Saturday, March 24, 2012

Kodaikanal

 
By Air
The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km).
By Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with many places like
  • Chennai (520-km), 
  • Ooty(264-km), 
  • Trichy (197-km), 
  • Coimbatore (175-km), 
  • Kumili (160-km), and 
  • Madurai(120-km). 
Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani,Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season.
Places to visit in Kodaikanal
  • Silver Cascade
  • Green Valley View
  • Shenbaganur Museum of Natural History
  • Coaker'sWalk
  • Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple
  • Bryant Park
  • Kodaiknal Solar Observatory 
  • Pillar Rocks
  • Dolphin's Nose
  • Guna caves
  • Bear Shola Falls
  • The Lake : The star-shaped lake of Kodaikanal is one of the major attractions of this hill station. Situated at the heart of the main town area, it is also a favorite evening spot for the locals as well. Here you can also try out some boating courtesy the Boat Club that is located here. Moreover, small horse rides can also make a good pastime in the early evenings.
  • Flora & Fauna Museum : Located at the Sacred Heart College is a 6km hike from the town centre, but definitely worth a visit. The Orchidarium here has about 300 species of orchids and other exotic plants. 
  • Kurinji Andavar Temple : Temple located 3km northeast of the Lake and is dedicated to Lord Muruga.
  • Pillar Rocks : Located about 7km from the lake, there are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400ft. the views from here are spectacular.
  • Solar observatory : Situated at a distance of 3.2 kilometers from the Kodaikanal lake, it is one of the only three solar observatories in the world that is more than 75 years old. Built at an elevation of 2343 meters, the Solar Observatory was built at the highest point of the town. You can have a look into the solar system by booking your tickets for the scheduled shows.
  • Bryant Park : Botanical park situated on the eastern side of the lake. It was landscaped and stocked by a British officer after whom it was named. Cut flowers are exported from here. In month of May, the annual horticultural show in held here.
  • Water Falls : There are numerous waterfalls in the area such as Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Fairy Falls and Glen Falls, which are popular picnic spots.
  • Coaker walk : Ideal place for picturesque walk. Situated at a distance of about 1 km from the Kodai lake is the Coaker Walk. It has been named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers. The walk offers you a fantastic view of the plains and the distant hills.
  • Perumal Peak : A good adventurous Trekking point in Kodaikanal. Situated at an altitude of 2,440 meters it lies at a distance of about 11.3 kilometers from the Kodaikanal town area. The peak offers excellent opportunity for trekking for the adventurous tourists.
  • Viewpoint : Kodaikanal has some of the best view points from where you can have a thrilling view of the entire Kodai valley. The hill station’s best view points are Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View point and the Dolphin’s Nose. You must not miss a visit to these places as they are known for their natural marvel and beauty. You could also find some of the locally made products here to take along as the memorabilia of your visit.

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