Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.
It has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be set up during the British Raj by Americans. The British moved here in 1845, and were joined later by American missionaries. The missionaries later established a school for European children here; the Kodaikonal International School is still one of the most prestigious private schools in the country. Kodai or Kodi is a favourite with holidayers and honeymooners and offers some breathtakingly beautiful trekking routes.
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 hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.
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.
Temperature Summer - 19.80°C Winter - 17.30°C
Best Season April to June, and September to October, But can be visited throughout the year.
Cloth Light woollens in the evening during summer and heavy woollens during winter.
Languages Tamil and English
State Dindugal District, Tamil Nadu State, India
By Air
The Airport to Madurai is 135 kms, Coimbatore 170Kms and Trichy 195 Kms.
By Train
Many Passenger trains pass through Kodaikanal road. Kodairoad Station is nearly 80 kms.
By Road
Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore.