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Kodaikanal (or Kodai) is one of the beautiful hill stations
in the south about 120kms from Madurai, amidst the grandeur of
Palani Hills - an offshoot of Wester Ghats. Kodaikanal is referred
to as the "Princess of Hill Stations". Eventhough the town can be
visited throughout the year, the best time for traveling is April to
June and September to October.
Kodaikanal is located at about 2,133 metres above sea level.
Places of interest include Bryant Park. Pillar Rocks, Lake, Solar
Observatory, Perumal Peak, Silver Cascade, Telescope Houses at
Coaker’s walk and Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls Berijam
Lake, Museum and Orchidorium at Sacred heart College, Shenbaganur.
Very good trek routes are available here.
The Pride of Kodaikanal is the Kurunji Flowers which blooms only
once in 12 years, the last time they blossomed was in 2004.
Kodaikanal Lake:
 The
main attraction of Kodaikanal is the enchanting lake which is at a
distance of 3kms from the bus stand. This is an artificial lake
built by Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai. He
used his creativity and money for converting the marsh land with
many small lakes into a beautiful lake, which attracts a lot of
tourists every year. The boat club provides boating facilities for
the tourists. Fishing can also b e done obtaining permission from
Inspector of Fisheries.
Berijam Lake:
This place provides a panoramic landscape of Berijam Lake and
is located just t before one reaches the lake. This view point is 19
km from Kodaikanal Lake.
Bryant Park:
Bryant Park is located on the eastern side of the lake. The park is
famous for its flowers, trees and other varieties of plants. Every
May, a horticultural show is conducted by the Horticultural
Department. Enormous vegetables and fruits from the neighbouring
villages are displayed here during this occassion and compete for
prizes. The show attracts large crowds.
Pillar Rocks:
Three granite boulders stand shoulder by shoulder here. The Pillar
Rocks is 8km from the lake. The chamber between the two pillars is
called Devil's kitchen. There is a Pine forest and a beautiful
garden near the Pillar Rocks.
Solar Physical Observatory:
 The Solar Physical Observatory is located at a height of 2343 m, the
Kodaikanal observatory, is popular among tourists who come here.
People can look through the telescope for a view of the near by
country side and the skies. This was built in 1898.
Coaker's Walk:
Coaker's Walk is a narrow pedestrian path constructed by Lt. Coaker
in 1872. This is a one km mountain road which runs along the edge of
steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai road. One can have the
panoramic view of the surroundings from here.
Silver Cascade:
 Silver Cascade is 8km from Kodai lake. The lake empties into the
Silver Cascade. This is 180 feet high. Tourists can have a bath
here.
Vembadi Peak:
Vembadi Peak is the second highest peak in Kodaikanal. From the
stone summit, one can have a magnificent view over Berijam lake,
Vandaravu range, Mannovanur sheep farm , Poombarai valley and over
all Kerala.
Kurinji Andavar Temple:
Kurinji Andavar Temple is situated 3 km from the lake. The shrine is
dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kurinji
flowers, which carpets at hill sides once in 12 years.
There are many other beautiful places in around Kodaikanal for
anyone to explore.
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