities. 
• Kurinji Flowers: The region is famous for the Kurinji (Strobilanthes cynthiana) flower, which blooms once every 12 years, creating a vibrant and unique spectacle. 
• Waterfalls: Kodaikanal boasts several scenic waterfalls, including Silver Cascade and Bear Shola Falls. 
• Bryant Park: A beautiful botanical garden with a wide variety of flora. 

• Pillar Rocks: Majestic natural rock formations. 
• Coaker’s Walk: A charming walkway offering panoramic views. 
• Pine Forests: Lush pine forests add to the serene ambiance. 
• Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: A historical observatory that was established in 1899.
• Guna Caves (Devils Kitchen): Deep bat-infested chambers between gigantic boulders.
• Shenbaganur Museum: An orchidarium and archaeological museum.
• La Salette Church: A historic church.
• Lutheran Church: A gothic-style church.
• Mannavanur: A picturesque village with a sheep and rabbit farm. 

Things to Buy:

• Handicrafts:

Kodaikanal is known for its variety of handicrafts, mementos, and trinkets.

• Homemade Chocolates & Cheese:

The bakeries lining Lake Street are known for their delicious homemade chocolates and cheese.

• Medicinal Oils:

You can find a variety of medicinal oils in the local markets.

• Kashmiri Shawls, Brass and Metal Ware, and Leather Goods:

These are widely renowned and can be found at The Khadi Emporium and other stores. 

Clothing & Accessories

• Lightweight and breathable clothing (t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses)
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants for cooler evenings.
• Sweater or light jacket for the cool mountain climate.
• Rain jacket or umbrella for unexpected showers.
• Socks and underwear for the duration of your trip.

To reach the destination

The nearest railway station is the Kodai Road Railway Station.

The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport (IXM), located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. 

• Madurai Airport: This is the closest airport for reaching Kodaikanal by air. 
• Distance: It’s about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kodaikanal. 
• Other Airports: While not as close, you could also consider Coimbatore International Airport (175 km) or Trichy International Airport (150 km) as alternative options, but Madurai is generally the most convenient. 
• Travel to Kodaikanal: From Madurai Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kodaikanal.

The road from Palani to Kodaikanal, a popular route, features 21 hairpin bends. 

• Palani Route: This is the most common route to Kodaikanal, known for its scenic views and challenging hairpin bends. 
• Number of Bends: The Palani to Kodaikanal road boasts 21 hairpin bends. 
• Road Condition: The road is hilly and pothole-ridden. 
• Other routes: There is also a route via Batlagundu, which has fewer hairpin bends. 
• Ghat Road: The Ghat road section from Batlagundu to Kodaikanal is about 46 km long. 

Food & Beverages:

• Homemade Chocolates: Kodaikanal is famous for its artisanal chocolates, often made with locally sourced cocoa. 
• Kodai Cheese: The region is known for its unique and delicious cheese, which is exclusively produced in the area. 
• Other Baked Goods: Look for jams, pickles, creams, balms, oils, incense bread, and other baked items. 
• Herbal Tea: Find home-grown honey and herbal tea. 
• Coffee: Kodaikanal is home to some of the finest coffee plantations in India. 
• Handicrafts & Souvenirs:
• Walnut Wood Articles: Find unique and handcrafted items made from walnut wood. 
• Brass and Metal Ware: Explore shops for brass and other metal ware. 
• Leather Goods: Discover hand-stitched leather items. 
• Shawls and Stoles: Look for intricately woven shawls and scarves. 
• Handicrafts: Explore local markets for hand woven baskets and pottery. 
• Aromatherapy Products: Find a variety of aromatic oils, herbs, and natural products. 
• Tibetan Handicraft House: Visit Tibetan Handicraft House for Tibetan handicrafts. 
• Others:
• Organic Soaps and Skincare: The Kodai hills are abundant in therapeutic herbs and plants, leading to great skin and hair care products. 
• Handloom Fabrics: Look for handloom fabrics, like Kerala Kasavu. 
• Spices: Kodaikanal is known for its organic spices. 

Additional information’s

• While Kodaikanal is a relatively secure place to visit, there are some general safety tips that you must remember: Share your plans: Make sure your family and friends know where you’re going including the contacts of the places you’ll be staying at.
• The luckiest of the explorers might be able to spot the stars of the sanctuary–the mighty elephants and the Indian Gaur.
• PEARS. A highly beneficial fruit for your body, the Pear is grown in abundance in Kodaikanal. The fruit is known to help reduce type 2 Diabetes.

