Kodaikanal is an “ Island in the sky” because it has a unique eco-system that is different from everywhere else in the Western Ghats. It is a happily-ever-after town; a nature lover’s paradise in the Palni Hills at an altitude of 7000 feet. It is also unique, developed mainly as it was by American missionaries. Kodaikanal is a very beautiful hill station with excellent weather and exotic flowers surrounding the peaceful lake.

It took us about three hours to climb up the hills, with a stop in the foothills for hot tea and biscuits. There, we also bought golden-yellow tender coconuts which gave us a glass and a half each of very sweet water (this variety is not available in Kodai, so please buy enough for your stay). The drive to Kodai is very scenic.

We arrived in Kodaikanal on a Sunday. Every Sunday there is a vegetable market with lots of fresh local produce – big avocados, fresh green beans, baby carrots …+++. Local ghee, blackberry jam, peach jam, oils of citronella, eucalyptus and lemon grass are must-buys.

Places to Stay:

• The Carlton
  Lake Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101
  04542 248 555

• Villa Retreat (Coaker’s Walk)
  Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101
  04542 240 940

• Hotel Gurupriya
  No.17/328-3, Laws Ghat Road, Near Zion Matriculation School, Kodaikanal 624101, India.

• Elephant Valley Eco Farm Hotel
  Ganesh Puram, Vilpatti | Kumpoor Vayal PO, Kodaikanal 624 104, India.

• Lilly’s Valley Resort
  17/178 Sivanandi Road, Kodaikanal 624101, India.

• The Fern Creek
  212 / 118 Fern Hill Road, Kodaikanal 624 101, India
  093443 75145
  089398 48742
  089398 48744.

• Club Mahindra Coaker’s Villa
  Coakers Villa, Noyce Road | Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal 624103, India.

• Hill Country Resorts Kodaikanal
  Attuvampatti, Kodaikanal 624101, India.

• Kodai – By The Lake, A Sterling Holidays Resort
  44, Gymkhana Road, Kodaikanal 624101, India.

• Le Poshe by Sparsa
  No 25 Sivanadi Road, Kodaikanal 624101, India.

• Kodai Resort
  094433 89233
  Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal 624101, India
  email: [email protected]

• Richwin Hotels
  No 22 /33 -2, Anthoniyar Kovil Street,, Kodaikanal 624101, India.

Home stays: Cinnabar Farms
Heritage Guest House: Red lynch

If you ask the local people they know of other good guest houses.

Sightseeing

• One must drive through the 16-mile scenic round: drive around the lake, up Observatory Road, past Pine Forest, turn left at Moir Point, past Pillar Rocks and the golf course, and back to the town. It took over 90 minutes with a stopover to eat boiled corn and boiled peanut salad.

Shikara Rides and Boat Rides in the lake are also pleasant.

Coaker’s Walk

Coakers Walk is one place you must visit when in Kodaikanal. It is a one-kilometre long pathway constructed on the slopes of a hillock and is one of the most serene places you will ever visit in India. The kilometer-long walk provides the most picturesque views of the hills and a rare phenomenon where your shadow is cast on the clouds that envelop the area, which is called ‘Broken Spectre’, can sometimes be witnessed.

Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is surrounded by a picturesque cover of greenery and is home to a wide verity of flora and fauna. It also serves as the source of drinking water to the nearby villages. A special permit from the forest department is needed to enter the place and only a certain number of vehicles are allowed. The fire tower, lake view and the medicine forest are the main attractions here. Entry to the area is restricted between 9.30 am to 3 pm as wild animals like panther, deer, snakes and bison are often spotted near the lake during these hours.

Kodaikanal Lake

Also known as the Kodai Lake, this is a star-shaped lake that is located amidst the most calm and serene environment. This lake is a home to various birds and the 5-kilometre long path around the lake is one of the favourite places where tourists come for a casual walk and enjoy the beauty of the nature. Pedal boats and row boats can be availed by the tourists here, as well as hiring horses and bicycles.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, or Kartikeya, and is home to the famous kurunji flower which blooms once in 12 years. The temple was established by Lady Ramanathan in 1936. The temple is a popular among tourists due to the views of the surroundings.

