Hi Friends,
I have visited Kodaikanal very recently , in February-2007. This was my 2nd visit , after my visit in 2004.
The temperatures here are very low as it is winter. You really can’t bear the coolness in the nights.
But if you really want to enjoy the fog and mist , you should visit this place only in rainy season. The day times can be hot in the summer months.
We reached Kodaikanal on 5th of February after visiting Munnar. Compared to Munnar, Kodai is very cool due to its high altitude (2300mts above sea level), even the day times are very cool, the affect of SUN is very little during the day times. You can see the mist claded mountains particulary if you visit the Pillar Rocks and Green Valley view point.
We stayed in the HIgh Land Parade resort which was booked by our travel agent. The resort itself is located on the cliff of a hill , so you can have almost 180 degrees views of the valley below, though the greenery is very much less on these hills. The room tariff in off-season is Rs.1000 plus taxes. But for the same rate you can get other hotels, but you don’t have views from many of the hotels in Kodaikanal. The laundry rates are too high in this resort. This resort is very nearer to the famous Kurinji Andavar Temple. You can walk up to this temple from the resort.
The room service is good in this resort but the food charges are high compared to other resorts. The quality of the food is average. SO I suggest you to eat at other hotels like Hill Top Inn, Hill top woodlands and Hotel Astoria for vegetarians, in the main center.
I personally recommend Villa Retreat which is located very close to the Coaker’s Walk and has got some great views from the resort. This is the best resort I feel from the scenice views point of view.
Green Acres is other resort located on the banks of the Lake. Hotel RAKU international also has got some good views. The best and high end hotel is the Kodai INternational located at 2 KM off from Kodai center. The food is very good here, though a bit costly. JS Heritage resort also has got some good views as it is located nearer to the Chettiyar Park.
The best thing about Kodai is the cool climate and excellent forest, a visit to the forest is a must. We could not visit the famous Berijam Lake as it was closed for 3 months till May/June, dont know exactly , as there was some road work is going-on.
Coming to the shopping, you can buy the fresh Kodai hills honey , Aloe Vera gel, home made chocolates and other spices from many of the shops here. Pastry corner is the place where you will get excellent bakery items. Also you can buy some fresh flowers at the many of the sight seeing spots.
All the sightseeking places can be covered within 2 days as Kodai is a small hill station. But the major beauty lies with in the forest, you can’t miss the forest.
The most notable and disappointing fact is that Kodai has lost almost 40% of its greenery compared to 2004. This is particulary evident on the slopes of the Kodai hills while we travel from Palani to Kodaikanal. ONe major factor for this is the lack of abundant rains during the recent years, which is also causing the drinking water problem in Kodai. In 2004, I have seen somany varieties in the flowers, now they are reduced by half, don’t know why.
Of all the south indian hill stations, Kodaikanal is the most beautiful and coolest hill station. So we should fee proud of this and preserve it’s beauty for future generations.
Pls let me know your experience after you visit Kodai. All the best.