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Kodaikanal

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Kodaikanal is one of Tamil Nadu's finest hill stations. It is situated 7,200 feet above sea level amongst the picturesque Nilgiri Hills.

[edit] Understand

The Kurinji Flower is in full bloom around December once in 12 years, and it bathes the valley in a beautiful sea of blue. Its because of this the hills are known as Nilgiris (Nil means Blue and Giri means Hill). It was last in full bloom in 2006; its next bloom is expected in 2018. Kodaikanal is also sometimes referred to as "Princess of Hill stations." Kodaikanal off course is situated in the Palni Hills.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

The closest airports to Kodaikanal are Madurai 120 km and Coimbatore 175 km.

[edit] By train

Nearest railhead is Kodaikanal road. Kodairoad Station is nearly 80 km.

[edit] By car

Reach Kodai Road80kms Rs.1000/- aprrox,Dindigul or Madurai and then take a cab to Kodaikanal. Ask the resort to arrange for the pick-up. The drive from Kodai road takes approximately 2 hrs while the drive from Madurai takes approximately 3 1/2 hours and from Dindigul it takes about 2 hrs.

From Cochin/Kochi(kerala) it is 295 kms via the hill station of Munnar(kerala).The route to be taken is Kochi-Muvattupuzha-Kothamangalam-Adimali-Munnar-Devikulam-Poopara-Bodi-Theni-Kodaikanal which is the NH49 Kochi-Madurai.

From Alappuzha or Kottayam, the route is via Kumily along Kottayam-Kumily road,KK Road

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_State_Highways_in_Kerala.

Pioneer Tours & Travels , is a proactive travel organization in Kodaikanal for the last 10 years, started by Mr.A.Sulthan. Transaction level operations are executed by a team of professionally qualified professionals, who are well versed with the complexities of Travel & Tourism Trade. [1]

[edit][add listing] See

Boating on the Kodai Lake
Boating on the Kodai Lake
Pillar Rock site
Pillar Rock site
  • Berijam Lake - perhaps the most pristine of the three lakes in Kodai
  • Coakers Walk- If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best time to visit the place would be before 2PM. But if you want to watch snow-like clouds (only in winter) beneath you form an ocean, reach the place between 3PM and 6PM. Try and catch the sunrise here or in the nearby Greenlands Hostel. A marvel. Also try out the telescope near the main gate.
  • Bryant park - A must see. Its main entrance is on the road surrounding the lake and is a 10 minute walk from the entrance to the boat club.
  • Kodai Lake- If you are going in Winter, do the boating in the evening, as its an amazing experience to boat through fogs settling on the lake.
  • Kurinjiandavar Temple - about 4 km from the lake is a temple whose presiding God is Lord Muruga. The flowers inside the temple bloom once in 12 years. One can get a view of the Palani Hills and the Kodaikanal Town from this temple. During the winter, the view of Kodai city and Palani from the two ends of the temple is blocked. However, in summer, the visibility is good and hence the experience too.
Flowers of the Kurinji plant that bloom once every twelve years
Flowers of the Kurinji plant that bloom once every twelve years
  • Green Valley View/Suicide Point- has a more than 5000 ft steep drop from this point. The monkeys are a good attraction at this point. Renamed Green Valley View, apparently to prevent people from being lured to commit suicides.
  • Pillar Rocks - huge steep cliffs which look like "Pillayar" (Lord Ganesh in local language Tamil). Watch out for the cross at the top of the mountain hoisted by an English adventure enthusiast.
  • Silent Valley View
  • Devil's Kitchen - a cave known more to the locals, in between "Green Valley View" and "Pillar Rocks". Watch out for the deep hidden ravines. What would appear like mere dark gutters are actually a deep fall. Many unsuspecting people have fallen prey to the "devil's trap". So,watch your step!
  • Guna Caves - a cave which became very famous after the movie GUNA. Very steep and risky to get in. Think public are not allowed to enter this cave nowadays. A very good place to take pics..

References : Kodaikanal Tourist Places

Kodaikanal Tours

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Cycle around the lake - and watch the clouds while they slowly descend onto the water; cycles are available for hire at the lake on an hourly basis. It is possible to cycle to other places although cycling one way will be difficult due to the hilly terrain. Do check the cycles before setting out.
  • Boating at the Kodai lake - paddle and row boats are available at the lake. Entrance is via the Kodaikanal Boat Club.
  • Trekking - Kodai offers several scenic trekking spots, including one which is to walk along the stream which goes to dolphin nose. Kodai tourist office has a trekking guide which is available for free there, which lists all the possible trekking routes and difficulty levels. The tourist office advises people to take guides and offers to provide them, although this is not necessary. An easy trek is the Perumalmalai trek which is the tallest mountain that area.
  • Wander About - Kodai has numerous waterfalls and beautiful views not mentioned in the tourist guides, so wandering about can bring you to some spectacular place.
  • Horse Riding - Right near the front of the entrance to the boat club, you can rent a horse (with the trainer) to take you around the lake.
  • Watch a Tamil movie - go down the PT road, continue to S-road. Then turn left, after the petroleum station. Just ask which way is to cinema, almost every local knows it. Vellaiyappan cinema theatre - is old building with relatively big screen and cheap tickets - great experience. Ticket cost 30 rs (15 may 2009)

[edit] Learn

  • Kodaikanal Public School, [2].
  • Kodaikanal Christian School.
  • Zion School.
  • Kodaikanal International School (KIS).
  • Kodaikanal Christian College - Prakashapuram, Kodaikanal.
  • Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram - part of the Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan.
  • keypeeyes
  • St. Peter's Matriculation School
  • South Indian Zen Meditation retreats with Master Ama Samy http://www.bodhizendo.org/.