Dolphin’s Nose

A popular trekking spot in Kodaikanal, Dolphin’s Nose is a rock which projects over a wide chasm which is approximately 2,000 meters deep. The rock’s peculiar shape is the reason behind the name and one can witness the most breathtaking views of the Western Ghats from here. One can also access the amazing Pambar Falls here, which is an amazing hidden attraction.

Bryant Park

A famous picnic spot, The Bryant Park is 20.5 acre botanical garden and is situated at the east end of the Kodaikanal Lake. The park is filled with a variety of flora which includes around 325 species of trees, cactus and shrubs and a massive 740 species of roses. The various horticulture and flower shows are organised every summer and it is a popular place where you can relax and get lost in the lush green surroundings.

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Located at a point 2,343 meters above sea level the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is at the highest location at Kodaikanal. The observations first commenced in 1901 here, and it was founded on 1st April, 1899. The spot not only offers various scientific attractions to its visitors but also provides the most breathtaking views from the top.

Green Valley View

The place was formerly known as Suicide Point but was later changed to Green Valley Point for obvious reasons. The place is known for its panoramic views of the mountains and has an approximate 5,000-foot drop from the top. One can also view the amazing Pillar Rocks.

Known as the Princess of the hill stations in India, Kodaikanal is a famous honeymoon destination and is known for its cool temperature all year round. The amazing weather and amazing tourist places in Kodaikanal will make you want to stay there forever.

Shopping

• St.John’s Convent, Munjikal, Kodaikanal; for exquisite hand embroidered linen, baby clothes, laces +++
  Tel:04542 240726
• Linen Plus, opp Kodaikanal Club, Club Road
  Tel:9443040741; 9442210741
  [email protected]
  One can buy very good quality export surplus cotton bed linen, napkins, table mats, kitchen towels, curtains +++
• Kodai Dairy products
  Observatory road
  9am till 5 pm
  04542 240293
  45442 245494/li>
• Shalimar Weaves (for all types of shawls)
  Maratha Shopping Complex,
  Anna Salai, 7 Roads Junction
  09443048807
  04542241186.
• Kiki ‘s Book Shop (for gourmet cheese, jams, tibetean shawls, books & stationery)
  1st Floor, Satya Complex, 7 Roads Junction
  9443928578. [email protected]
• The Potter’s Shed (for beautiful handmade glazed stoneware pottery)
  P T Road, 7 Roads Junction
  04542 240244
• South India Spices (for chocolates, oils & spices)
  Golden Park Inn Complex,
  Anna Salai, 7 Roads Junction
  9443409274
  9976124003
• Pastry Corner (for home-baked bread and biscuits, jams and ice-cream)
  Maratha Shopping Complex
  Anna Salai, 7 Roads Junction
  04542 240485.
• Travels
• Tips and Trips,
  Basement of Goldaan Park Hotel,
  7 Roads Junction
  9787588113, 9865188113.
• Kurinji Travels
  Hill Top Towers
  9442407684.
• Private car hiring
  Rahumat – +919842620926
  Richard – +917598877416

• Both taxi drivers have very good condition Indica and Innova Cars and will pick you from Madurai or Coimbatore Airport and bring you to Kodaikanal at very reasonable rates. They charged only Rs1900/- for Indica pickup and Rs4000/- for Innova pickup from Madurai. For daily travel within the city they give pickup and drop at Rs 250 per trip.

  On the way back we visited the famous Madura Meenakshi Temple; bought thin towels from Sarathi Textiles at 163, South Masi Street, Madurai 625001; and visited the famous Murugan Tiffin for their famous butter idli, ghee dosa and onion uthappam.

  Note: Special Thanks to my friend Jayashree Kumar who helped us to enjoy Kodaikanal fullest by showing us around Kodaikanal and sharing information about the town. She is one of the editors of the book KODAIKANAL-Island in the Sky, produced by INTACH and published by Niyogi Publishers – a must buy for anyone who wants to know more about the heritage of this lovely town and to help preserve it.