Area : 21.45-sq-km.

 

Population : 2,7461 (1991 Census)

 

Temperature : Summer : Max 19.8ºC, Min 11.3 ºC, Winter- Max17.3ºC, Min8.3ºC

 

Altitude : 2,133 metres

 

Clothing : Light woollen in the evening during summer and heavy woollen during winter.

 

Rainfall : 165 cms (average). Heavy rains occur during October-December.

 

Languages Spoken : Tamil and English

Kodaikanal - Introduction

Kodaikanal, also known as Kodai, is a quiet hill resort in Tamil Nadu. Nestled at an altitude of 2133m on the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, it is 120km away from Madurai. There were no wars or battles fought for or in this area, thus Kodaikanal's history is fairly uneventful. But, 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.

Accessibility

 

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 Bus : 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.

Places to Visit

The Lake
This 24-hectare lake skirted by a 5 km long road is a focal point of Kodai. It was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge (1819-1885), the collector of Madurai who retired and settled in Kodai. T.T.D.C. boats, Boat Club boats and Carlton boats are available for hire on an hourly basis. The annual boat pageant is held in May every year as a part of the Summer Festival celebrations. Prior permission has to be taken from the Inspector of Fisheries for angling. Pony rides for quarter, half and full round of the lake are available. The ponies can also be hired on an hourly basis. Cycle rides for children are also available

Dolphin's Nose
This is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a look at the breath-taking view of the Yawning Chasm below. It is about 8 km from the lake.

The Perumal Peak
This 2,440 m high peak is about 11.3 km from Kodaikanal and offers an excellent opportunity for trekking. The climb begins from a point known as Neutral Saddle (Perumal Mallai Village).

Green Valley View
It is about 5.5 km from the lake and very near to Golf club. It commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam. As the valley is very deep and dangerous, this place was once called "Suicide Point".