KODAIKANAL HISTORY

Kodaikanal Better known as Kodai, is on the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu in South India, an eastern off-shoot of the Western Ghats.

At an altitude of 2200 meters, Kodaikanal is a bio diversity hot-spot, rich in flora and fauna.
The ‘Shola’ forests of Kodaikanal, is unique in the world for its bio-diversity and supports a vast range of tree, plant life and a wide range of Insects, birds and wildlife.

Kodaikanal hills have large forest areas as well as large agriculture areas. A number of remote hill villages still exist in Kodaikanal, offering breathtaking views, waterfalls and lakes, This makes it ideal for trekking and photography.

DISCOVERY OF KODAIKANAL

In the early 1800s the British who were looking for an escape from the heat of the plains discovered Kodaikanal. But it was only in the 1840s the first settlers arrived and built cottages. A walking trail up to Kodaikanal was laid starting from Kumbakkarai Falls at the foothills near Periyakulam town. This route was used to carry people in palanquins, until the law ghat road was laid. The road was opened for regular traffic in the beginning of 1920s which is in use today.

Apart from the British, the other early settlers were American, French, German, Irish and Swedish Missionaries, who found Kodaikanal to be an ideal summer Retreat.

The star shaped Lake was formed in 1863 and became the water source for the temple city of Palani, till today.

It was only in 1960s Kodaikanal became popular, and rich, elite Indians started setting up their cottages as a summer retreat. Tourism in Kodaikanal started booming in the early 1980s.

KODAIKANAL - FACTS

Kodaikanal is a veritable treasure house of forest products. Flowers of varied colour grow here. The cut flowers from Kodaikanal are exported to quality-conscious market all over the world. The Kurinji flowers, unique to Western Ghats are found in Kodaikanal. This shrub has light, purple-blue-coloured blossoms and flowers every 12 years. After 1994, this year you can see Kurinji flower blooming all over Kodaikanal.

For a hill station Kodaikanal town is very compact. Kodaikanal provides an escape from the heat and haze of the plains and provides an opportunity to hike in the quiet ‘sholas’
The mild temperature in Kodaikanal range from 11 to 20 degrees in summer and 8 to 17 degrees in winter, making it ideal to visit through the year.

Tourism is the main business and livelihood in Kodaikanal, with hotels, restaurants, shops, vans, taxis and guides catering to the tourists. But unlike other hill stations in India, Kodaikanal is still beautiful, unspoilt, with great views. Today, Tourist from all around the world flock Kodaikanal round the year.

WHAT TO SEE

Kodaikanal Lake

The star shaped lake is the star attraction of Kodaikanal. The lake is 24 hectare in expanse and there is a 5km winding road around the lake. You can go for a walk, take a bicycle or go for horse riding, or boating.

Kodaikanal - Coakers Walk

It’s a 15 minutes walk on the cliff which offers enchanting views of the valleys. On clear days you can see Madurai City which is 120 kms from Kodaikanal.

Kodaikanal - Bryant Park

Spread over 20 acres, the park grows varieties of roses and flowers. There is also an orchid green house.

Kodaikanal - Pillar Rocks

7 kms from Kodaikanal, these are a set of three rocks which stands at a height of 122 meter’s. The view from here is breathtaking.

Kodaikanal - Berijam Lake

This is a beautiful un-spoilt lake, 21kms from Kodaikanal. Permission has to be obtained from the Forest Office, to visit this lake.

Kodaikanal - Kurinji Andavar Temple

The temple is home to Lord Murugan. There is a beautiful view from this point.

Kodaiakanal - Silver Cascade

8 kms from Kodaikanal, this is a magnificent 180 ft high waterfall, which is an overflow of Kodaikanal Lake.