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India » Kodaikanal
 City Guide
 
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Set 2100 meters above sea level, Kodaikanal is a popular hill station retreat in South India. The cool climes of Kodai offer holiday makers respite from the steamy plains of Tamil Nadu and other neighbouring states. Encompassed by verdant slopes that are punctuated by waterfalls and cascades, Kodaikanal presents some awesome scenic views of the plains below. The surrounding forests provide great trekking trails for the outdoor enthusiast and if you are not too adventurous, the Kodai Lake located at the heart of the town is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or boat ride.
Kodaikanal was established by American missionaries around 1845, a refuge from inhospitable climes and the dreaded malaria. Besides being an escape from the heat, the town is also filled with residential schools. Today it has some of the best residential schools in the country.
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By Air
The nearest airport at Madurai (120 km) gets daily flights from Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy and Mumbai. From there on it is possible to reach Kodai by train and road.
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Palani to the north and Kodai Road to the east. From these stations it s a long 3 hour wind up by road which can be quite enjoyable unless you are prone to journey sickness.
By Road
There are bus services to Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Madurai and Trichy. The shortest route is from Madurai (4 hrs), the longest from Bangalore and Chennai (12 hrs). There is an option between state services and private operators, and various degrees of luxury and speed. But if you are planning to do the circuit or are prone to motion sickness, then hiring a car is the most comfortable way to travel.
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Population
27,461
Area
21.45 sq kms
Climate
11°C - 20°C (Summers)
8°C - 17°C (Winters)
Dialing code: 04542 |
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Most visitors go to `see the natural beauty of Kodai. There are organized walks through the eucalyptus and blue gum forests that are great for the heart, mind and lungs. One can go off on one s own exploring the surrounding hills or book a trek with a travel agent.
The Kodai Lake, a man-made lake has a path encircling it off which are numerous cycle hire shops. The boating club rents out pedal two seaters at nominal prices to take around this star shaped lake. Fishing is allowed but you have to get a permit.
Coaker s Walk winds around the town and has a view of some breathtaking sights of the surrounding countryside. Pillar Rocks are more than 120 mt high boulders, which can be viewed through the telescopes on Coakers Walk. On a clear day you can even see the temple town of Madurai.
Within Kodai, there are botanical gardens like Bryant and Chettiar Park that are a riot when the flowers are abloom. The Kurinji plant in Chettiar Park flowers every 12 yrs and is due to bloom next in 2006. On the way to the picturesque Silver Cascade waterfalls is the Flora and Fauna Museum that houses a collection of orchids. The Astrophysical Laboratory (established in 1899) has a small museum that opens on Fridays.
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 Palani (62 km) and Pollachi (61 km) are two small towns near Kodaikanal. The road to Palani winds along coffee, orange and banana plantations. The Malaikovil Subrahmanya Temple is a pilgrimage destination and devotees climb 659 steps to reach it. Pollachi was an important trading town. 2000 yr old roman coins were discovered here. It s still a bustling town serving visitors to the Annamalai Sanctuary and travelers who are making their way across to Munnar in Kerala. |
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