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Kodaikkanal is one of India's most beautiful
hill stations located at an altitude of 2133 mts ( 7,000 feet
) frequented by tourists in large numbers throughout the year.
Kodaikkanal has a bracing climate where temperature do not vary
much from summer to winter. Fruits like plums and plantains
grow abundantly on the wooded slopes apart from a wide variety
of flowers, among which is the famous Kurinji flower which blooms
once in twelve years.
The Kodai lake in
star shape dominates this sleepy hill station. Spread over an
area of 24 hectares where fishing allowed and boating facilities
are available; one of the world's oldest Solar Observatories
that was built in 1899; and the Orchidorium at the Sacred Heart
College where about 300 species of orchids can be seen. There
are also a number of picturesque walks like Coaker's Walk and
Priest's Walk. Kodai's best view points are Pillar Rocks, and
Green Valley View. Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls
and Glen Falls are popular with picnickers while the Perumal
Peak is a favourite with trekkers. The Kurinji Andavar temple
3.2 kms away is dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
General
Information
| Area |
21.45
sq. kms. |
| Population |
27,461
(1991 census) |
| Altitude |
2,133
meters above sea level |
| Climate |
|
|
Summer
|
|
|
Winter
|
|
| Rainfall |
165
cms average |
| Clothing
|
Light
woollen in the evening. During summer and heavy woolens
during winter.
|
| Season |
April
to June and September to October. But can be visited throughout
the year. |
| Languages
spoken |
Tamil
and English |
| STD
Code |
04542 |
Places
of interest
Berijam
Lake
Berijam Lake, situated 21 Kms from the township, lies in a beautiful
valley, reflecting the glory of the specious in its clean waters.
Dolphin's nose ( 8 Kms ), a projecting rock provides a view
of the deep chasm below. Then go on get higher upon life. Climb
the misty and high Perumal Peak. And you'll be rewarded with
one of the most wonderful views in and around Kodaikkanal.
Shebaganur
Museum
5.6 Kms away is easily one of the best orchidoriums in the country
offering the visitor, more than 300 species of orchids.
Kurinji
Andavar Temple ( 3.2 Kms )
It is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It offers the worshipper a
beautiful view of the northern plains and the Palani hills.
Excursions
Palani
(62kms)
The temple at Palani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
Dedicated to Sri Dandayuthapani, the temple is built atop a
140m high hill and can be reached either using the steps or
the electrically operated winch. During the festivals of Panguni
Utthiram ( March-April) and Adi Krithikai (July-August) Kavadi
dancers dance and walk their way from far and near as they flock
to the temple in hundreds, often in a state of trance.
Festivals
Other
Festivals
How
to get there ?
Air
The
nearest airport is Madurai.
Rail
The nearest railway station is Kodaikkanal Road on the Chennai-Madurai
broad guage line.
Road
Kodaikkanal is well connected by road and there are frequent
buses from Chennai, Madurai, Palani, Coimbatore, Dindugal and
Tiruchi.
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