[edit] Work

Annai Therasa University

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Cheese Factory - Various Cheeses.
  • Home made Chocolates - Kodai's shops are stocked with home made chocolates. These are a lot cheaper compared to the major brands.
  • Eucalyptus Oil and herbal oils- A Variety of oils that claim to relieve joint pains and other aches are also available at every shop.

There is a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM near the petrol pump at the Seven Road Junction which accepts other banks cards as well.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

  • Eden Paradise Restaurant, Paradise Compound, Laws Ghat Road. Serves Tasty Ethnic Keralite Cuisine
  • Astoria Veg Reasturant - This is one of the best vegetarian reasturant in the Kodai
  • Rasoi, 106 Maratha Shopping Complex, Annasalai. Serves excellent gujarathi and veg. punjabi thali. The Chola Batora and alu Paratha are their specialities.
  • Tibetan Brothers - PT Road. Your slice of Tibet in Kodai. The food is mouth watering and authentic Tibetan and Chinese. Try the steamed pork momo or the Thukpa. The owner who doubles up as a waiter is very courteous - and very passionate about his country. So the restaurant walls are plastered with photos of Lhasa, Potola palace and the Dalai and Panchen lamas.
  • Tava, 7 road junction. Outstanding Sindhi food, express service.
  • 'Pine & Petals', JC Residency,Convent Road,Naidupuram. Multi-cusine restaurant.

++

[edit] Mid-range

  • J.C.Residency, Convent Rd, Naidupuram [3].
  • Villa Retreat, Coakers Walk, [4].
  • Paradise Inn, Laws Ghat Road, Kodaikanal.
  • Kodai International, [5].

[edit] Splurge

  • Carlton Hotel
  • HillCountry Holiday Resorts[6]

[edit][add listing] Drink

There is a shop near the bus stand where you can get some standard Indian whisky, beer, vodka, etc.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

  • Hotel Spring Valley,about 1.5 kms away from Lake

Contact Information:25,Laws Ghat Road,Near Zion Matriculation School,Kodaikanal.Email:hotelspringvalley@gmail.com,Phone:+9198655 91202,www.hotelspringvalley.com

Morning View from Greenland Hostel
Morning View from Greenland Hostel
  • Greenlands Youth Hostel, next to Coakers Walk. This is the best place if you want the best view and also the feel of the bygone times. You can get dormitories as well as single/double rooms and the prices are very reasonable. However, do book in advance.Fresh food both veg and non veg available. one kilometer distance from the crowded areas. Quiet place facing the valley view. Friendly people
  • Staying in Cottage or a Bungalow is always better than staying in a closed AC room in a hotel. If you stay somewhere 3-4 km from main city you might get cheaper cottages and bungalow that too with good view.

However,If you wish to stay close to the main city area,

  • Hotel Astoria (Budget) would be a good option.
  • Hotel Bala International is another option. Both are at just 5 mins walking distance from Coakers walk and Kodai lake.
  • New Gold Nest, about 3 km away from the lake and on the way to the Kurinjiandavar Temple. This property comprises individual cottages which are located overlooking the valley and offer enchanting views of the clouds rising through the gaps in the mountains.
  • Lilly's Valley Resort 17/178 Sivanandi Road, Kodaikanal-624 101, Tamil Nadu India. [7]
  • 1 1/2 Km from Heart of town or 15 Mins walking distance.
  • Lilly’s Valley Resort was the very first resort to be built in Kodaikanal in 1982 by Mr. Raj A. Sukumar. Sukumar was born in the southern tip of Tamil Nadu, India. After traveling all over India, and in many parts of the world in the 70's he took up residence in Canada. During this period he happened to visit Kodaikanal and felt the place resembled somewhere in England he had seen! After falling in love with this place he brought the property in Kodaikanal and wanted to be a part of its future.

[edit] Mid-range

  • Mystic Mountain, Independent cotages. Available single and double bedrooms cottages.Nice place for honey moon couples and family get-togethers. Two kms from bus stand. Cottages are placed at the top of secured independent hills Ph: 9962087706.
  • Kodai Resort Hotel in front of Coakers Walk, [8]. Good Cottages and good lawn with Birds flying Ducks in the garden.

  • Snooze Inn, [9]. A well run budget hotel situated in the heart of Kodaikanal, known for its clean rooms and prompt service.
  • Villa Retreat, next to Coakers Walk, [10]. Strategic location, mind blowing views. A nice little cozy resort located bang on the Coaker's walk. On walking distance is Kodai lake, Coaker's walk and Bryant Park. The hotel staff is very courteous and helpful. The rooms are clean with simple decor. Best thing is they serve fresh food hence request the customer to order well in time. Good variety for both Veg and Non-Veg cuisine.
  • Valley View Inn, Luxury hotel in the true sense. Three star - Nearer to Coakers Walk, [11]. High quality veg food.

[edit] Splurge

  • Carlton Hotel. This is one of the best hotels with a great view of the Kodai Lake. Book in the off season and you could get a 3 nights package for about 16K (for 2 people) with food and sight seeing. A good time for the honeymooners would be to go during the winter season. The hotel is within 5 minutes walking distance from restaurants and the local market. Also, there are small eateries and shops right outside the hotel.

[edit] Contact

Tourist Office (Govt. of Tamil Nadu): Township Bus Stand Rest House Complex (Next Bus Stand), Kodaikanal, Phone: 241675

[edit] Stay healthy

  • Van Allen Hospital - The only hospital available in Kodaikanal. Established by American missionaries. For major treatments, you have to go to Madurai hospitals.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Get out

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