Some of the top places to visit in Kodaikanal in 2 days with family include:

1. Kodai Lake: Famous for adventurous activities like horseback riding, fishing, boating and cycling, this lake is the best place to visit with family. Offering a scenic picnic spot, the beauty of this shining lake can be enjoyed while having a fun-filled day with your family while sitting on the shores and marveling at the beautiful sunset.

2. Bryant Park: Home to the manicured gardens and loaded with numerous joyous activities, this park is the best place to include in your Kodaikanal 2 days trip. The garden also holds a rose garden, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature at its best.

3. Dolphin’s Nose: This viewpoint offers you a panoramic view of the whole valley and is a perfect place to enjoy a thrilling hike. To reach here, one need to trek for around 2 to 3 hours and the trail is filled with small vendors offering snacks and juices.

4. Bear Shola Falls: A huge waterfall in a reserved forest, Bear Shola Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls of Kodaikanal. The path towards the falls is bumpy and hilly, and one needs to trek to cover the distance. Once you reach the spot, the splendid view of the gushing water from a height and the milky cloud created beneath is undoubtedly breathtaking.

• What are the best places to visit in Kodaikanal for couples?

Best places to visit in Kodaikanal for Couples are:

1. Silver Cascade: Gushing from 180 feet above and making a pool of white clouds below, this waterfall is known for its spectacular beauty and lush green surroundings. This is the perfect place if you are planning a couples’ trip and are looking for some solace away from the city.

2. Coaker’s Walk: Offering you a chance to walk hand in hands and admire the surrounding nature, this walking area is carved around the steep side of the mountain. Coaker’s walk has all major tourist attractions in its proximity; thus, one can easily visit here and spend some quality time.

3. Berijam Lake: Located around the fort Hamilton on the upper Palani hills, this lake is a perfect place to enjoy some cheerful time amidst nature and plan a picnic. Home to a number of rare plant species, this place offers some of the best colourful backdrops to click amazing pictures.

4. Dolphin’s Nose: Offering the much required thrill, this viewpoint comes in the list of the best Places to visit in Kodaikanal in 2 days. To reach here, one needs to trek for about two hours, and the panoramic view of the whole town from here is undoubtedly beautiful.

• What are the famous places to visit near Kodaikanal within 100 km?

Some famous places to visit near Kodaikanal within 100 km are:

1. Mannavanur Lake: Located at one hour drive from Kodaikanal, this lake is located inside a sheep farm, and many animals can be seen here grazing around and drinking water from the sides.

2. Pine Tree Forest: Famous for its towering trees and offering a perfect place to enjoy some thrill while hiking, this forest has been visited by numerous adventure seekers.

3. Dindigul: Offering the beautiful scenery of acquisite architecture, grand cannons and rock carvings, this fort is the must visit place around Kodaikanal. The vicinity also houses a temple famous for its rock-cut idol and positive vibes.

4. Poombarai: A picturesque hamlet located at a distance of 60 KM from Kodaikanal, this valley is home to lush green and manicured grasslands offering some splendid views of nature around.

• What are the best places for camping in Kodaikanal?

1. Pattakanal: Providing you with a chance to camp in a jungle, this place has attracted a number of adventure seekers. Taking you towards a pine forest, camping at this place lets you enjoy the best of nature while marvelling at the shining stars on a clear sky.

2. Pear Country: Located amidst a pear farm is a spot known for offering the best location to set up a camp and enjoy a night filled with loads of fun. Surrounded by misty mountains, here one can enjoy the best of nature, chirping of birds and adventure, all at the same time.

3. Dolphin’s Nose: A famous location amongst the Kodaikanal places to visit in 2 days, this viewpoint is known for offering a panoramic view of the whole town. Camping here will let you enjoy a joyous night with friends and family, that too at a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Silver Cascade: Offering you an opportunity to camp around a gushing waterfall, this stream is the most visited location in Kodaikanal. Here one can experience all the nature has to offer while spending a fun-filled night with their loved ones.

THE ABOVE DETAILS COURTESY TO WIKIPEDIA