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Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant
Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which
mesmerizes any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing
waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station. It
Presents a Very Natural Eco-Environment, Which Provides You a Great
Freshness.
In 1845, Kodaikanal was started as hill station in the Palani hills at 7375
ft. The Palani Hills were first surveyed by British Lieutenant Ward in
1821.The first people lived in the hills were dolmen-boulders, who have left
here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated.
In the Palani hills Tribes are of two kinds, the Paliyans and
Pulaiyans. Kukkal Caves, which in 20 kms. away from kodaikanal, show traces
of Paliyan occupation. Paliyans are tribes. Next to Paliyans, Pulaiyans were
settled as agriculturists at later stage. The survey report of 1821, reveals
Pulaiyans were the aborigines of the Palani Hills and followed Tamil
Culture.
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 Kodiakanal was Lt. B.S. Ward a surveyor in the
year 1821. His Head Quarters was Vellagavi village. There were many American
missions in South Tamilnadu.
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. 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.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air -
The nearest airport is at Madurai (135 km from Kodaikanal). Alternatives are
Coimbatore 170Kms and Trichy 195 Kms.
By Rail -
The nearest railway stations are the KodaiRoad Railway Station (80-km) and
the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
By Road -
Kodaikanal is connected by road with all important town, Chennai (520-km),
Ooty (264-km), Trichy (195-km), Coimbatore (175-km), Kumili (160-km), and
Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani,
Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumili (Thekkady) and
Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are
available for local transportation. There are no auto-rickshaws in
Kodaikanal.
WHEN TO GO
Kodaikanal can be traveled round the year. but the best time to visit
Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to October, Rainfalls,
as this is the most ideal time for all visitors.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Palani hills - Tucked away among the Palani
Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously guarded like a prized
jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means
‘gift of the forest’ in Tamil. A more appropriate and evocative name
could not have been imagined for this quaint, unspoilt little hill
station, where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly
beautiful, and a serenity seldom found in other hill stations. Cradled
in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats,
120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level.Tucked
away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously
guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact,
the name itself means ‘gift of the forest’ in Tamil.
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The Town - 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.
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The Kodai Club - The Kodai Club gives the
impression of stepping back into colonial India. The lounge with its
period fireplace, the piano, the Leigh Hunt prints, the library stocked
with books by Evelyn Waugh, Anthony Trollope, and the bar with stuffed
heads of bison, tigers, deer-horns, and a picture of the Laughing
Cavalier by Franz Hals, the restaurant with old English plates, a
glowing hearth-fire, and landscape prints, are all British legacies.
Cinnereras and primulus add to the English atmosphere, and again one is
struck by the predominance of the lilac-purple theme.
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Berijam Lake - Berijam Lake located at a
distance of 21-km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one among the
beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the
lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.
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Kodaikanal Trekking - Head for Kodaikanal in the
Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You can take short treks and hikes
to tourist spots close by as well to local viewpoints. Overnight treks
are also possible here where one can spend a night at a local village.
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The Golf Club - The Golf Club is located 5-km
from the Kodaikanal Lake. Boating and Angling facilities are available
at the Kodaikanal Lake. Picturesque trek routes are available in and
around Kodaikanal. For details, contact: The Trek Director, Department
of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu, Chennai
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Fairs & Festivals Kodaikanal - There are several
beautiful hill stations in Tamilnadu. With the Summer Festivals, the
hills are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival
is held in the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the evergreen Ooty; the
exquisite Kodaikanal or the salubrious heights of Yercaud. Cultural
programs, adventure sports, boat races, flower and fruit shows add to
the splendor of the festival.
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AROUND KODAIKANAL |
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Dolphin’s Nose - located about eight km
from the lake, is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a
breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below.
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The Perumal Peak - The Perumal Peak about 11 km
from Kodaikanal, is a trekker’s delight. Climbers begin their ascent
from the Neutral Saddle.
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Kukal Cave - 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a
favourite camping site for trekkers. Reportedly, descendants of the
Paliyans still live here.
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WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants which serves delicious pure vegetarian food.
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