Kodaikanal, popularly known as Kodai, is situated among the Palani Hills at 2133m from sea level. With its enchanting landscape, it is a trekker's delight and nature lover's paradise.

Excursion
Shembaganur Museum
The flora and Fauna Museum is devoted to the archeological remains and flora and fauna of the hills. The museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College and has one of the best orchid collections in the country. The museum is six km from Kodai.

Silver Cascade
Located 8km from Kodai on the Kodai- Madurai Ghat road, this waterfall falls from a height of 180 feet. The fall is formed by the overflow of water from Kodai Lake. One can take a bath here if the water temperature is to one's liking.

Kurinji Andavar Temple
Three km from the lake stands Kurinji Andavar Temple, a small shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya. You may stumble upon some kurinji shrubs those blossomed and defied the 12-year time schedule. From the temple one can have a great view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Coaker's Walk
The Walk is on the steep southern face of the Kodai ridge. It has a telescope house and an observatory. The view of the plains from Coaker's Walk is breath taking.

Kodai Lake
The star attraction of Kodaikanal is the star shaped Kodai Lake that is beautifully landscaped. Boats can be hired from the Kodaikanal Boat and Rowing Club. The tourist department also has rowboats and pedal boats. Sir Vere Hentry Levinge who was the collector of Madurai created the lake in 1863 and settled in Kodai after retirement.

Pillar Rock
Situated 7km from Kodai is the Pillar Rock, three boulders standing vertically to a height of 120m. The Pillar rock is full of caves and chasms, a delight for the adventure seeker.

Bryant Park
The part is located on the eastern side of the lake. Named after the British Officer, who landscaped and stocked it, the park has a large verity of flowering shrubs, hybrids and grafts. Flower shows are conducted here as part of Summer Festival during May.

Around Kodai Palani
Palani's Malaikovil (hill temple) is the most famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. One has to climb 650 steps to access the inner sanctum of the temple. During January, for the Taipusam, over 200,000 devotees gather at Palani. Palani is 64km from Kodai and 57km from Dindigul.

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Located along the Tamil Nadu - Kerala border, the sanctuary covers about 1000sq.km. The fauna includes elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, leopard, spotted deer, bear and many species of birds. The sanctuary is open throughout the year.

Adventures & Sports
Kodai provides various facilities of recreation for the enthusiast. Golf Club has one of the best courses in Kodai. For those who like a bike-ride, bicycles can be hired around the lake. Pony riding is a regular event and ponies can also be hired around the lake. The rates vary from Rs. 20 for a quarter round of the lake to Rs. 100 for an hour. Those who are interested in angling please contact the Inspector of Fisheries, Kodai.

Getting There
By Air: Nearest airport Madurai (120 kms from Kodaikanal) is directly connected by Indian Airlines flights with Chennai, which in turn, is connected with all of the important places in India.
By Rail: The nearest railway station Kodaikanal Road (80 kms) is directly connected by rail with Chennai, which in turn, is connected with all of the important places in India.
By Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai- 520 kms, Ooty- 264 kms, Trichy- 197 kms, Coimbatore- 175 kms, Kumili- 160 kms, Madurai- 120 kms, Kodai Road- 80 kms, Palani- 64 kms, Munnar- 90 kms, Periyar- 160 kms.

Weather
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 19.3, Min 11.3
Winter: Max 17.3, Min 8.3

Best Season: April to June and September to October.