Kodaikanal

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Overview		Tourist Attraction		How to Reach

Introduction Kodaikanal is one of the most visited hill stations in Peninsular India. The place is situated at the altitude of 2100 meters amidst beautiful Palani Hills. Kodaikanal is 120 Kilometers from the city of Madurai that is situated close to the foothills of Palani. Kodaikanal is a place that is completely secluded from the madding crowd and that is what makes it one of the very few loveable hill stations in India. This is the reason why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled. The name Kodaikanal in Tamil means the "gift of the forest". Situated in the state of Tamilnadu, Kodaikanal is one of the very few unaltered and unadulterated destinations of southern India. Kodaikanal has created a niche for itself with its intoxicating air, breathtaking scenery and serenity that you can hardly find in any hill station in the Himalayas. Kodaikanal Lake 'The Kodaikanal Lake' is the most visited tourist destination in the city of Kodaikanal. It is actually a star shaped lake that encloses an area of around 60 acres. The surrounding has been wonderfully landscaped and is worth visiting. Among the facilities available for the tourists, boating and promenade skirting are very popular. Flora Museum Located at the Sacred Heart College, Flora museum is a must visit destination in Kodaikanal. The place is just 5 kilometers from the town center and can be easily hiked in an hour. The 'Orchidarium' here has a collection of more than 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants that have been painstakingly collected in and around Nilgiris. Bryant Park Bryant Park is a botanical garden that is situated on the eastern side of 'The Lake'. The Bryant Park is a not-to-be-missed tourist attraction in Kodaikanal. The park was conceived and landscaped by Glenn Bryant, a British Army officer. The park is a hub of horticulture activity in Tamilnadu. It produces and exports lots of flowers that include different species of Roses and Lilies among others. Kurinji Andavar Temple Kurinji Andavar is a small temple that is located 3 kilometers from the Lake. It is one of the very few temples you will find in this city. The temple that has been modeled around the traditional Pallavas temples is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Astrophysical Observatory Built in the year 1889, the Astrophysical Observatory stands on the highest point of the city of Kodaikanal. The place is renowned for its research in meteorology and solar physics. It also houses a small museum that has models explaining the complex scientific phenomenon in simple ways. Water Falls There are numerous waterfalls in and around Kodaikanal. Nevertheless, the best among them are Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls. These falls also serve as popular picnic spots and are very popular among kids. Pillar Rocks Pillar Rocks are located about 7 kilometers from city center in Kodaikanal. These are actually three rocks that magnificently jut into the sky to a height of about 400 feet. The place is the best to view the sunset and the glittering Kodaikanal at night. Coaker's Walk Coaker's walk is a one and half kilometers stretch that runs parallel to the Lake. This walk offers a magnificent view of the valley. It derives its name from Lt. Coaker, who had conceived Kodaikanal. The most interesting point along this walk is the Telescope House that offers visitors a panoramic view of the valley and nearby township. Introduction Kodaikanal is one of the most visited hill stations in Peninsular India. The place is situated at the altitude of 2100 meters amidst beautiful Palani Hills. Kodaikanal is 120 Kilometers from the city of Madurai that is situated close to the foothills of Palani. Kodaikanal is a place that is completely secluded from the madding crowd and that is what makes it one of the very few loveable hill stations in India. This is the reason why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled. The name Kodaikanal in Tamil means the "gift of the forest". Situated in the state of Tamilnadu, Kodaikanal is one of the very few unaltered and unadulterated destinations of southern India. Kodaikanal has created a niche for itself with its intoxicating air, breathtaking scenery and serenity that you can hardly find in any hill station in the Himalayas. How To Reach Air The nearest airport from the Hill town of Kodaikanal is Madurai that is some 120 kilometers from the city. Road Kodaikanal is well connected by state highways to cities like Chennai, Ooty, Trichy, Coimbatore and Madurai. Both Tamilnadu Transport Corporation as well as private operators operates these buses. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. Rail The nearest railway stations to the city of Kodaikanal are the Kodai Road and the Palani Railway Station that are at the distance of 80 kilometers and 64 kilometers respectively. These stations are well connected to cities like Madurai and Chennai, which in turn are connected to all the majority destinations in India.